Authorship Breakdown 11 / 11 documented
Scored across the 11 tracks with documented writers, by whether Madonna carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 11 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Madonna co-wrote every track on Like a Prayer, most of them with Patrick Leonard, who served as her main writing and production partner. Stephen Bray co-wrote 'Express Yourself' and 'Keep It Together,' and Prince co-wrote and co-produced 'Love Song' with her. The album is among her most personal and most fully self-authored, pairing creative ownership with major commercial success.
Like a Prayer, released in March 1989, is widely regarded as Madonna's artistic masterpiece and the album where her songwriting reached its fullest expression, she co-wrote all eleven tracks, primarily with Patrick Leonard and Steve Bray. The controversial title track's music video became a cultural flashpoint, depicting religious imagery in a manner that drew protests from the Vatican and was reportedly responsible for Pepsi canceling its sponsorship deal with her. One of the album's most unusual tracks, 'Love Song,' was co-written and performed with Prince, making it a rare collaborative moment between two pop titans and the only track on the record not produced by Madonna herself. The album incorporates gospel choirs, funk grooves, and introspective balladry alongside dance-pop, giving it a thematic and sonic depth that her earlier records lacked. It debuted at number one in the US and multiple other countries, confirming that total creative ownership and massive commercial success were not mutually exclusive.
Track Listing & Credits 11 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Like a Prayer
#1
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 2 |
Express Yourself
#2
|
MadonnaSteve Bray | MadonnaSteve Bray | MadonnaSteve Bray | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 3 |
Love Song
|
MadonnaPrince | MadonnaPrince | Prince | Madonna (Vocals)Prince (Vocals, Instruments) |
| 4 |
Till Death Do Us Part
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 5 |
Promise to Try
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 6 |
Cherish
#2
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 7 |
Dear Jessie
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 8 |
Oh Father
#20
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 9 |
Keep It Together
#8
|
MadonnaSteve Bray | MadonnaSteve Bray | MadonnaSteve Bray | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 10 |
Spanish Eyes
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |
| 11 |
Act of Contrition
|
MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | MadonnaPatrick Leonard | Madonna (Vocals) |