La Isla Bonita

Last updated

"La Isla Bonita"
Madonna, La Isla Bonita cover.png
Single by Madonna
from the album True Blue
ReleasedFebruary 25, 1987
Studio Channel Recording
Genre Latin pop
Length4:03
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Madonna
  • Patrick Leonard
Madonna singles chronology
"Open Your Heart"
(1986)		"La Isla Bonita"
(1987)		"Who's That Girl"
(1987)
Music video
"La Isla Bonita" on YouTube

"La Isla Bonita" (Spanish for "The Beautiful Island") is a song by American singer Madonna from her third studio album, True Blue (1986). Initially composed as an instrumental demo by Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch for Michael Jackson, it was presented to him but ultimately rejected. The track was later developed by Madonna, who added lyrics and co-produced it with Leonard. Marking her first foray into Latin pop, the song features flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, maracas, and several lines sung in Spanish. The lyrics reference an island called San Pedro, whose location remains ambiguous; Madonna described the song as a tribute to Latin Americans.

Contents

Released on February 25, 1987, as the fifth and final single from True Blue, "La Isla Bonita" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its melody, production, and romantic tone. It became a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States. Internationally, it reached number one in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, West Germany, and Austria. The track has since appeared on several Madonna compilations, including The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration (2009), and has been cited as an influence on the work of later artists.

The accompanying music video, directed by Mary Lambert, features Madonna in dual roles: a reserved Catholic woman and a flamboyant flamenco dancer. Its portrayal of Hispanic themes drew both praise and criticism, with some accusing the singer of cultural appropriation. "La Isla Bonita" has been performed on eight of Madonna's concert tours, the last being the Celebration Tour (2023–2024). It has been covered, sampled, or referenced by various artists, including Laura Pausini, Alizée, Ricky Martin, and the Black Eyed Peas.

Background and release

The instrumental demo of "La Isla Bonita" was first offered to Michael Jackson (pictured in 1988) Michael Jackson in 1988 (cropped).jpg
The instrumental demo of "La Isla Bonita" was first offered to Michael Jackson (pictured in 1988)

In the fall of 1985, Madonna began writing and recording songs for her third studio album, True Blue . [1] She collaborated once again with Stephen Bray —her primary partner on her previous album Like a Virgin (1984)— and brought in Patrick Leonard, who had served as musical director on the Virgin Tour. [1] [2] [3] Prior to working with Madonna, Leonard had contributed to the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour [4] [5] and remained in contact with Michael Jackson and producer Quincy Jones. [6] At their request, he composed a series of instrumental demos, including one intended to resemble the style of Sade; the piece was presented to Jackson and Jones but ultimately turned down. [6] [7]

Leonard later brought the demo to Madonna at the start of the True Blue sessions, and she began developing it further. [6] She conceived the title "La Isla Bonita" —which translates to "The Beautiful Island"— and wrote the lyrics while filming Shanghai Surprise (1986) in Hong Kong. [8] [9] Musician Bruce Gaitsch, who worked on the track, was initially skeptical of the title, deeming it "uncommercial". [9] Madonna described the song as a tribute to the "beauty and mystery" of Latin Americans. [10] She explained that she had long been influenced by Latin music, particularly salsa and merengue, which she frequently heard while living in New York City. [11] She added that both she and Leonard believed they had been Latin "in another life", as Latin rhythms often shaped their uptempo compositions. [10] [12] The two would later return to Latin-inspired styles on songs such as "Who's That Girl" (1987), and "Spanish Eyes" from Like a Prayer (1989). [7]

"La Isla Bonita" was released as the fifth and final single from True Blue on February 25, 1987. [13] [14] The single's inner sleeve featured Madonna wearing a Spanish-style embroidered bolero jacket. [15] The song was later included on the compilations The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration (2009), and added as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of Something to Remember (1995). [16] [17] [18]

Composition and lyrics

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"La Isla Bonita"
20-second sample of "La Isla Bonita", a song characterized by Latin-inspired instrumentation including flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, and maracas. [1] [19] One verse references an island named San Pedro by name. [7]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"La Isla Bonita" was written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, with additional lyrics by Bruce Gaitsch. [20] It was recorded at Channel Recording Studios, along with the rest of the True Blue album, and later mixed at Master Control. [20] Leonard handled keyboard arrangements and programming, Gaitsch played guitar, and percussion was provided by Paulinho da Costa, with background vocals by Siedah Garrett and Edie Lehmann. [20] Musically, it has been described as a Latin pop dance ballad with influences from bossa nova. [21] [22] Author Mary Cross said it marked a shift in Madonna's sound, combining flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, maracas, and electronic elements, with four lines sung in Spanish. [1] [12] [19] To ensure accurate translations, Madonna and Leonard talked over the phone with a Hispanic housekeeper. [23]

Lyrically, the song portrays Madonna as a tourist longing for an idyllic, imaginary island. [7] The lyrics evoke a tropical paradise, with references to the "tropical breeze" and "nature wild and free". [12] [24] The track opens with bongos and castanets, leading into the line "¿Cómo puede ser verdad?" ("How can it be true?"). [25] [12] In the first verse, she sings: "Last night I dreamt of San Pedro/Just like I'd never gone, I knew the song." [22] The exact location of San Pedro has been debated, with Cuba, Puerto Rico, Belize, and the Dominican Republic among the suggested possibilities. [26] San Pedro Town in Ambergris Caye, Belize has embraced the association, with local tourism adopting the nickname "La Isla Bonita". [24] [26] [27] Additionally, the island of La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands has reportedly been nicknamed "La Isla Bonita", although both the nickname or any connection to the song remain unconfirmed. [28]

Madonna later clarified in a Rolling Stone interview that the name had no specific geographic basis, saying, "I may have been on the way to the studio and seen an exit ramp for San Pedro". [29] Authors Eduardo Viñuela, Igor Paskual and Lara González have pointed out that although the song incorporates elements of Spanish music such as flamenco, it also references Brazilian samba, suggesting the island is a fictitious "utopic" place rather than a real location. [30] Spanish broadcaster Los 40 similarly described the lyrics as a tribute to the "Latin community from New York [Madonna] has always been close to", rather than the literal description of a place. [27]

In 2014, while working on her thirteenth studio album Rebel Heart (2015), Madonna recorded a dubplate version of "La Isla Bonita" with producer Diplo. [31] [32] This reinterpretation replaced the original's Latin rhythms with dancehall beats and included new lyrics referencing Major Lazer. [32] [33] The version premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra in March 2015. [33]

