What makes Who's That Girl by Madonna notable?

The album's title track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing Madonna's dominance in the pop landscape of the late '80s. Additionally, it showcased her ability to blend cinematic elements with mainstream music, influencing future soundtracks and pop artists alike. Its success added to her growing legacy as a multifaceted performer beyond just music. Released in June 1987, Who's That Girl is Madonna's soundtrack for the film of the same name, following her commercial peak with the album True Blue. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her status as a pop icon after achieving chart-topping success with multiple hits. The album represents a transitional phase where she was exploring different musical styles while maintaining her pop sensibility.

How many songs are on Who's That Girl?

Who's That Girl has 3 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Who's That Girl

Madonna · 1987

15 min · 3 tracks · contemporary R&B

Bright pop melodies intertwine with danceable grooves, creating an infectious energy that defines the late '80s sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Who’s That Girl (extended version) — This track serves as the album's centerpiece, featuring an upbeat tempo and catchy hooks that exemplify Madonna's knack for blending dance and pop. The extended version allows for more exploration of its infectious rhythm and vocal prowess.
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White Heat (single edit) — With its driving beat and bold lyrics, this track captures Madonna's persona of empowerment and defiance at the time. It stands out for its energetic delivery and memorable chorus.

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 pop elements but lacks depth in cohesion due to its limited tracklist.

What we noticed

The title track features a bright pop melody with a danceable groove, characteristic of late '80s pop music.
The extended version of 'Who's That Girl' includes additional instrumental sections that enhance its danceability.

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 — This album solidified Madonna's status as a pop culture icon during her peak success.
Themes: Hollywood glitz· summer dance anthems· club culture exploration
Moods: Energetic
Career context: Released in June 1987, Who's That Girl is Madonna's soundtrack for the film of the same name, following her commercial peak with the album True Blue. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her status as a pop icon after achieving chart-topping success with multiple hits. The album represents a transitional phase where she was exploring different musical styles while maintaining her pop sensibility.
Stylistic neighbors: Janet Jackson· Kylie Minogue· Lady Gaga