The third full-length studio album by legendary Heavy Metal singer.
Aaron went on to make albums with world renowned producers Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd) and Peter Coleman (Blondie, Pat Benatar). During the 80s she topped dozens of European music polls, appeared on the covers of magazines like Sounds, Melody Maker and even TV Guide. She toured non-stop throughout Europe, the UK, Japan and Canada sharing stages with Heart, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Suzi Quatro, Sinéad O’Connor, Mötley Crüe, Van Morrison and many more.
"Call Of The Wild" features well-known Rock ballad "Barely Holdin On".
The album reached #86 on the RPM Canadian Albums Chart on August 24, 1985 and remained on the chart for twelve weeks.
Attic Records Ltd./Roadrunner Records, 1985 (RR 9780). Made in Holland. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX-/EX.
Tracklist:
Side One
1. Rock Me All Over 3:55
2. Running From The Fire 2:58
3. Champion 4:04
4. Barely Holdin' On 4:36
5. Burning Love 3:39
Side Two
6. Line Of Fire 4:15
7. Beat 'em Up 3:00
8. Paradise 3:22
9. Evil Game 3:49
10. Danger Zone 3:09
11. Hot To Be Rocked 3:25
The fourth full-length studio album by legendary Melodic Hard Rock/Glam Metal singer.
Refreshing, showcasing the best songwriting and strongest music of Aaron's career, it's she's third-highest charting album, reaching No. 39 on the Canadian Albums Chart and remaining on that chart for seventeen weeks, as well as reaching the Top 60 in three other countries.
Aaron succeeds in this softer, commercial vein with a mature subject.
Two Singles reached the Canadian Singles Chart: "Only Human" at No. 44 and "Goin' Off The Deep End" at No. 93.
10 Records Records Limited/Atlantic/Virgin Records, 1987 (208 206 | 208 206-630). Made in Germany. First press. OIS. Used (cover/disc): VG+/VG+.
Tracklist:
Side One
1. Powerline 3:48
2. Hands Are Tied 3:47
3. Only Human 3:45
4. Empty Heart 3:04
5. Number One 3:52
6. Don´t Rain On My Parade 3:27
Side Two
1. Goin' Off The Deep End 4:17
2. If This Is Love 4:13
3. Eye For An Eye 3:45
4. Heartbeat Of The World 4:18
5. Dream With Me 4:27
The fourth full-length studio album by legendary Melodic Hard Rock/Glam Metal singer.
Refreshing, showcasing the best songwriting and strongest music of Aaron's career, it's she's third-highest charting album, reaching No. 39 on the Canadian Albums Chart and remaining on that chart for seventeen weeks, as well as reaching the Top 60 in three other countries.
Aaron succeeds in this softer, commercial vein with a mature subject.
Two Singles reached the Canadian Singles Chart: "Only Human" at No. 44 and "Goin' Off The Deep End" at No. 93.
10 Records Records Limited/Atlantic/Virgin Records, 1987 (208 206 | DIX 49 | 208 206-630). Made in Germany. First press. OIS. Used.
Tracklist:
Side One
1. Powerline 3:48
2. Hands Are Tied 3:47
3. Only Human 3:45
4. Empty Heart 3:04
5. Number One 3:52
6. Don´t Rain On My Parade 3:27
Side Two
1. Goin' Off The Deep End 4:17
2. If This Is Love 4:13
3. Eye For An Eye 3:45
4. Heartbeat Of The World 4:18
5. Dream With Me 4:27
The fourth full-length studio album by legendary Melodic Hard Rock/Glam Metal singer.
Refreshing, showcasing the best songwriting and strongest music of Aaron's career, it's she's third-highest charting album, reaching No. 39 on the Canadian Albums Chart and remaining on that chart for ..
Re-release of the debut full-length studio album, “The Lee Aaron Project”, by legendary Canadian Hard Rock/Heavy Metal singer.
Born Karen Lynn Greening, also known in the past as "Metal Queen", Lee Aaron marked as the first female Rock singer from Canada.
She’s debut, originally released as “The Lee Aaron Project” in 1982 through Freedom Records, was reissued in 1984 through Attic Records as “Lee Aaron” (not to be confused with her 1987 self-titled album).
