Track of the Week: Papa Don't Preach

It's a dry spell in music, same artists on the charts, nothing new released. I'm bored with the industry at the moment so let's go back in time to 1986.

"Papa Don't Preach" by Madonna, from the album "True Blue"

"Papa Don't Preach" is one of the greatest Madonna songs, songs of the 80s, and pop songs ever. It caused a stir when it was released because of its pro-life message, it's anti-authority lyrical content, and the controversial video where Madonna plays a teen mother. By today's standards the song and video aren't provocative or controversial, but this was the 80s.

The song follows the standard production values of Madonna's 80s material, a dance track with some pop-rock instrumentation, and high pitched vocals. A departure for Madonna, the song features some string instruments, evoking classical music. It reached number one around the world. The video is really as memorable as the song; it is one of Madonna's more iconic music videos. It also introduced a new incarnation for Madonna, with short blonde hair and more of a department store, rather than thrift store, look.

The song was dedicated to the Pope on her Who's That Girl World Tour in 1987. A highlight of Madonna's career was preforming this song to a crowd of nearly 150,000 in Paris. In 1986, Madonna was the most famous woman in the world, and at the top of her game...