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"True Blue"
"True Blue"
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B-side	"Ain't No Big Deal"

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"True Blue" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released as the third single from her third studio album, True Blue, on September 29, 1986 by Sire Records. Originally written by Steve Bray, the song deals with the feelings of Madonna for her then-husband Sean Penn. A dance-pop song, it features instrumentation from a rhythm guitar, a synthesizer, keyboards, and drums. The main chorus is backed by an alternate one incorporating a chord progression generally seen in doo-wop type of music.

Received by the critics as a light-hearted and cute retro song, "True Blue" topped the charts in UK, Ireland and Canada and became another consecutive top ten song in U.S. for Madonna by reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The original music video portrayed her again with a new look, leaner and sporting platinum blond bushy hair. An alternate video was made through the "Make My Video" contest on MTV. The final selected videos had a similar theme of 50s inspired setting and the storyline following the lyrics of the song. "True Blue" was performed only once on the subsequent Who's That Girl World Tour.

Writing and inspiration

The song was written and produced by Steve Bray with a co-writing credit by Madonna.^[1] According to Madonna, "True Blue" takes its title from a favorite expression of her then husband Sean Penn and to his very pure vision of love^[2] and was a direct tribute to him as well as the album, which was as a whole inspired by her "unabashed valentine" for Penn.^[3] In an interview, Steve Bray said, "She (Madonna) was very much in love. It was obvious if she's in love she'll write love songs. If she's not in love she definitely won't be writing love songs."^[4]

Composition

"True Blue"

A 26 second sample from "True Blue", featuring Madonna singing part of the first verse, which includes the use of the archaic love word "dear", and a backing track that employs a chord progression commonly used in doo-wop.

Problems playing this file? See media help.

"True Blue" is a dance-pop song inspired by the Motown's girl groups from the 1960s which are considered the direct antecedents of Madonna's musical sound.^[2] It emotionally and harmonically resembles Whigfield's 1999 song "Be My Baby".^[5] The song is composed in the key of B major. It is set in compound quadruple meter, commonly used in doo-wop, and has a moderate tempo of 120 beats per minute.^[6] "True Blue" features instrumentation from a rhythm guitar, a synthesizer, keyboards, and drums for the bassline,^[5] with a basic sequence of I-VI-IV-V (B-G♯ minor-E-F♯ major) as its main chord progression.^[7]

Madonna's vocal range spans a bit less than one and a half octaves, from F♯₃ to B₄.^[6] The chorus is backed by sounds of bells ringing, an alternate verse—"This time I know its true"— which is sang by three back-up singers during the interlude,^[8] and a bass counter melody which introduces her vocals during the second chorus.^[7] The lyrics are constructed in a verse-chorus form, with the theme being Madonna's feelings for Sean Penn; it even uses the archaic love word "dear" in the line "Just think back and remember, dear".^[9]

Reception

Critical response

Davitt Sigerson from Rolling Stone magazine in a review of the album True Blue said that the song "squanders a classic beat and an immensely promising title",^[10] LAUNCHcast's Bill Holdship said that "True Blue" is "Madonna's wonderful tribute to the late '50s/early '60s "girl groups".^[11] In his book Madonna: An Intimate Biography, journalist J. Randy Taraborrelli described the song as "the light-hearted, fun track of the whole True Blue album project having a retro 1950's feel to it".^[12] In the book Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush which contains information about various artists and their singles, author Maury Dean said that the song as a "masterwork of simplicity interwoven with secret complexity" adding that "on one hand, it's just a basic steetcorner ditty, with four basic chords. In another context, it's a counterpoint harmonic blanket, twirling with star-spangled timbre and dynamic drive."^[9] Rikky Rooksby, in his book The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, said that "True Blue" is "a song that is merely cute and not really up to being the title track of an album".^[7]

The Wichita Eagle did not like the song, believing that it was "sassless and neutered" as compared to the other songs on the record.^[13] However, Daniel Brogan of The Chicago Tribune believed the song was good, calling it "impressive" like the rest of the album,^[14] and Jan DeKnock of the same paper believed it was "charming".^[15] Steve Morse of The Boston Globe, when describing the song, said that it was a "bid to be an '80s Helen of Troy".^[16]

Chart performance

"True Blue" was released in the United States in October 1986. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number forty,^[17] six weeks later it reached its peak of number three for three consecutive weeks, and spent sixteen weeks on the chart.^[18] The song performed equally well on the other Billboard charts on which it appeared, peaking at number five on the Adult Contemporary chart,^[19] and number six on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.^[20] In October 1998, the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).^[21] In Canada, the song debuted at the eighty-four position of the RPM singles chart on September 27, 1986,^[22] reached the top for one week in November 1986,^[23] and stayed on the chart for twenty-three weeks.^[24] It ended at the thirty-seventh position of the year-end chart.^[25]