The album featured well-known musicians of the Toronto music scene, including members of Moxy, Rif Raf3 (Q107 Homegrown Vol 4 / Lee Aaron Project band), Santers, and Triumph's Rik Emmett.
Between 1984 and 1992, Aaron toured extensively through Europe and made appearances in Japan and the United States. She released six albums on Attic Records in Canada and international releases in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy, Scandinavia, Australia, and Japan. She won three Toronto Music Awards for Best Female Vocalist.
Lee Aaron is one of Canada’s most iconic vocalists, songwriters, producers, and fearless re-inventors. With an impressive 40+ year career spanning 18 albums and multiple hit singles, she has undertaken successful forays into the world of Rock, Pop, Jazz, and even Opera.
Cosmic Music Canada/Polydor, 1982/1984 (815 211-1). Made in Germany. Used.
Tracklist:
Side A
1. Under Your Spell 3:36
2. Lonely For Your Love 3:38
3. Night Riders 3:42
4. Texas Outlaw 3:42
5. I Like My Rock Hard 3:42
Side B
1. I Just Wanna Make Love To You 3:43
2. Runnin' For His Love 3:56
3. Should Have Known 3:48
4. Took Your Heart Away 3:14
Re-release of the debut full-length studio album, “The Lee Aaron Project”, by legendary Canadian Hard Rock/Heavy Metal singer.
Born Karen Lynn Greening, also known in the past as "Metal Queen", Lee Aaron marked as the first female Rock singer from Canada.
She’s debut, o..
The second full-length studio album by legendary Hard Rock/Heavy Metal singer.
Her sophomore release, 1984’s "Metal Queen", established Aaron as a trailblazer for women in the genre, elevating her to icon status with legions of Rock fans all over the world. The title track has endured to become a genderless anthem of empowerment for all fans.
1984's recording of the album resulted in a multi-album deal with Attic Records. During the recording of "Metal Queen", guitarist John Albani (ex-Wrabit) joined the band and he and Aaron formed a solid songwriting partnership that lasted eleven years.
"Metal Queen" reached No. 69 on the RPM Canadian Albums Chart and held that position for two weeks.
Virgin Records/10 Records/Attic Records LTD, 1985 (207 578 | 207 578-620). Made in Germany. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX/VG+.
Tracklist:
Side 1
1. Metal Queen 4:56
2. Lady Of The Darkest Night 4:57
3. Head Above Water 3:45
4. Got To Be The One 5:20
5. Shake It Up 3:12
Side 2
6. Deceiver 3:27
7. Steal Away Your Love 4:21
8. Hold Out 3:30
9. Breakdown 3:40
10. We Will Be Rockin' 3:31
The fourth single by cult German Hi-NRG/Euro Disco singer.
EMI Electrola GmbH/Idee Tonträger GmbH/Arrow Records, 1986 (1C 006 156 910-7). Made in Germany. First press. 45 PRM. Used (cover/disc): EX-/NM.
The second full-length studio album by legendary American Hard Rock/Soft Metal guitarist and singer.
Ford's second solo release after leaving The Runaways in 1979, "Dancin' On The Edge" features the debut of her new backing band, featuring drummer Randy Castillo, who would soon join Ozzy Osbourne's band, and bassist Hugh McDonald, who later joined Bon Jovi (McDonald had previously played with Jon Bon Jovi in the All Star Revue, the group that recorded the hit "Runaway"). It was her final release with Mercury Records, as she departed to sign with RCA Records in 1987.
"Dancin' On The Edge" surpassed the success of Ford's debut album, "Out For Blood", in both sales and airplay. It reaching No. 66 of the US Billboard 200 chart. Music videos for the Singles "Gotta Let Go" and "Dressed to Kill" received heavy rotation on MTV during the summer of 1984. "Gotta Let Go" was a minor hit in England, reaching #94 on the UK Singles Chart. The music video for "Dressed to Kill" featured a cameo from Ford's then-fiancée, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. The album was also nominated for a Grammy Award in category of Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Ford toured relentlessly in support of the album for most of 1984, culminating in a pre-Headbangers Ball concert special recorded for MTV.
PolyGram Records, Inc., 1984 (SRM-1-4094). Made in Canada. First press. Still in seal. Used (cover/disc): NM/NM.
