"La Isla Bonita" (Spanish for 'The Beautiful Island') is a song by American singerMadonna from her third studio album,True Blue (1986). Initially composed as aninstrumentaldemo byPatrick Leonard andBruce Gaitsch forMichael Jackson, it was presented to him but ultimately rejected. The track was later developed by Madonna, who added lyrics and co-produced it with Leonard. Marking her first foray intoLatin pop, the song featuresflamenco guitar,Latin percussion,maracas, and several lines sung in Spanish. The lyrics reference an island called San Pedro, whose location remains ambiguous; Madonna described the song as a tribute toLatin Americans.
Released on February 25, 1987, as the fifth and final single fromTrue Blue, "La Isla Bonita" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its melody, production, and romantic tone. It became a commercial success, reaching number four on theBillboard Hot 100 and topping theAdult Contemporary chart in the United States. Internationally, it reached number one in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, West Germany, and Austria. The track has since appeared on several Madonnacompilations, includingThe Immaculate Collection (1990) andCelebration (2009), and has been cited as an influence on the work of later artists.
Leonard later brought the demo to Madonna at the start of theTrue Blue sessions, and she began developing it further.[6] She conceived the title "La Isla Bonita" —which translates to "The Beautiful Island"— and wrote the lyrics while filmingShanghai Surprise (1986) inHong Kong.[8][9] MusicianBruce Gaitsch, who worked on the track, was initially skeptical of the title, deeming it "uncommercial".[9] Madonna described the song as a tribute to the "beauty and mystery" ofLatin Americans.[10] She explained that she had long been influenced by Latin music, particularlysalsa andmerengue, which she frequently heard while living inNew York City.[11] She added that both she and Leonard believed they had been Latin "in another life", as Latin rhythms often shaped their uptempo compositions.[10][12] The two would later return to Latin-inspired styles on songs such as "Who's That Girl" (1987), and "Spanish Eyes" fromLike a Prayer (1989).[7]
20-second sample of "La Isla Bonita", a song characterized by Latin-inspired instrumentation includingflamenco guitar,Latin percussion, andmaracas.[1][19] One verse references an island named San Pedro by name.[7]
"La Isla Bonita" was written and produced by Madonna and Patrick Leonard, with additional lyrics by Bruce Gaitsch.[20] It was recorded at Channel Recording Studios, along with the rest of theTrue Blue album, and latermixed at Master Control.[20] Leonard handledkeyboard arrangements andprogramming, Gaitsch played guitar, andpercussion was provided byPaulinho da Costa, with background vocals bySiedah Garrett and Edie Lehmann.[20] Musically, it has been described as aLatin popdanceballad with influences frombossa nova.[21][22] Author Mary Cross said it marked a shift in Madonna's sound, combiningflamenco guitar,Latin percussion,maracas, andelectronic elements, with four lines sung in Spanish.[1][12][19] To ensure accurate translations, Madonna and Leonard talked over the phone with a Hispanic housekeeper.[23]
Lyrically, the song portrays Madonna as a tourist longing for an idyllic, imaginary island.[7] The lyrics evoke a tropical paradise, with references to the "tropical breeze" and "nature wild and free".[12][24] The track opens withbongos andcastanets, leading into the line "¿Cómo puede ser verdad?" ("How can it be true?").[25][12] In the first verse, she sings: "Last night I dreamt of San Pedro/Just like I'd never gone, I knew the song."[22] The exact location of San Pedro has been debated, withCuba,Puerto Rico,Belize, and theDominican Republic among the suggested possibilities.[26]San Pedro Town inAmbergris Caye, Belize has embraced the association, with local tourism adopting the nickname "La Isla Bonita".[24][26][27] Additionally, the island ofLa Palma in Spain'sCanary Islands has been nicknamed "La Isla Bonita", although its connection to the song remains unconfirmed.[28]
