On March 21 1989, Madonna’s Like A Prayer album was released.
Written and produced by Madonna with Patrick Leonard, Stephen Bray and Prince, the Like A Prayer album was considered to be a major artistic leap forward for Madonna, and was certainly her most personal offering to date at the time of its release.
Allmusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine offered this 5-star (out of 5) review of the album:
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.
Happy 33rd anniversary to one of our favorites – the phenomenal Like A Prayer!
Today In Madonna History 
Like a Prayer is a brilliant Rock album and Madonna a brilliant artist!
It’s the 33rd anniversary not the 30th anniversary as that was 2019. This must’ve been written in 2019. I’m not quite sure why the 30th anniversary issue of LAP left out Promise to Try and Act of Contrition, but hopefully Angels with Dirty Faces sees light of day on the re-issue by Warner!!
Would love a proper release of Angels with Dirty Faces!
Oh Father is still my favorite Madonna video of all time.
Like a prayer was a major achievement and every video from the lp was a beauty oh father was an underrated masterpiece both sing and video
I believe “Oh, Father” was David Fincher’s favorite song on the album and convinced Madonna to release it. He directed the video.