Tracklist:
Side One
1. Gotta Let Go 4:40
2. Dancin' On The Edge 5:00
3. Dressed To Kill 3:44
4. Hit 'n Run 3:55
Side Two
1. Lady Killer 3:38
2. Still Waitin' 4:19
3. Fire In My Heart 3:44
4. Don't Let Me Down Tonight 4:45
5. Run With The $ 4:20
The fourteenth full-length album by legendary Japanese Heavy Metal band.
It seemed that it wasn't really Loudness with only Akira left from the original band. Sure, Loudness no longer sound like they did on popular releases like "Thunder In The East" and "Soldier Of Fortune", but then again, those albums sounded like any number of 1980's Heavy Metal bands. The 90's releases from Loudness are quite unique and sound like no other band. Songs like "9 Miles High" are quite good. This particular song is a mixture of classic Thrash Metal layered with some 70's wah-wah guitar from Akira. "Wicked Witches" on the other had has a slow, Doomy, almost Stoner Rock/Metal sound. "Crazy Go-Go" sounds a bit like Loudness cover classic Kiss, although it is an original song. The track six, "Kaisou", is an odd Jimi Hendrix influenced instrumental that acts as an intro for "Babylon". "Taj Mahal" is a Middle Eastern sounding song that seems a bit out of place on this CD. "Mirror Ball" adds a bit of Funk to an otherwise heavy track. "Nighcreepers" is a fairly heavy song that finishes out the disc quite nicely.
Very interesting brand of Heavy Metal with some slight Alternative touches. Inventive, highly original guitar work and not very annoying vocals. Much better than 80's hairy stuff from the same band! There is a ton of experimentation, but there is still plenty of meat to chew on!!
CD features fold-out cover-booklet and separate booklet with lyrics in Japanese. This is one of those Loudness albums that is only available as an Japanese import.
Rooms Records, Inc., Japan, 1998 (BMCR-7027). Made in Japan. First press. Used: like new.
Tracklist:
1. 9 Miles High 3:45
2. Dogshit 4:45
3. Wicked Witches 4:25
4. Crazy Go-Go 4:17
5. Voodoo Voices 4:24
6. Instrumental 1:56
7. Babylon 4:54
8. Crawl 5:17
9. Forbidden Love 4:38
10. Mirror Ball 5:08
11. Taj Mahal 5:30 I
12. Nightcreepers 5:21 Total playing time: 54:20
The sixth full-length studio album by legendary Japanese Heavy Metal band.
Loudness were the first Japanese Metal act signing a record deal outside their native country in the early eighties. The band was started by guitarist Akira Takasaki, bassist Hiroyuki Tanaka and drummer Munetaka Higuchi. They were technical wizards with guitars and drums, way ahead of their time and very underrated. "Lightning Strikes" is their second album sung in the English language.
The album is known as "Shadows Of War" in Japan, where it was released on March 24, 1986. The tracks are in a different order, and the song "Ashes in the Sky" is known as "Shadows of War". There is also a slight difference in some vocal melodies and arrangements, most notably an extended musical outro to "One Thousand Eyes".
The 1985 album "Thunder In The East" may have introduced Japanese Metalheads Loudness to America, but "Lightning Strikes" was the album that introduced America to Loudness. Their first album conceived specifically for the U.S. market, "Lightning Strikes" was overseen by veteran Metal producer Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth), who helped the band incorporate more commercial elements into their classic Metal sound for the first time.
The album begins with the most commercial sounding song on the album, "Let It Go." However, the rest of the album is in a heavier mould, and is in a relatively similar style to the previous album, "Thunder In The East". Lyrics for the album are credited to Loudness, even though producer Max Norman did a lot of uncredited work on them.
The band's transformation is a resounding success. And thanks to the phenomenal guitar acrobatics of the ever-reliable Akira Takasaki, "Lightning Strikes" rates as Loudness' best American-made album, and one of the best albums of the band. After it's release on July 25, 1986, the album remained 15 weeks in the U.S. charts, peaking at #64 at Billboard 200.
Atlantic Recording Corporation/WEA Musik GmbH, 1986 (790 512-1). Made in Germany. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX+/NM.
