La Isla Bonita

La Isla Bonita (Spanish for the beautiful island) is a 1986 song by Madonna. It was the fifth and final single from her third studio album True Blue. La Isla Bonita was released on 25 February 1987 on the Sire Records label.

History

The first of Madonna's songs, the song shows a Spanish influence through Cuban percussion, Spanish guitar, maracas, harmonicas and a mix of electronic and real percussion instruments. The lyrics of the track are about a beautiful island and were - according to Madonna - a tribute to the beauty of Latin America.

La Isla Bonita achieved worldwide popularity, reaching number one on the charts in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Belgium, and number four in the United States. In the accompanying music video, Madonna portrays two contrasting characters - a pious girl and a passionate Latina. The Latino style and the red flamenco dress she wore became a fashion trend. The song is one of Madonna's most performed live songs, appearing in five of her touring tours around the world, including Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008-09). Madonna regularly sings the song in the Spanish form, sometimes with ethnic or folk songs and remixes. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including French pop singer Alizée for her 2007 album Psychédélices.

Origin

La Isla Bonita was written by Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch. The tune was previously conceived as a lament for a mythical Spanish island called San Pedro and offered to Michael Jackson for his album Bad; however, he declined. While working with Leonard for the album True Blue, Madonna recorded the song. The song's lyrics were heavily altered so she could be listed as a co-writer. The song was Madonna's first song in Spanish.