Madonna's best music videos in honor of her birthday

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By Joanna Douglas, Shine Staff

Madonna may not be pumping out hits the way she once was, but she is still one of the great music icons with a style that no one can or will successfully imitate-try as you might, Lady Gaga! Today is Madonna's 53rd birthday and we're celebrating her career through music videos. Here are our favorites in chronological order.


"Lucky Star"
Her original "Boy Toy" image got us hooked early on.




"Like a Virgin"
The white wedding dress became famous, but our favorite part is following Madonna through Venice.




"Material Girl"
Madonna gained herself a new nickname after releasing this video which mimicked Marilyn Monroe's version of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" from the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blonds."




"Papa Don't Preach"
We love the juxtaposition of tomboy Madonna and sexy Madonna, and the complex subject matter. Who says pop music can't be deep!




"La Isla Bonita"
This is one of several songs that illustrates Madge's obsession with Hispanic culture and religion. Here she plays a Catholic girl and a Flamenco dancer.




"Like a Prayer"
The queen of controversy at her best! Madonna witnesses an interracial murder, goes to church to pray, and helps free the man who was falsely accused of the crime. Religious groups protested against the video, the Pope banned Madonna from Italy, and tried to get the country to boycott her sponsor, Pepsi. Pepsi then dropped Madonna.




"Express Yourself"
As the head of a company, Madonna has muscular dudes for employees. This video was inspired byt he movie "Metropolis" and was the most expensive video made at the time, costing $5 million.




"Vogue"
Old Hollywood. Black and white film. An underground dance form. Perfection.



"Take a Bow"
Madonna portrays the mistress of a Spanish bullfighter in this video for her song from "Evita."




"Bedtime Story"
We're still not sure what happens during this surreal dream sequence, but we do know the special effects were groundbreaking and cost a ton of money.




"Ray of Light"
Daily routines sped up to a rapid pace. We wish we could fast forward some days. This video won the 1998 MTV VMA for best video.



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