Posted March 23, 20223 yr zpzdgmqIHOQ Today marks 35 years since the UK release of 'La Isla Bonita', the fifth and final single from 'True Blue'. The initial composition was first offered to Michael Jackson but was turned down and passed to Madonna who, along with Patrick Leonard, wrote and produced the lyrics and melody. It was the first Madonna song to include Latin influences - a recurring theme in her work since - and lyrically celebrates the "beauty and mystery" of a fantasy island that represents peace and escapism. Despite being the fifth release of the album, 'La Isla Bonita' achieved great chart success, reaching #1 in Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Switzerland and UK as well as placing Top 10 in nearly all of its other charting territories. For the UK, its #1 peak meant Madonna was the first female soloist to have four #1 hits and the first act ever to have three #1s from one album. 'La Isla Bonita' remains one of Madonna's most popular hits, often placing high on her all-time lists. Its music video, which became MTV's most requested, is currently Madonna's most viewed on YouTube with a staggering 500m views. 35 years on, what are your thoughts on 'La Isla Bonita'?
March 24, 20223 yr It's undoubtedly a great song... but it's not one of my favourites by her. I think it's a bit like Holiday... the wider public know it, and the wider public like it... I just think it's good. Open Your Heart > Live to Tell > Papa Don't Preach > La Isla Bonita > True Blue
March 24, 20223 yr 'La Isla Bonita' is gorgeous! I heard it recently as I was listening to an old chart from 1987 on Mixcloud the other week, which was during its reign at #1 - was definitely a satisfying conclusion to the countdown. I was wondering where I'd place it in terms of her chart toppers and it would only be 4th at best because 'Frozen', 'Hung Up' and 'Like A Prayer' all got there too... just goes to show how strong her selection of #1s is *.*
March 24, 20223 yr It would be 7th at best for me, I definitely prefer Like a Prayer, Frozen, Vogue, Papa, Into the Groove and Hung Up
March 24, 20223 yr Now if we're going for No.1s... I would say... Vogue > Like a Prayer > Hung Up > Music > Into The Groove > Papa Don't Preach > 4 Minutes > Frozen > La Isla Bonita > True Blue > American Pie > Sorry > Who's That Girl,
March 25, 20223 yr I always liked it, but I only really started properly loving it over the last few years. Such a blissful piece of escapism.
March 25, 20223 yr Escapism is the perfect way to describe this song. It always transports me to some faraway summery island, with no problems and being carefree and in love. I know the song is quite mournful and sorrowful but it's still so uplifting? It's weird :') pure love for it!
April 1, 20223 yr Author Escapism is the perfect way to describe this song. It always transports me to some faraway summery island, with no problems and being carefree and in love. I know the song is quite mournful and sorrowful but it's still so uplifting? It's weird :') pure love for it! Agreed with all this! It's one of my go-to summer songs but it's a song that has the power to take you away no matter what time of year. The middle 8 is particularly divine and I love those angelic sighs on the extended mix. I think she's done the song justice on all her tours but the S&S version is probably the most authentic and really brings the joy to the forefront. It's pretty incredible how well 'La Isla Bonita' performed in the charts in 1987, particularly the UK. I believe its release coincided with tickets for Madonna's first UK tour dates going on sale which may have helped with promotion, but it was still the fifth release from an album that had sold over 1m by this point. The single ended up selling about double that of 'Open Your Heart'. Also the biggest single of 1987 in Europe. Incredible!
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