Maria - Blondie • Essential

The name and the "Ave Maria" motif were used to place the subject on a pedestal, making her seem almost holy or unattainable, though the song itself is not religious.

Directed by , the music video features the band performing in an apartment while mysterious figures set up surveillance equipment outside. In a surreal climax, a bullet is fired through a window toward Debbie Harry, who calmly plucks it from the air. Musically, the track returned the band to their new wave roots, blending "street-smart" rock with a pop intelligence that defined their trademark sound. Maria - Blondie

"Maria" wasn't just a comeback; it was a record-breaking moment for lead singer . The name and the "Ave Maria" motif were

Destri penned the lyrics based on his fantasies while attending Catholic school, describing a feeling of "sexual repression causing incredible desire". Musically, the track returned the band to their

At 53 years and 227 days old, Harry entered the Guinness World Records as the oldest female singer to reach number one on the UK charts at that time.