In the United Kingdom, "True Blue" was released on September 29, 1986. It debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart, before climbing to number one the next week,^[26] becoming Madonna's third number-one single there.^[27] It was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in October 1986.^[28] The song peaked at number one for two weeks in October 1986 in Ireland,^[29] making it her fourth number-one single on the Irish Singles Chart.^[30] In Europe "True Blue" also topped the Eurochart Hot 100 for one week in October 1986. It peaked in the top five in Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands,^[31]^[32]^[33] and in the top ten in Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland.^[34]^[35]

Music video

Official version

Madonna sporting a blond bushy haircut, drives a Mercedes with her girlfriends in the back, in the 50s inspired blue themed video for "True Blue"

"True Blue" had two music videos to accompany it. Shot in early September 1986 in New York, Madonna's own video for the song was directed by James Foley and produced by David Naylor and Sharon Oreck with photography by Michael Ballhaus. The Foley version featured Madonna with three dancers and a 1950s car in an all-blue diner. Madonna changed her hairstyle from short-cropped in "Papa Don't Preach" to a bushy platinum blonde hairdo and sings the song in choreographed moves backed by her dancers. It displays a flashing back to fifties rock'n'roll youth culture.^[36]

The blue background changes to a sunny one as she sings "The sun is bursting right out of the sky" to go-along with the lyrical meaning of the song. Two of Madonna's close friends, Erika Belle and Debi Mazar appeared in the video. The video was released at a time when she was going through a failed marriage with then husband actor Sean Penn. During this period, Madonna focused on more traditional fashion and attitudes and tried to appear more respectful of traditional gender roles. After shedding her trampy sex-kitten and boy-toy image with the "Live to Tell" music video, Madonna again adopted a new look for this video.^[37] Madonna attended aerobics classes at Hollywood health centre The Sports Connection, which was responsible for her toned down look in the video.^[36]

"Make My Video" contest

Sire Records decided to opt for a promotional device in the United States that would involve MTV viewers to make their own videos for "True Blue". In the fall of 1986, MTV asked its viewers to submit their own videos. The contest was known as "Madonna's 'Make My Video' Contest". The winner was awarded a trip to MTV's New York studio where Madonna presented a $25,000 cheque live on MTV.^[38] Thousands of viewers submitted their recorded tapes which were mainly made using home-made video equipments and featured themselves or relatives as the actors.^[39] MTV publicist Peter Danielson said that many of the submissions featured teenagers imitating Madonna. All the entries were shown in a continuous run on MTV as promised. The same song was played over and over for the whole day, but each time with a different video made by the finalists.^[40] Author Lisa A. Lewis said that this event emphasized the effect Madonna had on different kind of audiences due to the popularity and response to the contest. MTV selected ten finalists based mainly on a standard of popularity rather than slickness of production or concept creativity.^[39]

However, the concepts used in the videos were wide ranging and included a number of different ideas to interpret the lyrical meaning of the song. The final three entries selected, portrayed a fifties-style production referring to the thematic content of the song. The song's narration about "True Love" formed the basis of the rest of the semi-finalist videos but was used in very different ways. The videos were choreographed featuring heterosexual romance, though no particular male or female protagonist was singled out. Some even adopted a kind of literal montage technique rather than structuring the video around a narrative line.^[39] The winning entry was by Angel Gracia and Cliff Guest and it showed the female protagonist being supported and guided by her girlfriends who introduce her with the male protagonist. The girl even goes to the boy's door to gift him flowers, thereby reversing the usual gender-directed pattern of gift-giving. The male protagonist is portrayed as a "perfect boy" having the sensibilities like attentiveness, cuteness, playfulness like a friend (after the lyrics "You're my best friend") and not sexual overtones. The video in-turn contrasts him with a self-centered boy who puts on sunglasses, throws his leather jacket over his shoulder and walks away from the girl. Other videos portrayed a girl pining for her sailor, U.S.-Soviet relations and an arguing couple with the girl in a scene inspired by the music video of Tina Turner's 1984 single "What's Love Got to Do with It".^[39]

Live performance and cover

Madonna performed the song only once on her 1987 "Who's That Girl Tour". She came up on the stage wearing a blue dress for singing the song after finishing a performance of "Lucky Star". In a similar setting to the original music video of the song, Madonna is backed up by her singers who play her girlfriends. At the end of the song Madonna is asked to dance again by the dancer playing her man in the performance.^[41] Her dance in the performance (and also some other performances in the tour) was choreographed by Jeffrey Hornaday from Flashdance.^[42]

Pennsylvania based pop-punk band Digger recorded a version for their first LP Powerbait in 1996.^[43]

Formats and track listing

7" Single (Europe)

"True Blue" (Remix/Edit) – 4:22
"Holiday" (Edit) – 3:50

7" Single (Japan/U.S.)