Madonna later clarified in aRolling Stone interview that the name had no specific geographic basis, saying, "I may have been on the way to the studio and seen an exit ramp forSan Pedro".[29] Authors Eduardo Viñuela, Igor Paskual and Lara González have pointed out that although the song incorporates elements of Spanish music such as flamenco, it also references Braziliansamba, suggesting the island is a fictitious "utopic" place rather than a real location.[30] Spanish broadcasterLos 40 similarly described the lyrics as a tribute to the "Latin community from New York [Madonna] has always been close to", rather than the literal description of a place.[27]
In 2014, while working on her thirteenth studio albumRebel Heart (2015), Madonna recorded adubplate version of "La Isla Bonita" with producerDiplo.[31][32] This reinterpretation replaced the original's Latin rhythms withdancehall beats and included new lyrics referencingMajor Lazer.[32][33] The version premiered onBBC Radio 1Xtra in March 2015.[33]
"La Isla Bonita" received generally positive reviews, with both contemporary and retrospective critics ranking it among Madonna's strongest and most romantic songs.[a]John Leland ofSpin described it as "spunky", while Jan DeKnock from theChicago Tribune called it "charming".[40][41]Creem's Ken Barnes opined that while not as impactful as Madonna's previous single "Open Your Heart", its "lilting (yet reflective) quality" elevated it beyond "south-of-the-border clichés".[42]William McKeen, inRock and roll is here to stay, drew comparisons tothe Drifters' "Up on the Roof" (1962), noting its tranquil tone and lyrical theme of escapism.[43]Stephen Thomas Erlewine ofThe A.V. Club highlighted its "breezy charm" and evocation of a "fantasy of an extended tropical vacation".[35] Chuck Arnold fromEntertainment Weekly praised it as "one of the loveliest tunes [Madonna] has ever done", while Dawn Keetley, writing inPublic Women, Public Words, described it as "smooth, transparent" and one of the singer's "most perfect" songs.[44][45] Daryl Easlea, inMadonna: Blond Ambition, argued that "La Isla Bonita" and the other singles fromTrue Blue were so strong that they overshadowed the rest of the album.[46]
The song's production was a frequent topic of discussion among critics. Paul Schrodt ofSlant Magazine credited the arrangement with adding "dynamism" to Madonna's music, helping dispel early assumptions that she was "simply aDanceteria pop tart".[47]David Browne ofEntertainment Weekly called it a "perfectly conceived pop record", crediting producers Leonard and Bray for its polished execution.[48]Newsday's Wayne Robins described "La Isla Bonita" as an "enigmatic Latin fantasy" with a melody so resilient it could be interpreted across genres —from aRuben Blades arrangement to a street-cornerdoo-wop rendition.[49] Sebastián E. Alonso from Spanish websiteJenesaispop praised its "beautiful"refrain and "heavenly"bridge, highlighting Madonna's warm and serene vocal delivery.[39] Madonna's vocal performance was also highlighted by other critics:AllMusic's Stuart Mason andBillboard's Bianca Gracie both singled it out as a strength,[19][34] andMatthew Rettenmund wrote that she imbued the track with "immediacy and unimpeachable emotion".[50]Cash Box magazine said that her "sensuous, teasing" vocals complemented the song's "provocative" feel.[51]
There were critics who offered mixed to negative commentary. Tom Breihan ofStereogum described "La Isla Bonita" as "pure risiblekitsch" and a "clumsy fetishization of an exoticized culture". However, he also acknowledged it as "one of the swooniest jams in a career full of swoony jams".[52] John Quayle of theObserver–Reporter felt the track would have better suited Sade than Madonna.[53] Matthew Jacobs ofHuffPost described the song as middling in tempo and requiring a specific mood to be appreciated, while Wendy Tuohy ofThe Age likened it to a "commercial sleeping pill [rather than] a 'Spanish lullaby'".[54][55] Eleni P. Austin ofThe Desert Sun dismissed "La Isla Bonita" as cheesy, and David Bauder from theAssociated Press found it forgettable and criticized its inclusion onThe Immaculate Collection.[56][57] Roque Casciero of Argentinean newspaperPágina 12 called it Madonna's "worst hit".[58]
