Like A Virgin [Remastered] - Madonna > Reviews > ORIGINAL VERSION IS BETTER!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Songs are fantastic; uplifting; good music to dance/work out/ clean house/drive etc .  to
Disadvantages:	this edition doesn't have 'into the groove' on it

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Madonna's second album is a lot different from her first and is for many fans where her brilliance starts.

First- the Remastered edition points:

I was fortunate to buy the original version on CD. Unfortunately, you can't buy this anymore unless it's second hand but if you find a second-hand copy, grab it!

WHY? The original Europe CD release features the original version of 'Into the Groove' as heard on Desperately seeking susan, which is slightly slower than the version that ended up on 'Immaculate Collection.' It is difficult to get hold of the Desperately seeking susan soundtrack as it is!

In their wisdom, when re-releasing the remastered edition, which does feature the fantastic 12" dance remix of 'Like a virgin,' they decided to take 'Into the groove' off. Biggest mistake ever! Like A Virgin was a much better album with 'Into the groove' on - quite simply, it was her first UK no. 1 and it is an absolute classic floor filler. It is one of her best songs so why they took it off defies belief.

I only hope when they re-release Like a virgin again, 'Into the groove' re-appears.

NOW... as for the album itself.

'Like a virgin' features her 80s smashes 'Material Girl,' 'Angel,' 'Dress You Up' and 'Like A Virgin' naturally. Suffice to say these four tracks are amongst her best recorded work. If you're a fan of 80s music, you are bound to know all of them. Nile Rodgers' production is fantastic, the lyrics are infectious and uplifting and all of the hits will get you grooving no matter what you're doing. Unlike a lot of 80s music, these 4 hits still work today, proving how Madonna transcends every barrier possible. I must hear either 'Material Girl' or 'Dress you up' on the radio at least twice a week and I see the video for 'Material Girl' on VH1 all the time - it's a classic!

The album tracks are good (not as great as on some of her later albums admittedly) - in particular her cover of the Rose Royce classic 'Love don't live here anymore' is worth a listen because of its unique arrangement. Madonna's ballads are undoubtedly where her vocal talents shine and as one of her first outings, this set the tone and still brings goosepimples now!

'Pretender' and 'Stay' are catchy and in a minor key, which works well. They do sound very similar but as album fillers go, these are a cut above the rest.

HOWEVER - for me, the ultimate track is 'Shoo be doo,' which encapsulates early Madonna for me. When I first heard it, it sounded lacklustre because of it's slow and simple opening but then it becomes a mid-tempo tune with a catchy melody and heart-wrenching lyrics. It's a song about a heartbroken girl who is obviously dealing with being the rebound from a previous relationship but if I was the guy she was singing to, I would melt instantly. Her vocals are really emotive on this and the song has just got to be heard.

WORTH HAVING!