Album of the Day

Madonna's final album of the 1980s remains one of the performer's very best. Dedicated to the singer's mother, "who taught me how to pray," LIKE A PRAYER is among the most personal and soul-searching she has ever recorded. All 11 songs were co-written and co-produced by Madonna in varied arrangements informed by classic rock and funk (Prince was one of her collaborators), and the collection spun off four Top 10 singles - “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” “Cherish" and “Keep It Together” - as well as some striking videos (premiering on this day in 1989, the title track's video was particularly controversial). The commercial success of the quadruple platinum No.1 album was matched by its critical acclaim; with the ambitious LIKE A PRAYER, Madonna's status as one of pop's greatest artists was undeniable.