BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1986
NEW 2020 Transfer!
Meticulously Remastered!
Originally posted: April 17, 2013
“Papa Don’t Preach” is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna. The song was written by Brian Elliot with additional lyrics by Madonna, and produced by Stephen Bray and Madonna for her third studio album True Blue, released in June 1986. The song’s musical style combines pop and classical stylings, and its lyrics deal with teenage pregnancy and abortion. It was based on teen gossip he heard outside Elliot’s studio, which has a large front window that doubles as a mirror where schoolgirls from the North Hollywood High School in Los Angeles regularly stopped to fix their hair and chat.
Released as the album’s second single in mid-1986, the song was a commercial success. It became Madonna’s fourth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and performed well internationally, reaching the top position in the United Kingdom and Australia. It was well-received by music critics and was frequently cited as a highlight in the album. The music video, directed by James Foley, shows Madonna’s second image makeover, featuring her with a more toned and muscular body, and cropped platinum blonde hair. It portrayed a storyline where Madonna is trying to tell her father about her pregnancy. The images are juxtaposed with shots of Madonna dancing and singing in a small, darkened studio, and spending a romantic evening with her boyfriend.
Shortly after its release, the song caused heated discussions about its lyrical content. Women’s organizations and others in the family planning field criticized Madonna for encouraging teenage pregnancy, while groups opposed to abortion saw it as a positive pro-life message. The song also caused her first conflict with the Vatican, as she dedicated it to Pope John Paul II, who urged Italian fans to boycott her concerts during the Who’s That Girl World Tour in 1987.
SIDE A:
Papa Don’t Preach (Extended Remix) 5:43
Co-producer – Stephen Bray
Mixed By – Michael Verdick
Producer – Madonna
SIDE B:
Pretender (LP Version) 4:28
Producer – Nile Rodgers
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
CHARTS:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Papa Don’t Preach | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #1 |
| 1986 | Papa Don’t Preach | U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary | #16 |
| 1986 | Papa Don’t Preach | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #4 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Sire – 0-20492
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Design –Jeri McManus
Photography By – Herb Ritts
NOTES:
Side A from the LP “TRUE BLUE”
Side B from the LP “LIKE A VIRGIN”
Find the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL RESTORATION BY:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon 2M Bronze
Isolation: Auralex Acoustics ISO-Tone Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
DAC/Phono Pre-amp: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
Thank you, Paul.
i remember, i was a bit disappointed when i realised the extended remix is not the video version with the super long outro. still, better than nothing.
thanks DjPault.
I’m a fan of madonna. a remix version is what I like to hear the most.
Thank you, Paul, for this magnificent post. Madonna could do no wrong in the 80s. I agree it would have been great for this remix to include a little more variation. Yet, interestingly “Open Your Heart” followed and the extended remix clocked in over 10 minutes and included so much additional instrumentation and dubs. It remains my fav. But this (well, technically Live To Tell I suppose) kicked off her True Blue era and it was truly great. Thanks again.
I remember buying this 7″ when I was 13. It was only after a few years that I realised what this song was about. Thanks for bringing back the memory!
You’re welcome, John 🙂
One of my favorite Madonna songs, Paul! Thanks for the great rip. I am still bummed that they never released a dub or more involved remix than this. She was always so spotty on the 12″ releases. 🙂
Thanks! -Fred
You’re welcome, Fred 🙂
Saw RuPaul’s Drag Race over the weekend and they did “Madonna: The unauthorized Rusical” and it got me to thinking about her and what an incredible Icon she really is. So, I kept thinking of all her fantastic records and looks over the years. And then here you go, posting a wonderful single by her. Thank you Paul so much for this. It really cheered me up, especially after the day I am having. Can’t wait to go on home and download this baby!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff 🙂
Oh, a DJ Paul post on Easter monday. What a nice surprise. PAPA is one of my absolute Madonna favourites. I love the song and I love the promotional video. The great Danny Aiello portraying Madonna´s dad – what a treat that was. And I was so in love with Madonna´s looks at that time.
Oh, I admit – I was in love with Madonna herself. 🙂
Thank you, Paul. Enjoy your Easter holiday.
Is it still easter? In the US it is celebrated on Sunday. I loved this period of Madonna would have been nice if the 12″ had been expanded a bit with maybe a dub or Instrumental. Have a joyful holiday Song And Dance 🙂
Oh, stupido me 🙂 Yes, it is over here. “Easter monday” is a general bank holiday in Germany.
La Isla Bonita got a similar style remix. Kind of a bummer, but common place for the rime of release.
*time