Tracklist:
Side 1
1. Let It Go 4:13
2. Dark Desire 4:19
3. 1000 Eyes 4:35
4. Face To Face 3:49
5. Who Knows 4:02
Side 2
1. Ashes In The Sky 6:02
2. Black Star Oblivion 3:55
3. Street Life Dream 4:28
4. Complication 4:00
The fourth full-length studio album by legendary Canadian Hard Rock band.
Columbia/1985 CBS Records Canada Ltd., 1985 (FC 39953). Made in USA. First press. OIS. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.
Tracklist:
SIDE 1
1. Lovin' Every Minute Of It 3:30
2. Steel The Thunder 4:09
3. Friday Night 3:33
4. This Could Be The Night 4:56
5. Too Much Too Soon 4:07
SIDE 2
6. Lead A Double Life 4:20
7. Dangerous 3:29
8. Destination Heartbreak 4:42
9. Bullet In The Chamber 5:11
The debut Single by legendary Dutch Pop group.
The song "You're The Greatest Lover" was the group's international breakthrough as it was successful in a large part of Continental Europe, Israel, and South Africa. Luv' reached its peak with this million-seller. "You're the Greatest Lover" is often considered the signature song of the female Pop act.
"You're the Greatest Lover" was a #1 Hit Single in the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium), Germany, and Switzerland. The Spanish version of the song, "Tu Eres Mi Mejor Amante", also hit the number-one spot in Spain.
The Single was also successful in Austria and to a lesser extent in France, Finland, Israel, and South Africa. Because of the good performance in the above-mentioned territories, the record reached the 5th position of the Europarade (currently the European Hot 100 Singles), which combined the weekly charts of various European countries into a Single countdown.
According to a special issue of Billboard about the German recording industry published on December 8, 1979, the Single sold 650 000 copies in the Federal Republic of Germany (where it turned Gold). It also sold 80 000 copies in France and 150 000 copies in the Netherlands (Platinum certification). More than one million units of the record were sold worldwide.
A decade later, Philips' German subsidiary reissued the track as a CD Single. In 1993, the Dutch Top 40 hit "Megamix '93" was backed with a Eurodance remix of "The Greatest Lover".
The Single from the debut full-length studio album, “With Luv'”.
Phonogram B.V. The Netherlands/Carrere, 1978 (2044 122). Made in Germany. First press. 45 RPM. Used (cover/disc): VG+/VG+.
Tracklist:
Side A
1. You're The Greatest Lover 2:50
Side B
1. Everybody's Shakin' Hands On Broadway 3:27
The third Single from the second full-length studio album, “Like A Virgin”, by legendary American Pop singer.
"Angel" became the singer's fifth consecutive top-five Single on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top of its dance charts. It was also able to reach number-one in Australia and the top-five of the charts in Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
On July 30, 1985, "Angel" and "Into the Groove" were together certified Gold by the RIAA for the shipment of one million copies across the United States (the requirement for a Gold Single prior to 1989). It was the first 12-inch Single to be certified Gold, since Frankie Smith's "Double Dutch Bus" (1981).
"Angel / Into The Groove" placed at number 81 on the year-end chart for 1985, with Madonna becoming the top Pop artist for the year.
Sire Records Company/WEA Musik GmbH., 1985 (920 335-0). Made in Germany. First press. 45 RPM. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.
The fifth full-length studio album by legendary American Pop singer.
The first album of Madonna's career to bear Parental Advisory label, "Erotica" was banned in several Asian countries, such as China and Singapore. The album was released simultaneously with Madonna's first book publication "Sex", a coffee table book containing explicit photographs featuring the singer, and marked her first release under Maverick, her own multimedia entertainment company.
Ten years after signing her first recording contract with Sire Records, Madonna founded her own multimedia entertainment company, Maverick, consisting of a record company (Maverick Records), a film production company (Maverick Films), and associated music publishing, television broadcasting, book publishing and merchandising divisions. The deal was a joint venture with Time Warner and paid Madonna an advance of $60 million. It gave her 20% royalties from the music proceedings, one of the highest rates in the industry, equalled at that time only by Michael Jackson's royalty rate established a year earlier with Sony. She stated: "It started as a desire to have more control. There's a group of writers, photographers, directors and editors that I've met along the way in my career who I want to take with me everywhere I go. I want to incorporate them into my little factory of ideas. I also come in contact with a lot of young talent that I feel entrepreneurial about". The first two projects from the venture were her fifth studio album, "Erotica", and a coffee table book of photographs featuring Madonna, entitled "Sex".
