True Blue (album)

Last updated

True Blue
Madonna - True Blue (album cover).png
Studio album by
Madonna
ReleasedJune 30, 1986
RecordedDecember 1985 – April 1986
StudioChannel (Los Angeles)
Genres
Length40:20
Labels
Producers
Madonna chronology
Like a Virgin & Other Big Hits!
(1985)		True Blue
(1986)		 Who's That Girl
(1987)
Singles from True Blue
  1. "Live to Tell"
    Released: March 26, 1986
  2. "Papa Don't Preach"
    Released: June 11, 1986
  3. "True Blue"
    Released: September 29, 1986
  4. "Open Your Heart"
    Released: November 12, 1986
  5. "La Isla Bonita"
    Released: February 25, 1987

True Blue is the third studio album by American singer and songwriter Madonna. It was released on June 30, 1986, by Sire Records. Madonna had greater control over the creative direction of True Blue than on her second studio album, Like a Virgin (1984), as she attempted to establish herself as a serious artist and appeal to a broader, more mature audience.

Contents

Madonna recorded the album in 1985 and 1986 and collaborated with Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray on both writing and production. She had previously worked with the latter on Like a Virgin. True Blue marked the first time she co-wrote and co-produced every track on an album. Its themes—primarily love, romance, marriage, and devotion—draw in part on her personal life and her marriage to actor Sean Penn. Musically, True Blue is a pop and dance-pop album with a soundscape characterized by synthesizers, strings, guitars, drum machines, and backing vocal arrangements, influenced by the Motown sound, girl groups, and Latin pop.

Madonna promoted True Blue with the Who's That Girl World Tour, the second highest-grossing female concert tour of 1987. Five singles supported the album: the US Billboard Hot 100 number-ones "Live to Tell", "Papa Don't Preach", and "Open Your Heart", as well as the top-five entries "True Blue" and "La Isla Bonita". An immediate global success, True Blue topped the charts in a record-breaking twenty-eight countries worldwide and received multi-platinum certifications across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia–Pacific region. In the United States, it remained atop the Billboard 200 for five consecutive weeks and was certified septuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Music critics acclaimed True Blue on release because of Madonna's maturity as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Retrospectively, the album has been regarded as an archetype of popular music from the 1980s. It is credited with solidifying her position as the most commercially successful female pop superstar of the decade and establishing her credibility as an artist. Globally, True Blue was the best-selling album of 1986 and the best-selling album of the 1980s by a female artist. It remains Madonna's best-selling studio album and one of the best-selling albums of all time, with sales exceeding 25 million copies worldwide.

Background

American singer and songwriter Madonna released her sophomore album, Like a Virgin , in 1984. [1] She selected all of the songs herself, five of which she wrote or co-wrote. [2] It became her first number-one album in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. [3] All four of its singles reached the top five of the US Billboard Hot 100, with the lead single and title track, "Like a Virgin", becoming her first chart-topper; the second single, "Material Girl", reached number two. [4] It has sold over 21 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. [5] [6] However, the album was not as successful critically as it was commercially; Madonna's vocals were criticized, though Nile Rodgers's production was acclaimed. [a]

After meeting on the set of the music video for "Material Girl", Madonna and actor Sean Penn began dating in February 1985. [12] Madonna admired his work and believed he felt the same; she said they had "so much in common", and that "he [was] almost like [her] brother". [13] After dating casually for six months, the pair married on her twenty-seventh birthday on August 16. [13] [14] Soon after, the newlyweds co-starred in Shanghai Surprise (1986), an adventure comedy film that became a critical and commercial failure. [14] During her Virgin Tour in 1985, Madonna met producer Patrick Leonard, who was the tour's musical director. [15] Once the tour ended, Madonna invited Leonard to write music with her. [16] They met at a barbecue he hosted, during which he presented her with a song he had composed in his studio, titled "Love Makes the World Go Round". Madonna performed it at the Live Aid benefit concert in Philadelphia in July 1985. [15] [17]

Recording and development

"I like to have control but I'm not a tyrant [...] I like to be surrounded by really talented, intelligent people who I trust, and ask them for their advice and get their input too".

— Madonna on working with Leonard and Bray on True Blue [18]

Madonna and her collaborators, Leonard and Stephen Bray, began developing True Blue in December 1985. [19] For the first time in her career, Madonna co-wrote and co-produced every track on the album. [20] She had great control over the album's development and, according to Bray, was "very much in love" while recording. [21] Madonna collaborated separately with Leonard and Bray, except on one occasion when all three came together to create "Where's the Party". [22] According to Leonard, the recording process was informal: he typically developed a musical idea on piano, after which Madonna would write a lyric and sing it. The two would often complete one song per day. Bray said he focused on "shap[ing] things and [...] creat[ing] arrangements to show off the song[s] better". [19]

The first song recorded for True Blue was "Open Your Heart". [23] Co-written by Gardner Cole and Peter Rafelson, it was originally titled "Follow Your Heart" and conceived as a rock track. The song was intended for singer Cyndi Lauper. The Temptations were also offered the song but declined after hearing that Madonna was interested. [24] [25] After a demo was recorded, "Follow Your Heart" was submitted to Madonna's team for True Blue; Madonna and Leonard added a bassline, turning it into a dance-pop composition. Madonna also revised the lyrics, earning herself a songwriting credit, and retitled it "Open Your Heart". [24] [25] The pop ballad "Live to Tell" was conceived by Leonard as an instrumental for the score of Paramount's film Fire with Fire (1986). After Paramount rejected the track, he asked Madonna to write the lyrics. [16] Madonna subsequently enlisted her former boyfriend Bray, whom she had worked with on Like a Virgin. Madonna felt that he could help her create "up-tempo songs with a classic Top 40 sensibility". [26]

"Papa Don't Preach" was written by Brian Elliot with the intention that it be performed by a singer named Christina Dent. [27] A demo was presented to Warner Bros. executive Michael Ostin, who played it to Madonna during the recording of True Blue; the singer was immediately interested. Elliot had been working with Dent for six months and was initially reluctant to offer the song to another artist, but ultimately agreed, later describing the prospect of Madonna recording it as "hard to resist". Madonna was drawn to the track as, according to her, it aligned with her "personal zeitgeist of standing up to male authorities". [28] [29] [30] While her lyrical contributions were minimal, she received a co-writing credit. [31] [28] "La Isla Bonita" was initially composed as an instrumental demo by Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch for Michael Jackson. [32] After meeting to begin work on True Blue, Leonard presented Madonna with the demo, and she wrote the lyrics while filming Shanghai Surprise (1986). [33]

Madonna, Curtis Hudson—who co-wrote Madonna's 1983 breakthrough single "Holiday"—and Bray wrote the track "Spotlight" for the album. Although it was recorded, the song was ultimately excluded from True Blue's final track list, and later included on her first remix album, You Can Dance (1987). [34] Development for True Blue was complete by April 1986. [19]

Composition

Music and lyrics

True Blue is regarded as Madonna's first significant musical reinvention, departing from the bubblegum pop-oriented sound of her earlier works. [35] [36] It is a pop and dance-pop album with songs that take influence from Latin pop, girl groups, Motown sound, and Cuban music. [b] Their musical arrangements are characterized by synthesizers, strings, drum machines, and backing vocals, alongside the use of acoustic and electric guitar instrumentation. [35] [41] Some songs differ: "Papa Don't Preach" has classical and Baroque-inspired strings, [30] and "La Isla Bonita" includes flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, and maracas. [42] [43] The title track draws heavily from Motown and girl-group music, [44] and "Love Makes the World Go Round" incorporates samba-influenced rhythms. [45] Madonna's earlier recordings featured a bright, high-pitched vocal style that critics likened to "Minnie Mouse on helium". [11] [46] On True Blue, she made greater use of her lower vocal register. [47] [48]

Described by Madonna as her "most personal" work at the time, True Blue aimed to reach a broader, more mature audience than her last two albums. [19] [49] Love, romance, commitment, and fidelity are the album's main themes. [14] [41] [50] The title track in particular is about devotion and loyalty to a romantic partner. [51] Biographer Andrew Morton stated that it is the only song on the album that was a "direct" tribute to Penn, though the entire album was "inspired by her feelings for him at this time". [52] Similarly, author Lucy O'Brien wrote that her love for Penn "seep[s] into every song". [53] "Papa Don't Preach" addresses teenage pregnancy, "Love Makes the World Go Round" promotes themes of anti-war and anti-poverty, and "Live to Tell" deals with deceit, mistrust, and trauma. [54] [55] Escapism is depicted through the idyllic portrayal of an imaginary tropical paradise in "La Isla Bonita" and the pursuit of enjoyment in "Where's the Party". [56]

Songs

James cagney promo photo (cropped, centered).jpg
James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (HQ).jpg
Tracks "White Heat" and "Jimmy Jimmy" were dedicated to and inspired by James Cagney (left) and James Dean (right), respectively.

