Madonna - Borderline (Sire)

Not having succumbed to the Madonna charm, this sounds like just another American disco record to me. Still, those admirers of her looks, dancing and maybe even her voice should enjoy this. It's pleasant but forgettable mainly because the sparkle and originality of "Holiday" is nowhere to be seen. (Karen Swayne, No 1, May 26, 1984)

That's 'borderline' as in 'this week's effort is pretty borderline as a song and will be lucky if it borders on the charts'. Will somebody please give this girl real songs instead of excuses? (Ian Cranna, Smash Hits, May 24, 1984)

It was inevitable really, that one day Madonna (like others before her) would run out of suitable mementos to bestow upon her record and paraphernalia buying public. And it seems that the time has come.. . Having released just about every track on the Like A Virgin LP, Madonna has reverted to the standard record company ploy of: 'When in doubt re-release a previous single.' This she has done ("Borderline" first surfaced back in '84), and the song itself remains a pleasurable enough experience - nothing more, nothing less. Now, let's see. . . will the follow-up be "Everybody" ('82) or "Burning Up" ('83)? Any offers? (Anna Martin, No 1, January 18, 1986)

No let up, is there? With the last one beginning to slide down the charts, the Madonna organisation bung out yet another ancient track. Like most of the other songs from her first LP, this has already been a single once. Unlike "Holiday" and "Lucky Star", it hasn't been a hit - probably because it's not terribly wonderful. (Dave Rimmer, Smash Hits, January 15, 1986)