Album of the Day

When Madonna heard a demo of “Material Girl,” she took a liking to the song because it was “ironic and provocative at the same time but also unlike me. I am not a materialistic person.” Yet few of her many Top 10 hits are as strongly identified with the career-driven artist, thanks partially to the accompanying video inspired by Marilyn Monroe's performance of “Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend.” With its synthesizer arrangement and robotic “living in a material world” verse, the track displays a strong New Wave influence, but producer Nile Rogers (and the Chic rhythm section) ensure that it remains dance-floor friendly. The lead-off track to her LIKE A VIRGIN album, “Material Girl” is among Madonna's most iconic recordings, and in honor of her birthday, it's our Song of the Day.