Critical reception

"La Isla Bonita" received generally positive reviews, with both contemporary and retrospective critics ranking it among Madonna's strongest and most romantic songs. [a] John Leland of Spin described it as "spunky", while Jan DeKnock from the Chicago Tribune called it "charming". [39] [40] Creem 's Ken Barnes opined that while not as impactful as Madonna's previous single "Open Your Heart", its "lilting (yet reflective) quality" elevated it beyond "south-of-the-border clichés". [41] William McKeen, in Rock and roll is here to stay, drew comparisons to the Drifters' "Up on the Roof" (1962), noting its tranquil tone and lyrical theme of escapism. [42] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of The A.V. Club highlighted its "breezy charm" and evocation of a "fantasy of an extended tropical vacation". [35] Chuck Arnold from Entertainment Weekly praised it as "one of the loveliest tunes [Madonna] has ever done", while Dawn Keetley, writing in Public Women, Public Words, described it as "smooth, transparent" and one of the singer's "most perfect" songs. [43] [44] Daryl Easlea, in Madonna: Blond Ambition, argued that "La Isla Bonita" and the other singles from True Blue were so strong that they overshadowed the rest of the album. [45]

The song's production was a frequent topic of discussion among critics. Paul Schrodt of Slant Magazine credited the arrangement with adding "dynamism" to Madonna's music, helping dispel early assumptions that she was "simply a Danceteria pop tart". [46] David Browne of Entertainment Weekly called it a "perfectly conceived pop record", crediting producers Leonard and Bray for its polished execution. [47] Newsday 's Wayne Robins described "La Isla Bonita" as an "enigmatic Latin fantasy" with a melody so resilient it could be interpreted across genres —from a Ruben Blades arrangement to a street-corner doo-wop rendition. [48] Madonna's vocal performance in the song was also highlighted: AllMusic's Stuart Mason and Billboard 's Bianca Gracie both singled it out as a strength, [19] [34] and Matthew Rettenmund wrote that she imbued the track with "immediacy and unimpeachable emotion". [49] Cash Box magazine said that her "sensuous, teasing" complemented the song's "provocative" feel. [50]

There were critics who offered mixed to negative commentary. Tom Breihan of Stereogum described "La Isla Bonita" as "pure risible kitsch" and a "clumsy fetishization of an exoticized culture". However, he also acknowledged it as "one of the swooniest jams in a career full of swoony jams". [51] John Quayle of the Observer–Reporter felt the track would have better suited Sade than Madonna. [52] Matthew Jacobs of HuffPost described the song as middling in tempo and requiring a specific mood to be appreciated, while Wendy Tuohy of The Age likened it to a "commercial sleeping pill [rather than] a 'Spanish lullaby'". [53] [54] Eleni P. Austin of The Desert Sun dismissed "La Isla Bonita" as cheesy, and David Bauder from the Associated Press found it forgettable and criticized its inclusion on The Immaculate Collection. [55] [56]

Commercial performance

In the United States, "La Isla Bonita" debuted at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 21, 1987, becoming Madonna's eleventh consecutive single to earn the title of the week's highest new entry —a streak that began with "Lucky Star" in 1984. [57] [58] By April 25, it had reached the top ten, tying Madonna with Michael Jackson for twelve consecutive top-ten hits. [59] It ultimately peaked at number four on May 2, marking her eleventh top-five hit, a tally surpassed at the time only by the Beatles and Elvis Presley. [60] [61] The track also became the fifth top-ten single from True Blue, making the album the second by a female artist to yield five top-ten hits, after Janet Jackson's Control (1986). [59]

On Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, the single entered at number 31 on April 4 and reached the first spot over a month later, becoming Madonna's second chart-topper in the format after "Live to Tell" (1986). [62] [63] The single also topped the 12-inch Singles Sales chart, with sales of 75,000 copies reported by July 1987. [64] [65] "La Isla Bonita" placed at number 58 on the Billboard year-end Hot 100 chart and number 34 on the Adult Contemporary year-end chart. [66] [67] As of August 2024, Billboard ranked it as Madonna's 23rd most successful Hot 100 entry. [68] In Canada, the song debuted at number 58 on the RPM Top 100 and reached number one on June 6, 1987, after a ten-week climb; it later ranked number 22 on the magazine's year-end chart. [69] [70] [71] It also reached number four in Panama City and number one in Santiago de Chile. [72] [73]

In the UK Singles Chart, "La Isla Bonita" debuted at number five on April 4, 1987, and climbed to number one three weeks later, spending two weeks at the summit and eleven weeks overall. [74] It became Madonna's fourth UK number-one single. [75] According to the Hull Daily Mail , it sold only 50,000 copies the week it reached the top, making it the lowest-selling UK number one in five years. [76] The single was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of over 400,000 units, with total sales reported at 421,760 as of 2008. [77] [78] In France, it became Madonna's first chart-topper, spending three weeks at number one and earning a gold certification from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for 500,000 units sold; total sales exceed 620,000 copies. [79] [80] [81] Elsewhere in Europe, the song reached number one in Switzerland, [82] West Germany, [83] and Austria, [84] and topped the European Hot 100 Singles chart on the week of June 13, 1987. [85] It also charted within the top ten in Ireland, [86] Norway, [87] the Netherlands, [88] [89] Sweden, [90] and Spain. [91]

Music video

Background and synopsis

In the music video, Madonna portrays two contrasting characters: a devout Catholic woman and a "flamboyant" flamenco dancer, the latter described as such by author Mark Bego. La Isla Bonits screenshot.jpg
In the music video, Madonna portrays two contrasting characters: a devout Catholic woman and a "flamboyant" flamenco dancer, the latter described as such by author Mark Bego.

The music video for "La Isla Bonita" was directed by Mary Lambert, who had previously collaborated with Madonna on the clips for "Borderline" and "Like a Virgin" (both 1984), as well as "Material Girl" (1985). [93] Filmed in Los Angeles over three days, the shoot was described as "simple" by producer Sharon Oreck in her book Video Slut (2010). [94] [95] More than 500 extras of Hispanic descent were featured, including a then-unknown Benicio del Toro, who played a teenager sitting on a car hood and was paid $150 for his appearance. [95] [96] Percussionist Paulinho da Costa appears in the opening sequence playing bongos. [97]

Set in a barrio, [12] the narrative features Madonna in dual roles: a pious Catholic woman, and a vibrant flamenco dancer. [93] The Catholic character is shown lighting candles in a sparsely furnished apartment —its cold-toned walls adorned with black-and-white photographs of Hispanic individuals and religious figures. [12] She wears a plain white petticoat and quietly watches a street musician from her window. [12] [92] [98] In contrast, the flamenco dancer performs expressively in a candlelit room adorned with a large image of the Sacred Heart. [12] She wears a red polka-dot dress with a décolletage neckline and a skirt parted down the middle. [12] [99] Her hair is done in a Spanish-style netted bun, accented with a red carnation flower. [12] As the video progresses, a street celebration begins, with Hispanic families and couples dancing to live music. The dancer eventually joins the festivities. [100] [93]

Premiering on MTV on March 6, 1987, the video became the most requested on the network for 20 consecutive weeks —a record at the time. [101] In Europe, it was among the year's most heavily rotated music videos. [102] "La Isla Bonita" was later included in Madonna's video compilations The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration: The Video Collection (2009). [17] [103]

