Released in June 1987, “Who’s That Girl” is a pop single by Madonna that served as the title track for the soundtrack of the film of the same name, in which she also starred. The song marked another international hit for Madonna, topping charts in multiple countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and several European territories. It became her sixth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying her dominance in the pop music landscape of the 1980s.
Musically, “Who’s That Girl” blends Latin influences with upbeat synth-pop, reflecting a stylistic shift Madonna had begun exploring during the True Blue era. It features Spanish phrases—most notably the repeated chorus line “¿Quién es esa niña?” (“Who is that Girl”)—and uses a danceable rhythm that was characteristic of her work during this period. Patrick Leonard, who had collaborated with Madonna on True Blue, co-wrote and co-produced the song alongside her.Lyrically, the track aligns with the themes of mystery and allure, as it describes an enigmatic woman who captivates those around her. The song’s title and subject also mirror the film’s plot, in which Madonna plays a quirky, street-smart character who is misunderstood and mistaken for someone else. The lyrics carry an air of intrigue and curiosity, with Madonna playing both narrator and subject, further blurring the line between her real-life persona and her cinematic role.
The accompanying music video features scenes of Madonna walking through urban environments while clips from the movie are interspersed throughout. She appears with her iconic platinum blonde hair and Latin-inspired fashion, reinforcing the visual identity she cultivated during this era. The video was widely aired on MTV, contributing significantly to the single’s commercial success.“Who’s That Girl” played a central role in the promotional campaign for the film and its soundtrack. Though the movie received mixed to negative reviews and underperformed at the box office, the single itself was a massive success. It showcased Madonna’s ability to transcend film and music, making her one of the most marketable and recognizable figures in pop culture.
Critically, the song received generally favorable reviews for its catchy melody, cultural fusion, and Madonna’s ever-evolving image. Over time, it has remained a staple in her discography and is noted for being one of the standout tracks of her late-1980s period. It was also the namesake for her Who's That Girl World Tour in 1987, which was another commercial triumph.Overall, “Who’s That Girl” exemplifies Madonna’s flair for reinvention, her global appeal, and her ability to turn a film tie-in into a chart-topping musical phenomenon.
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SINGLES
Who's That Girl
Causing a Commotion
The Look of Love
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