Now Playing: "Like a Prayer"

It's not often that artists are able to realize their full potential, let alone mainstream pop stars. It's seems that more often than not, we get an early period full of promise and potential that transitions into a more mature period that lacks the energy and immediacy of the early period, but here we get everything that is great about Madonna in the '80s and '90s in one song.

"Like a Prayer" is easily the peak of Madonna's career, combining her conventions in perfect doses. The funky, dance-inducing synth bassline is present, but it makes way for softer, more ballad-like verses. The chorus is catchy and repeated heavily, but builds over time, allowing the choir to take it to new heights. We get a touch of the shock value used heavily elsewhere in her career, but here the comparison of sexual passion and religious passion comes off as more observational and tasteful than the more overtly provocative stages of her career. There's more to the song than an attempt to spark controversy or an attempt to make you want to dance, but it does a pretty good job of making you want to dance.

I can listen to "Like a Prayer" every day, multiple times a day, multiple times in a row. What a great song.

But, man, is that video ever cheesy. What is going on?

On the b-side: "Act of Contrition" (this song is scary)