Like A Prayer

Heading into 1989, Madonna was no stranger to the top of Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart.  By that time, the Material Girl had already hit number one 6 times (though interestingly, the song “Material Girl” was not one of those chart-topping hits, as it peaked at number 2 in 1985).  Meanwhile, Madonna was also no stranger to making controversial videos.  Her first number 1 hit, “Like A Virgin,” had already done that.

Still, when the video and single for “Like A Prayer,” the first single from her album of the same name, were released in the opening months of 1989, they became one of most controversial moments in her career.  The song also became a quick number 1 hit, rising to the top spot in just its sixth week on the Hot 100.  Exactly 25 years ago, “Like A Prayer” was entering its second week of a three-week run at the top.

“Like A Prayer” also became the 14th consecutive Hot 100 song by Madonna to hit the Top 5.  She would extend that streak to 16, as her next two singles, “Express Yourself” and “Cherish” both hit number 2, before the streak ended with “Oh Father,” which peaked at number 20 in early 1990.  Meanwhile, Madonna his hit number one 5 more times since “Like A Prayer.”