The new Madonna Favorites songbooks for intermediates and late intermediates each feature a mix of nine older songs and newer hits.
Madonna Favorites: Volume 1 Songbook
The following nine songs are included in Madonna Favorites: Volume 1. These are all available as separate singles, but you get the most value by purchasing the whole collection. All of these arrangements are appropriate for intermediates and late intermediates.
- Like a Prayer
- Crazy for You
- La Isla Bonita
- Live to Tell
- One More Chance
- Open Your Heart
- Secret
- Something to Remember
- This Used to Be My Playground
Madonna Favorites: Volume 2 Songbook
The following nine songs are included in Madonna Favorites: Volume 2. These are all available as separate singles, but you get the most value by purchasing the whole collection. All of these arrangements are appropriate for intermediates and late intermediates.
- Borderline
- Material Girl
- Like a Virgin
- Oh Father
- Papa Don’t Preach
- I’ll Remember
- You’ll See
- Deeper and Deeper
- Take a Bow
Featured Favorites
Let’s dive deeper with some more details about a few of my personal favorites these collections.
“Borderline”
It’s her breakout hit, and it’s so deliciously 80s:
“Borderline” is a pop song by Madonna from her debut self-titled album released in 1983. Written and produced by Reggie Lucas, the track blends post-disco elements with a touch of 1970s musical influence. The song’s lyrics convey a woman’s frustration with her partner’s chauvinistic behavior.
Upon its release, “Borderline” received acclaim for Madonna’s refined and expressive vocals. It’s often considered her breakout hit and one of the best songs from the 1980s. The song’s popularity led it to become Madonna’s first top-ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching the top three in several countries, including the UK. The music video, directed by Mary Lambert, depicted an interracial relationship, breaking a taboo at the time. The song’s success solidified Madonna’s ascent as a pop sensation, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic in her discography.
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“Deeper and Deeper”
In my opinion, one of the most underrated Madonna tunes:
“Deeper and Deeper” is a dance-pop and deep house song by Madonna from her 1992 album “Erotica”. Written and produced by Madonna and Shep Pettibone, with additional writing by Anthony Shimkin, the track incorporates disco and Philadelphia soul influences. The song’s lyrics, while ostensibly about sexual desire, have been interpreted as conveying a young man’s exploration of his homosexuality. The track features a sample from Madonna’s hit single “Vogue”.
Released as the album’s second single in November 1992 in Australia and Europe, and in December 1992 in the United States, “Deeper and Deeper” received praise from critics for its dance-oriented nature and the “Vogue” sample. The song reached the top ten in various countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100. Its music video, directed by Bobby Woods, paid homage to artist Andy Warhol and director Luchino Visconti, with Madonna portraying a character inspired by Edie Sedgwick.
Retrospectively, “Deeper and Deeper” is considered one of Madonna’s standout tracks, celebrated for its disco warmth and infectious dance beat. It has been lauded as a dance anthem that showcases Madonna’s return to a more familiar sound following the provocative “Erotica”.
“Papa Don’t Preach”
A classic hit with a great video:
“Papa Don’t Preach” is a song from Madonna’s third studio album, “True Blue” (1986). Written by Brian Elliot with additional lyrics by Madonna, the song discusses the theme of teenage pregnancy and the choices that come with it. The track is a blend of pop and classical elements, featuring a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, and string arrangements. It was praised by critics for its mature lyrics, innovative composition, and Madonna’s vocal delivery. The song was released as the album’s second single and became a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several countries worldwide.
Accompanied by a music video directed by James Foley, the video portrays Madonna’s transformation and showcases her struggle to communicate with her father about her pregnancy. The song’s release sparked discussions about its lyrical content, with some viewing it as encouraging teenage pregnancy and others seeing it as conveying a positive anti-abortion message. Madonna’s live performances of “Papa Don’t Preach” in her concert tours, including the Who’s That Girl World Tour (1987) and Madame X Tour (2019-2020), drew both acclaim and controversy.
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