@pharaoh - Madonna's Voque used a processing called "QSound" that, if I remember correctly, was relatively new back then in '89/'90. It used (essentially) phase cancellation techniques to get that soundstage that you are hearing.
I distinctly remember discussing this processing back in college at the time during my recording classes and I don't think it was all that popular of a processing technique since few listeners of modern pop would sit behind a decent stereo in the sweet spot to be able to really hear that processing. I think there was only maybe a handful of albums that utilized this processing. However, I agree, it's pretty cool. Check out Rescue Me on Madonna's Immaculate Collection greatest hits compilation for the effect on the thunder in that track.