This week marks three major milestones: three of the biggest music releases for three of our favorite pop icons and outspoken LGBTQ+ allies.
October 19: The 20th anniversary of Cher’s iconic single Believe (the album of the same name was released three days later).
October 20: The 26th anniversary of Madonna’s album Erotica.
October 23: The 20th anniversary of Britney Spears’ first single, …Baby One More Time.
We’re curious: Which of these means the most to you? Which do you think holds up the best and will stand the test of time?
I like all three of these, but for this writer it’s a no-brainer: Erotica all the way.
A concept album, Erotica was mostly reviled in its day. Good luck finding a pop star today who hasn't borrowed from it enormously, repeatedly. All of them have—over and over.
Rolling Stone was one of the only positive reviews in 1992; they got it, calling it, "a post-AIDS album about romance.”
This music has meant a great deal to me since I was in my teens and was figuring out that I was gay. It is a dark album that's helped me get through some of the darkest periods of my life. It's an album that takes you on a journey, and ultimately it's about the power of love.
Related: All 13 Madonna Studio Albums, Ranked
This record is Madonna the artist at her most experimental, fearless and vital. I really hope she taps into these innovative instincts on her 14th studio album, due next year. I will adore her no matter what, but I want her to stop following trends; she is the ultimate trendsetter. Erotica was so ahead of its time, and I know Madonna still has this life force and creativity in her. I have no doubt.
Erotica is an iconic, enduring and inclusive part of LGBTQ+ culture.
That said, I can definitely appreciate Britney and Cher, and I’m certainly open to hearing opinions other than my own.
Please let us know which of these releases means the most to you, and why.
I love Cher and Believe she
I love Cher and Believe she is the greatest entertainer
I still BELIEVE in CHER
I still BELIEVE in CHER
CHER – Believe
CHER – Believe
EROTICA (Romance)
EROTICA (Romance)
MADONNA EROTICA!!!! For
MADONNA EROTICA!!!! For obvious reasons!!!
Baby one more time ❤
Baby one more time ❤
Madonna Erotica for sure. Not
Madonna Erotica for sure. Not just the Title track. The LP is timeless and agreed ahead of the time. Queen ❤️
Madonna erotica . It changed
Madonna erotica . It changed everything . The silly people who Britney matters need to do some history lessons .
you’re a complete dickhead to
you're a complete dickhead to think Erotica takes precedence over …Baby One More Time. Exactly why you work for a magazine like this…
Baby one more time for me.
Baby one more time for me. It was the dawn of a new age of pop stars. As much as I love Madonna and Cher , Britney was my age range and a trend setter of my young adulthood and still my idol