The Breakthrough of Madonna

Madonna may be the most successful female singer of all time, but it isn't a quick fame for her. Her self-titled debut album may have been an eventual success but it started slow with its first two singles "Everybody" and "Burning Up" failing to enter the official music charts like Billboard Hot 100 or UK Singles Chart. Both songs are dance and club hits though.

"Holiday" was considered the first hit of Madonna when it peaked at number 16 in Billboard Hot 100, while it reached number 6 in UK on its initial release. It eventually received re-release twice, and it even reached a new peak of number 2 in UK Singles Chart.

Madonna's fourth and final singles from her debut album became bigger hits. "Lucky Star" became the highest peaking single off the album at number 4 in Billboard Hot 100, though it performed moderately in UK at number 14. "Borderline" was her second US top 10 hit, while it reached number 2 in UK Singles Chart too.

"Madonna" (the album) may not be an immediate hit but it became a big seller over time. It peaked at number 6 in UK Albums Chart, and was certified platinum. In her homeland United States, it reached number 8, and reached an enormous 5x platinum mark.