True Blue (Bonus Tracks) [2001 Remaster]

While Like A Virgin established Madonna as an ‘80s MTV icon, True Blue, her third album, ensured she was no flash in the pan. Bad movies would jeopardize her star-power some, but the dancefloor was always Madonna’s refuge and her image was always up for changing. This time it’s thick eyebrows and short, smart blonde locks. Still, a dancefloor diva is still not necessarily a worldwide superstar, and True Blue works with greater ambition. The dance grooves are meatier. “Open Your Heart” is unstoppable and immediate. “La Isla Bonita” tweaks a Latin rhythm. “Where’s the Party” plays up a carefree hedonist rave. But “Live to Tell” is the ballad open for contemplation and in search of beauty. “Papa Don’t Preach” is the controversial “keepin’ my baby” story-song of a young teen in conflict with parental authority, while “True Blue” pays homage to tough ‘60s girl groups. For someone well-known for her image, Madonna used True Blue to also build on her music.