In the United States, "La Isla Bonita" debuted at number 49 on theBillboard Hot 100 on March 21, 1987, becoming Madonna's eleventh consecutive single to earn the title of the week's highest new entry —a streak that began with "Lucky Star" in 1984.[59][60] By April 25, it had reached the top ten, tying Madonna with Michael Jackson for twelve consecutive top-ten hits.[61] It ultimately peaked at number four on May 2, marking her eleventh top-five hit, a tally surpassed at the time only bythe Beatles andElvis Presley.[62][63] The track also became the fifth top-ten single fromTrue Blue, making the album the second by a female artist to yield five top-ten hits, afterJanet Jackson'sControl (1986).[61]
OnBillboard'sAdult Contemporary chart, the single entered at number 31 on April 4 and reached the first spot over a month later, becoming Madonna's second chart-topper in the format after "Live to Tell" (1986).[64][65] The single also topped the12-inch Singles Sales chart, with sales of 75,000 copies reported by July 1987.[66][67] "La Isla Bonita" placed at number 58 on theBillboard year-end Hot 100 chart and number 34 on the Adult Contemporary year-end chart.[68][69] As of August 2024,Billboard ranked it as Madonna's 23rd most successful Hot 100 entry.[70] In Canada, the song debuted at number 58 on theRPM Top 100 and reached number one on June 6, 1987, after a ten-week climb; it later ranked number 22 on the magazine's year-end chart.[71][72][73] It also reached number four inPanama City and number one inSantiago de Chile.[74][75]
In theUK Singles Chart, "La Isla Bonita" debuted at number five on April 4, 1987, and climbed to number one three weeks later, spending two weeks at the summit and eleven weeks overall.[76] It became Madonna's fourth UK number-one single.[77] According to theHull Daily Mail, it sold only 50,000copies the week it reached the top, making it the lowest-selling UK number one in five years.[78] The single was certifiedgold by theBritish Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of over 400,000 units, with total sales reported at 421,760 as of 2008.[79][80] In France, it became Madonna's first chart-topper, spending three weeks at number one and earning a gold certification from theSyndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) for 500,000 units sold; total sales exceed 620,000 copies.[81][82][83] Elsewhere in Europe, the song reached number one in Switzerland,[84] West Germany,[85] and Austria,[86] and topped theEuropean Hot 100 Singles chart on the week of June 13, 1987.[87] It also charted within the top ten in Ireland,[88] Norway,[89] the Netherlands,[90][91] Sweden,[92] and Spain.[93]
In the music video, Madonna portrays two contrasting characters: a devout Catholic woman and a "flamboyant"flamenco dancer, the latter described as such by authorMark Bego.[94]
The music video for "La Isla Bonita" was directed byMary Lambert, who had previously collaborated with Madonna on the clips for "Borderline" and "Like a Virgin" (both 1984), as well as "Material Girl" (1985).[95] Filmed inLos Angeles over three days, the shoot was described as "simple" by producerSharon Oreck in her bookVideo Slut (2010).[96][97] More than 500extras of Hispanic descent were featured, including a then-unknownBenicio del Toro, who played a teenager sitting on a car hood and was paid $150 for his appearance.[97][98] Percussionist Paulinho da Costa appears in the opening sequence playing bongos.[99]
Set in abarrio,[12] the narrative features Madonna in dual roles: a pious Catholic woman, and a vibrantflamenco dancer.[95] The Catholic character is shown lighting candles in a sparsely furnished apartment —its cold-toned walls adorned with black-and-white photographs of Hispanic individuals and religious figures.[12] She wears a plain white petticoat and quietly watches a street musician from her window.[12][94][100] In contrast, the flamenco dancer performs expressively in a candlelit room adorned with a large image of theSacred Heart.[12] She wears a redpolka-dot dress with adécolletage neckline and a skirt parted down the middle.[12][101] Her hair is done in a Spanish-style netted bun, accented with a redcarnation flower.[12] As the video progresses, a street celebration begins, with Hispanic families and couples dancing to live music. The dancer eventually joins the festivities.[102][95]
Premiering onMTV on March 6, 1987, the video became the most requested on the network for 20 consecutive weeks —a record at the time.[103] In Europe, it was among the year's most heavilyrotated music videos.[104] "La Isla Bonita" was later included in Madonna's video compilationsThe Immaculate Collection (1990) andCelebration: The Video Collection (2009).[17][105]