"True Blue" – 4:16
"Ain't No Big Deal" – 4:12

7" Single (Re-Issue)

"True Blue" – 4:16
"Live to Tell" – 4:37

12" Single (UK)

"True Blue" (Extended Dance Version) – 6:37
"Holiday" (Full Length Version) – 6:08

12" Maxi-Single (U.S.)

"True Blue" (The Color Mix) – 6:37
"True Blue" (Instrumental) – 6:56
"Ain't No Big Deal" – 4:12
"True Blue" (Remix/Edit) – 4:22

CD Maxi-Single (Australia/Japan)

"True Blue" (The Color Mix) – 6:37
"Everybody" (Dub Version) – 9:23
"Papa Don't Preach" (Extended Remix) – 5:45
"Everybody" (Extended Version) – 5:56
"Live to Tell" (Instrumental Version) – 5:49

Credits and personnel

Madonna – lyrics, producer, vocals
Steve Bray – drums, keyboards, lyrics, producer
Bruce Gaitsch – rhythm guitar
Fred Zarr – additional keyboards
Steve Peck – engineer
Shep Pettibone – remixing
Herb Ritts – photography
Jeri McManus – design/artwork

Charts

Chart (1986)	Peak position
Australian Kent Music Report^[44]	5
Austrian Singles Chart^[34]	9
Belgian VRT Top 30^[31]	3
Canadian RPM Singles Chart^[23]	1
Dutch Top 40^[33]	4
French Singles Chart^[45]	6
German Singles Chart^[35]	6
Irish Singles Chart^[29]	1
Italian Singles Chart^[32]	4
New Zealand Singles Chart^[46]	3
Swedish Singles Chart^[47]	18
Swiss Singles Chart^[48]	6
UK Singles Chart^[26]	1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100^[18]	3

Template:Succession box one to two

Preceded by "Papa Don't Preach" by Madonna	Eurochart Hot 100 number-one single October 18, 1986	Succeeded by "The Final Countdown" by Europe
Preceded by "Human" by Human League	*Canadian RPM* number-one single** November 22, 1986	Succeeded by "Two of Hearts" by Stacey Q

Notes

^ Taraborrelli 2002, p. 119
^ ^a ^b Metz & Benson 1999, p. 48
^ Morton 2002, p. 789
^ Michael 2004, p. 43
^ ^a ^b Marsh 1999, p. 184
^ ^a ^b "Digital Sheet Music: True Blue". Musicnotes. Alfred Publishing Co. Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c Rooksby 2004, p. 24
^ McKeen 2000, p. 234
^ ^a ^b Dean 2003, p. 523
^ Sigerson, Davitt (1986-07-17). "Madonna: True Blue: Music Reviews". Rolling Stone. RealNetworks, Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ Holdship, Bill (1986-01-01). "Album Review: True Blue". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-26. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
^ Taraborrelli 2002, p. 53
^ "Madonna's 'True Blue' Leaves Bad Aftertaste". The Wichita Eagle. The McClatchy Company. 1986-11-23. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
^ Brogan, Daniel (1986-07-11). "Madonna Keeps Faith with 'Virgin' Cause in 'True Blue'". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
^ DeKnock, Jan (1986-08-29). "'Higher Love' Takes Briton Steve Wiwood to a New Plateau on Charts". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
^ Morse, Steve (1986-07-01). "Madonna's Latest: Is She Serious?". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
^ "Hot 100: Week of October 04, 1986 - True Blue". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1986-10-04. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "Hot 100: Week of November 29, 1986 - True Blue". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1986-11-29. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Adult Contemporary: Week of November 22, 1986 - True Blue". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1986-11-21. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "True Blue > Charts and Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Macrovision Corporation. Retrieved 2009-02-20. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
^ "RIAA - Gold and Platinum certification". Recording Industry Association of America. 1998-10-22. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Top Singles - Volume 45, No. 1, September 27 1986". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1986-09-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "Top Singles - Volume 45, No. 9, November 22 1986". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1986-11-22. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Top Singles - Volume 45, No. 23, March 14 1987". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1987-03-14. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "The Top Singles of '86". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1986-12-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "Chart Stats - Madonna - True Blue". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Chart Stats - Madonna". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Certified Awards - True Blue". British Phonographic Industry. 1986-10-01. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irish Recorded Music Association. 1986-10-04. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "The Irish Charts - All there is to know: Facts and Figures". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "Radio 2 - Top 30 van zaterdag 18 oktober 1986" (in Dutch). VRT Top 30. 1986-10-18. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "Indice per Interprete: M" (in Italian). HitParadeItalia. 1986-10-25. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "De Nederlandse Top 40". Dutch Top 40 (in Dutch). Radio 538. 1986 - week 43. Retrieved 2009-03-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
^ ^a ^b "Madonna - True Blue (Song)" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. 1986-12-01. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b "Chartverfolgung: Madonna - True Blue" (in German). Media Control Charts. 1986-10-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ ^a ^b Clerk 2002, p. 49
^ Peach 1998, p. 176
^ Garcia, Guy D. (1986-11-03). "People of Time". Time. Time Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Lewis 1991, p. 206
^ Parker, Lyndsey (2008-08-07). "Most Memorable Madonna Moments: 46-50". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
^ Voller 1999, p. 29
^ Parish & Pitts 2003, p. 526
^ "allmusic ((( Digger > Overview )))". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help)
^ "Madonna - True Blue (Chanson)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. 1986-12-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Madonna - True Blue (Song)". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. 1986-11-09. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
^ "Madonna - True Blue (Song)". Sverigetopplistan. 1986-11-05. Retrieved 2009-03-29.
^ "Madonna - True Blue (Song)". Swiss Charts (in German). Hung Medien. 1986-11-09. Retrieved 2009-03-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)