"Erotica" is a concept album about sex and romance, incorporating her alter ego "Mistress Dita", inspired by actress Dita Parlo. Some of its songs also take on a more confessional tone, influenced by the loss of two of Madonna's close friends to AIDS.
Musically, the album mixes Dance, Electronica, Hip Hop, Deep House, Ambient Techno and R&B, and incorporates elements from classic Disco, modern House, Techno and New Jack Swing.
Commercially, the album was less successful than Madonna's previous albums, peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard 200, becoming her first studio album not to top the chart since her debut. Internationally, it topped the charts in Australia, Finland, and France, and peaked within the top five of several other countries such as Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Somewhat overlooked at the time of its release in part due to the backlash surrounding the "Sex" book, Erotica has been retrospectively considered one of "The 100 Best Albums of the 1990s" by Slant Magazine and one of the most revolutionary albums of all time by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many critics have since noted the album's influence on the works by female artists such as Janet Jackson and Beyoncé.
In the United States, "Erotica" debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 on November 7, 1992, with first week sales of 167,000 copies. It was eventually certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of two million units. In Canada, the album debuted at number seven on the RPM Albums Chart on November 7, 1992. It reached a peak of number four on November 21, 1992. The album was present for a total of 38 weeks on the chart, and was certified two times Platinum by Music Canada (MC) for shipments of 200,000 copies.
"Erotica" performed well in Latin America, mainly in countries where she toured for the first time. In Argentina, the album received four-times Platinum from the Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videograma (CAPIF) for shipments of 240,000 copies. Similarly, in Mexico, "Erotica" achieved sales of 250,000 units according to Billboard. The album received a Gold certification from Pro-Música Brasil, denoting shipments of 100,000 units. Actual sales in Brazil stand at 180,000 copies, as of October 1993.
Across Europe, "Erotica" sold 1.5 million copies in the first week and topped the European Top 100 Albums chart. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart on October 24, 1992. It remained at its peak at number two for three weeks. The album was certified two times Platinum on June 1, 1993, by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of 600,000 copies. In France, the album debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart on October 28, 1992, staying there for two weeks, then descending the chart, selling a total of 250,000 copies by May 1993. In Germany, the album reached the top five on the Media Control Charts and was certified Gold for shipments of 250,000 copies. In Italy, "Erotica" sold 250,000 copies in its presales. In Sweden, the album debuted at its peak of number six and spent only seven weeks on the chart. Similarly, in Switzerland, "Erotica" peaked number five and was certified Gold by IFPI Switzerland. It also received a Platinum certification in Spain and sold 150,000 units there as of 1993. By November 1992, the album sold 350 copies in Iceland.
The album also attained success in Asia-Pacific countries. In Australia, "Erotica" entered the ARIA top 100 albums chart at number one, and was certified Triple Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 210,000 copies. It also reached the top five on the New Zealand Albums Chart. "Erotica" reached a peak of number five on the Japan Oricon Albums Chart, and received a Double Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipping 400,000 copies. At the 7th annual Japan Gold Disc Awards, Madonna was awarded the RIAJ's Artist of the Year with sales totalling ¥844 million throughout the year, an equivalent of $6.5 million ($12.19 million in 2021 dollars). Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) also awarded "Erotica" as the "Top Selling English Album of 1993". Initial shipments in Singapore were 20,000 units, and quickly managed to sell 37,000 copies as of November 18 of that year. In total, "Erotica" has sold more than six million copies worldwide.
This release is the Rare Misprint reissue with right and left spine without printing of catalogue number and title. The backside of the back cover is also printed in pale colour, including the catalogue number and title at the spine.
Maverick Recording Company/Sire Records Company/Warner Records Inc., A Warner Music Group Company, 1992/2020 (9362-45031-2). Made in Germany. Rare Misprint re-release!