The music video for "La Isla Bonita" has been analyzed for its use of cultural imagery and symbolism. Author Victoria Chow andVanity Fair España contributor Juan Sanguino identified the video as a turning point in Madonna's career, marking her first prominent use of cultural elements not her own. While Chow noted the shift neutrally, Sanguino criticized the portrayal ascultural appropriation, arguing that the singer resembled a "drunken tart at theFeria de Abril" rather than an actual flamenco dancer.[106][107] Eduardo Viñuela, writing for theInstituto Cervantes atHarvard University, expressed similar concerns, describing the video as a mismatched blend ofLatin American andSpanish elements. He argued it blurred cultural lines and relied on "deterritorialized clichés" to construct a "fantasy" aimed at US audiences.[101] According to Viñuela, this approach would later appear in other Latincrossover hits by English-speaking artists. He cited examples such as the flamenco andRomani mix inJennifer Lopez's "Ain't It Funny" (2001), the use ofAndean instruments inShakira's "Whenever, Wherever" (2001), and theMiddle Eastern melodic influences inRicky Martin's "Jaleo" (2003).[101] Other perspectives were more favorable. Ablogger quoted by journalist Caroline Sullivan compared Madonna's use of Spanish and Latin imagery in the video to herLGBTQchampioning, arguing that it benefited American audiences by providing a window into traditions and cultures that had previously received little to no mainstream exposure.[108]
Debate has also focused on how the video's imagery positions Madonna. Scholars Santiago Fouz-Hernández and Freya Jarman-Ivens argued that the video reinforcedstereotypes of Hispanics and Latinos as carefree and musical, set against a backdrop of poverty.[102] Madonna, they observed, remained visually and socially apart from this setting —either watching from above or briefly joining the festivities before leaving.[102] InMedia Culture: Cultural Studies, Identity, and Politics Between the Modern and the Postmodern,Douglas Kellner viewed the video more favorably, suggesting that Madonna's romanticized use of Hispanic fashion and imagery broadened her mainstream appeal.[109] Fouz-Hernández and Jarman-Ivens also highlighted the contrast between the singer's dual roles in the video — the Catholic woman symbolizing austerity and passivity, and the flamenco dancer representing passion and agency.[102]
A symbolic andspiritual interpretation has also been proposed. In the chapter "The Madonna Triptych: A Mystical Reading of Three Early Music Videos" fromMusic and Culture in the Middle Ages and Beyond: Liturgy, Sources, Symbolism, author Andrew Tomasello argued that the video cast the titular island as a metaphor forParadise and eternal life. The opening lyric, "¿Cómo puede ser verdad?" ("How can it be true?"), signals amystical narrative.[110] Tomasello analyzed the video as part of atriptych with "Like a Virgin" and "Like a Prayer" (1989) —visuals also directed by Lambert— each exploring Madonna's symbolic journey throughItalian, Spanish, andAfrican-American cultures, respectively. In this reading, the three videos portray a spiritual journey culminating in a metaphoricalPromised Land.[110]
The costuming in the video has also been recognized. The red flamenco dress is considered one of Madonna's defining fashion moments. AuthorLucy O'Brien deemed it "as iconic as theboy toy or theblack corseted siren" inher biography of the singer,[111] an opinion echoed byPeople magazine writers Cara Lynn Shultz and Aaron Parsley, who ranked it among her "most unforgettable" looks.[112]Daily News and Analysis likewise called it one of her most iconic ensembles, whileEntertainment Weekly noted it as a key moment in her "fashion evolution".[113][114] "La Isla Bonita" was named one of Madonna's "most stylish" music videos byThe New Zealand Herald's Dan Ahwa.[115]Vogue España's María Mérida credited the video with shaping the aesthetics of "electro-latino" style through its use of ruffles, fitted tops, baroque jewelry, and cropped jackets.[116]
