"Like a Prayer" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her fourth studio album of the same name (1989). Sire Records released it as the album's lead single on March 21, 1989. Written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, "Like a Prayer" denoted a more artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who believed that she needed to cater more to her adult audience. The song is about a passionate young girl in love with God, who becomes the only male figure in her life.
"Like a Prayer" is a pop rock song that incorporates elements of gospel music. A choir provides background vocals that heighten the song's spiritual nature, while rock guitar sounds keep the music dark and mysterious. Madonna introduced liturgical words in the lyrics—which were inspired by her Catholic upbringing—but changed the context in which they were used. Thus, they had dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion. "Like a Prayer" was positively received by critics, and was a commercial success. It became Madonna's seventh number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and reached the top of the singles charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The single is also memorable for its accompanying music video, which Mary Lambert directed. It features Madonna as a witness to a murder, as she hides in a church for safety. The clip also portrays Catholic symbols such as stigmata and burning crosses, and a dream about making love to a saint. After its release, the Vatican condemned the music video, while family and religious groups protested its broadcast. They boycotted products by soft drink manufacturer Pepsi, which used the song for a commercial. Madonna's contract with Pepsi was subsequently canceled, although she was allowed to retain her initial fee.
The song has been featured on three of Madonna's concert tours, most recently the Sticky & Sweet Tour in 2008--09. "Like a Prayer" has been covered by many artists. The song is noted for the mayhem surrounding the music video, and the different interpretations of its content, leading to discussions among music and film scholars. Alongside its respective album, "Like a Prayer" has been marked as a turning point in Madonna's career, as she began to be viewed as an efficient businesswoman—someone who knew how to sell a concept.
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Like_a_P...)
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