True Blue

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

True Blue · After Like a Virgin, Madonna wanted to be seen as a serious artist with her third album. She recorded it in 1985 and 1986 and, for the first time, co-wrote and co-produced every track herself, together with Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray. She had just married Sean Penn, and love and devotion recur throughout. The sound is pop and dance-pop with synthesizers, strings and drum machines, influenced by Motown, girl groups and Latin American music. Papa Don't Preach tells of a pregnant teenage girl who wants to keep her child, with baroque strings. La Isla Bonita blends flamenco guitar with Latin percussion. She also sings lower than before.

At the time of release, critics praised her growth as a singer, songwriter and producer. In retrospect the record is regarded as typical of 1980s music. The album reached number one in a record twenty-eight countries.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Papa Don't Preach4:29Apple Music ↗
2. 2Open Your Heart4:13Apple Music ↗
3. 3White Heat4:40Apple Music ↗
4. 4Live to Tell5:52Apple Music ↗
5. 5Where's the Party4:21Apple Music ↗
6. 6True Blue4:17Apple Music ↗
7. 7La Isla Bonita4:03Apple Music ↗
8. 8Jimmy Jimmy3:56Apple Music ↗
9. 9Love Makes the World Go Round4:33Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