The Most Popular Madonna Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 07:18
Throughout her illustrious career, Madonna has repeatedly shifted the boundaries of pop music, delivering tracks that resonate across generations. Determining which song stands out as the fan favorite can spark lively debates and nostalgic remembrances. Ranking these songs not only celebrates her musical achievements but also connects fans from all over the world. By participating in the voting process, fans contribute to a collective expression of admiration and preference. This dynamic listing isn't just about seeing which track tops the list, but it's also an opportunity for fans to engage with Madonna's extensive catalog. Each vote helps to underline the impact of each song, tailoring a list that reflects the diverse tastes of her global fanbase.

What Is the Most Popular Madonna Song?

  1. 1
    53
    votes

    Like a Prayer

    Madonna
    This song is considered one of Madonna's signature songs and has been heavily praised for its controversial lyrics and music video. It was a massive hit when it was released in 1989 and remains one of Madonna's most popular songs to this day.
    Like a Prayer is a highly popular song by Madonna, released in 1989 as the lead single from her fourth studio album of the same name. It is widely considered one of Madonna's signature songs and a milestone in her career. Like a Prayer blends pop, gospel, and rock elements, creating a powerful and emotional anthem. The song's lyrics touch on themes of spirituality, redemption, and sexual desire, with Madonna's passionate vocals carrying the message across. Like a Prayer's controversial music video, which featured religious imagery and fiery themes, added to its notoriety. The song has received widespread critical acclaim and has been successful commercially, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries.
    • Release Date: March 3, 1989
    • Album: Like a Prayer
    • Genres: Pop, gospel, rock
    • Duration: 5:39
    • Label: Sire, Warner Bros.
  2. 2
    46
    votes
    "Vogue" was released in 1990 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its iconic music video and catchy chorus made it an instant hit, and it remains one of Madonna's most recognizable songs.
    Vogue is a highly acclaimed international fashion and lifestyle magazine that celebrates the world of fashion, beauty, and culture. Known for its striking visuals, cutting-edge editorials, and renowned photographers, Vogue sets the standard for high fashion publications. Each issue covers the latest trends, industry news, and features exclusive interviews with designers, models, and celebrities.
    • Frequency: Monthly
    • First Issue: December 17, 1892
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Circulation: Approximately 1.2 million
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Material Girl

    Madonna
    "Material Girl" was released in 1985 and became one of Madonna's first big hits. The song's catchy melody and tongue-in-cheek lyrics have made it a fan favorite for decades.
    Material Girl is a pop song performed by Madonna, released as a single in 1985. The track was written by Peter Brown and Robert Rans, with Madonna providing additional lyrics. It gained immense popularity and became one of Madonna's signature songs.
    • Release Year: 1985
    • Genre: Pop
    • Songwriters: Peter Brown, Robert Rans, Madonna
    • Album: Like a Virgin
    • Duration: 4:01
  4. 4
    5
    votes
    "Papa Don't Preach" was released in 1986 and became an instant hit. The song's controversial subject matter (teenage pregnancy) and Madonna's powerful vocals helped it become one of her most popular songs.
    Papa Don't Preach is a popular song by Madonna, released as the second single from her 1986 album 'True Blue'. It is a catchy pop song with a mix of pop rock and dance-pop elements. The lyrics tell the story of a teenage girl talking to her father about her unexpected pregnancy, expressing her determination to keep the baby despite his disapproval. The song's theme of female empowerment and personal freedom resonated with a broad audience.
    • Album: True Blue
    • Genre: Pop, Pop rock, Dance-pop
    • Released: June 11, 1986
    • Length: 4:29
    • Label: Sire, Warner Bros.
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    Like a Virgin

