I Made Up My Mind
In the mid 80's, as her contemporaries ballooned and were drowning in their cemented public images, Madonna opted to crop her hair off, strip away the layered look and exhibited a sculpted physique that would later define that decade. Papa Don't Preach was that moment where Madonna showcased not only the strong vocals on the song but also her wonderful classic 50's Americana style in the accompanying video, directed by James Foley. While we got a little prior glimpse of the upcoming change of sound and look with Live to Tell, this was her real first major metamorphosis since her debut album, Madonna, in 1983.
Prior to Madonna, a star would create a public image and stick with it so the public would be able to identify them. Not so from this moment on. A chameleon by nature, it was innate with Madonna to change. For the others, then and now, it seems forced and expected.
I think this is the moment where she really proved everybody wrong. She wasn't just a disco tart who would fade away. She showed she had a voice, a brain and a mission. Thank God for Madonna!
ReplyDeleterl81 i can't agree more!! just one of the most memorable moments in music history.
ReplyDeleteShe knew the power of "the image" and she worked it for all it was worth.
ReplyDeleteI think if you are going to write about a video of this caliber, you need to elevate it by taking a more in depth approach...How about the irony of her nipple being flashed twice without MTV or the right wing watchdog groups even noticing? How about the cast members? Your posts don't do Madonna justice. It takes more than just a personal blurb and some video stills to honor someone this amazing, especially during a period when so few appreciate her extraordinary achievements.
ReplyDeleteGreat song, great video and her first grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Female Performance.
ReplyDeleteI was happy she re-visited this song during RIT, but was o upset that she cut the bridge, 'daddy, daddy if you could only see...'
Joey i thought i was the only one who thinks that in this period only a few people appreciate her achievements. this makes me mad. everyone is waiting from madonna to always prove her talent, while other artists don't have to. grrr....i start to believe that the most successful female artist in music history is such an underrated artist as well...
ReplyDeleteyeah joey, i had this whole thing - i started it months ago and i was just like - "ugh really?" it had way more in depth history but i thought it bordered drivel. i had three more sets of pics, too but then my computer died and this was all i had left. it wont be the last papa shyt. xo
ReplyDelete