http://m.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-11-12/madonna-like-a-virgin-30th-anniversary/
10 THINGS MILLENNIALS DON’T UNDERSTAND ABOUT MADONNA
November 12, 2014 Chris Rosa
It seems hard to believe, but Madonna’s second studio album Like a Virgin turns 30 today. The groundbreaking pop LP did more than establish the Material Girl — single No. 2 off the record — as a cultural phenomenon, it defined a decade. After Virgin, Madonna became a style and music icon; her rough-and-tumble yet glam look was mimicked by teens around the world. With the record, Madonna became arguably the world’s first dance-pop superstar. Oh, and the best.
2. Her age is irrelevant — and people really need to stop obsessing over it.
In an era of incredibly necessary female empowerment, it’s disappointing how many times we hear people (sometimes even women) criticize Madonna’s age; the phrase, “She’s too old to be doing what she’s doing†comes up too many times. The fact of the matter is Madonna does not need to justify her controversial performance style now or ever. We should applaud the singer for still pushing society’s boundaries and causing us to think, or in her opinion, wake up. In fact, Madonna’s constant reinvention —even in her mid-50s — is proof age doesn’t define us. And that’s a pretty fantastic message.
3. She was talking about social issues before it was “cool.â€
It’s exciting to live in a time very close to fully embracing all walks of life. Now more than ever, those of different sexual orientations, gender expressions and other nuances can proudly express themselves without general fear of judgment. We give props to artists like Lady Gaga and Spears for encouraging this revolution of love; however, they are endorsing a now-popular opinion. Madonna was urging for the same rights in the ’80s and ’90s when it was very unpopular. Her sexual exploration, especially during her Blonde Ambition Tour (’90-’91) and Erotica (1992) era, pushed some serious buttons but started necessary conversations. And when Canadian officials threatened to arrest Madonna for simulating masturbation on stage in 1990, did she censor herself? Nope. That’s rock ‘n’ roll.
4. She’s a damn good songwriter.
The central concept of Madonna’s career is reinvention — new looks, statements and sounds . The jarring visual transformations may cause people to forget the incredible songs that accompanied every Madonna era. Madge took a prominent songwriting role with 1986′s True Blue and has continued to wow us with her confessional lyrics and addictive choruses. Since 1989′s Like a Prayer,she’s co-written every song on her studio albums (except “Fever†and “Bedtime Storyâ€). In an age of hit-makers like Max Martinand Dr. Luke, that’s an incredible feat.
5. Yes, she can sing.
While Madge has been known to lip-synch, it doesn't dispel the fact she has some pipes. Watch her 1991 performance of "Sooner or Later" at the Academy Awards if you have doubts. Better yet, check out Evita (1996) or listen to Ray of Light (1998). The proof is in the very-much-in-tune pudding.
6. She didn't peak in the '80s.
There's a reason why Madonna hasn't co-headlined a "Stars of the '80s" reunion tour (cringe). It's because she's still putting out music that's both commercially and critically successful — some more than her early works. 2000's Music reached No.1 in more than 15 countries and received a stellar four-star rating from Rolling Stone. Like a Virgin, while fantastic, received a lower RS rating and hit No.1 in eight countries. It's safe to say Madonna hasn't peaked yet, and with new music due out next year, may never.
8. She paved the way for every female artist. And they should thank her.
Speaking of new icons, Rihanna knocked Madge out of our Pop Queen Faceoff last week. We respect RiRi and all of our contenders for their bravery and overall fabulousness; however, we must credit Madonna for blazing the trail for them. Without Madonna's gutsy "Justify My Love" music video, Spears may have never released In the Zone (2003). If Madonna hadn't executed the crazy-creative "Bedtime Story" video, Katy Perry's "California Gurls" candy wonderland may have just been a fantasy. And let's be real: without "Express Yourself," there would be no "Born this Way."
10. Believe it or not, she's starred in a few decent films.
We're realistic. We know Madonna won't be winning an Oscar anytime soon; however, it would be lazy to write off all her acting efforts as bad. She garnered positive reviews as Susan in the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan. A League of Their Own has a 76 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and Madonna's portrayal of Eva Perón in Evita is breathtaking. That's a fact. [Photo: Getty Images]