| Pre-Madonna | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Demo album by | |
| Released | June 10, 1997 |
| Recorded | 1980–81 |
| Studio | The Music Building, New York City |
| Genre | Pop |
| Length | 47:27 |
| Label | Soultone |
| Producer |
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Pre-Madonna (titled In the Beginning in European countries) is a collection of demos by American singer Madonna. It was released in 1997 by Stephen Bray, who was the producer of the songs when they were recorded, and was distributed by Soultone. Madonna met up with Bray, her former boyfriend, in 1980 when she was trying to establish her music career. She had left the band Breakfast Club and enlisted his help to further her career. Together they started writing songs and recorded them at New York's Music Building studio. The songs recorded at that time were released in Pre-Madonna.
The album was not authorized by Madonna, however, Bray decided to release Pre-Madonna regardless, and included original demos alongside new remixes. Included were the demo versions of "Everybody" and "Burning Up" which Madonna used for her self-titled debut album. The album received mixed reviews, with some critics deeming the release as unnecessary, while others were delighted to hear Madonna's original recordings.