Madonna - Who's That Girl (Sire)

Madonna has decided not to put that flouncy flamenco dress back into the wardrobe, because here she floats and trills along to what is little more than "La Isla Bonita" Part Two. Although it doesn't tug at the heartstrings in quite the same delightful fashion as Part One, it is full of soft and incomprehensible Spanish mumblings and electronic calypso twiddles, which will have the Ibizan holiday brigade rushing for the bottles of Ambre Solaire and Vino Collapso as soon as the needle hits the groove. The really bizarre puzzler is that if anyone else had the audacity to release not just one. but two soppy Spanish holiday songs in quick succession, they would be treated to universal scorn. But Madonna is regarded as a Goddess-like being, incapable of mistakes. Which seems terribly unfair really, doesn't it? (Lola Borg, Smash Hits, July 1, 1987)

T: Very much a holiday record. If this wasn't Madonna it wouldn't do anything. I don't think she tries as hard any more.
A: I don't think she needs to, but you're right, it is very monotonous. I quite liked the last one, but I would not buy this.
J: Sounds like her last one remixed. The thing is though, I liked "La Isla Bonita" but I don't think this is exactly going to light any fires. (All About Eve, Record Mirror, July 18, 1987)

Who's that girl? As if we didn't already know. Madonna's fourth single of 1987 is the soundtrack title from her latest film and the sound that will accompany many expectant feet as they hop Wembley and Birmingwards this August. Madonna singles are so effortlessly accomplished these days it's easy to take them for granted. Madonna may also be taking her own talent the same way. This is three parts 'La Isla Bonita', one part Scritti Politti and only one part new inspiration - the exquisite chorus. The Spanish flavour is OK, if a trifle samey, but the breathless pace of the rest is fairly standard. No doubt it will grow on me when it's at Number One the week after next. That's the kind of predictability this girl likes. (Max Bell, No 1, July 18, 1987)