Analysis and reception

The music video for "La Isla Bonita" has been analyzed for its use of cultural imagery and symbolism. Author Victoria Chow and Vanity Fair España contributor Juan Sanguino identified the video as a turning point in Madonna's career, marking her first prominent use of cultural elements not her own. While Chow noted the shift neutrally, Sanguino criticized the portrayal as cultural appropriation, arguing that the singer resembled a "drunken tart at the Feria de Abril " rather than an actual flamenco dancer. [104] [105] Eduardo Viñuela, writing for the Instituto Cervantes at Harvard University, expressed similar concerns, describing the video as a mismatched blend of Latin American and Spanish elements. He argued it blurred cultural lines and relied on vague, stereotypical imagery to construct an "exotic fantasy" aimed at US audiences. [99] According to Viñuela, this approach would later appear in other Latin crossover hits by English-speaking artists. He cited examples such as the flamenco and Romani mix in Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't It Funny" (2001), the use of Andean instruments in Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever" (2001), and the Middle Eastern melodic influences in Ricky Martin's "Jaleo" (2003). [99] Other perspectives were more favorable. A blogger quoted by journalist Caroline Sullivan compared Madonna's use of Spanish and Latin imagery in the video to her LGBTQ championing, arguing that it benefited American audiences by providing a window into traditions and cultures that had previously received little to no mainstream exposure. [106]

Debate has also focused on how the video's imagery positions Madonna. Scholars Santiago Fouz-Hernández and Freya Jarman-Ivens argued that the video reinforced stereotypes of Hispanics and Latinos as carefree and musical, set against a backdrop of poverty. [100] Madonna, they observed, remained visually and socially apart from this setting —either watching from above or briefly joining the festivities before leaving. [100] In Media Culture: Cultural Studies, Identity, and Politics Between the Modern and the Postmodern, Douglas Kellner viewed the video more favorably, suggesting that Madonna's romanticized use of Hispanic fashion and imagery broadened her mainstream appeal. [107] Fouz-Hernández and Jarman-Ivens also highlighted the contrast between the singer's dual roles in the video — the Catholic woman symbolizing austerity and passivity, and the flamenco dancer representing passion and agency. [100]

A symbolic and spiritual interpretation has also been proposed. In the chapter "The Madonna Triptych: A Mystical Reading of Three Early Music Videos" from Music and Culture in the Middle Ages and Beyond: Liturgy, Sources, Symbolism, author Andrew Tomasello argued that the video cast the titular island as a metaphor for Paradise and eternal life. The opening lyric, "¿Cómo puede ser verdad?" ("How can it be true?"), signals a mystical narrative. [108] Tomasello analyzed the video as part of a triptych with "Like a Virgin" and "Like a Prayer" (1989) —visuals also directed by Lambert— each exploring Madonna's symbolic journey through Italian, Spanish, and African-American cultures, respectively. In this reading, the three videos portray a spiritual journey culminating in a metaphorical Promised Land. [108]

The costuming in the video has also been recognized. The red flamenco dress is considered one of Madonna's defining fashion moments. Author Lucy O'Brien deemed it "as iconic as the boy toy or the black corseted siren" in her biography of the singer, [109] an opinion echoed by People magazine writers Cara Lynn Shultz and Aaron Parsley, who ranked it among her "most unforgettable" looks. [110] Daily News and Analysis likewise called it one of her most iconic ensembles, while Entertainment Weekly noted it as a key moment in her "fashion evolution". [111] [112] "La Isla Bonita" was named one of Madonna's "most stylish" music videos by The New Zealand Herald 's Dan Ahwa. [113] Vogue España 's María Mérida highlighted the clip's lasting influence on "electro-latino" fashion, pointing to its use of ruffles, fitted tops, baroque jewelry, and cropped jackets as elements that reshaped both style and popular culture in Spain. [114]

Overall critical reception of the video was mixed. Rolling Stone staff praised its theatricality, [29] but Miami Herald critic Ryan Murphy dismissed it as "lame, overdone, [and] almost absurd", especially disliking the closing street-dance sequence. [115] Rikky Roksby, in The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, commented that the video was "marginally more interesting" than the song. [25] "La Isla Bonita" was named Madonna's 34th and 20th best music video by TheBacklot.com's Louis Virtel and Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani, respectively, while Mike Neid of MRC ranked it 16th. [116] [117] [118] As of April 2025, it is her most-viewed video on YouTube, having surpassed one billion views. [93]

Live performances

2006 6-5 Fresno trip (238) (1960526848).jpg
LaIslaBonitaSticky&SweetTour (cropped).jpg
The performances of "La Isla Bonita" on the Confessions (top) and Sticky & Sweet tours (bottom)

"La Isla Bonita" has been included in eight of Madonna's concert tours: Who's That Girl (1987), the Girlie Show (1993), Drowned World (2001), Confessions (2006), Sticky & Sweet (2008–2009), Rebel Heart (2015–2016), Madame X (2019–2020), and Celebration (2023–2024). [119] During the Who's That Girl Tour, the stage was transformed into a "Spanish fantasy" with Madonna dressed in a flamenco-style cabaret outfit, flanked by dancers portraying matadors. [120] [121] [122] Jon Pareles of The New York Times described her as a "tropical temptress" during the number. [123] A performance from this tour was included on the video release Ciao Italia: Live from Italy (1988). [124]

The Girlie Show's performance had Madonna in sailor-inspired attire, including a striped top and bandana, while dancers dressed as seamen. [125] [126] The number included a playful moment where she pretended to faint and was carried offstage. [125] The Baltimore Sun 's J. D. Considine praised the chemistry between the singer and her backing band during the performance. [127] A rendition from the Sydney concert was featured in The Girlie Show: Live Down Under (1994) video release. [128]

"La Isla Bonita" was one of only two tracks from Madonna's 1980s catalogue performed on the Drowned World Tour. [129] It was presented as an acoustic flamenco number, with Madonna in a backless dress, accompanied by percussionists and dancers. [130] She also played guitar for the performance, which Alex Needham of NME described as a turning point in the show, pointing out that "[she] finally seems relaxed". [131] The rendition from the Detroit concert on August 26 was released on the Drowned World Tour 2001 video. [132]

Rebel Heart Tour 2016 - Brisbane 2 (26194171302) (cropped).jpg
MadonnaO2171023 (103 of 133) (53270771398) (cropped).jpg
Madonna singing the song on the Rebel Heart (top) and Celebration tours (bottom)

For the Confessions Tour, the song was reinterpreted with disco elements. [133] Madonna wore a white leotard, performing in front of colorful island-themed visuals that Slant Magazine's Ed Gonzalez said matched the "voluptuousness" of her choreography. [134] [135] [136] One of the performances at London's Wembley Arena was included on The Confessions Tour live album (2007). [137] In 2007, she collaborated with gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello for a "crazed hoedown" version at the London Live Earth concert. [138] The gypsy theme carried over into the Sticky & Sweet Tour, where "La Isla Bonita" was mashed up with Gogol Bordello's "Lela Pala Tute" and reimagined with fiddles, accordions, and Romani musicians, including the Ukrainian group Kolpakov Trio. [139] [140] [141] The Denver Post described it as the tour's standout moment. [142] A performance from Buenos Aires was captured for the Sticky & Sweet Tour release (2010). [143]

