The Who’s That Girl soundtrack album was released on July 21, 1987, as the official companion to the film of the same name starring Madonna. Issued by Sire Records, the album features four new songs by Madonna and additional tracks by artists like Scritti Politti, Club Nouveau, Coati Mundi, and Michael Davidson. Though technically a multi-artist soundtrack, Madonna’s presence dominates both musically and commercially, with her name and image prominently featured on the cover. The project followed the massive success of her 1986 studio album True Blue and was intended to build on that momentum while supporting her cinematic endeavors.
Musically, the album showcases a variety of styles, though Madonna’s contributions remain the focal point. Her four tracks—“Who’s That Girl,” “Causing a Commotion,” “The Look of Love,” and “Can’t Stop”—range from Latin-influenced pop and high-energy dance to somber balladry. The title track, a rhythmic blend of synth-pop and Latin beats, became a global hit, reaching number one in multiple countries. “Causing a Commotion” followed suit as an upbeat dance track with chart success, while “The Look of Love” offered a more introspective tone. “Can’t Stop,” the most minor of the four, is a funk-tinged dance number that, while not released as a single, rounded out Madonna’s presence on the album with a lighter, club-ready sound.
Critically, the soundtrack received mixed to positive reviews. While Madonna’s tracks were generally praised, the rest of the album was often seen as filler, lacking cohesion and standout moments. Nonetheless, the commercial performance of the soundtrack was strong, peaking within the top ten in several countries, including the U.S., where it reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. Internationally, it performed particularly well in Europe and Japan. The success of the singles helped drive sales, and the album ultimately served its promotional purpose by keeping Madonna’s music in the public eye during the film’s release and accompanying tour.
Although the Who’s That Girl film itself received largely negative reviews and underperformed at the box office, the soundtrack fared far better in public and critical memory. Madonna’s contributions to the album are now considered important entries in her 1980s catalog, with “Who’s That Girl” and “Causing a Commotion” remaining fan favorites. The soundtrack also supported Madonna’s 1987 Who’s That Girl World Tour, which became a global success and further promoted the music. Over time, while the album may not rank among her most iconic releases, it holds a distinct place as a transitional work that bridged True Blue and the more mature material that would follow.
|