True Blue opens with "Papa Don't Preach", a dance-pop song with elements of baroque pop, post-disco, classical music, and 1960s-inspired psychedelia. The lyrics are narrated from the perspective of a teenage girl who confesses to her father that she is pregnant and has chosen to keep the child. She appeals for understanding and declares her independence. Songwriter Brian Elliot stated that the lyrics told the story of a "young girl who found herself at a crossroads in life and didn't know where to turn". [30] [57] The second track, "Open Your Heart", is an innuendo-laden dance-pop song incorporating elements of rock and roll, with melancholic lyrics about a woman who persistently tries to persuade a resistant man to open up emotionally. [25] [58] [59]

The third track, "White Heat", was dedicated to actor James Cagney and named after the 1949 film of the same name. It is an uptempo dance track featuring synth bass and double-tracked vocals, and incorporates two excerpts from the original film soundtrack—consisting of dialogue and gunshot effects—placed at the beginning and near the end. [60] The song reinterprets the gangster film's typical focus on crime and material gain by presenting love as the central object of desire, rather than wealth or power. [51] "Live to Tell" is a pop ballad with torch song influences, featuring instrumentation that includes keyboards, synthesizers, electric guitar, and a combination of programmed and live percussion. [61] [62] Lyrically, it explores themes of deception, mistrust, and the emotional burden of carrying a hidden secret while confronting a painful past. [61] [55]

"Where's the Party", the fifth track on True Blue, is an upbeat dance track driven by keyboards, drum machines, and a synthesizer bass, described by biographer Daryl Easlea as "the most straightforward track on the album". [63] Its lyrics depict a person who works tirelessly throughout the week and seeks release on the dance floor during the weekend. Madonna described the song as a statement about "what it's like to be in the middle of this press stuff with everybody on my back". [63] The album's sixth track, title song "True Blue", is the singer's tribute to her husband, Penn. [52] It is a dance-pop love song featuring doo-wop harmonies, drawing influence from Motown and girl groups from the 1960s. Its verse–chorus structure is reminiscent of the Dixie Cups' "Chapel of Love" (1964), with backing vocalists Siedah Garrett and Edie Lehman accompanying Madonna's stylized, high-pitched vocals in a choir-like arrangement. [44] [64] [65] [66]

"La Isla Bonita" is a Latin pop dance ballad with influences from bossa nova. [67] [68] Its instrumentation includes flamenco guitar, Latin percussion, electronic sounds, and maracas. [42] [69] Lyrically, "La Isla Bonita" portrays Madonna as a woman longing for an imaginary island named San Pedro. [32] [70] She sings four lines in Spanish. [71] The eighth track, "Jimmy Jimmy", is a dance-pop song with influences of Motown sound and new wave music. [19] [72] Its lyrics reference "a boy who comes from bad places", [33] and were inspired in part by Madonna's childhood fascination with actor James Dean. [44] True Blue closes with "Love Makes the World Go Round", an upbeat track with Latin drums, samba-influenced rhythms, and lyrics addressing anti-war and anti-poverty themes. [45] Biographer Mark Bego described it as "her salute to the peace songs of the sixties" and compared it to "All You Need Is Love" (1967) by the Beatles. [51]

Artwork and release

Lucy O'Brien compared the album's cover art to the work of American artist Andy Warhol (pictured). Andy Warhol at the Jewish Museum (by Bernard Gotfryd) - LOC.jpg
Lucy O'Brien compared the album's cover art to the work of American artist Andy Warhol (pictured).

The album cover for True Blue was photographed by Herb Ritts, with whom Madonna had previously worked on the poster of the film Desperately Seeking Susan (1985). [73] It depicts the singer in profile, with her head tilted back and eyes closed against a sky-blue background. Her complexion appears bleached out, and her hair is styled in a platinum blonde shade. [74] Jeri Heiden, then working in the Warner Bros. art department, was responsible for editing the photographs for use as record covers. The final image was selected by Madonna, Heiden, and Warner Bros. creative director Jeff Ayeroff. Heiden then experimented with various treatments of the original black-and-white photograph to align with the album's title, eventually producing the final blue-toned, hand-tinted version. [75]

True Blue's inner sleeve did not include photographs, instead showing only production credits and song lyrics since, according to biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, "Madonna may have wanted to be best represented by just her work". [26] In the liner notes, she dedicated True Blue to Sean Penn, describing him as "the coolest guy in the universe". [76] O'Brien described the cover as a Warholian example of pop art with its "mixture of innocence [and] idealism"; she referred to it as "our first glimpse of Madonna as a classic icon". [74] Taraborrelli interpreted the artwork as indicative of artistic development, suggesting that True Blue was a period of growth for Madonna. He also described the "washed-out" color treatment as comparatively understated, particularly in contrast to the more overtly sexualized imagery associated with her earlier work. [26] In 2023, Joe Lynch of Billboard ranked the cover as among the 100 greatest album artworks. [77]

In April 1986, Billboard reported that her third album would be titled Live to Tell and was scheduled for a summer release. [78] A month later, the title was confirmed as True Blue, named after one of Penn's favorite expressions, which Madonna described as representing a "very pure vision of love". [44] [79] [80] Sire and Warner Bros. Records released True Blue on June 30, 1986. [81] [35] In the US and Canada, the album cover omitted Madonna's name, as her prominently featured face was considered sufficient to identify her. Heiden explained in an interview that the record company used shrink wrap for these releases, which allowed the photograph of Madonna to be revealed only after the packaging was removed. Warner Bros. included her name on European editions to maintain recognizability in those markets. [75] In 2001, Warner Bros. issued a remastered edition of the album that included bonus tracks and remixes. [82] True Blue was also reissued on crystal clear vinyl on November 8, 2019. [83] A thirty-fifth anniversary edition was released on July 30, 2021, featuring further remixes as well as dub and instrumental versions. It was the first release from Madonna's "Silver Collection" reissue series. [84]

Promotion

Touring

Madonna performing during the 1987 Who's That Girl World Tour Madonna in concert wearing fishnets 1987.jpg
Madonna performing during the 1987 Who's That Girl World Tour

Madonna promoted True Blue with the Who's That Girl World Tour, her second concert tour; it also supported her soundtrack album Who's That Girl (1987). [85] [86] The tour began on June 14, 1987, in Osaka, Japan, and concluded on September 6 in Florence, Italy. [87] It marked her first visit to Europe and Asia. [86] The tour was more musically and technically elaborate than the Virgin Tour, with a larger stage and four large video screens as backdrops; Madonna described it as a "theatrical multimedia spectacular". [86] [88] In collaboration with costume designer Marlene Stewart, Madonna developed the wardrobe to bring her music video personas to the stage, recreating scenes from "True Blue", "Papa Don't Preach", and "La Isla Bonita". [89]

The Who's That Girl World Tour was well-received, [90] with reviewers praising the performances, Madonna's vocal delivery, and her stage presence. [85] [91] [92] Her performance of "Papa Don't Preach" was Madonna's first conflict with the Vatican, as she dedicated the song to Pope John Paul II, who encouraged Italian audiences to boycott the concerts due to their sexual imagery. [93] With a total gross revenue of $25 million (equivalent to $41.21 million in 2025), the Who's That Girl World Tour was the second highest-grossing tour by a female artist in 1987, behind Tina Turner's Break Every Rule World Tour. [94] The tour broke several attendance records, including the highest-attended concert by a female artist at the time, with her performance near Paris garnering over 130,000 people. [95] [96]