Overall critical reception of the video was mixed.Rolling Stone staff praised its theatricality,[29] butMiami Herald critic Ryan Murphy dismissed it as "lame, overdone, [and] almost absurd", especially disliking the closing street-dance sequence.[117] Rikky Roksby, inThe Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, commented that the video was "marginally more interesting" than the song.[25] "La Isla Bonita" was named Madonna's 34th and 20th best music video byTheBacklot.com'sLouis Virtel andSlant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani, respectively, while Mike Neid ofMRC ranked it 16th.[118][119][120] As of April 2025, it is her most-viewed video onYouTube, having surpassed one billion views.[95]
The Girlie Show's performance had Madonna insailor-inspired attire, including a striped top and bandana, while dancers dressed as seamen.[127][128] The number included a playful moment where she pretended to faint and was carried offstage.[127]The Baltimore Sun'sJ. D. Considine praised the chemistry between the singer and her backing band during the performance.[129] A rendition from theSydney concert was featured inThe Girlie Show: Live Down Under (1994) video release.[130]
"La Isla Bonita" was one of only two tracks from Madonna's 1980s catalogue performed on the Drowned World Tour.[131] It was presented as anacoustic flamenco number, with Madonna in a backless dress, accompanied by percussionists and dancers.[132] She also played guitar for the performance, which Alex Needham ofNME described as a turning point in the show, pointing out that "[she] finally seems relaxed".[133] The rendition from theDetroit concert on August 26 was released on theDrowned World Tour 2001 video.[134]
On the Rebel Heart Tour, "La Isla Bonita" was arranged as a flamenco piece featuring "stomps, claps, and shouts", as noted byThe Hollywood Reporter's Ashley Lee.[146] Madonna wore matador-inspired attire adorned withSwarovski crystals.[147]Pitchfork's T. Cole Rachel highlighted the track as one of the most crowd-pleasing numbers of the night.[148] The performance was included on the 2017Rebel Heart Tour live album.[149] She also performed the song atLeonardo DiCaprio's annual fundraising gala inSaint-Tropez in 2017.[150]
The Madame X Tour featured Madonna as aLisbon nightclub hostess, performing acha-cha-chá mashup of "La Isla Bonita" and a song titled "Welcome to My Fado Club".[151][152][153] She altered the lyrics to "my Portuguese lullaby".[154] Kelli Skye Fadroski of theLos Angeles Daily News opined she "soared" through the performance.[155] It was included in the 2021concert filmMadame X.[156] On October 9, 2021, Madonna delivered alounge-style rendition of the song during a private event atMarcus Samuelsson's Red Rooster restaurant inHarlem, performing it alongsideMadame X (2019) album track "Dark Ballet" and theCape Verdeancoladeira song "Sodade".[157] Madonna sang "La Isla Bonita" on the Celebration Tour, where it was mashed up with "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (1996), accompanied by her son David Banda on guitar.[158][159]Variety's Mark Sutherland called it a number of "sheer, irresistible pizazz".[160]
Ricky Martin (left,pictured in 2014) andAlizée (right,pictured in 2007) are among the artists who have performed cover versions of "La Isla Bonita".
Around 1986–1987, Madonna signed a $3 million endorsement deal withMitsubishi Motors, which included a television commercial featuring her dancing to "La Isla Bonita".[161] Even before the single's official release, the song had begun to inspirecovers: in December 1986, Italian singerMicaela released a cover that reached number 25 in the Netherlands.[162]Music & Media praised its commercial appeal despite noting the lack of Madonna's vocal sophistication.[163] In July 1987, Mexican singer Byanka released a Spanish-language rendition that peaked at number 45 onBillboard'sHot Latin Songs chart.[164] In 1988, a 11-year-old Shakira covered the track on Colombian television.[165] In 1999, Chilean artistDeetahsampled the melody for "El Paraiso Rico", from her albumDeadly Cha Cha.[166] That same year, salsa singer Corrine included a bilingual version on her second albumUn Poco Más, produced byWyclef Jean.[167]
