"Like a Prayer" is a song recorded by 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 hiding in a church for safety. The clip depicts Catholic symbols such as stigmata and burning crosses, and a dream about making love to a 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.
This ultra rare US 12″ promo contains three dub mixes that are exclusive to this release. The single is housed in a unique picture sleeve. The “Dub Beats” remix contains uncredited samples from Prince’s “Black Album”.
East Side:
Like A Prayer [12" Dance Mix] 7:50
Remix – Shep Pettibone
Like A Prayer [Instra Dub] 6:11
Remix – Shep Pettibone
Like A Prayer [Bass Dub] 5:48
Remix – Shep Pettibone
West Side:
Like A Prayer [12" Club Version] 6:35
Remix – Bill Bottrell
Like A Prayer [Dub Beats] 4:40
Remix – Bill Bottrell
Like A Prayer [7" Remix/Edit] 5:41
Remix – Bill Bottrell
Release Information:
Label: Sire – PRO-A-3472
Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
Credits: Co-producer – Patrick Leonard
Edited By – Junior Vasquez (tracks: A1 to A3)
Engineer – Robert Salcedo* (tracks: B1 to B3), Michael R. Hutchinson* (tracks: A1 to A3)
Programmed By – Fred McFarlane (tracks: A1 to A3)
Written-By – Madonna, Patrick Leonard
Notes:
Promotion Only