Tracklist:
1. Erotica 5:19
2. Fever 5:01
3. Bye Bye Baby 3:56
4. Deeper And Deeper 5:34
5. Where Life Begins 5:58
6. Bad Girl 5:23
7. Waiting 5:47
8. Thief Of Hearts 4:51
9. Words 5:56
10. Rain 5:25
11. Why's It So Hard 5:23
12. In This Life 6:23
13. Did You Do It? 4:54
14. Secret Garden 5:32 Total playing time: 75:20 min.
The fifth full-length studio album by legendary American Pop singer.
The first album of Madonna's career to bear Parental Advisory label, "Erotica" was banned in several Asian countries, such as China and Singapore. The album was released simultaneously with Madonna's first book p..
The second Single from the fourth full-length studio album, “Like A Prayer”, by legendary American Pop singer.
The Single was released on May 9, 1989, with "The Look of Love" on its B-side, from the 1987 film soundtrack "Who's That Girl".
When Madonna started work on "Like A Prayer", she considered many options, and thought about the musical direction for it. She had certain matters on her mind, including her troubled relationship with her husband Sean Penn, her family, her lost mother and even her belief in God. Madonna thought about lyrical ideas for the songs on topics that, until then, were personal meditation, never to be shared with her public so openly and pointedly. She came to the realization that as she and her fans were growing up, and it was time for her to move away from the teen appeal to wider audiences, and en-cash on the longevity of the album market. Madonna wanted her new sound to be calculative and indicative of what was fashionable, and ride the changing trend of music.
"Express Yourself" was the first song that Madonna and co-producer Stephen Bray collaborated on for "Like A Prayer". Written and produced by them, the song was a tribute to American Funk and Soul band Sly & The Family Stone. The main inspiration behind the song is female empowerment, urging women never to go for second-best and to urge their partners to express their inner feelings.
The accompanying music video, directed by David Fincher, was inspired by the Fritz Lang classic film Metropolis (1927). It had a total budget of $5 million ($12.29 million in 2023 dollars), which made it the most expensive music video made up to then, and currently the third most expensive of all time.
Commercially, the song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Madonna's eighth number-one hit on the European Hot 100 Singles chart. It also reached the top of the Singles charts in Canada and Switzerland, and the top five elsewhere. "Express Yourself" was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in August 1989, for shipment of 500 000 copies of the Single across the United States. In Canada, the song debuted at number 82 on the RPM Singles Chart and reached the top in its ninth week. It was present on the chart for 17 weeks and was the eighth best-selling Canadian Single for 1989. In Australia, "Express Yourself" was certified Gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipment of 35 000 copies of the Single. At the year-end charts of ARIA, "Express Yourself" was the 28th best-selling Australian Single of 1989. In the United Kingdom, "Express Yourself" was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), for shipment of 200 000 copies of the Single.
The song was included on the greatest hits compilation albums "The Immaculate Collection" (1990), "Celebration" (2009) and "Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones" (2022).
Sire Records Company/WEA Musik GmbH, 1989 (W 2948 / 922 948-7). Made in Germany. First press. 45 RPM. Used (cover/disc): G/EX.
The second Single from the fourth full-length studio album, “Like A Prayer”, by legendary American Pop singer.
The Single was released on May 9, 1989, with "The Look of Love" on its B-side, from the 1987 film soundtrack "Who's That Girl".
When Madonna started wo..
The third Single from the debut full-length studio album by legendary American Pop singer.
The label wanted to release "Lucky Star" as a stand-alone single, but changed their mind after "Holiday" began receiving heavy radio play and reached the first spot of Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.
Initial pressings didn't feature an image of the singer on the cover – this was an intentional move from the record company, as they wanted to play with that idea and didn't want the public to find out Madonna wasn't black.
For its initial 1983 release, "Holiday" was backed with "I Know It", "Think of Me", or "Lucky Star", depending on the territory and format.
In the United States, "Holiday" it was considered Madonna's breakthrough, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reaching number one on the Dance Club Songs chart. It found success outside North America as well, reaching the top-ten in Australia, Belgium, Germany and Ireland, among others.
Sire Records Company/WEA Records Limited, 1983 (W9405T / 920173-0 | W 9405(T)). Made in UK. First press. 45 RPM. Used (cover/disc): EX/EX.
The second soundtrack album by legendary American Pop singer.