On the Rebel Heart Tour, "La Isla Bonita" was arranged as a flamenco piece featuring "stomps, claps, and shouts", as noted by The Hollywood Reporter 's Ashley Lee. [144] Madonna wore matador-inspired attire adorned with Swarovski crystals. [145] Pitchfork 's T. Cole Rachel highlighted the track as one of the most crowd-pleasing numbers of the night. [146] The performance was included on the 2017 Rebel Heart Tour live album. [147] She also performed the song at Leonardo DiCaprio's annual fundraising gala in Saint-Tropez in 2017. [148]

The Madame X Tour featured Madonna as a Lisbon nightclub hostess, performing a cha-cha-chá mashup of "La Isla Bonita" and a song titled "Welcome to My Fado Club". [149] [150] [151] She altered the lyrics to "my Portuguese lullaby". [152] Kelli Skye Fadroski of the Los Angeles Daily News praised her vocal delivery, saying she "soared" through the performance. [153] It was included in the 2021 concert film Madame X . [154] On October 9, 2021, Madonna delivered a lounge-style rendition of the song during a private event at Marcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem, performing it alongside Madame X (2019) album track "Dark Ballet" and the Cape Verdean coladeira song "Sodade". [155] Madonna sang "La Isla Bonita" on the Celebration Tour, where it was mashed up with "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (1996), accompanied by her son David Banda on guitar. [156] [157] Variety 's Mark Sutherland called it a number of "sheer, irresistible pizazz". [158]

Ricky Martin in store appearance, Sydney Australia (14672277611).jpg
Alizee Jacotey - Chanteuse Francaise - Paris - 3 December 2007 - DSC 1665bis.jpg
Ricky Martin (left, pictured in 2014) and Alizée (right, pictured in 2007) are among the artists who have performed cover versions of "La Isla Bonita".

Around 1986–1987, Madonna signed a $3 million endorsement deal with Mitsubishi Motors, which included a television commercial featuring her dancing to "La Isla Bonita". [159] Even before the single's official release, the song had begun to inspire covers: in December 1986, Italian singer Micaela released a cover that reached number 25 in the Netherlands. [160] Music & Media praised its commercial appeal despite noting the lack of Madonna's vocal sophistication. [161] In July 1987, Mexican singer Byanka released a Spanish-language rendition that peaked at number 45 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. [162] Around this time, a 13-year-old Shakira covered the track on Colombian television. [163] In 1999, Chilean artist Deetah sampled the melody for "El Paraiso Rico", from her album Deadly Cha Cha. [164] That same year, salsa singer Corrine included a bilingual version on her second album Un Poco Más, produced by Wyclef Jean. [165]

Over the following decades, "La Isla Bonita" continued to be covered, sampled, and referenced. Rapper Black Rob's 2000 track "Spanish Fly" featured Jennifer Lopez singing a chorus based on the song. [166] In 2004, rapper Mase sampled the hook for "My Harlem Lullaby", while actor David Hasselhoff recorded a cover for his album Sings America , which the BBC described as "decidedly karaoke". [167] [168] [169] At her June 2007 concert at Milan's San Siro, Italian singer Laura Pausini performed a multilingual medley that included "La Isla Bonita", later included on the live album San Siro 2007 . [170] French pop singer Alizée released a cover in 2008 through her official MySpace, later included on the Mexican tour edition of her third studio album, Psychédélices (2007). [171] [172] Though commercially successful in Mexico, La Jornada described Alizée's version as being inferior to the original. [173] [174]

In 2010, blogger Perez Hilton released a parody titled "Gagalupe", satirizing Madonna's spiritual beliefs. [175] A year later, a leaked Britney Spears demo titled "Love 2 Love U" was found to heavily sample "La Isla Bonita", featuring what Los 40 described as a "Jamaican-dance rhythm" and identical melodic structure. [176] In 2012, the track was featured in the Glee episode "The Spanish Teacher", performed by Ricky Martin and Naya Rivera; [177] [178] the cover charted in both the US and Canada. [179] [180] American band Deerhoof titled their 2014 twelfth studio album La Isla Bonita as a tribute to both Madonna and Janet Jackson, calling it their "rawest, punkiest" release since their 1997 debut. [181] The Black Eyed Peas and Ozuna sampled "La Isla Bonita" in 2020's "Mamacita", an idea which producer Johnny Goldstein credited to will.i.am. [182] [183] In 2025, the track experienced renewed popularity on TikTok, where it was widely used in fashion and vacation clips; over 200,000 videos featuring the song were posted on the platform. [184]

Impact

Critics have noted the track's influence on the development of Latin pop in mainstream music. Stewart Mason said the song anticipated the Latin-influenced dance-pop that emerged in the late 1980s, citing acts such as Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and songs like the Pet Shop Boys' "Domino Dancing" (1988) and Madonna's own "Who's That Girl" as part of that trend. [19] Chuck Arnold called it an early exploration of Latin styles "long before it became trendy", while Dan Ahwa wrote that it helped popularize Spanglish within mainstream pop. [43] [113] Judy Cantor-Navas of Billboard identified it as a precursor to the "Ricky Martin-led 'Latin Pop Explosion'" of the late 1990s. [185] Viñuela wrote that "La Isla Bonita" incorporated many of the sonic elements that would later define Latin crossover hits by English-speaking artists, including flamenco guitar, castanets, and whispered Spanish phrases used to convey sensuality. [99]

Stylistic echoes of "La Isla Bonita" have been observed in songs such as "Viva Forever" (1998) by the Spice Girls, Geri Halliwell's "Mi Chico Latino" (1999), Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" (2010), and "Despacito" (2016) by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. [b] Natalie Nichols of the Los Angeles Times pointed out that "echoes" of the song appear "more than once" on Jennifer Lopez's second studio album J.Lo (2001). [188] In 2005, the song was included in Bruce Pollock's Rock Song Index: The 7500 Most Important Songs for the Rock & Roll Era. [189] According to Manuel Heredia, Belize's former Minister of Tourism, "La Isla Bonita" enhanced Ambergris Caye's visibility, which continues to draw visitors seeking the place the song evokes. [190]

Track listing and formats

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the True Blue album and 12-inch single liner notes. [20] [192]

Charts

Certifications and sales

Certifications and sales for "La Isla Bonita"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
France (SNEP) [80] Gold620,000 [81]
Germany (BVMI) [223] Gold250,000^
Italy (FIMI) [224]
since 2009 		Gold35,000‡
Japan (RIAJ) [225] Gold50,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [226] Gold15,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [227] Platinum60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [77] Gold400,000‡
United States
12-inch format (By July 1987)		—75,000 [65]