Singles

True Blue was supported by five singles. The lead single, "Live to Tell", was released in the United States on March 26, 1986, and in Europe on April 14. [97] [98] In the US, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number forty. [99] In its eighth week on the chart, it reached number one, becoming Madonna's third song to top the Hot 100. [100] "Live to Tell" also reached number one in Canada, Greece, and Italy, and placed within the top five in the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Uruguay. [c] The music video, directed by James Foley, presents Madonna with a demure and understated image, drawing inspiration from classic Hollywood actresses such as Marilyn Monroe. It is intercut with scenes from the film At Close Range. [107] [35]

"Papa Don't Preach" was released as the second single from True Blue. [19] Its American release occurred on June 11, with a European release five days later. [108] Debuting at number forty-two, "Papa Don't Preach" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in its seventh week, staying atop the chart for two weeks and becoming her fourth chart-topper. [30] [109] [110] The song also reached number one in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. [d] "Papa Don't Preach" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. [118] Directed by Foley, its music video follows Madonna as she struggles to tell her father about her pregnancy. These scenes are intercut with footage of her singing and dancing in a dimly lit studio, as well as moments showing a romantic evening spent with her boyfriend. [119] [120]

The third single, "True Blue", was released in Europe on September 29, 1986, and in the United States on October 9. [121] After opening at number forty, "True Blue" peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in its sixth week on the chart. [122] [123] Elsewhere, the song topped the charts in number one in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, and reached the top five in Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Brazil, and the Netherlands. [e] Two music videos were shot for "True Blue". The official one depicts Madonna with three backup dancers and a 1950s Ford Thunderbird convertible in an all-blue diner. An alternative version was made through MTV's "Make My Video" contest; the winning submission, directed by Angel Garcia and Cliff Guest, was shot in sepia tone and featured a teenage romance. [131] [132]

"Open Your Heart" was issued as the fourth single from True Blue in the United States on November 12, 1986, and in Europe on December 1. [133] "Open Your Heart" debuted at number fifty-one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the chart in its ninth week. [134] [135] It became Madonna's fifth number-one on the chart and the third number-one from True Blue, making her the second female artist—after Whitney Houston—to score three chart-toppers from one album. [136] [137] The song reached the top five in Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Italy. [f] In the Jean-Baptiste Mondino–directed music video, the singer portrays an exotic dancer at a peep show who befriends a little boy. Critics appreciated her for depicting women as the dominant sex, but the concept of a child in a strip club received criticism. [143] [144] [145]

"La Isla Bonita" was released as True Blue's fifth and final single on February 25, 1987. [146] Entering the Billboard Hot 100 at number forty-nine, it peaked at number four in its sixth week. [147] [148] It topped the charts of Austria, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, and reached the top five in Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and New Zealand. [g] It became the best-performing song of 1987 in Europe. [154] Directed by Mary Lambert, the music video for "La Isla Bonita" depicts Madonna as two different characters: a Catholic woman and a flamenco dancer. [155] [156] Rolling Stone liked its theatricality, [157] and composer Rikky Rooksby opined that it was "marginally more interesting" than the song. [158] Other reviewers accused the singer of cultural appropriation. [159] [160]

Critical reception

Initial reviews

On release, True Blue was favorably reviewed by music critics, largely for Madonna's maturity as a vocalist, producer, and songwriter. [161] [h] Billboard opined that she had progressed as both a writer and producer. [162] Robert Hilburn wrote in the Los Angeles Times that, while True Blue was not revolutionary, Madonna's voice had matured, and was "so finely tailored that she actually extends the punch and appeal of the production touches". [163] Similarly, Alan Niester wrote in The Globe and Mail that Madonna was no longer a "squeaky-voiced born-again virgin" on True Blue; he described her vocals as "huskier" and more "full-bodied". [164] In the Orlando Sentinel , Bill Henderson stated that the album overshadowed Like a Virgin because of its "mature" and "timeless" sound, and the singer's more "focused" songwriting, describing it as "proof that the material girl has substance as well as style". [165] Davitt Sigerson referred to True Blue as a "sturdy, dependable, lovable" album, praising Madonna's voice as sounding "better than ever". [166]

While critiquing the album for lacking the "gleaming ultra-sleek aural surfaces" of Like a Virgin, Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that True Blue was made up of "shrewdly crafted teen-age and pre-teen-age ditties that reveal Madonna's unfailing commercial instincts" and found her singing with "a lot more heart". [40] For the Minneapolis Star and Tribune , Jon Bream wrote that the album saw Madonna developing an independent artistic identity, rather than being primarily shaped by a contemporary producer; he praised the greater confidence in her singing and more mature lyrical themes. [167] The Citizen 's Mike Abrams stated that her vocals on the album were "better than ever" and deemed it a "showcase for her singing and writing", but wrote that much of the "glamor and starlet image" from her previous works was missing. [168] Wayne Robbins—writing in Newsday —described True Blue as a record with "terrific tunes and no filler". He lauded Madonna for taking creative control as both a producer and songwriter, calling her a "formidable talent". [169] For The Wall Street Journal , Pam Lambert commented on the "fresh-sounding, uncluttered production" of True Blue by Madonna, Bray, and Leonard, stating that "[the singer's] never sounded better". [170]

Although True Blue was generally acclaimed, [161] some reviewers were more mixed in their assessments. Although he praised the singles for being "strong enough to convince even her worst critics that Madonna does have talent", Observer–Reporter critic John Quayle dismissed the record as "warmed over Go-Gos material". [171] Don McLeese of the Chicago Sun-Times stated that, although True Blue was a "valiant—and necessary—attempt on Madonna's part to expand her artistic range, [the album] just isn't as much fun" as her previous records. [172] The Record-Journal 's Jim Zebora applauded "Live to Tell" as "one absolutely marvelous torch song", but described the rest of True Blue as "barely competent post-disco". He concluded: "Let's call it a C plus and program the CD player to ignore eight out of [its] nine songs". [173] Steve Morse of the Boston Globe and Ken Tucker from The Philadelphia Inquirer were also critical of the album; the former deemed it "tired" and "vapid", while the latter called it "boring" and "disappointing". Tucker, however, highlighted "Papa Don't Preach" as the only "terrific song" from the record. [174] [175]

Retrospective commentary

Retrospective professional reviews
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [38]
Blender Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [176]
Christgau's Record Guide B [177]
Entertainment Weekly B [178]
Slant Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [37]

In the years following its release, True Blue has continued to garner commentary from music critics. Piatkowski deemed it a "concerted effort to prove her mettle as an accomplished singer-songwriter" and a "self-conscious" attempt to "broaden her creative and artistic talents". [35] Mary Von Aue of Stereogum stated that the album experiments with "different sounds that are well executed as singles", with "more vocal range and lyrical complexities" than Madonna's first two albums. However, she criticized True Blue as sounding "disjointed" and stated that the rest of the album "doesn't live up to the strength of [its singles]". [179] Similarly, biographer Daryl Easlea said the album's five singles are "so strong" that they overshadow the album's other tracks, which may seem "slight by comparison". [97]

AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine opined that True Blue was one of the great dance-pop albums. He acclaimed Madonna's skills as a songwriter, producer, provocateur, and entertainer, and highlighted the "wide reach, accomplishment, and sheer sense of fun" of the album. [38] El Hunt of the Evening Standard described it as the "most polished" of Madonna's first three albums, striking a "flawless balance between the irresistible tang of sugary pop, and capturing a more diverse set of her artistic touchstones". [180] For Spin, Al Shipley observed that tracks such as "Live to Tell" and "Papa Don't Preach" suggested Madonna's effort to move past her "boy toy" image and "be taken more seriously", although he described the album as "by far the least fun" of her 1980s releases. [181] Robert Christgau, in his Record Guide book (1990), described True Blue as an "uneven product", arguing that its commercial success did not inherently constitute meaningful art. [177] In his 2001 review for Entertainment Weekly , Jim Farber praised Madonna for "adding to her palette", lauding "La Isla Bonita" for its Spanish pop influences and describing "Live to Tell" as her best ballad to date. [178]

