On this Day: March 10, 1988 (pt2)

 The "Like A Prayer" song enters the Billboard singles chart.

"Like a Prayer" is a song recorded by the American singer Madonna for her 1989 studio album of the same name. Sire Records released it as the lead single from the album on March 3, 1989. Written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, "Like a Prayer" denoted a more artistic and personal approach to songwriting for Madonna, who felt she needed to cater more to her adult audience.
"Like a Prayer" is a pop rock song with elements of gospel music. A choir provides background vocals that heighten the song's spiritual nature, and a rock guitar keeps the music dark and mysterious. Madonna introduced liturgical words in the lyrics—inspired by her Catholic upbringing—but changed the context in which they were used. They have dual meanings of sexual innuendo and religion. "Like a Prayer" was acclaimed by critics, and was a commercial success. It was Madonna's seventh number-one single on the United States' Billboard Hot 100, and topped the singles charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom and other countries.
The music video, directed by Mary Lambert, portrays Madonna as a witness to a murder of a black girl by white supremacists. While a black man is arrested for the murder, Madonna hides in a church for safety seeking strength to go forth as a witness. The clip depicts Catholic symbols such as stigmata, Ku Klux Klan-style cross burning, and a dream about kissing a black saint. After its release, the Vatican condemned the 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 then canceled, although she was allowed to retain her initial fee.
The song has been featured on four of Madonna's concert tours, most recently The MDNA Tour in 2012. "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 considered 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.

Track listings and formats

7" single (US)[136] "Like a Prayer" (7" version) – 5:19 "Act of Contrition" – 2:19 3" CD single (Japan)[137] A. "Like a Prayer" (7" version fade) – 5:07 B. "Act of Contrition" – 2:19 12" single (UK)[138] A. "Like a Prayer" (12" dance mix) – 7:50 B1. "Like a Prayer" (Churchapella) – 6:14 B2. "Like a Prayer" (7" remix edit) – 5:41 12" single (US)[139] "Like a Prayer" (12" dance mix) – 7:50 "Like a Prayer" (12" extended remix) – 7:21 "Like a Prayer" (Churchapella) – 6:14 "Like a Prayer" (12" club version) – 6:35 "Like a Prayer" (7" remix edit) – 5:41 "Act of Contrition" – 2:19

CD promo single (US)[140] "Like a Prayer" (7" version) – 5:08 "Like a Prayer" (7" remix edit) – 5:41 "Like a Prayer" (7" dance edit) – 5:25 "Like a Prayer" (12" dance mix) – 7:50 "Like a Prayer" (12" club version) – 6:35 12" promo single (US)[141] A1. "Like a Prayer" (12" dance mix) – 7:50 A2. "Like a Prayer" (Instra dub) – 6:01 A3. "Like a Prayer" (Bass dub) – 5:31 B1. "Like a Prayer" (12" club version) – 6:35 B2. "Like a Prayer" (Dub beats) – 4:39 B3. "Like a Prayer" (7" remix edit) – 5:41

Credits and personnel

Madonna – songwriter, producer, background vocals Patrick Leonard – songwriter, producer, arranger Andraé Crouch – choir, background vocals Bill Meyers – arranger Bruce Gaitsch – acoustic guitar Chester Kamen – guitar Chuck Findley – arranger, brass Dann Huff – guitar David Williams – bass guitar Dick Hyde – brass Donna De Lory – background vocals Niki Haris – background vocals Geary Lanier – clavinet

Guy Pratt – drum programming, bass Paulinho da Costa – percussion Herb Ritts – cover art photographer Christopher Ciccone – 12" single cover designer Bob Ludwig – mastering Bill Bottrell – mixing Shep Pettibone – additional producer, remix, audio engineering Michael Hutchinson – remix engineer Dave Way – assistant engineer Fred McFarlane – programming Junior Vasquez – audio engineering Bill Bottrell – additional producer, remix

Credits adapted from Like a Prayer album liner notes.^[142]