Ranking All 13 Madonna Studio Albums From Worst To Best
4. True Blue (1986)
Madonna's third studio album was an attempt to reach an older audience, incorporating elements of classical music, and focussing thematically on dreams, disappointments, and love.
Dedicating the album to then-husband Sean Penn, Madonna used the inspiration of her spouse to create an exceptional album with some classic tracks.
Singles 'La Isla Bonita' and 'Open Your Heart' became instant hits, with the latter being laden with innuendos about sexual desire, and proved Madonna's ability to remain provocative whilst also creating great music.
Additionally, 'Papa Don't Preach' became one of Madonna's most important and poignant tracks to date, commenting on the social taboos of teenage pregnancy and abortion that had been ignored in American music.
The sense of passion found in Madonna's vocals, some of the best of her career, improve the quality of already impressively produced tracks with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics.
The instruments of each track are carefully selected to compliment her voice and lyrical content, and it creates a beautiful synergy.
The catchiness of the songs on the album is another compliment to Madonna, who managed to keep these songs from the heart whilst also being commercially accessible and enjoyable.