Commercial performance

In the United States, True Blue debuted on the Billboard 200 at number twenty-nine; it rose to number nine the following week. [182] [183] In its fifth week on the chart, the album reached number one. It was her second album to top the chart, following Like a Virgin, making Madonna one of five female artists in the rock era to reach number one with successive releases. [184] True Blue remained atop the Billboard 200 for five consecutive weeks and spent eighty-two weeks on the chart. [185] [186] The album received a septuple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, denoting shipments of over seven million copies. [187] After entering at number seventy-one, True Blue climbed to the top of the RPM albums chart in Canada five weeks later. [188] [189] It remained at number one for 11 consecutive weeks and eventually spent a total of 13 weeks atop the chart. The album was later certified diamond by the Canadian Recording Industry Association, denoting shipments of over one million copies. Madonna became the second female artist to receive the certification, following Whitney Houston. [190] [191]

True Blue topped the Argentine albums chart and eventually received a quadruple platinum certification from the Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas, denoting shipments of over 240,000 copies. [192] [193] In Brazil, it sold 205,000 copies within its first two weeks and reached number one on the albums chart. [194] [195] With total sales of 680,000 units by the end of the year, it ranked among the best-selling albums of 1987 and was certified gold by the Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos. [196] [197] Having sold over one million copies overall, True Blue remains the best-selling album in Brazil by an international female artist. [198] The album also topped Japan's Oricon chart and received the Japan Gold Disc Awards for Album of the Year Pop Solo and Grand Prix Album of the Year, the latter recognizing the best-selling international album of the year. [199] In Hong Kong, True Blue topped the albums charts and received a platinum certification from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. [200] [195]

True Blue spent thirty-one weeks atop the European Top 100 Albums chart, making it the chart's longest-running number-one album, and had sold five million copies continent-wide by July 1987. [201] [202] It became the first album by an American artist to debut atop the UK Albums Chart, spending six weeks at number one. It was the best-selling album of 1986 in the UK, with sales of over two million copies. [203] [204] The British Phonographic Industry certified it septuple platinum and it has sold over two million copies. [205] [206] Topping the French albums chart, True Blue was certified diamond by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique for shipments of over one million units. [207] [208] In Germany, it reached number one on the albums chart and was certified double platinum by the Bundesverband Musikindustrie. [209] [210] Elsewhere in Europe, True Blue topped the charts in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden. [i]

True Blue reached the top of the albums chart in Australia and was certified quadruple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association, denoting shipments of over 280,000 copies. [195] [219] It also topped the chart in New Zealand and received a quintuple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand for shipments of over 75,000 copies. [195] [220] The album reached number one in twenty-eight countries worldwide, setting a record at the time. [221] The 1991 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records recognized True Blue as the best-selling album of all time by a female artist, with reported sales exceeding 17 million copies at the time. [222] True Blue was the best-selling album of 1986 and became the best-selling album of the 1980s by a female artist. It remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with sales exceeding 25 million copies worldwide. [223] [224] [225] It is her best-selling studio album and second best-selling album overall, behind The Immaculate Collection (1990). [47] [226]

Legacy

"True Blue launched Madonna to global superstardom, yes, but its impact on music and culture helped keep her at the top of her game for the next three decades, and it might well be the record she is remembered for many more decades to come".

—  Classic Pop 's Andy Jones commenting on the impact of True Blue [19]

True Blue is credited with launching Madonna into worldwide superstardom. Erlewine deemed the album the point at which she became "Madonna the [s]uperstar", whom he described as "the endlessly ambitious, fearlessly provocative entertainer that knew how to outrage, spark debates, get good reviews—and make good music while she's at it". [38] The BBC credited True Blue with broadening Madonna's appeal to an older audience while maintaining her younger fanbase. [227] On the website for the Official Charts Company, Jack White wrote that the album "saw Madonna shoot into the realms of superstardom that her previous album Like a Virgin had cemented". [228] Billboard's Paul Grein credited True Blue with helping popularize the marketing strategy of releasing multiple singles from an album, writing: "10 or 20 years ago you would have had two singles from an album at the most". [229]

Reviewers have credited True Blue with cementing Madonna's status as one of the defining pop stars of the 1980s, ranking her alongside her leading male contemporaries. Author Robert C. Sickels wrote that True Blue solidified her status as the most popular female musician of the 1980s, "shining alongside" male pop icons such as Michael Jackson and Prince. [41] Writing for Slant Magazine, Sal Cinquemani deemed True Blue the "supreme archetype for late '80s and early '90s pop music" and said that it marked Madonna's transition from "pop tart to consummate artist", rivaling the decade's other popular artists such as Jackson and Prince. [37] Piatkowski said that True Blue was the album that made Madonna "the dominant face on the Mount Rushmore of 1980s pop", alongside Jackson, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen, while Mark Savage of the BBC wrote that it cemented her as the "first lady of pop". [35] [230] A writer for The Daily Telegraph included True Blue among what they described as the "four big beasts" of 1980s pop, alongside Thriller (1982) by Jackson, Purple Rain (1984) by Prince, and Faith (1987) by George Michael. [231]

Multiple journalists have recognized the album for establishing Madonna's artistic credibility. Piatkowski stated that True Blue "set the stage for the exponential ascent of [her] brilliance" that began with Like a Prayer (1989) and peaked with Ray of Light (1998). [35] Editors for Slant Magazine named the album one of the best of the 1980s; Jonathan Keefe wrote that it was where Madonna showed that she was more than "just a flash-in-the-pan pop star [...] [i]t's when she began manipulating her image—and her audience—with a real sense of clarity and purpose". [232] According to Matthew Rettenmund, author of Encyclopedia Madonnica, True Blue provided the first "solid proof" of Madonna's artistic and musical abilities. [233] Edna Gundersen, critic for USA Today , recognized the album for "boost[ing] her credibility with critics" and making her "an envelope-pushing provocateur and legitimate songwriter". [234] O'Brien attributed the album's "sophisticated sheen" and its blending of 1960s girl group influences with "chunkier" dance textures to Madonna's transition from a dance-focused artist to a global pop figure. [235]

Track listing

True Blue track listing [236]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Papa Don't Preach"
4:29
2."Open Your Heart"
4:13
3."White Heat"
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
4:40
4."Live to Tell"
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
5:51
5."Where's the Party"
  • Madonna
  • Bray
  • Leonard
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
  • Bray
4:21
6."True Blue"
  • Madonna
  • Bray
  • Madonna
  • Bray
4:18
7."La Isla Bonita"
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
4:02
8."Jimmy Jimmy"
  • Madonna
  • Bray
  • Madonna
  • Bray
3:55
9."Love Makes the World Go Round"
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
  • Madonna
  • Leonard
4:31
Total length:40:20
2001 remastered edition bonus tracks [237]
No.TitleRemixer(s)Length
10."True Blue" (The Color Mix) Shep Pettibone 6:40
11."La Isla Bonita" (extended remix) Chris Lord-Alge 5:27
Total length:52:42
35th anniversary edition bonus tracks [238]
No.TitleRemixer(s)Length
10."Papa Don't Preach" (extended remix)Bray5:42
11."True Blue" (The Color Mix)Shep Pettibone6:40
12."Open Your Heart" (extended version)
10:34
13."La Isla Bonita" (extended remix) Chris Lord-Alge 5:27
14."True Blue" (remix/edit)Pettibone4:26
15."Open Your Heart" (dub)
  • Barbiero
  • Thompson
6:40
16."Live to Tell" (instrumental) 5:50
17."True Blue" (instrumental) 6:51
18."La Isla Bonita" (instrumental extended remix)Lord-Alge5:18
Total length:97:52

Notes

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes. [236]

Charts

Year-end charts

1986 year-end chart performance
Chart (1986)Position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) [239] 10
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [256] 10
Brazilian Albums (ABPD) [196] 8
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) [257] 2
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [258] 1
European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media) [259] 1
French Albums (SNEP) [260] 1
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [261] 6
Italian Albums (Musica e dischi) [262] 1
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [263] 13
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) [264] 6
Norwegian Summer Period (VG-lista) [265] 3
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE) [216] 9
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [266] 5
UK Albums (OCC) [228] 1
US Billboard 200 [267] 37
US Cash Box Top 100 Albums [268] 7
1987 year-end chart performance
Chart (1987)Position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) [239] 21
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [269] 16
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM) [270] 6
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [271] 10
European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media) [272] 3
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [273] 7
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [263] 40
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) [274] 39
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE) [216] 12
US Billboard 200 [275] 11

Decade-end charts

1980–1989 decade-end chart performance
Chart (1980–1989)Position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) [239] 36
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [263] 36
UK Albums (OCC) [276] 10

