The 1980’s will forever be known as one of the most sensational and innovative decades in the history of pop music and no one better represents this wacky and wonderful era quite like Madonna. The reigning Queen of Pop is well known for her evolution throughout the years, crafting hit songs in a variety of different styles and using her unique and versatile voice to captivate audiences worldwide. Despite this stylistic mobility, the one aspect of her personality that Madonna has strongly maintained throughout her entire career is her compelling sensuality. From the release of her first album in 1983 to the present day, Madonna has broken barriers in what it means for women to express their sexuality.

Featured on the re-issue of her second studio album, Like a Virgin, “Into the Groove” challenged societal norms through the use of a subtle yet provocative innuendo. The song begins innocently enough as Madonna encourages a dancing partner to “get into the groove” and “get up on [their] feet.” However as the song progresses it becomes abundantly clear that she is using the demure act of dancing as a euphemism for sex. Not only does she discuss her desire to pursue a sexual relationship with the person whom this song is directed at, but she also introduces the idea of female masturbation, stating multiple times in the pre-chorus, “At night, I lock the doors, where no one else can see. I’m tired of dancing here all by myself. Tonight, I want to dance with someone else.” In the 80’s (and even today), the assertion of female pleasure and a narrative of sex from a woman’s point of view has been heavily tabooed. Through Madonna’s inherent sex appeal and strength of character, this promiscuous sentiment saw success in a way that was unprecedented in the music industry and in society in general. 

In another one of her most popular songs, “Like a Prayer,” Madonna stirs up controversy once again with a sexually suggestive song that features religious undertones. Throughout this daring song Madonna utilizes the phrase, “I’m down on my knees, I want to take you there,” which effectively blurs the lines between sexuality and spirituality depending on the context in which it is examined. Further intensifying this bold and unorthodox masterpiece is the accompanying music video which has been cited as the second greatest music video of all time right behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. Although this music video could be used as a medium to explore deep-seated ideas about racism and Catholicism in America, the sexual undertones in the lyrics and music video imagery provokes one to consider the controversies that parallel this sensual message.  

To this day, Madonna has continued to promote sensuality and champion female empowerment through sex, ushering in a new wave of artists and feminists who carry on this legacy. Although her past has been riddled with controversy, Madonna’s star quality has never faded and instead she has only further cemented her position as a timeless icon in the world of pop culture today, tomorrow and forever.