The album contains accompany songs to the film "Dick Tracy". It includes three songs written by Stephen Sondheim, which were used in the film, in addition to several songs co-written by Madonna that were inspired by but not included in the film. Madonna starred as Breathless Mahoney alongside her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty who played the title role, Dick Tracy. After filming was complete, Madonna began work on the album, with Sondheim, producer Patrick Leonard and engineer Bill Bottrell. She also worked with producer Shep Pettibone on the album's first single, "Vogue". The album was recorded in three weeks, at Johnny Yuma Recording and Ocean Way Studios, in Los Angeles, California.
Musically, I'm Breathless consists predominantly of Jazz, Swing and Pop songs. The tracks reflected Madonna's showgirl personality and were influenced by her relationship with Beatty. The singer wanted to create music that would fit the style and production of the film, set in the days of the Untouchables law enforcement, and sang the songs accordingly. In some areas she pitched her vocals and belted the notes when necessary. She smoked cigarettes in order to portray the vocals of her character Breathless. Beatty and singer Mandy Patinkin were featured as duet partners on three of the songs.
"Vogue", the first Single from "I'm Breathless", became one of Madonna's most successful releases, reaching number one in over 30 countries. It was also critically acclaimed and was seen as an influential song, while the video helped to bring vogueing into mainstream popularity. The second and final Single, "Hanky Panky", was a top-ten hit in the United States and the United Kingdom.
"I'm Breathless" was commercially successful, peaking at number one on the European Top 100 Albums, as well as the national charts of Australia, Germany, and Japan (in the latter it became the country's best-selling foreign album of the year). It also reached number two on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. "I'm Breathless" has sold more than seven million copies worldwide.
Sire Records Company/Gong, 1990 (SLPXL 37440). Made in Hungary. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.
Tracklist:
Side One
1. He's A Man 4:42
2. Sooner Or Later 3:18
3. Hanky Panky 3:57
4. I'm Going Bananas 1:41
5. Cry Baby 4:04
6. Something To Remember 5:03
Side Two
7. Back In Business 5:10
8. More 4:56
9. What Can You Lose 2:08
10. Now I'm Following You (Part 1) 1:35
11. Now I'm Following You (Part 2) 3:18
12. Vogue 4:50
The fifth Single from the second full-length studio album, “Like A Virgin”, by legendary American Pop singer.
Written and produced by both, Madonna and Stephen Bray, featured on the 1985 film "Desperately Seeking Susan", the main inspiration behind the song was the dance floor; the singer wrote it while watching a Latin American man to whom she was attracted. Its instrumentation features synthesizers and drum machines, with Madonna's voice being double tracked on the chorus. Sexual innuendos and undertones are present throughout the lyrics, which are written as an invitation to dance with the singer. Originally written for her friend Mark Kamins, Madonna later decided to use it on the film, as one of the scenes needed a dance song.
Due to contractual label reasons, "Into the Groove" was not included on the official "Desperately Seeking Susan" soundtrack, but was instead added to the 1985 international (non-US) re-issues of Madonna's second studio album, "Like a Virgin" (1984).
Warner Bros. Records did not officially release "Into the Groove" as a commercial Single in the United States, making it ineligible to enter the Billboard Hot 100. It was only released as the B-side to the 12" Maxi-Single "Angel", the third official Single from "Like A Virgin" album, and reached the first spot of Billboard's Hot Dance Singles Sales chart.
In the United Kingdom, "Into The Groove" was released on July 15, 1985 and became Madonna's first number one hit and remains her best-selling Single. It debuted at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart on July 27, becoming the highest debuting Single for any female artist in the chart's history at the time. It peaked at number one the week of August 3 and remained there for four weeks (it spent 14 weeks on the chart overall). During its stay at number one, the re-release of "Holiday" reached the chart's second spot, thus Madonna became the first female artist in UK chart history to hold the top two positions simultaneously. "Into The Groove" was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipment of 500 000 copies. It was the year's third most successful Single, behind Jennifer Rush's "The Power of Love", and Elaine Paige's and Barbara Dickson's "I Know Him So Well". With sales of over 957 000 copies, including physical, downloads and streaming, "Into The Groove" is Madonna's best-selling Single in the United Kingdom as of August 2018.