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Notes

  1. ↑ Attributed to multiple references [29] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38]
  2. ↑ Attributed to multiple references [186] [187] [43] [185]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Cross 2007 , pp. 40–41
  2. ↑ Lindores, Mark (October 24, 2021). "Making Madonna – Like a Virgin". Classic Pop . Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  3. ↑ "True Blue". July 18, 2016. Archived from the original on July 23, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2024– via Official Madonna Website.
  4. ↑ Roberts, Dave (February 3, 2022). "'People have asked, can you write a hit? Answer: no. I mean obviously I can, but not because I've tried to.'". Music Business Worldwide . Archived from the original on February 3, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  5. ↑ Lutz, Jeffrey (September 16, 2024). "When The Jacksons kicked off their 1984 Victory Tour at Arrowhead Stadium". KWCH-DT. Archived from the original on September 16, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 Dresden, Hilton (August 14, 2017). "Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita' was written for Michael Jackson". Out . Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Cinquemani, Sal (June 12, 2019). "Madonna's enduring love affair with Latin culture, from 'La Isla Bonita' to Madame X". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  8. ↑ Dean 2003 , p. 523
  9. 1 2 Easlea 2012 , p. 57
  10. 1 2 Rettenmund 1995 , p. 98
  11. ↑ Zollo 1991 , p. 167
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Fouz-Hernández & Jarman-Ivens 2004 , p. 143
  13. ↑ "Single stories: Madonna, 'La Isla Bonita'". Rhino Entertainment. April 25, 2017. Archived from the original on April 30, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Madonna.com > Discography > 'La Isla Bonita'". Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved July 14, 2022– via Official Madonna Website.
  15. ↑ Clerk 2012 , p. 64
  16. ↑ Mackie, Drew (November 10, 2015). "Video: Madonna's The Immaculate Collection turns 25: all 17 tracks ranked". People . Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  17. 1 2 "Celebration – track listing for CD & DVD announced". August 25, 2009. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2022– via Official Madonna website.
  18. ↑ "マドンナ - まどんな" [Madonna - La Isla Bonita (lyrics)] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Mason, Stewart. "Madonna > 'La Isla Bonita' > overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Madonna (1986). True Blue (Liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. 925442-2.
  21. ↑ "Reviews: singles – pop" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 13. March 28, 1987. p. 73. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023– via World Radio History.
  22. 1 2 Matthew-Walker 1991 , pp. 118–119
  23. ↑ Ruggieri, Melissa (June 30, 2021). "Madonna's gutsy True Blue album turned her into a 'serious' star, says producer Patrick Leonard" . USA Today . Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  24. 1 2 Vannini 2022 , p. 94
  25. 1 2 Rooksby 2004 , pp. 24–25
  26. 1 2 "Madonna cumple 60 años: ¿de qué lugar habla su canción 'La isla bonita'?" [Madonna turns 60: What places does her song 'La isla bonita' talk about?] (in Spanish). BBC Mundo. August 15, 2018. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  27. 1 2 Garrán, Daniel (December 1, 2020). "¿Cuál es exactamente 'La Isla Bonita' a la que cantaba Madonna?" [Where exactly is 'La Isla Bonita' about which Madonna sang?] (in Spanish). Los 40. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  28. ↑ Hughes et al. 2010 , p. 54
  29. 1 2 3 "Madonna's 50 greatest songs: 'La Isla Bonita' (from True Blue, 1986)". Rolling Stone . July 27, 2016. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  30. ↑ González, Pazkual & Viñuela 2018 , pp. 63–64
  31. ↑ Lynch, Joel (July 24, 2014). "Madonna re-records an '80s classic for Diplo". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  32. 1 2 Breihan, Tom (July 24, 2014). "Watch Diplo show off his Madonna dubplate". Stereogum . Archived from the original on June 7, 2025. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  33. 1 2 Corner, Lewis (March 24, 2014). "Diplo unveils full Madonna 'La Isla Bonita' dubplate". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  34. 1 2 Atkinson, Katie; Feeney, Nolan; Gracie, Bianca; Lynch, Joe; Unterberger, Andrew (August 15, 2018). "The 100 greatest Madonna songs: critics' picks". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  35. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (July 26, 2023). "40 years of Madonna: the Queen of Pop's greatest songs, ranked – 20. 'La Isla Bonita' (1987)". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  36. ↑ Levine, Nick (August 19, 2022). "Madonna's 10 best singles ever – ranked!". NME . Archived from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  37. ↑ Missim, Nayer (August 15, 2018). "Madonna at 60: Queen of Pop's 60 best singles ranked". PinkNews . Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  38. ↑ Virtel, Louis (March 2, 2013). "The 100 greatest Madonna songs". TheBacklot.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  39. ↑ Leland, John (July 1987). "Singles". Spin . Vol. 3, no. 4. p. 32. ISSN   0886-3032. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via Google Books.
  40. ↑ DeKnock, Jan (March 20, 1987). "Club Nouveau's remake puts Bill Withers' 'Lean On Me' back on" . Chicago Tribune . Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  41. ↑ Barnes, Kevin (July 1987). "45 Revelations". Creem . Vol. 18, no. 11. Cambray Publishing. p. 23. ISSN   0011-1147.
  42. ↑ McKeen 2000 , p. 233
  43. 1 2 3 Arnold, Chuck (August 15, 2018). "Madonna's 60 best singles, ranked". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on August 15, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  44. ↑ Keetley & Pettigrew 2005 , p. 380
  45. ↑ Easlea 2012 , p. 50
  46. ↑ "All 82 Madonna singles ranked". Slant Magazine . April 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  47. ↑ Browne, David (December 14, 1990). "The Immaculate Collection (1990)". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on August 27, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  48. ↑ Robins, Wayne (July 11, 1986). "Music in the key of F(emale): Madonna's True Blue" . Newsday . p. 224. Retrieved February 27, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  49. ↑ Rettenmund 1995 , p. 165
  50. ↑ "Single releases: out of the box" (PDF). Cash Box . Vol. 50, no. 38. March 21, 1987. p. 9. ISSN   0008-7289. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 16, 2020. Retrieved July 18, 2025– via World Radio History.
  51. ↑ Breihan, Tom (March 8, 2021). "The number ones: Madonna's 'Who's That Girl'". Stereogum . Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  52. ↑ Quayle, John (August 22, 1986). "Madonna's new album is a winner; guitarist Buchanan still the best". Observer–Reporter . p. C-3. Retrieved December 2, 2024– via Google Books.
  53. ↑ Jacobs, Matthew (March 10, 2015). "The definitive ranking of Madonna singles". HuffPost . Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  54. ↑ Tuohy, Wendy (April 16, 1987). "Single reviews". Entertainment Guide. The Age . p. 15. Retrieved December 2, 2024– via Google Books.
  55. ↑ Austin, Eleni P. (July 28, 1986). "Madonna - album is new but music is simple" . The Desert Sun . p. C9. Retrieved February 27, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  56. ↑ Bauder, David (December 21, 1990). "Record reviews: The Immaculate Collection (Sire) - Madonna" . Vincennes Sun-Commercial . Associated Press. p. 32. Retrieved February 27, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  57. ↑ "The Hot 100: The week of March 21, 1987". Billboard . March 21, 1987. Archived from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  58. ↑ Grein, Paul (March 21, 1987). "'Lean on Me' hits no. 1 for the 2nd time; 'Graceland' tops its previous peak" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 12. p. 6. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  59. 1 2 Grein, Paul (April 25, 1987). "U2 at no. 1 on Top Pop Albums chart, parallels the career of Springsteen" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 17. p. 10. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  60. 1 2 "Madonna Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  61. ↑ Grein, Paul (May 2, 1987). "Madonna scores 11th straight top 5 hit: 2nd time is a charm for Simon, de Burgh" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 18. p. 6. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  62. ↑ "Hot 100 Adult Contemporary" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 14. April 4, 1987. p. 16. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  63. 1 2 "Madonna Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  64. ↑ "Hot dance/disco: 12-inch singles sales" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 20. May 16, 1986. p. 32. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  65. 1 2 Sheperd, Stephanie (July 18, 1987). "12-inch market: surprising number of labels buck glut to rack up big sales" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 29. p. T-8. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  66. 1 2 "Top pop singles of 1987". Billboard . December 31, 1987. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  67. 1 2 "Top adult contemporary singles of 1987". Billboard . December 31, 1987. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  68. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (August 16, 2024). "Madonna's 40 biggest Billboard hits". Billboard . Archived from the original on October 4, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  69. ↑ "Volume 45, no. 26, April 04 1987". RPM . April 4, 1987. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via Library and Archives Canada.