Over the following decades, "La Isla Bonita" continued to be covered, sampled, and referenced. RapperBlack Rob's 2000 track "Spanish Fly" featured Jennifer Lopez singing a chorus based on the song.[168] In 2004, rapperMase sampled the hook for "My Harlem Lullaby", while actorDavid Hasselhoff recorded a cover for his albumSings America, which theBBC described as "decidedlykaraoke".[169][170][171] At her June 2007 concert atMilan'sSan Siro, Italian singerLaura Pausini performed a multilingualmedley that included "La Isla Bonita", later included on the live albumSan Siro 2007.[172] French pop singerAlizée released a cover in 2008 through her officialMySpace, later included on the Mexican tour edition of her third studio album,Psychédélices (2007).[173][174] Though commercially successful in Mexico,La Jornada described Alizée's version as being inferior to the original.[175][176]
In 2010, bloggerPerez Hilton released a parody titled "Gagalupe", satirizing Madonna's spiritual beliefs.[177] A year later, a leakedBritney Spears demo titled "Love 2 Love U" was found to heavily sample "La Isla Bonita", featuring what Los 40 described as a "Jamaican-dance rhythm" and identical melodic structure.[178] In 2012, the track was featured in theGlee episode "The Spanish Teacher", performed by Ricky Martin andNaya Rivera;[179][180] the cover charted in both the US and Canada.[181][182] American bandDeerhoof titled their 2014 twelfth studio albumLa Isla Bonita as a tribute to both Madonna and Janet Jackson, calling it their "rawest, punkiest" release since their1997 debut.[183] TheBlack Eyed Peas andOzuna sampled "La Isla Bonita" in 2020's "Mamacita", an idea which producerJohnny Goldstein credited towill.i.am.[184][185] In 2025, the track experienced renewed popularity onTikTok, where it was widely used in fashion and vacation clips; over 200,000 videos featuring the song were posted on the platform.[186]
Critics have noted the track's influence on the development of Latin pop in mainstream music. Stewart Mason said the song anticipated the Latin-influenced dance-pop that emerged in the late 1980s, citing acts such asLisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and songs like thePet Shop Boys' "Domino Dancing" (1988) and Madonna's own "Who's That Girl" as part of that trend.[19] Chuck Arnold called it an early exploration of Latin styles "long before it became trendy", while Dan Ahwa wrote that it helped popularizeSpanglish within mainstream pop.[44][115] Judy Cantor-Navas ofBillboard identified it as a precursor to the "Ricky Martin-led 'Latin Pop Explosion'" of the late 1990s.[187] Viñuela wrote that "La Isla Bonita" incorporated many of the sonic elements that would later define Latin crossover hits by English-speaking artists, including flamenco guitar, castanets, and whispered Spanish phrases used to convey sensuality.[101]
Stylistic echoes of "La Isla Bonita" have been observed in songs such as "Viva Forever" (1998) by theSpice Girls,Geri Halliwell's "Mi Chico Latino" (1999),Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" (2010), and "Despacito" (2016) byLuis Fonsi andDaddy Yankee.[b] Natalie Nichols of theLos Angeles Times pointed out that "echoes" of the song appear "more than once" on Jennifer Lopez's second studio album,J.Lo (2001).[190] In 2005, the song was included in Bruce Pollock'sRock Song Index: The 7500 Most Important Songs for the Rock & Roll Era.[191] According toManuel Heredia, Belize's formerMinister ofTourism, "La Isla Bonita" enhanced Ambergris Caye's visibility, which continues to draw visitors seeking the place the song evokes.[192]
^abTomasello, Andrew (2016). "The Madonna Triptych: A Mystical Reading of Three Early Music Videos". In Brand, Benjamin; Rothenberg, David (eds.).Music and Culture in the Middle Ages and Beyond: Liturgy, Sources, Symbolism.Cambridge University Press. pp. 299, 308, 310.doi:10.1017/CBO9781316663837.016.ISBN978-1-107-15837-5.
^"Classifiche".Musica e Dischi (in Italian).Archived from the original on December 1, 2016. RetrievedJuly 9, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Madonna"
^"OLiS – oficjalna lista airplay" [OLiS – official airplay list] (Select week 06.04.2024–12.04.2024.) (in Polish).OLiS.Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. RetrievedApril 15, 2024.
^"Annual Hitparade 1987" [Annual hit parade 1987] (in Danish). Hung Medien. 1987. Archived fromthe original on November 27, 2010. RetrievedJuly 31, 2025.
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