References

Clerk, Carol (2002), Madonnastyle, Omnibus Press, ISBN 0711988749
Dean, Maury (2003), Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush: A Singles Un-Cyclopedia, Algora Publishing, ISBN 0875862071
Lewis, Lisa A. (1991), Gender Politics and MTV: Voicing the Difference, Temple University Press, ISBN 0877229422
Marsh, Dave (1999), The heart of rock & soul: the 1001 greatest singles ever made, Da Capo Press, ISBN 030680901X
McKeen, William (2000), Rock and Roll is Here to Stay: An Anthology, W. W. Norton & Company, ISBN 0393047008
Metz, Allan; Benson, Carol (1999), The Madonna Companion: Two Decades of Commentary, Music Sales Group, ISBN 0825671949
Michael, Mick St. (2004), Madonna 'talking': Madonna in Her Own Words, Omnibus Press, ISBN 1844494187
Morton, Andrew (2002), Madonna, Macmillan Publishers, ISBN 0312983107
Parish, James Robert; Pitts, Michael R. (2003), Hollywood Songsters: Garland to O'Connor, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 0415943337
Peach, Lucinda J. (1998), Women in culture: a women's studies anthology, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 155786649X{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
Rooksby, Rikky (2004), The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, Omnibus Press, ISBN 0711998833
Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2002), Madonna: An Intimate Biography, Simon and Schuster, ISBN 0743228804
Voller, Debbie (1999), Madonna: The Style Book, Omnibus Press, ISBN 0711975116

External links

Madonna Official Site
[www.madonna.com/discography/index/album/albumId/3/ "True Blue" - Album Details]
"True Blue" lyrics

[1] Taraborrelli 2002, p. 119

[metz-2] Metz & Benson 1999, p. 48

[3] Morton 2002, p. 789

[4] Michael 2004, p. 43

[marsh-5] Marsh 1999, p. 184

[musicsheet-6] "Digital Sheet Music: True Blue". Musicnotes. Alfred Publishing Co. Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)

[Rooksby-7] Rooksby 2004, p. 24

[8] McKeen 2000, p. 234

[dean-9] Dean 2003, p. 523

[rolls-10] Sigerson, Davitt (1986-07-17). "Madonna: True Blue: Music Reviews". Rolling Stone. RealNetworks, Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[11] Holdship, Bill (1986-01-01). "Album Review: True Blue". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-26. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)

[12] Taraborrelli 2002, p. 53

[eaglewi-13] "Madonna's 'True Blue' Leaves Bad Aftertaste". The Wichita Eagle. The McClatchy Company. 1986-11-23. Retrieved 2009-04-01.

[tribblue-14] Brogan, Daniel (1986-07-11). "Madonna Keeps Faith with 'Virgin' Cause in 'True Blue'". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2009-04-01.

[tribjan-15] DeKnock, Jan (1986-08-29). "'Higher Love' Takes Briton Steve Wiwood to a New Plateau on Charts". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2009-04-01.