  70. 1 2 "RPM 100 singles". RPM . June 6, 1987. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2025– via Library and Archives Canada.
  71. 1 2 "Top singles – Volume 47, no. 12, December 26 1987". RPM . December 26, 1987. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via Library and Archives Canada.
  72. ↑ "Los éxitos en Latinoamérica" [The hits in Latin America]. La Opinión (in Spanish). United Press International. July 22, 1987. p. 8. Retrieved December 2, 2024– via Google Books.
  73. ↑ "Discos más populares de América Latina" [Latin America's most popular records]. La Opinión (in Spanish). United Press International. July 7, 1987. p. 6. Retrieved December 2, 2024– via Google Books.
  74. 1 2 "Madonna: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  75. ↑ Myers, Justin (February 22, 2022). "61 incredible Madonna chart facts and feats". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 22, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  76. ↑ Mayo, Simon (May 8, 1987). "Madonna ― the vital statistics" . Hull Daily Mail . p. 39. Retrieved February 27, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  77. 1 2 "British single certifications – Madonna – La Isla Bonita". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  78. ↑ Jones, Alan (August 19, 2008). "The immaculate guide to 50 years of Madonna". Music Week . Archived from the original on September 11, 2008. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  79. 1 2 "Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in French). Le classement de singles. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  80. 1 2 "French single certifications – Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved July 9, 2022.Select MADONNA and click OK. 
  81. 1 2 Ferment, Fabrice. "Top – 1987". 40 ans de tubes : 1960–2000 : les meilleures ventes de 45 tours & CD singles (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP). OCLC   469523661. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via Top-France.fr.
  82. 1 2 "Madonna – La Isla Bonita". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  83. 1 2 "Offiziellecharts.de – Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  84. 1 2 "Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  85. 1 2 "European Hot 100 singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 24. June 13, 1987. pp. 14–15. ISSN   1385-612X. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 6, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  86. 1 2 "The Irish Charts – Search Results – La Isla Bonita". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  87. 1 2 "Madonna – La Isla Bonita". VG-lista. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  88. 1 2 "Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  89. 1 2 "Nederlandse Top 40 – Madonna" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  90. 1 2 "Madonna – La Isla Bonita". Singles Top 100. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  91. ↑ Alonso, Sebas E. (April 30, 2017). "30 años de 'La Isla Bonita', el kitsch latino convertido en clásico de Madonna" [30 years of 'La Isla Bonita', the Latin kitsch turned Madonna classic] (in Spanish). Jenesaispop. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  92. 1 2 Bego 2000 , p. 189
  93. 1 2 3 4 Kaufman, Gil (April 23, 2025). "Madonna's sultry 'La Isla Bonita' video hits one billion YouTube views". Billboard . Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  94. ↑ Gabriel 2023 , p. 201
  95. 1 2 Oreck 2010 , p. 142
  96. ↑ "¿Qué reconocido actor de Hollywood hizo un cameo en 'La Isla Bonita' de Madonna?" [What renowned Hollywood actor had a cameo on Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita'?] (in Spanish). Los 40. December 12, 2017. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  97. ↑ Branco Cruz, Felipe (April 14, 2015). "Paulinho da Costa, o brasileiro que tocou com Michael Jackson e Madonna" [Paulinho da Costa, the Brazilian who played with Michael Jackson and Madonna] (in Portuguese). Universo Online. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  98. ↑ Rinallo, Scott & Maclaran 2013 , pp. 39
  99. 1 2 3 4 Viñuela, Eduardo (2020). Pop in Spanish in the U.S.: A Pace to Articulate the Latino Identity (PDF) (Report). Estudios del Observatorio / Observatorio Reports, no. 63. Instituto Cervantes at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Harvard University. p. 14. doi:10.15427/OR063-09/2020EN. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  100. 1 2 3 4 Fouz-Hernández & Jarman-Ivens 2004 , pp. 144–146
  101. ↑ "Madonna celebró 30 años de 'La Isla Bonita'" [Madonna celebrated 30 years of 'La Isla Bonita']. El Telégrafo (in Spanish). March 3, 2017. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  102. ↑ Inglis, Cathy (December 26, 1987). "Euroclips 1987: Limelight & vivid rule the screens" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 51/52. p. 7. ISSN   1385-612X. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  103. ↑ Madonna (1990). The Immaculate Collection (Liner notes). Warner Music Vision. 7599-38195-2.
  104. ↑ Chow 2004 , p. 54
  105. ↑ Sanguino, Juan (August 16, 2017). "Los vídeos de Madonna, ordenados de menor a mayor apropiación cultural" [Madonna's videos, ranked from least to most cultural appropriation]. Vanity Fair Spain (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  106. ↑ Sullivan 2014 , p. 86
  107. ↑ Kellner 1995 , p. 271
  108. 1 2 Tomasello, Andrew (2016). "The Madonna Triptych: A Mystical Reading of Three Early Music Videos". In Brand, Benjamin; Rothenberg, David (eds.). Music and Culture in the Middle Ages and Beyond: Liturgy, Sources, Symbolism. Cambridge University Press. pp. 299, 308, 310. doi:10.1017/CBO9781316663837.016. ISBN   978-1-107-15837-5.
  109. ↑ O'Brien 2007 , p. 117
  110. ↑ Shultz, Cara Lyn; Parsley, Aaron (August 16, 2023). "65 of Madonna's most unforgettable looks in honor of her birthday". People . Archived from the original on August 17, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  111. ↑ D'Costa D'Silva, Melissa (August 16, 2018). "Birthday Special: 5 of Madonna's most iconic album looks". Daily News and Analysis . Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  112. ↑ Sollosi, Mary (August 16, 2018). "Madonna's fashion evolution". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  113. 1 2 Ahwa, Dan (March 3, 2016). "Watch and listen: Madonna's most stylish music videos". The New Zealand Herald . Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  114. ↑ Mérida, Maria (November 24, 2015). "7 looks de Madonna que nos cambiaron la vida (y el armario)" [7 Madonna looks that changed our lives (and closet)]. Vogue España (in Spanish). Archived from the original on November 28, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  115. ↑ Murphy, Ryan (April 10, 1987). "Video clips: Madonna goes creatively lame" . Miami Herald . p. 3B. Retrieved February 27, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  116. ↑ Virtel, Louis (August 16, 2013). "Madonna's 55 best videos, in honor of her 55th birthday". TheBacklot.com. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  117. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (October 6, 2022). "Madonna's 25 greatest music videos". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  118. ↑ Neid, Mike (August 16, 2018). "From 'Vogue' to 'Hung Up': Madonna's 25 best videos". MRC. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2025– via Idolator.
  119. ↑ Inclusion of "La Isla Bonita" on Madonna's concert tours:
  120. ↑ Hilburn, Robert (June 29, 1987). "Tour opens! It's true: Madonna is really good" . Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on May 14, 2014. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  121. ↑ Leith, William (August 23, 1987). "The lady is a vamp" . The Sunday Telegraph . p. 17. Retrieved February 27, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  122. ↑ Metz & Benson 1999 , p. 8
  123. ↑ Pareles, Jon (July 15, 1987). "Pop: Madonna benefit for AIDS at the Garden" . The New York Times . Archived from the original on March 11, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  124. ↑ Phares, Heather (1988). "Madonna > Ciao Italia: Live in Italy[Video] > overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  125. 1 2 Rettenmund 1995 , pp. 74–75
  126. ↑ O'Brien 2007 , p. 194
  127. ↑ Considine, J.D. (October 16, 1993). "'Girlie' retools songs to sharpen points" . The Baltimore Sun . Archived from the original on September 2, 2025. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  128. ↑ Phares, Heather (April 12, 1994). "Madonna > The Girlie Show: Live Down Under[Video] > overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on July 15, 2025. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  129. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (July 26, 2001). "Madonna (New York, NY – July 25, 2001)". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  130. ↑ Mancini, Robert (July 23, 2001). "Madonna — all five of her — invades Philadelphia with tour". MTV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  131. ↑ Needham, Alex (September 12, 2005). "Madonna: London Earl's Court". NME . Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  132. ↑ "Madonna's 'Drowned World' comes to home video". Billboard . October 12, 2001. Archived from the original on January 3, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  133. ↑ Cohen, Sandy (May 22, 2006). "Critics rage at Madonna imagery". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 1, 2006. Retrieved July 4, 2022– via CBS News.
  134. ↑ Easlea 2012 , p. 234
  135. ↑ Liu, Maria (June 1, 2006). "A confession: Reinvention becomes Madonna". The Mercury News . Archived from the original on June 24, 2006. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  136. ↑ Gonzalez, Ed (July 4, 2006). "Madonna (New York, NY – July 3, 2006)". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  137. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (January 30, 2007). "Madonna > The Confessions Tour > overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 2, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  138. ↑ Sutherland, Mark (July 7, 2007). "Live Earth London wraps with Madonna spectacular". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 10, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2007.
  139. ↑ Varga, George (November 5, 2008). "Like a Celebration: Madonna's Petco Park concert exults in her music and the election of a new President". SignOn San Diego. Archived from the original on November 8, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  140. ↑ López, Lourdes (July 27, 2009). "Madonna desgrana su carrera musical en el Estadi Olímpic" [Madonna unravels her musical career at the Estadi Olímpic]. La Vanguardia (in Spanish). Archived from the original on January 25, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  141. ↑ Cronik, Scott (November 23, 2008). "Madonna brings excess, spectacle to fans at Boardwalk Hall". The Press of Atlantic City . Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  142. ↑ Baca, Ricardo (November 8, 2008). "Madonna thrills fans at Pepsi Center". The Denver Post . Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  143. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (April 6, 2010). "Madonna > Sticky & Sweet Tour > overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  144. ↑ Lee, Ashley (September 8, 2015). "Madonna expertly touts irreverence, cultural immersion on Rebel Heart Tour at MSG: Concert review". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  145. ↑ Branch, Kate (September 25, 2015). "All the incredible designer costumes in Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour". Glamour . Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  146. ↑ Rachel, T. Cole (September 21, 2015). "I made it through the wilderness: On gay fandom, and growing older with Madonna". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  147. ↑ "Rebel Heart Tour DVD/Blu-ray & CD tracklisting revealed". August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2025– via Official Madonna Website.
  148. ↑ Gardner, Chris (July 27, 2017). "Madonna makes surprise appearance at Leonardo DiCaprio's St. Tropez fundraiser". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on December 10, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  149. ↑ Sheffield, Robb (September 20, 2019). "Why Madonna's Madame X Tour is the gloriously insane mess of your dreams" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  150. ↑ Lynch, Joe (September 20, 2019). "As Madame X, Madonna is her most authentic onstage self in years". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  151. ↑ Fragassi, Selena (October 17, 2019). "10:45 p.m. start time very much in vogue (and worth the wait) when you're Madonna" . Chicago Sun-Times . Archived from the original on October 18, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  152. ↑ Scott, Darren (January 30, 2020). "Madame X's London debut proves this is Madonna's world, and we're all just living in it". PinkNews . Archived from the original on January 31, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  153. ↑ Fadroski, Kelli Skye (November 14, 2019). "Madonna's Madame X Tour goes on late at The Wiltern, but do her L.A. fans even care?". Los Angeles Daily News . Archived from the original on November 14, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  154. ↑ Gleiberman, Owen (October 8, 2021). "Madame X review: A Madonna concert that's heavy on message, light on euphoria". Variety . Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  155. ↑ Appler, Michael (October 9, 2021). "Madonna takes to Harlem for a basement performance, parades through streets with Jon Batiste (Watch)". Variety . Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  156. ↑ Graham, Adam (January 16, 2024). "Madonna shows vulnerability at homecoming concert: 'I hope you're proud of me, Detroit!'". The Detroit News . Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  157. ↑ Wheeler, Brad (January 12, 2024). "Madonna's Celebration Tour salutes her history, nostalgia free" . The Globe and Mail . Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  158. ↑ Sutherland, Mark (October 14, 2023). "Madonna's Celebration Tour proves the Material Girl is still the reigning queen of pop music: Concert review". Variety . Archived from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  159. ↑ Rettenmund 1995 , p. 118
  160. ↑ "Micaela (1980s) – 'La Isla Bonita'" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Archived from the original on February 23, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  161. ↑ "New talent: Micaela - 'La Isla Bonita' (Discomagic)" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 3, no. 51/52. December 27, 1986. p. 27. ISSN   1385-612X. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2024– via World Radio History.
  162. ↑ "Chart History: Byanka". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  163. ↑ Farrés, Héctor (October 28, 2023). "El sorprendente vídeo de Shakira imitando a Madonna cuando era una niña" [The surprising video of Shakira imitating Madonna when she was a little girl]. La Vanguardia (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  164. ↑ Sheng, Yuen. "Deetah – Deadly Cha Cha (London Records)". MTV Asia. Archived from the original on April 10, 2004. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  165. ↑ Hay, Carla (June 5, 1999). "Popular uprisings: a little more Corrine" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 111, no. 23. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2024– via World Radio History.
  166. ↑ "Life Story". NME . September 12, 2005. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  167. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (August 14, 2004). "Review: Mase, Welcome Back". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  168. ↑ Kutner & Leigh 2010 , p. 159
