What makes Causing a Commotion by Madonna notable?

The single reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reflecting Madonna's commercial prowess during this period. Its association with 'Who's That Girl' helped reinforce her influence in both music and film, while the various mixes showcased her adaptability within the dance genre. Released on August 25, 1987, 'Causing a Commotion' came during Madonna's peak popularity following her blockbuster album 'True Blue'. This era solidified her status as a cultural icon, showcasing her ability to merge music with film as it was also part of the soundtrack for her movie 'Who's That Girl'.

How many songs are on Causing a Commotion?

Causing a Commotion has 4 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Causing a Commotion

Madonna · 1987

27 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of dance-pop and electronic elements that captures the excitement of 80s nightlife.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Causing a Commotion (Silver Screen mix) — This version combines upbeat rhythms with cinematic flair, perfectly embodying the track's connection to the film while highlighting Madonna's pop sensibilities.
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Jimmy, Jimmy — The storytelling in this track reflects a personal touch rare for the period, offering a glimpse into Madonna's songwriting depth beyond dance anthems.
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Causing a Commotion (dub) — The dub mix emphasizes experimental production techniques, showcasing Madonna's willingness to explore different musical landscapes while still maintaining accessibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production and catchy hooks but lacks cohesive flow across its mixes.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent electronic beat that drives the rhythm, while layered synths create a vibrant backdrop.
The Silver Screen mix extends the song's intro significantly, emphasizing its dancefloor appeal before introducing vocals.
The inclusion of 'Jimmy, Jimmy' as a non-title track adds variety but feels somewhat disconnected from the main theme.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Causing a Commotion' solidified Madonna's popularity during her commercial peak.
Themes: Hollywood glamour· dance floor rebellion· film soundtrack synergy
Moods: Energetic· Anthemic
Career context: Released on August 25, 1987, 'Causing a Commotion' came during Madonna's peak popularity following her blockbuster album 'True Blue'. This era solidified her status as a cultural icon, showcasing her ability to merge music with film as it was also part of the soundtrack for her movie 'Who's That Girl'.
Stylistic neighbors: Janet Jackson· Kylie Minogue· Lady Gaga