It was also successful throughout Europe, topping the charts in Austria, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands. Critically acclaimed since its release, "Into the Groove" was voted the best Dance Single from the 1980s decade in a Billboard poll, and has been cited by multiple publications as Madonna's best Single.
No official music video was shot for "Into the Groove". Instead, a clip consisting of compiled scenes and footage from "Desperately Seeking Susan" (the lyrics matching the images and scenes) was put together by Doug Dowdle from Parallax Productions, a company that specialized in movie-related music videos during the 1980s. It was added to MTV on the week of March 30, 1985.
Sire Records Company/WEA Musik GmbH, 1985 (920 352-0 | W8934(T)). Made in Germany. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.
The fifth and the final Single from the third full-length studio album, “True Blue”, by legendary American Pop queen.
"La Isla Bonita" was commercially successful, becoming Madonna's eleventh top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and second Adult Contemporary number one. It topped the charts in Canada and several countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom (where it became Madonna's fourth number one), France, West Germany, and Austria.
Sire Records Company/WEA International Inc., 1987 (W8378T). Made in UK. First press. 45 RPM. Used (cover/disc): VG+/EX.
Tracklist: A
1. La Isla Bonita (Extended Remix) B
2. La Isla Bonita (Extended Instrumental)
The fourth full-length studio album by legendary American Pop singer.
The album uses live instrumentation and incorporates elements of Dance, Funk, Gospel, and Soul into a more general Pop style.
"Like a Prayer" became Madonna's seventh number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, while "Express Yourself" and "Cherish" peaked at number two and "Keep It Together" became a top-ten hit.
"Like A Prayer" received universal acclaim and, commercially, it was an international success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple territories, and was certified quadruple Platinum in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America. At the end of the 1980s, following the release of the album, Madonna was named "Artist of the Decade" by several publications.
Worldwide, the album has sold over 15 million copies.
Sire Records Company/Warner Bros. Records Inc./WEA Musik GmbH, 1989 (925 844-1 / WX 239). Made in Germany. First press. Used (cover/disc): EX+/EX+.
Tracklist:
Side 1
1. Like A Prayer 5:39
2. Express Yourself 4:37
3. Love Song 4:52
4. Till Death Do Us Part 5:16
5. Promise To Try 3:36
Side 2
6. Cherish 5:03
7. Dear Jessie 4:20
8. Oh Father 4:57
9. Keep It Together 5:03
10. Spanish Eyes 5:15
11. Act Of Contrition 2:19
The second full-length studio album by legendary American Pop singer.
Madonna had hits with her first album, even reaching the Top Ten twice with "Borderline" and "Lucky Star", but she didn't become a superstar, an icon, until her second album, "Like a Virgin". Following the success of her self-titled debut album, Madonna wanted to become the record producer of her next album. However, her label was not ready to give her the artistic freedom to produce the album, and she chose Nile Rodgers, former Chic guitarist (due to his work with David Bowie), to help her expand her sound, and then carefully constructed her image as an ironic, ferociously sexy "Boy Toy". Madonna wrote six songs on the record, five of which feature Steve Bray as a co-writer.
While not a substantial musical departure from Madonna's first album, she felt that the material from "Like A Virgin" was stronger. After its release, "Like A Virgin" received mixed reviews from music critics, but was a commercial success. It became Madonna's first number one album on the Billboard 200 and set the record as the first female album in history to sell over five million copies in the United States. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) later certified it Diamond for shipment of ten million units. It also reached number one in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom, and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time with sales of over 21 million copies worldwide!
Sire Records Company/Warner Bros. Records Inc., a Warner Music Group Company, 1984 (9 25157-1). Made in USA. First press. OIS.
Tracklist:
Side One
1. Material Girl 3:56
2. Angel 3:53
3. Like A Virgin 3:35
4. Over And Over 4:09
5. Love Don't Live Here Anymore 4:45
Side Two
1. Dress You Up 3:58
2. Shoo-Bee-Doo 5:14
3. Pretender 4:28
4. Stay 4:04
The second full-length studio album by legendary American Pop singer.
Madonna had hits with her first album, even reaching the Top Ten twice with "Borderline" and "Lucky Star", but she didn't become a superstar, an icon, until her second album, "Like a Virgin". Fol..