Out of all of Madonna's albums, Like a Prayer is her most explicit attempt at a major artistic statement. Even though it is apparent that she is trying to make a "serious" album, the kaleidoscopic variety of pop styles on Like a Prayer is quite dazzling. Ranging from the deep funk of "Express Yourself" and "Keep It Together" to the haunting "Oh Father" and "Like a Prayer," Madonna displays a commanding sense of songcraft, making this her best and most consistent album.
1. Neneh Cherry, "Buffalo Stance." I was getting old by the time 1989 rolled around … all of 35 … I had no idea what a buffalo stance was, anymore than I understand why they're called buffalo wings. But the loopy hook of this song was hard to resist. Cherry has recently turned up as the co-host of a BBC cooking show, Neneh & Andi Dish It Up. The video link is from 1988, so somebody's cheating