    Madonna
    "Like a Virgin" was released in 1984 and helped establish Madonna as a pop culture icon. The song's controversial lyrics and Madonna's provocative image helped it become a massive hit.
    Like a Virgin is a song by American singer Madonna. It was released as the lead single from her second studio album of the same name in 1984. The song was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and produced by Nile Rodgers. Like a Virgin is widely regarded as one of Madonna's signature songs and a defining moment in her career. It became her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at the top spot for six consecutive weeks. Here are ten important specs about Like a Virgin:
    • Album: Like a Virgin
    • Year of Release: 1984
    • Songwriters: Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly
    • Producer: Nile Rodgers
    • Genre: Pop
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    "Crazy for You" was released in 1985 and was Madonna's first ballad. The song's romantic lyrics and Madonna's emotive vocals helped it become one of her most popular songs.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    "Express Yourself" was released in 1989 and became a feminist anthem. The song's empowering lyrics and Madonna's powerful vocals helped it become one of her most popular songs.
    Express Yourself is a popular song by Madonna, an American singer, songwriter, and actress. It was released as the second single from her fourth studio album, Like a Prayer, in 1989. The song is an empowering anthem about self-empowerment and independence.
    • Album: Like a Prayer
    • Year: 1989
    • Genre: Pop
    • Length: 4:39
    • Writer(s): Madonna, Stephen Bray
    Express Yourself in other rankings
  8. 8
    5
    votes

    La Isla Bonita

    Madonna
    "La Isla Bonita" was released in 1987 and is one of Madonna's most beloved songs. The song's Latin-inspired melody and Madonna's sultry vocals helped it become a hit.
    La Isla Bonita is a pop song by Madonna that was released in 1986. It is sung in both English and Spanish and is known for its catchy melody and Caribbean-inspired rhythms. The song tells the story of a beautiful island called La Isla Bonita, capturing the essence of a tropical paradise.
    • Language: English and Spanish
    • Release date: 1986
    • Genre: Pop
    • Rhythmic influence: Caribbean
    • Length: 3 minutes and 47 seconds
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    "Frozen" was released in 1998 and marked a new era for Madonna. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics helped it become one of her most popular songs of the late '90s.
    Frozen is a Disney animated musical fantasy film that tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa possesses magical ice and snow powers, but after accidentally causing eternal winter, she isolates herself, leaving Anna to embark on a journey to find her and save the kingdom.
    • Release Date: November 27, 2013
    • Genre: Animated musical fantasy
    • Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
    • Writers: Jennifer Lee (story and screenplay), Hans Christian Andersen (inspired by)
    • Music: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
  10. 10
    5
    votes

    Hung Up

    Madonna
    "Hung Up" was released in 2005 and marked a return to form for Madonna. The song's catchy sample of ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" and Madonna's energized vocals helped it become a hit.
    Hung Up is a pop dance song by Madonna, released as the lead single from her 10th studio album 'Confessions on a Dance Floor' in 2005. It is known for its catchy and energetic melody, combining elements of disco and electronic music.
    • Release Date: October 17, 2005
    • Genre: Pop, Dance, Disco
    • Length: 5 minutes and 36 seconds
    • Producer: Madonna, Stuart Price
    • Writers: Madonna, Stuart Price, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Commercial success
    Consider how well the song performed on national and international music charts, the number of copies sold, and certifications (e.g., Gold, Platinum) earned.
  2. Critical acclaim
    Analyze reviews from critics and music publications to gauge the song's impact and reception in the music world.
  3. Cultural impact
    Determine whether the song influenced popular culture, sparked trends, or inspired other artists and songs.
  4. Music video
    Take into account how memorable, innovative, or impactful the accompanying music video was, if it had one, and its popularity on platforms such as YouTube.
  5. Radio airplay
    Consider how frequently the song was played on radio stations and how it ranked on airplay charts.
  6. Awards and nominations
    Factor in accolades and recognition the song received at major music award shows (e.g. Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards).
  7. Live performances
    Assess the song's significance in Madonna's live shows and concert tours, as well as whether it was performed at notable events or on television broadcasts.
  8. Longevity
    Evaluate the song's endurance in terms of popularity and relevance over time.
  9. Personal preference
    While all of the above factors are important, one's own personal connection and enjoyment of the song should also be considered.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Madonna song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1957 views
  • 168 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular madonna song

Background: Madonna is known as the Queen of Pop and has been dominating the music industry for over four decades. She has released 14 studio albums and has sold over 300 million records worldwide. Madonna has also produced numerous hit singles that have become timeless classics. With such a vast discography, it can be challenging to determine which of her songs is the most popular. However, through the use of StrawPoll, we can gather data and insights from music fans worldwide to identify the top Madonna songs of all time.

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