All-time charts

All-time chart performance
ChartPosition
US Billboard 200 [277] 179
US Billboard 200 (Women) [278] 48

Certifications and sales

List of certifications and sales
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF) [193] 4× Platinum350,000 [279]
Australia (ARIA) [219] 4× Platinum280,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria) [280] Platinum50,000*
Belgium (BRMA) [281] Platinum75,000 [281]
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [197] Gold1,000,000 [198]
Canada (Music Canada) [282] Diamond1,000,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [283] Platinum20,000‡
Finland (Musiikkituottajat) [284] Platinum53,912 [284]
France (SNEP) [208] Diamond1,300,000 [285]
Germany (BVMI) [210] 2× Platinum1,000,000^
Greece (IFPI Greece) [280] Gold50,000^
Hong Kong (IFPI Hong Kong) [286] Platinum20,000*
Ireland (IRMA) [287] Gold 
Israel—62,000 [288]
Italy (AFI) [280] 4× Platinum1,500,000 [289]
Italy (FIMI) [290]
sales since 2009 		Gold25,000‡
Japan (RIAJ) [291] Gold718,000 [263]
Malaysia—22,000 [292]
Netherlands (NVPI) [293] Platinum100,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [294] 5× Platinum75,000^
Norway (IFPI Norway) [280] Platinum110,000 [295]
Philippines (PARI) [287] Gold 
Portugal (AFP) [280] Gold20,000^
Singapore—25,000 [j]
Spain (Promusicae) [280] 3× Platinum300,000^
Sweden (GLF) [287] Gold 
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [280] 3× Platinum150,000^
Turkey—100,000 [297]
United Kingdom (BPI) [205] 7× Platinum2,100,000^
United States (RIAA) [187] 7× Platinum7,000,000^
Summaries
Europe
as of July 1987 		—5,500,000 [202]
Worldwide—25,000,000 [225]

