15 February 1984 saw 'Borderline' released in the United States as the fourth single from Madonna's debut album. It was written and produced by Reggie Lucas and additionally remixed by John "Jellybean" Benitez. Sire Records boss Seymour Stein predicted it would be "huge beyond belief" - it was indeed a hit, becoming Madonna's first song to break the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 when it climbed to #10 in June 1984. 'Borderline' received a European release later in 1984 as well as a re-release in early 1986, attaining #1 status in Ireland and Top 10 peaks in Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and the UK. The music video was directed by Mary Lambert and portrayed Madonna torn between her Hispanic boyfriend and the British photographer she modelled for.

 

40 years on from its released, how does 'Borderline' rate for you?

Best song and video from the debut!

 

I love the album version better than the single mix!

It's such an amazing video. i just love it a lot.

This song is perfection and has held up well. And the video is sublime.

The production really stands out to me on 'Borderline', it's got such a nostalgic, familiar feel to it. Madonna gives a passionate vocal performance too. It's like there's layers to this song yet it maintains a simplicity to it.

 

I notice it's often considered one of Madonna's best 80s songs by fans, so it's strange that it's only ever appeared on two tours! I do love this performance on Jimmy Fallon:

 

This is my favourite on the debut album by FAR and actually my favourite 80s M single full-stop.

 

It's transcendental, sublime, euphoric and gets me in my feels from the second that instrumentation starts. Love :heart:

This is my favourite on the debut album by FAR and actually my favourite 80s M single full-stop.

Over the 'True Blue' singles or 'Like a Prayer'?! :o

I think so yes! It would've been the True Blue singles previously but I think this has continued to mature the best over the years. :wub:

Love this song :wub: