Like a Prayer (5:40)

“Like a Prayer” is the first single by American singer-songwriter Madonna from her 4th studio album, Like a Prayer. It was released on February 28, 1989 by Sire Records. A power pop song by Madonna, it notably features a gospel choir. In Japan and Australia, a mini-album titled Remixed Prayers was released, which included remixes of the title track and also “Express Yourself”. It later appeared remixed on the 1990 compilation album The Immaculate Collection.

Song information

“Like a Prayer” became one of Madonna’s highest-selling singles in her career, selling over five million copies worldwide at the time of its release.

The single version of “Like a Prayer” (7” remix) is slightly different from the album version in some extra background production, including a shorter and heavier guitar intro, louder bass, string arrangements in the verses and electric guitar at the song’s climax. In addition, the album version features bass guitar played by Randy Jackson, the 7” version has a much more complex part created and played by Guy Pratt, doubled by an analogue Minimoog bass synthesizer. Several of the versions of “Like a Prayer”, excluding that on the album, were included on Remixed Prayers.

“Like a Prayer” was also remixed as a dance song by Shep Pettibone for Madonna’s 1990 compilation album The Immaculate Collection. The remix became almost as popular as the original version, though is often not as highly regarded by critics and fans alike.

In 2003, Madonna fans were asked to vote for their Top 20 Madonna singles of all-time by Q-Magazine. “Like a Prayer” was allocated the Number 1 spot. The song was ranked #300 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.