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

Notes

  1. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
  2. ↑ Sources describing True Blue as a pop [37] [38] [39] and dance-pop album, [40] [35] [36] with influences from Latin pop [35] [41] girl groups, [40] Motown sound, [40] and Cuban music [41]
  3. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [101] [102] [103] [104] [105] [106]
  4. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [111] [112] [113] [114] [115] [116] [117]
  5. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [124] [125] [126] [127] [128] [129] [130]
  6. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [138] [139] [140] [141] [142]
  7. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [149] [150] [151] [139] [152] [153]
  8. ↑ All reviews below are from the album's release date up until the end of 1986. Reviews after this period are either in the § Retrospective commentary or § Legacy sections.
  9. ↑ Cited to multiple sources: [211] [212] [213] [214] [215] [216] [217] [218]
  10. ↑ First-day sales for True Blue in Singapore [296]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Perone 2018, p. 112; Taraborrelli 2002, p. 86.
  2. ↑ Bego 2000, pp. 94–102.
  3. ↑ Lemarchand, Allan (September 11, 2020). "The MTV VMAs in Five Scandalous Performances". Numéro . Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  4. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (August 16, 2024). "Madonna's 40 Biggest Billboard Hits". Billboard . Archived from the original on October 4, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  5. ↑ Perone 2018, p. 112.
  6. ↑ "Contrasting Fortunes as Madonna and Jacko Turn 50". The Age . August 15, 2008. Archived from the original on August 11, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  7. ↑ Chin, Brian (December 1, 1984). "Dance Trax" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 96, no. 46. p. 62. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 19, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  8. ↑ Paoletta, Michaele (November 24, 1984). "Spotlight: Madonna, Like a Virgin" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 96, no. 47. p. 64. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  9. ↑ Holden, Stephen (January 6, 1985). "Madonna's Siren Song". The New York Times . Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  10. ↑ Miller, Debby (January 17, 1985). "Like a Virgin". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on August 23, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Skow, John (May 27, 1985). "Madonna Rocks the Land". Time . Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  12. ↑ Sager, Jessica (March 14, 2023). "Madonna's Dating History: From Sean Penn to Guy Ritchie". People . Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Wallace, Carol (July 8, 1985). "Desperately Seeking Matrimony". People. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  14. 1 2 3 Hall, James (July 2, 2021). "Madonna, Sean Penn, And the Toxic, Tempestuous Marriage That Inspired True Blue" . The Daily Telegraph . Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  15. 1 2 Roberts, Dave (February 3, 2022). "'People Have Asked, Can You Write a Bit? 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 December 31, 2023.
  16. 1 2 Breihan, Tom (December 11, 2020). "The Number Ones: Madonna's 'Live To Tell'". Stereogum . Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  17. ↑ Lynch, Joel (July 13, 2015). "Watch Bette Midler Introduce Madonna at Live Aid 30 Years Ago Today". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  18. ↑ Voller 1999, p. 80.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jones, Andy (October 27, 2023). "Classic Album: Madonna – True Blue". Classic Pop . Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  20. ↑ Easlea 2012, p. 49; Bego 2000, pp. 153–155.
  21. ↑ Voller 1999, p. 80; Rooksby 2004, p. 21.
  22. ↑ Taraborrelli 2002, p. 117; Easlea 2012, p. 55.
  23. ↑ O'Brien 2008, p. 159.
  24. 1 2 Easlea 2012, p. 54.
  25. 1 2 3 Breihan, Tom (February 1, 2021). "The Number Ones: Madonna's 'Open Your Heart'". Stereogum . Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  26. 1 2 3 Taraborrelli 2002, pp. 117–118.
  27. ↑ Easlea 2012, p. 52.
  28. 1 2 Scaggs, Austin (October 29, 2009). "Madonna Looks Back: The Rolling Stone Interview". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  29. ↑ Bronson, Fred (July 20, 2002). "Chart Beat" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 114, no. 29. p. 4. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  30. 1 2 3 4 Breihan, Tom (December 28, 2020). "The Number Ones: Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach'". Stereogum . Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  31. ↑ Metz & Benson 1999, p. 48.
  32. 1 2 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.
  33. 1 2 Easlea 2012, p. 57.
  34. ↑ Easlea 2012, pp. 19, 69; Rooksby 2004, pp. 21, 28.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Piatkowski, Peter (June 29, 2021). "35 Years Ago Madonna Staged on Her (First) Bid for Artistic Credibility with True Blue". PopMatters . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  36. 1 2 Hoffman, Claire (July 27, 2023). "Songbook: How Madonna Became The Queen Of Pop & Reinvention, From Her 'Boy Toy' Era To The Celebration Tour". Grammy Awards . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  37. 1 2 3 Cinquemani, Sal (March 9, 2003). "Review: Madonna, True Blue". Slant Magazine . Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  38. 1 2 3 4 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Madonna > True Blue > Overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 2, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  39. ↑ Neal, Matt (January 10, 2026). "From Madonna to Metallica, these are the big albums turning 40 this year". ABC News . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  40. 1 2 3 4 Holden, Stephen (June 29, 1986). "Madonna Goes Heavy on Heart". The New York Times . Archived from the original on December 25, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 Sickels 2013, p. 373.
  42. 1 2 Cross 2007, pp. 40–41.
  43. ↑ Mason, Stewart. "Madonna > "La Isla Bonita" > Overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  44. 1 2 3 4 Holden, Stephen (July 10, 1986). "Madonna Cleans up Her Act but Her Music Remains 'True Blue' to Controversy". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  45. 1 2 Rooksby 2004, p. 25.
  46. ↑ Lynch, Joe (July 27, 2023). "Ranking All the Songs on Madonna's Iconic Debut: 'Holiday,' 'Borderline' & Beyond". Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2026.
  47. 1 2 Lindores, Mark (August 10, 2023). "The albums of Madonna". Classic Pop . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  48. ↑ Considine, J. D. (July 2, 1986). "Records: Madonna, Into the Blue" . The Washington Post . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  49. ↑ Rooksby 2004, pp. 21–23.
  50. ↑ Pareles, Jon (June 11, 1990). "Critic's Notebook; On the Edge of the Permissible: Madonna's Evolving Persona". The New York Times . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  51. 1 2 3 Bego 2000, p. 155.
  52. 1 2 Morton 2001, p. 139.
  53. ↑ O'Brien 2008, p. 104.
  54. ↑ Rooksby 2004, pp. 21–25; Metz & Benson 1999, p. 16.
  55. 1 2 Kearnan, Scott (September 9, 2013). "The 30 Ultimate Madonna Singles". Boston.com . Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  56. ↑ McKeen 2000, p. 233; Rooksby 2004, pp. 21–23; Easlea 2012, p. 55.
  57. ↑ Goldstein, Patrick (August 31, 1986). "Everyone Has a Sermon on 'Papa Don't Preach'". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on September 4, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  58. ↑ Masley, Ed (March 10, 2024). "The 35 Best Madonna Songs of All Time, Ranked". The Arizona Republic . Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  59. ↑ Rooksby 2004, p. 22.
  60. ↑ Rooksby 2004, p. 23.
  61. 1 2 Marsh 1999, pp. 37–38.
  62. ↑ Molanphy, Chris (September 8, 2017). "Why Taylor Swift's New No. 1 Is Her 'Ballad of John and Yoko'". Slate Magazine . Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  63. 1 2 Easlea 2012, p. 55; Rooksby 2004, p. 24.
  64. ↑ Mason, Stewart. "Madonna > "True Blue" > Overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on November 25, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  65. ↑ O'Brien 2008, pp. 101–104.
  66. ↑ "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks". Billboard. August 15, 2018. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  67. ↑ Matthew-Walker 1991, pp. 118–119.
  68. ↑ "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.
  69. ↑ Mason, Stewart. "Madonna > 'La Isla Bonita' > Overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  70. ↑ Rooksby 2004, p. 24.
  71. ↑ Fouz-Hernández & Jarman-Ivens 2004, pp. 143–145.
  72. ↑ Bego 2000.
  73. ↑ Bego 2000, pp. 115, 227.
  74. 1 2 O'Brien 2008, p. 107.
  75. 1 2 Lewis, Julia (October 15, 2006). "True Blue's First Twenties". Aperture . Los Angeles: Aperture Foundation: 71–72. ISSN   0003-6420.
  76. ↑ Bego 2000, p. 187.
  77. ↑ Lynch, Joe (August 7, 2023). "The 100 Best Album Covers of All Time". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  78. ↑ Chin, Brian (April 5, 1986). "Dance Trax" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 98, no. 14. p. 35. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 24, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  79. ↑ Gett, Steve (May 31, 1986). "LeBon Docks, Duran Duran Rocks; Tina, Phil Head Royal Superjam" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 22. p. 20. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  80. ↑ "Flashback: Madonna Awards Winners of Fan-Made Video 'True Blue'". Rolling Stone . June 30, 2016. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  81. ↑ "June Hot Album Releases" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 23. June 7, 1986. p. 97. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 24, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  82. ↑ "Madonna: Madonna, Like a Virgin, True Blue". Billboard . August 18, 2001. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  83. ↑ Lavin, Will (September 24, 2019). "Madonna's First Four Albums to Be Reissued on Stunning Crystal Clear Vinyl". NME . Archived from the original on September 26, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  84. ↑ Dunworth, Liberty (July 23, 2024). "Madonna announces 'Like A Prayer 35th anniversary Silver Collection limited edition vinyl reissue". NME . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  85. 1 2 Taraborrelli 2002, p. 126.
  86. 1 2 3 Vivinetto, Gina (December 23, 2023). "Madonna's 9 Tours: Ranked". The Advocate . Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  87. ↑ Morton 2001, p. 150; Bego 2000, p. 196.
  88. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (April 5, 2024). "Every Madonna Tour, Ranked". Billboard . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  89. ↑ Clerk 2002, p. 66.
  90. ↑ "Rock Booms in the Land of the Rising Yen". The Sydney Morning Herald . April 4, 1987. p. 8. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  91. ↑ 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 December 29, 2023.
  92. ↑ Snead, Elizabeth; Zamost, Scott A. (July 2, 1987). "New Madonna Tour Sets Racy Tone". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  93. ↑ Farber, Jim (October 22, 2008). "When It Comes to Controversy on Tour, Madonna's Been Down This Road". New York Daily News . Archived from the original on October 23, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  94. ↑ Bamidele, Afouda (October 16, 2023). "What Is Madonna's Highest Grossing Tour?". Yahoo! Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  95. ↑ Smith, Neil (May 24, 2004). "Show Stealer Madonna on Tour". BBC News. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2008.
  96. ↑ Voller 1999, p. 29.
  97. 1 2 Easlea 2012, p. 50.
  98. ↑ Citations regarding the release dates of "Live to Tell":
  99. ↑ Ellis, Michael (April 12, 1986). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 15. p. 76. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 1, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  100. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (June 7, 1986)" . Billboard . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  101. ↑ "Top Singles of '86". RPM. December 27, 1986. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2024– via Library and Archives Canada.
  102. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe; Highlights" (PDF). Music & Media . 3 (26): 6, 14. July 5, 1986. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 31, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  103. ↑ "Live to Tell – Madonna". Official Charts Company . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  104. ↑ "Live To Tell". Norwegian Charts. Hung Medien. April 14, 1986. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  105. ↑ "Madonna – Live To Tell". Swiss Singles Chart . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  106. ↑ "Las Canciones Más Populares En Latinoamérica". La Opinión (in Spanish). Associated Press. August 18, 1986. p. 19. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  107. ↑ Butler 2002, p. 232.
  108. ↑ Citations regarding the release dates of "Papa Don't Preach":
