Top 10 Songs by Madonna

One of the first videos I remember seeing on MTV, back in the olden days when they actually played music videos, was Borderline by Madonna. No matter what you think of Madonna or her shenanigans on and off stage, you cannot deny that she has been a major pop influence for more than 20 years.

Paradoxically, Madonna remains timeless because her public persona is like a shark, maintaining a constant forward motion. Even my one-year-old son will dance when he hears '80s music by Madonna.

In my opinion, here are the top 10 songs by Madonna.

1. Into the Groove, released on the B-side of the "Angel" maxi-single, 1985. Before Madonna was political, before Madonna took herself too seriously, and before Madonna turned British, there was a fun hit single that celebrated dancing. A remixed version was released in 2003, but the original still holds its place as one of the best '80s pop songs. This top song by Madonna was released to promote the film, Desperately Seeking Susan even though it did not appear on the soundtrack. It was later released on the You Can Dance compilation album in 1987.

2. Secret off of Bedtime Stories, 1994. This top song by Madonna is a provocative and erotic song, and is perfect for dancing a little too close to someone you like.

"...You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood
You knew all along..."

3. Hung Up off of Confesions on a Dance Floor, 2005. I was surprised at how much I liked this retro Madonna song. Most of my favorite Madonna songs are from the early years, and I was not expecting this song to exude such a carefree sound reminiscent of her first songs.

4. Live to Tell was in the 1986 movie At Close Range with Christopher Walken and Sean Penn. Madonna broke away from her pop sound with this ballad, introducing us to a new Madonna who we'd be hearing a lot more from in the future.

"... know where beauty lives
I've seen it once, I know the warm she gives
The light that you could never see
It shines inside, you can't take that from me..."

5. Human Nature off of Bedtime Stories, 1994. Strong Madonna emerges.