Top 5 Iconic Madonna Hits From 1990
Back in 1990, Madonna was basically everywhere.
She wasn't just a pop star — she was the pop star.
You couldn't turn on the radio or flip through MTV without bumping into one of her hits.
This was a time when her creativity and style were pushing all kinds of boundaries — musically, visually, and culturally.
If you've ever wondered which of her songs were blowing up the charts that year, you're in for a nostalgic little ride.
Let's dive into some of her most iconic tracks that really made waves in 1990.
Table of Contents
- 1. Vogue global impact
- 2. Hanky Panky style
- 3. Keep It Together mood
- 4. Justify My Love buzz
- 5. Oh Father legacy
- Sources & References
1. Vogue global impact
"Vogue" wasn't just another hit single — it was a moment.
Released in March 1990, it brought house music into the mainstream and introduced a whole generation to ballroom culture.
From the beat to the black-and-white video, everything about it screamed cool, confident, and ahead of its time.
The video was packed with old Hollywood glam, which paired perfectly with the song's name-dropping of golden-age icons like Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe.
And that iconic choreography?
Yeah, that instantly became a pop culture staple.
"Vogue" didn't just top the US Billboard Hot 100 — it went number one in over 30 countries.
It was one of those rare tracks that connected with everyone: club-goers, mainstream radio listeners, and fashion lovers alike.
Also, this was one of the first times Madonna really pulled off the whole "reinvention" thing that she later became famous for.
With this track, she moved into a slick, stylish era — and it totally worked.
You'd hear this song blasting at dance clubs, high school dances, fashion shows, and even aerobics classes.
People just couldn't get enough of that beat.
And once you learned the hand poses?
Forget it.
You were voguing in your room every day.
She performed it on tour, at awards shows, and on TV — each time with different looks but always with the same energy.
That kind of staying power doesn't come around often.
Let's look at how "Vogue" performed worldwide:
| Country | Chart Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| United States | #1 | 1990 |
| United Kingdom | #1 | 1990 |
| Australia | #1 | 1990 |
| Germany | #1 | 1990 |
| Canada | #1 | 1990 |
2. Hanky Panky style
Now "Hanky Panky" was definitely one of Madonna's cheekier tracks.
Released in June 1990 from the I'm Breathless album, it had a totally different vibe from "Vogue." Instead of slick house beats, you got playful swing-jazz and a flirty attitude.
The song had this burlesque-meets-Broadway kind of energy.
It matched the theme of the Dick Tracy movie, where Madonna played Breathless Mahoney.
She leaned hard into the whole vintage style — both visually and musically.
And lyrically?
Let's just say it wasn't exactly subtle.
It raised a few eyebrows but also got people laughing.
It's not every day you hear a pop song demanding a good spanking.
In the U.S., "Hanky Panky" cracked the Top 10, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
That's a big deal for such a playful, niche-sounding track.
In the UK, it did solidly too, and it made some waves in parts of Europe and Australia.
Unlike "Vogue," this one didn't exactly become a timeless anthem, but fans of Madonna's theatrical side really loved it.
She also had fun with it on tour, often using it as a playful break in the setlist.
It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like a little sass and swing in your pop music, it's hard not to enjoy "Hanky Panky."
Here's a quick look at how it ranked:
| Country | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| United States | #10 |
| United Kingdom | #2 |
| Australia | #6 |
And here are a few reasons fans still remember it:
It was totally different from her usual sound.
The live performances were full of cheeky fun.
It helped sell the whole I'm Breathless era.
You never forget a song with lyrics like "My bottom hurts just thinking about it."
3. Keep It Together mood
"Keep It Together" is one of those songs that doesn't always get the spotlight, but it really deserves some love.
Released in January 1990 as the final single from Like a Prayer, it's all about family and staying grounded.
This wasn't a flashy club track or a dramatic ballad.
Instead, it had a funky, retro-inspired groove that just felt good.
It was inspired by Sly and the Family Stone, and you can totally hear that influence in the baseline and chorus.
Lyrically, Madonna opened up about her family — which was kind of rare for her at the time.
It gave fans a glimpse of the real person behind all the big looks and headlines.
In the U.S., the song did well, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It didn't get an international release, which is a shame, because it probably would've done well in other countries too.
The music video was really minimal — just Madonna dancing in a black outfit on a simple stage.
But that simplicity kind of made the message hit harder.
A lot of fans look back on this one as underrated.
It wasn't loud or dramatic, but it had soul, and sometimes that's more powerful than a big production.
4. Justify My Love buzz
Let's talk about one of the most talked-about Madonna songs ever — "Justify My Love." Released in November 1990, it was the lead single from The Immaculate Collection and, wow, did it shake things up.
This wasn't a dance track or a pop anthem.
It was slow, moody, and whispery.
It sounded more like a sexy voicemail than a regular song.
And that's exactly what made it stand out.
The video?
Pure scandal.
MTV banned it for being too explicit, which only made everyone more curious.
People lined up at stores to buy the VHS — yes, the video was sold like a movie.
That controversy only boosted the song's popularity.
And it worked.
The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It was proof that pushing boundaries didn't just grab attention — it could actually drive sales and chart success.
This was Madonna at her boldest.
She wasn't just making songs anymore — she was creating moments.
She knew how to stir the pot and keep everyone watching.
"Justify My Love" also kicked off a darker, more experimental sound that Madonna would explore more in the coming years, especially in albums like Erotica and Bedtime Stories.
Let's break down what made it so unforgettable:
Whisper vocals?
Check.
Total departure from her usual sound?
Check.
Banned video that made it a must-see?
Definitely.
Open talk about desire and identity?
All in.
Here's a quick chart table too:
| Country | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| United States | #1 |
| Canada | #1 |
| UK | #2 |
5. Oh Father legacy
"Oh Father" is one of Madonna's most emotional songs.
It wasn't a huge commercial hit compared to her other singles, but it showed a deeper, more vulnerable side of her — and that really struck a chord with a lot of people.
It was originally released in late 1989, but its impact and airplay carried into early 1990.
The lyrics dig into her complicated relationship with her dad and touch on themes of loss, grief, and childhood trauma.
The black-and-white music video added even more emotional weight, with powerful imagery that made the story hit even harder.
This was Madonna pulling back the curtain and showing something really personal.
In the U.S., it reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Not a chart-topper, but considering how heavy and introspective it was, that's still a solid showing.
Fans often name "Oh Father" as one of the most underrated songs in her catalog.
It's not flashy, and it's not made for the dance floor, but it hits you in a different way.
There's no list or table for this one — just a lot of feeling and some quiet respect for a song that dared to go deeper.
1990 was a wild and amazing year for Madonna.
She dropped iconic hits, tried new sounds, and stirred up more than a little controversy.
From the glittery glam of "Vogue" to the quiet heartbreak of "Oh Father," she covered more emotional ground than most artists manage in an entire career.
Whether you were dancing to her music back then or discovering it now, these songs still hold up.
They're bold, emotional, risky, and fun — basically everything Madonna does best.
