Retro Video of the Week: "Material Girl" by Madonna

A mere 35 years ago yesterday, Madonna released her blockbuster album Like a Virgin, vaulting her into superstardom and making her the queen of '80s pop to Michael Jackson's king.  Mostly produced by Chic's Nile Rodgers, the album had a slew -- though not a slough or a slue -- of songs that would become iconic Madonna songs, like the title track, "Material Girl," "Angel," "Into the Groove," and "Dress You Up."  The album has been certified Diamond by the RIAA, and it went to #1 on the Billboard album charts for three straight weeks in early 1985 and was the #3 album on the Billboard year-end charts for that year.  It also hit #1 on the album charts in five other countries and the top ten in another nine.

Other than "Into the Groove" -- which was not released as a single in the U.S. and not included on the U.S. version of the album and was, therefore, ineligible for the Billboard Hot 100, but did hit #1 on the Billboard Dance charts -- the aforementioned songs all cracked the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, with the title track becoming Madonna's first #1 song, "Material Girl" going to #2, and "Angel" and "Dress You Up" both going to #5.

I am going with "Material Girl" because I think it so perfectly represents the materiality and superficiality of the '80s -- and it's just a fantastic pop song.  Of course, the video is iconic as well.  Also, as we head into the holiday season, it's a firm reminder of what's really important.