Get into the groove: Let’s rank Madonna’s iconic albums ahead of her Celebration Tour
By Ian Helms · 15 comments· Updated on January 26, 2024
There’s no denying that Madonna, who turned 65 this week, is one of the most iconic music artists in history. For more than four decades, she’s churned out hit after hit and captivated audiences around the world with her unique style and sound.
Can you believe it’s been nearly three years since Madonna’s last tour—The Madame X Tour? But let’s get real, this diva has never left the spotlight or our queer hearts. Since then, she has released a remix album called “Finally Enough Love” celebrating her 50 #1s dance singles, flirted with coming out as gay on TikTok (hee hee), and brought back the controversial anti-war/anti-capitalism/anti-assholes “American Life” album and music video. Oh, and she also survived a serious health scare!
From her catchy lyrics to her unforgettable performances, she continually defies convention, pushes boundaries, and has even played a major role in opening up conversations around LGBTQ+ identity and acceptance.
So, in honor of our beloved M celebrating her birthday this week and preparing to hit the road for her much-anticipated Celebration Tour, let’s throw a kiki and rank her most iconic albums together, shall we?
Madonna has lived at the peak of stardom for most of her life, but her heart remained grounded in the queer community.
What are Madonna's most iconic albums?
When we talk about Madonna's albums, it's not about going from the best to the worst—oh no—it's ranking the best to the most iconic. From her self-titled debut album, Madonna, to the enigmatic Madame X and everything in between, each of these gems sent shockwaves through pop culture.
So, put on your voguing shoes and prepare to "express yourself"—it’s time to rank Queen Madge's legendary albums before her Celebration Tour kicks off!
Want to keep up with the latest news on Madonna and your other favorite LGBTQ+ icons? Subscribe to the Queerty newsletter for your daily dose of LGBTQ+ news and entertainment.
Thee pop icon has been entertaining audiences for decades, making a name for herself with her provocative music and boundary-pushing performances.
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Gabby – what ? I don’t need to click on it, what a relief, l felt obligated, thank you for letting me know. But what if l wanted to leave a comment ?
Abfab – true she is not an octogenarian, missing the point. For all of her female empowerment, at the start of her career it was all about ‘sexy’, it’s still all about ‘sexy’.
Had to vote for Erotica, Bedtime Stories and Madame X, all underrated albums but have received more love from fans in retrospect. Yes, Ray of Light, Confessions, and Music are all great, but they’ve got enough votes.
Like a Prayer, you ask? For me, it’s overrated as an album. The singles are fire but the album cuts are… nah. Even her first album is more cohesive, however, I agree that in terms of growth and as a prelude to the masterpieces to come, it’s an important album. The Erotica to Music era was her career peak, artistically.
It’s become obvious to me that Queerty has staff that are now deleting any comments that don’t agree with their constant worshipping of Madonna. Obviously they can’t handle free speech or opposing opinions. Anything that isn’t gushingly positive is flagged as “awaiting moderation” and doesn’t get printed.
It’s your language/word choices that get sceened. It has nothing to do your views about Madonna. We’ve been over this before.
Opposing opinons about Madonna are not opinions. They are insulting. We see it all the time.
Don’t try to edit after posting. It always results in “moderation”. If you notice something that has to be changed after hitting the ‘post” button, you have to copy and delete your original post before the 5 minute countdown expires, edit it in your word processor, then re-post it in a new comment/reply box.
@khan72 We get it, you don’t like her. These ”opinions” are merely insulting observations about a person you despise. We’ve heard from all the haters. Forming childish opinions (rants) about an artist and then expressing them will result in pushback. Get used to it.
I love your world leader list but have no idea why you brought it with you to this discussion. Talk about twisted.
Abfab – ‘we get it’ you are one person not ‘we’, schizophrenia feels like ‘we’. “Opinions are merely insulting observation” – opinions are merely observations ! “We’ve heard from all the haters in the world” – again, you are one person. So “you’ve’ heard from every hater in the world – not surprised
Haloperidol, fluphenazine, and chlorpromazine are great for schizophrenia, reading for IQ
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abfab
65 is good.
Gabby
I voted Madame X. I listen to it constantly.
abfab
Madonna – Don’t Tell Me (Official Video). New favorite, again.
khan72
Jeeeeeeeesus Christ can we please have a break from Madonna for at least one day.
When she was young she tried to imitate a beautiful young woman. Now she’s an octogenarian, she’s still trying to imitate a beautiful young woman
45 years of the same look, just different wigs
Gabby
Dude you had a choice not to click on the post but you still did.
abfab
@khan72 She’s not an octogenarian. Might be time to change your wig.
khan72
Gabby – what ? I don’t need to click on it, what a relief, l felt obligated, thank you for letting me know. But what if l wanted to leave a comment ?
Abfab – true she is not an octogenarian, missing the point. For all of her female empowerment, at the start of her career it was all about ‘sexy’, it’s still all about ‘sexy’.
Women have more value than sexy
abfab
@khan72
Women have a lot more than sexy. That’s deep.
graphicjack
Had to vote for Erotica, Bedtime Stories and Madame X, all underrated albums but have received more love from fans in retrospect. Yes, Ray of Light, Confessions, and Music are all great, but they’ve got enough votes.
Like a Prayer, you ask? For me, it’s overrated as an album. The singles are fire but the album cuts are… nah. Even her first album is more cohesive, however, I agree that in terms of growth and as a prelude to the masterpieces to come, it’s an important album. The Erotica to Music era was her career peak, artistically.
Doug
It’s become obvious to me that Queerty has staff that are now deleting any comments that don’t agree with their constant worshipping of Madonna. Obviously they can’t handle free speech or opposing opinions. Anything that isn’t gushingly positive is flagged as “awaiting moderation” and doesn’t get printed.
abfab
@Doug That’s not how it works.
It’s your language/word choices that get sceened. It has nothing to do your views about Madonna. We’ve been over this before.
Opposing opinons about Madonna are not opinions. They are insulting. We see it all the time.
LeBlevsez
Don’t try to edit after posting. It always results in “moderation”. If you notice something that has to be changed after hitting the ‘post” button, you have to copy and delete your original post before the 5 minute countdown expires, edit it in your word processor, then re-post it in a new comment/reply box.
khan72
Abfab – “Opposing opinons about Madonna are not opinions.”
Forget Trump, forget Biden, forget the Dali Lama, the world needs your insight and wisdom
Madonna’s opinions are the only opinions, anything different is not an opinion
abfab
@khan72 We get it, you don’t like her. These ”opinions” are merely insulting observations about a person you despise. We’ve heard from all the haters. Forming childish opinions (rants) about an artist and then expressing them will result in pushback. Get used to it.
I love your world leader list but have no idea why you brought it with you to this discussion. Talk about twisted.
khan72
Abfab – ‘we get it’ you are one person not ‘we’, schizophrenia feels like ‘we’. “Opinions are merely insulting observation” – opinions are merely observations ! “We’ve heard from all the haters in the world” – again, you are one person. So “you’ve’ heard from every hater in the world – not surprised
Haloperidol, fluphenazine, and chlorpromazine are great for schizophrenia, reading for IQ