Single Stories: Madonna, “La Isla Bonita”

30 years ago today, Madonna released the fifth and final single from her third studio album, TRUE BLUE, and it’s a good thing she did, because it went on to rise all the way into the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Co-written by Madonna, Patrick Leonard, and Bruce Gaitsch, “La Isla Bonita” started life as a lament for San Pedro, a town located on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize. It also had a shot at being included on Michael Jackson’s BAD album, but according to Gaitsch, Jackson took a pass on the song, but since it was suddenly still on the table, Madonna happily took on the track, which ended up becoming her first song to include not only a Spanish motif but, indeed, the actual Spanish language!

The video for “La Isla Bonita” found Madonna utilizing the imagery of Catholicism in a relatively gentle fashion, clutching a crucifix – some would say fondling – while apparently contemplating whether or not to dance her way outside and spin around in her gorgeous red dress. She eventually decides to venture into the streets, and when she does, she spins around for all she’s worth.

“La Isla Bonita” has aged remarkably well over the years, its hook still as memorable now as it was when it was originally written, and even though there’s a certain degree of darkness in the verses, the choruses still send you sky high.

Muy bueno.