  169. ↑ Jakeman, Jake (June 9, 2004). "Paul Weller, Alison Moyet and David Hasselhoff (!!) take the easy option with covers albums". BBC. Archived from the original on October 6, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  170. ↑ Birchemeir, Jason (November 30, 2007). "Laura Pausini > San Siro 2007 > overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
  171. ↑ Cadet, Thierry (June 6, 2008). "Alizée reprend 'La Isla Bonita' de Madonna!" [Alizée covers Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita'!] (in French). Charts in France. Archived from the original on August 29, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  172. ↑ "Alizée > Psychédélices[Mexican Tour Edition] > overview". AllMusic. June 25, 2008. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  173. ↑ "Las 10 canciones más populares" [The 10 most popular songs]. Los Tiempos (in Spanish). Associated Press. June 26, 2008. Archived from the original on July 1, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  174. ↑ Bárcenas Cruz, Aruro (June 19, 2008). "Alizée se movió entre lo lúdico y lo sensual en el Auditorio" [Alizée moved between playful and sexy at the Auditorio]. La Jornada (in Spanish). Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  175. ↑ "Perez Hilton hace una 'Gagalupe'" [Perez Hilton does 'Gagalupe']. El Universal (in Spanish). May 28, 2010. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  176. ↑ "¿Has oído 'Love 2 Love U', el nuevo temazo de Britney Spears?" [Have you listened to 'Love 2 Love U', Britney Spears' new kick-ass song?] (in Spanish). Los 40. December 2, 2011. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  177. ↑ Stack, Tim (February 3, 2012). "Glee scoop: Details from next week's Ricky Martin episode, 'The Spanish Teacher'". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on October 30, 2016.
  178. ↑ Wightman, Catriona (February 8, 2012). "Glee: 'The Spanish Teacher' recap". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  179. ↑ "Ricky Martin Chart History". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  180. ↑ "Ricky Martin Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  181. ↑ Lynch, Joe (October 31, 2014). "Deerhoof celebrates 20 years with release of Madonna-inspired La Isla Bonita album". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  182. ↑ Flores, Griselda (December 17, 2020). "Why Latin music couldn't get enough of sampling in 2020". Billboard . Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  183. ↑ Amter, Charlie (July 9, 2020). "Hitmaker of the month: Producer Johnny Goldstein melds Israeli and Latin grooves on Black Eyed Peas' 'Mamacita'". Variety . Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  184. ↑ Goldberg, Madison E. (April 23, 2025). "This Madonna classic is her first music video to reach 1 billion YouTube views — and it's not the one you think". People . Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  185. 1 2 Cantor-Navas, Judy (August 16, 2018). "Feliz cumple Madonna! Her best Spanish songs & Latin style". Billboard . Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  186. ↑ DeRogatis, Jim (November 4, 1997). "Sugar, not spice: Album offers bubble gum, not girl power". Chicago Sun-Times . Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  187. ↑ Fouz-Hernández & Jarman-Ivens 2004, p. 155
  188. ↑ Nichols, Natalie (January 21, 2001). "Taking a page from Madonna's old playbook" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  189. ↑ Pollock 2005 , p. 206
  190. ↑ Morales, Edgar (February 15, 2019). "Necestiamos una Madonna" [We need a Madonna]. El Heraldo de México (in Spanish). Archived from the original on March 30, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  191. 1 2 Madonna (1987). La Isla Bonita (US 7-inch single liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. 9 28378-7.
  192. 1 2 Madonna (1987). La Isla Bonita (US 12-inch maxi single liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. 0-20633.
  193. ↑ Madonna (1987). La Isla Bonita (German 12-inch maxi single liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. 920 633-0.
  194. ↑ Madonna (1987). La Isla Bonita (Australian CD single liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. 7599-25451-2.
  195. ↑ Madonna (1987). La Isla Bonita (Japanese CD single liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. WPCP-3440.
  196. ↑ "La Isla Bonita – Super mix green RSD exclusive 2019". Rhino Entertainment. March 28, 2019. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022– via Amazon.com.
  197. ↑ "La Isla Bonita – EP by Madonna". Sire. Warner Bros. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023– via Apple Music.
  198. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  199. ↑ "Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  200. 1 2 "Top 3 in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 22. June 6, 1987. p. 12. ISSN   1385-612X. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  201. ↑ "Madonna chart history". RÚV (in Icelandic). RÚV. March 22, 2016. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  202. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Madonna"
  203. ↑ "ラ・イスラ・ボニータ, マドンナ" [La Isla Bonita, Madonna] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  204. ↑ "Madonna – La Isla Bonita". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  205. ↑ "Madonna Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  206. ↑ "Cash Box top 100 singles". Cash Box . Vol. L, no. 45. May 9, 1987. p. 4. ISSN   0008-7289.
  207. ↑ "Madonna". Radio & Records . Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  208. ↑ "OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay" [OLiS – official airplay list] (Select week 06.04.2024–12.04.2024.) (in Polish). OLiS. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  209. ↑ "National top 100 singles for 1987". Australian Music Report . No. 701. December 28, 1987.
  210. ↑ "Jahreshitparade 1987" [Annual hit parade 1987] (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Archived from the original on October 21, 2004. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  211. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1987" [Annual reviews 1987] (in Dutch). Ultratop. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  212. ↑ "Annual Hitparade 1987" [Annual hit parade 1987] (in Danish). Hung Medien. 1987. Archived from the original on November 27, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  213. ↑ "European charts of the year 1987: singles" (PDF). Music & Media . December 26, 1987. p. 34. ISSN   1385-612X. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2023– via World Radio History.
  214. ↑ "Top sellers 1987" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 5, no. 2. March 12, 1988. p. 25. ISSN   1385-612X. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  215. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1987" [Dutch top 100 Year-end chart 1987] (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  216. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – single 1987" [Dutch top 100 Year-end chart 1987] (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  217. ↑ "Topp 20 single vår 1987" [Top 20 singles spring 1987] (in Norwegian). VG-lista. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  218. ↑ "Schweizer jahreshitparade 1987" [Swiss annual hit parade 1987] (in German). Swiss Hitparade. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  219. ↑ Copsey, Rob (April 23, 2021). "The official top 40 best-selling songs of 1987". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  220. ↑ "Top hot crossover singles" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 52. December 26, 1987. p. Y-27. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022– via World Radio History.
  221. ↑ "The Cash Box year-end charts: 1987". Cash Box . December 26, 1987. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  222. ↑ "Top 100 single-jahrescharts" [Top 100 singles yearly charts] (in Dutch). Ofizielle Deutsche Charts. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  223. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Madonna; 'La Isla Bonita')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  224. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  225. ↑ "Japanese single certifications – Madonna – La Isla Bonita" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved December 18, 2024.Select 1995年10月 on the drop-down menu
  226. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Madonna – La Isla Bonita". Radioscope. Retrieved December 18, 2024.Type La Isla Bonita in the "Search:" field.
  227. ↑ "Spanish single certifications – Madonna – La Isla Bonita". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España . Retrieved February 17, 2025.

Literary sources

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.