I could have chosen ‘Like A Virgin’, Madonna’s breakthrough 1983 hit, produced by drug-taking studio genius and 80s superproducer Nile Rodgers (the dude behind 70s disco legends Chic, would later produce Bowie and Duran Duran), as its’ significance for female empowerment inspired masters degrees. But I love this record. There’s an innocence and simplicity about it – it doesn’t rely on the big controversial concept video that she became known for (‘Like A Prayer’, ‘Vogue’, etc), and which indeed became the template for later stars, including latter day Madonna-inspired, Lady Gaga. Instead, ‘Borderline’ is about as perfect a pop record as she or anyone else has ever made.