  109. ↑ Ellis, Michael (June 28, 1986). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 26. p. 114. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 8, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  110. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (August 16, 1986)" . Billboard . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  111. ↑ DeKnock, Jan (August 22, 1986). "Madonna Preaches Her Message to Appreciative Worldwide Audience". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  112. ↑ "Papa Don't Preach". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  113. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Image 0710". RPM . Library and Archives Canada . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  114. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. August 16, 1986. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  115. ↑ "Papa Don't Preach". Irish Singles Charts . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  116. ↑ "Las Canciones Más Populares En Latinoamérica". La Opinión (Los Angeles) (in Spanish). September 1, 1986. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  117. ↑ "Papa Don't Preach – Madonna". Official Charts Company. June 25, 2026. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  118. ↑ Hunt, Dennis (January 9, 1987). "Grammy Nominations: Highs and Lows – Winwood, Gabriel and Simon Garner Most Nominations". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2024.(subscription required)
  119. ↑ Mitchell 2000, p. 15.
  120. ↑ "Express Yourself: The Making of Madonna's 20 Greatest Music Videos". Rolling Stone. February 25, 2015. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  121. ↑ Citations regarding the release dates of "True Blue":
  122. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (October 4, 1986)". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 11, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  123. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (November 15, 1986)" . Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  124. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Image 0859". RPM . Library and Archives Canada . Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  125. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe / European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 3 (43): 6 and 12. November 1, 1986. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  126. ↑ Copsey, Rob (June 25, 2026). "Acts with the most Number 1 singles in Ireland". Official Charts Company . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  127. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2024. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Madonna" and "True Blue" in the "Titolo" field.
  128. ↑ "True Blue – Madonna". Official Charts Company . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  129. ↑ "Madonna – True Blue". Ultratop 50. Hung Medien. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  130. ↑ "Top World Charts" (PDF). Pelo (in Spanish) (282): 6. 1986. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  131. ↑ Bego 2000, p. 186.
  132. ↑ "Flashback: Madonna Awards 'True Blue' Video Contest Winners". Rolling Stone . June 30, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  133. ↑ Citations regarding the release dates of "Open Your Heart":
  134. ↑ Grein, Paul (December 6, 1986). "Chart Beat" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 49. p. 6. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  135. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (August 16, 1986)" . Billboard . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  136. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (August 16, 2024). "Madonna's 40 Biggest Billboard Hits". Billboard . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  137. ↑ Grein, Paul (February 7, 1987). "Chart Beat" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 6. p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  138. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. 4 (4): 18. January 31, 1987. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  139. 1 2 "Madonna Chart History". RÚV . March 22, 2016. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  140. ↑ "Italy Top Ten" (PDF). Cash Box . 50 (33). February 14, 1987. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 22, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  141. ↑ "Open Your Heart – Madonna". Official Charts Company . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  142. ↑ "Open Your Heart". Irish Singles Chart . Retrieved June 26, 2026.
  143. ↑ Forbes & Mahan 2005, pp. 86–87; Guilbert 2002, pp. 46–47.
  144. ↑ Cinquemani, Sal (June 26, 2019). "Madonna's 9 Most Controversial Videos, From 'Papa Don't Preach' to 'God Control'". Billboard . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  145. ↑ Welsh, Daniel (August 16, 2023). "A Timeline of Madonna's Career in Controversial Videos". HuffPost . Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  146. ↑ "Madonna.com > Discography > 'La Isla Bonita'". Madonna. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  147. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (March 21, 1987)". Billboard . Archived from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  148. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100 (May 2, 1987)". Billboard . Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  149. ↑ "Madonna – La Isla Bonita". Ö3 Austria Top 40 . Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  150. ↑ "Hits of the World: Canada". Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 25. June 20, 1987. p. 60A.
  151. ↑ "La Isla Bonita – Madonna". Official Charts Company . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  152. ↑ "La Isla Bonita". Irish Singles Charts . Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  153. ↑ "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.
  154. ↑ "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.
  155. ↑ 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.
  156. ↑ Yamato, Jen (April 4, 2019). "Original 'Pet Sematary' Director Mary Lambert on Her Horror Classic, Madonna Videos and Meetings with Stephen King at Denny's". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  157. ↑ "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.
  158. ↑ Rooksby 2004, pp. 24–25.
  159. ↑ 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.
  160. ↑ Viñuela, Eduardo (2020). Pop in Spanish in the U.S.: A Pace to Articulate the Latino Identity (PDF). Estudios del Observatorio/Observatorio Studies (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.
  161. 1 2 Bego 2000, p. 167.
  162. ↑ "Reviews: Spotlight" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 28. July 12, 1986. p. 72. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  163. ↑ Hilburn, Robert (July 6, 1986). "Madonna Is Nobody's Toy". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  164. ↑ Niester, Alan (July 10, 1986). "Inside the Sleeve Pop: True Blue Madonna". The Globe and Mail . p. E.5.
  165. ↑ Henderson, Bill (July 8, 1986). "Madonna: [3 Star Edition]". Orlando Sentinel . p. 8.
  166. ↑ Sigerson, Davitt (July 17, 1986). "Home > Music > Album Reviews > True Blue". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2022.(subscription required)
  167. ↑ Bream, Jon (July 18, 1986). "Madonna, Stewart Show Maturity". Minneapolis Star and Tribune . p. 03C.
  168. ↑ Abrams, Mike (July 18, 1986). "Rock". The Citizen . p. F5.
  169. ↑ Robbins, Wayne (December 28, 1986). "Best of '86 / Pop Music: High Notes From Strange Places". Newsday .
  170. ↑ Lambert, Pam (August 27, 1986). "Records: Music in the Key of Life". The Wall Street Journal . p. 1.
  171. ↑ Quayle, John (August 22, 1986). "Madonna's New Album Is a Winner; Guitarist Buchanan Still the Best". Observer-Reporter . p. C-3. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  172. ↑ McLeese, Don (July 10, 1986). "'Mature' Madonna Isn't as Much Fun, But New Album Has Wider Range". Chicago Sun-Times . Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2023– via HighBeam Research.
  173. ↑ Zebora, Jim (July 27, 1986). "One Torch Doesn't Light Madonna". Record-Journal . p. 29. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  174. ↑ Morse, Steve (July 1, 1986). "Madonna's Latest: Is She Serious". Boston Globe . p. 30.
  175. ↑ Tucker, Ken (July 13, 1986). "Now What's So Terrible About Liking Madonna?". The Philadelphia Inquirer .
  176. ↑ Power, Tony. "Madonna – True Blue". Blender . Archived from the original on August 18, 2004. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  177. 1 2 Christgau, Robert (1990). "Madonna: True Blue". Christgau's Record Guide: The '80s . Pantheon Books. ISBN   0-679-73015-X. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  178. 1 2 Farber, Jim (July 20, 2001). "Madonna's Discography". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on June 19, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  179. ↑ Von Aue, Mary (March 18, 2015). "Madonna Albums from Worst to Best". Stereogum. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  180. ↑ Hunt, El (March 21, 2024). "Don't go for second best, baby: all Madonna's albums, ranked". Evening Standard . Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  181. ↑ Shipley, Al (November 12, 2024). "Every Madonna Album, Ranked". Spin . Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  182. ↑ "Billboard 200 (July 19, 1986)". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 18, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  183. ↑ "Billboard 200 (July 26, 1986)". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  184. ↑ Grein, Paul (August 16, 1986). "Chart Beat" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 98, no. 33. p. 6. ISSN   0006-2510 . Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  185. ↑ Grein, Paul (September 13, 1986). "Chart Beat" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 98, no. 37. p. 6. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  186. 1 2 "Madonna Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard . Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  187. 1 2 "American album certifications – Madonna – True Blue". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  188. ↑ "Top Albums/CDs – Volume 44, No. 15, July 05 1986". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. July 5, 1986. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  189. 1 2 "Top RPM Albums: Image 0709". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  190. ↑ LaPointe, Kirk (July 25, 1987). "June Certifications Give Madonna Top Female Status" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 99, no. 30. p. 66. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  191. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Madonna – True Blue". Music Canada . Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  192. 1 2 "Argentina's Top 10" (PDF). Cash Box . 51 (25): 17. December 12, 1987. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  193. 1 2 "Argentinian Album Certifications – Madonna – True Blue" (in Spanish). Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  194. ↑ "Wea". Exame (in Portuguese). No. 366. Editora Abril. 1986. p. 62. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2023– via Google Books. Quando a gravadora WEA lançou o primeiro long-play da roqueira Madonna (Like a Virgin) no Brasil, no ano passado, precisou de 14 meses para vender 410 mil cópias. O segundo, True Blue, lançado em julho último, alcançou 205 mil em duas semanas.
  195. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Holden, Stephen (August 20, 1986). "The Pop Life; Lionel Richie's Latest Songs Have a New Slant". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  196. 1 2 Pickard, Christopher (February 6, 1988). "Brazil Record Sales Hold Ground" (PDF). Cash Box. 51 (31): 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  197. 1 2 "Brazilian album certifications – Madonna – True Blue" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  198. 1 2 João, Gael (June 30, 2020). "TRUE BLUE: 34 Anos Da Grande REVOLUÇÃO No POP". Pop Mais (in Portuguese). Viacom. Archived from the original on September 8, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  199. 1 2 "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 37. September 13, 1986. p. 79. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  200. ↑ "Gold Disc Award > Gold Disc Award Criteria". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  201. 1 2 "European Hot 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. 3 (30/31). August 2, 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  202. 1 2 Bakker, Machgiel (July 18, 1987). "Madonna Heads for 15th Triumph" (PDF). Music & Media . 4 (28): 11. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  203. 1 2 "Madonna Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  204. ↑ Griffiths, George (August 16, 2023). "65 Incredible Madonna Chart Facts, Feats and Trivia". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  205. 1 2 "British album certifications – Madonna – True Blue". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved January 3, 2024.Select albums in the Formats field. Type True Blue Madonna in the "Search:" field.
  206. ↑ Myers, Justin (June 8, 2019). "Madonna's Official Biggest Selling Albums". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  207. 1 2 "Lescharts.com – Madonna – True Blue". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  208. 1 2 "French album certifications – Madonna – True Blue" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved January 3, 2024.Select MADONNA and click OK. 
