Like a Prayer (album) authors Santiago Fouz-Hernández and Freya Jarman-Ivens commented that "the video portrayed the deconstructive gender-bending approach associated with free play and self-reflexivity of images in postmodernism." Author John Semonche explained in his book "Censoring sex" that with "True Blue" and "Like a Prayer", Madonna pushed the envelope of what could be shown on television, which resulted in increase of her popularity. Notes Credits adapted from the album's liner notes. !scope="row"|Worldwide Like a Prayer (album) Like a Prayer is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Madonna, released on March 21, 1989 by Sire Records. Madonna worked with Stephen Bray, Patrick
Like a Prayer (song) to ecstatic effect, the whole thing takes you there again and again". Sal Cinquemani from "Slant Magazine" was impressed with the production of the song, complimenting its "church-like" reverence and the religious sentiments. In the United States, "Like a Prayer" debuted at number 38 on the "Billboard" Hot 100, and reached the top of the chart on the issue dated April 22, 1989. It was number one for three weeks, before being replaced by Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There for You". The track topped the Dance Club Songs chart, while reaching number three on the Adult Contemporary chart and number