  209. 1 2 "Offiziellecharts.de – Madonna – True Blue" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  210. 1 2 "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Madonna; 'True Blue')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  211. 1 2 3 "Highlights" (PDF). Music & Media . 3 (30/31): 11. August 2, 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  212. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Andersen 1992, p. 221.
  213. 1 2 "Ísland (LP-Plötur)" (in Icelandic). Timarit.is. August 8, 1986. p. 43. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  214. 1 2 "Italy's Top 10" (PDF). Cash Box. 50 (15): 14. September 27, 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  215. 1 2 "Dutchcharts.nl – Madonna – True Blue" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  216. 1 2 3 4 Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo ÉXitos: Año a Año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  217. 1 2 "Swisscharts.com – Madonna – True Blue". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  218. 1 2 "Swedishcharts.com – Madonna – True Blue". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  219. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1996 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  220. ↑ "Radioscope Gold / Platinum Albums". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. March 1, 2009. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  221. ↑ Bohem 1990, p. 78.
  222. ↑ "Los Récords Guinness De Madonna (Madonna's Guiness Records)". Milenio (in Spanish). January 4, 2016. Archived from the original on June 7, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  223. ↑ Emery, Mark (October 22, 2015). "1986 Flashback: Remembering the Year of the Mets' Last Title, From Reagan to Ruxpin". New York Daily News . Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  224. ↑ Lavin, Will (September 24, 2019). "Madonna's first four albums to be reissued on stunning crystal clear vinyl". NME . Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  225. 1 2 Kaufman, Gil (March 29, 2012). "Madonna and Lionel Richie to Reunite on Billboard Charts?". MTV. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  226. ↑ "Revisiting Ray of Light, Madonna's most forward-thinking album, 20 years on". Dazed . February 22, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  227. ↑ "The Year of Madonna, Maradona, Mexico, Memorable Movie Music, 'Maverick' Mitchell and much more". BBC. January 8, 2026. Retrieved June 29, 2026.
  228. 1 2 White, Jack (October 9, 2020). "All the Number 1 Albums of the 1980s". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on October 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  229. ↑ "Record Producers Betting on B-Sides" . Orlando Sentinel . May 15, 1987. Archived from the original on December 31, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  230. ↑ Savage, Mark (August 15, 2008). "Madonna Turns 50: Highs and Lows". BBC. Archived from the original on August 16, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  231. ↑ "How Faith Set the Standard for Pop Reinvention: Reissued on Vinyl Ahead of Its 40th Anniversary, George Michael's First Solo Venture Was the Greatest British Album of the 1980s". The Daily Telegraph . February 28, 2026. p. 10.
  232. ↑ "The 100 Best Albums of the 1980s". Slant Magazine . March 5, 2012. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  233. ↑ Rettenmund 1995, p. 175.
  234. ↑ Gundersen, Edna (August 15, 2008). "Pop Icons at 50: Through the Years: Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson Were Turning the Music World Upside Down in the '80s. This Summer, They're Turning 50". USA Today . p. D.12.
  235. ↑ O'Brien 2008, p. 161.
  236. 1 2 True Blue (Liner notes). Sire. Warner Bros. Records. 1986. 925442-2.
  237. ↑ True Blue (Remastered Edition) (CD). Warner Bros. 2001. PROP05216.
  238. ↑ "True Blue 35th Anniversary Edition". Icon: Official Madonna website. July 30, 2021. Archived from the original on August 17, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  239. 1 2 3 4 Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (Illustrated ed.). Australia: Australian Chart Book. p. 444. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  240. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Madonna – True Blue" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  241. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 34. August 23, 1986. p. 72. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  242. ↑ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Sisältää Hitin: 1 January 1960 – 30 June 2021" (PDF) (in Finnish). Musiikkiarkisto. pp. 156–157. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  243. ↑ "Madonna Top of the Pops". Evening Herald . January 1, 2024. p. 27. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022– via British Newspaper Archive. Her True Blue album topped sales of 11 million and was No. I album in 28 countries including Ireland.
  244. ↑ "Charts.nz – Madonna – True Blue". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  245. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Madonna – True Blue". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  246. ↑ "Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music Week : 24. July 19, 1986. ISSN   0265-1548. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 9, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  247. ↑ "Madonna Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard . Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  248. ↑ "Top Pop Debuts" (PDF). Cash Box. 50 (9): 3. August 16, 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  249. ↑ "Lista Prodaje 15. Tjedan 2019. (8 April 2019. - 14 April 2019.)" (in Croatian). HDU. April 21, 2019. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  250. ↑ "Greek Albums: Week of May 4, 2019". Billboard. IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on August 29, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  251. ↑ "Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2026. 43. hét". MAHASZ . Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  252. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Madonna – True Blue". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  253. ↑ "Billboard Japan Top Albums Sales – June 3, 2026". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  254. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 5/3/1995 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  255. ↑ "Top Lista Vinila – Strana – 04/2020" (in Croatian). HDU. May 8, 2020. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  256. ↑ "Jahreshitparade 1986" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on April 5, 2005. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  257. ↑ "Top 100 Albums of '86". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. December 27, 1986. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  258. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1986" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  259. ↑ "Hot 100 of the Year 1986" (PDF). Music & Media. 3 (51/52): 35. December 27, 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  260. ↑ "Les Albums (CD) De 1986 Par InfoDisc" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP). Archived from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  261. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts 1986" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  262. ↑ Giallo, Roberto (August 14, 1987). "Rock E Merletti: Cercasi Mito Disperatamente" (PDF). L'Unità (in Italian). p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 10, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  263. 1 2 3 4 Okamoto, Satoshi (2006). Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005. Roppongi, Tokyo: Oricon Entertainment. ISBN   4-87131-077-9. Archived from the original on November 6, 2018.
  264. ↑ "Official Top 40 Albums". NZ Music Charts. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  265. ↑ "Topp 40 Album Sommer 1986" (in Norwegian). VG-lista. Archived from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  266. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1986" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on April 23, 2001. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  267. ↑ "Top Pop Albums" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 52. December 27, 1986. p. Y-19. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  268. ↑ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1986". Cash Box. December 27, 1986. Archived from the original on January 18, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  269. ↑ "Jahreshitparade 1987" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on April 5, 2005. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  270. ↑ "Top 100 Albums of '87". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. December 26, 1987. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  271. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – LP 1987" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  272. ↑ "European Hot 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. 4 (51/52): 38. December 26, 1987. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  273. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts 1987" (in German). Hung Medien. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  274. ↑ "Official Top 40 Albums". NZ Music Charts. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  275. ↑ "Top Pop Albums" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 52. December 26, 1987. p. Y-20. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 19, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  276. ↑ Savage, Joshua (October 9, 2020). "U2's Joshua Tree Voted the Best Album of the 1980s". BBC. Archived from the original on October 9, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  277. ↑ "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 13, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  278. ↑ "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums by Women". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  279. ↑ "Madonna: Una Chica Con Tacto" (PDF). Pelo (in Spanish). 24 (453). 1993. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  280. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Gold & Platinum Awards: European Best Sellers of 1987" (PDF). Music & Media. 4 (51/52): 42–44. December 26, 1987. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  281. 1 2 "European Gold & Platinum Awards 1986" (PDF). Music & Media. 3 (51/52): 32–34. December 27, 1986. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  282. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Madonna – True Blue". Music Canada . Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  283. ↑ "Danish album certifications – Madonna – True Blue". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  284. 1 2 "Kulta- ja platinalevyt - Madonna" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland . Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  285. ↑ Decant, Charles (March 26, 2012). "Madonna: Une Carrière En 12 Chiffres" (in French). Charts in France. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  286. ↑ "IFPIHK Gold Disc Award − 1989". IFPI Hong Kong. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  287. 1 2 3 de Souza, Tárik (September 14, 1986). "Música Popular: Madona Dispara". Jornal do Brasil (in Portuguese). Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  288. ↑ "אלבומים ומכירות בארץ". LaIsha (in Hebrew). August 13, 2001. p. 56. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  289. ↑ Cavaliere, Giulia (April 16, 2019). "Madonna: I Mille Volti Della Regina Del Pop". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  290. ↑ "Italian album certifications – Madonna – True Blue" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  291. ↑ "Japanese album certifications – マドンナ – トゥルー・ブルー (Reissue)" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan . Retrieved January 3, 2024.Select 1994年3月 on the drop-down menu
  292. ↑ Ming, Y.S. (June 3, 1989). "WEA Malaysia Posts Record Music Sales" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 101, no. 22. p. 67. ISSN   0006-2510. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  293. ↑ "Dutch album certifications – Madonna – True Blue" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers . Retrieved January 3, 2024.Enter True Blue in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1986 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  294. ↑ "Latest Gold / Platinum Albums". Radioscope. July 17, 2011. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  295. ↑ Thon, Kjell Henning (July 15, 1999). "Nr. 25: Madonna Tok Kontroll". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on July 15, 2002. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  296. ↑ "Women Top the Pop Charts". The Straits Times . December 27, 1987. p. 16. Archived from the original on October 31, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  297. ↑ "Ekonomi Araştırma". Milliyet (in Turkish). September 17, 1987. p. 5. Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2024.(subscription required)

Bibliography

Further reading

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.