[globe-16] Morse, Steve (1986-07-01). "Madonna's Latest: Is She Serious?". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2009-04-01.

[17] "Hot 100: Week of October 04, 1986 - True Blue". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1986-10-04. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[usa-18] "Hot 100: Week of November 29, 1986 - True Blue". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1986-11-29. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[19] "Adult Contemporary: Week of November 22, 1986 - True Blue". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 1986-11-21. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[20] "True Blue > Charts and Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Macrovision Corporation. Retrieved 2009-02-20. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)

[21] "RIAA - Gold and Platinum certification". Recording Industry Association of America. 1998-10-22. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[22] "Top Singles - Volume 45, No. 1, September 27 1986". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1986-09-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[canrpm-23] "Top Singles - Volume 45, No. 9, November 22 1986". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1986-11-22. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[24] "Top Singles - Volume 45, No. 23, March 14 1987". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1987-03-14. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[25] "The Top Singles of '86". RPM. RPM Music Publications Ltd. 1986-12-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[uk-26] "Chart Stats - Madonna - True Blue". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[27] "Chart Stats - Madonna". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[28] "Certified Awards - True Blue". British Phonographic Industry. 1986-10-01. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[irl-29] "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irish Recorded Music Association. 1986-10-04. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[30] "The Irish Charts - All there is to know: Facts and Figures". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[belfla-31] "Radio 2 - Top 30 van zaterdag 18 oktober 1986" (in Dutch). VRT Top 30. 1986-10-18. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[ita-32] "Indice per Interprete: M" (in Italian). HitParadeItalia. 1986-10-25. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[dt40-33] "De Nederlandse Top 40". Dutch Top 40 (in Dutch). Radio 538. 1986 - week 43. Retrieved 2009-03-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)

[aut-34] "Madonna - True Blue (Song)" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. 1986-12-01. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[ger-35] "Chartverfolgung: Madonna - True Blue" (in German). Media Control Charts. 1986-10-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[carol-36] Clerk 2002, p. 49

[37] Peach 1998, p. 176

[38] Garcia, Guy D. (1986-11-03). "People of Time". Time. Time Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-31.

[lisa-39] Lewis 1991, p. 206

[40] Parker, Lyndsey (2008-08-07). "Most Memorable Madonna Moments: 46-50". Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-31.

[41] Voller 1999, p. 29

[42] Parish & Pitts 2003, p. 526

[43] "allmusic ((( Digger > Overview )))". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2009-04-01.

[Kent-44] Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help)

[fra-45] "Madonna - True Blue (Chanson)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. 1986-12-27. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[nzc-46] "Madonna - True Blue (Song)". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. 1986-11-09. Retrieved 2009-09-26.

[swe-47] "Madonna - True Blue (Song)". Sverigetopplistan. 1986-11-05. Retrieved 2009-03-29.

[swi-48] "Madonna - True Blue (Song)". Swiss Charts (in German). Hung Medien. 1986-11-09. Retrieved 2009-03-29. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)

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@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 "'''True Blue'''" is a song by American singer-songwriter [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]. It was released as the third single from her third studio album, ''[[True Blue (album)|True Blue]]'', on September 29, 1986 by [[Sire Records]]. Originally written by Steve Bray, the song deals with the feelings of Madonna for her then-husband [[Sean Penn]]. A [[dance-pop]] song, it features instrumentation from a [[rhythm guitar]], a [[synthesizer]], [[keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s, and [[drum]]s. The main chorus is backed by an alternate one incorporating a [[Chord (music)|chord progression]] generally seen in [[Doo-wop|doo-wop]] type of music.
-Received by the critics as a light-hearted and cute retro song, "True Blue" topped the charts in UK, Ireland and Canada and became another consecutive top ten song in U.S. for Madonna by reaching number three on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The original music video portrayed her again with a new look, leaner and sporting platinum blond bushy hair. An alternate video was made through the "Make My Video" contest on [[MTV]]. The final selected videos had a similar theme of 50s inspired setting and the storyline following the lyrics of the song. "True Blue" was performed only once on the subsequent [[Who's That Girl Tour]].
+Received by the critics as a light-hearted and cute retro song, "True Blue" topped the charts in UK, Ireland and Canada and became another consecutive top ten song in U.S. for Madonna by reaching number three on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The original music video portrayed her again with a new look, leaner and sporting platinum blond bushy hair. An alternate video was made through the "Make My Video" contest on [[MTV]]. The final selected videos had a similar theme of 50s inspired setting and the storyline following the lyrics of the song. "True Blue" was performed only once on the subsequent [[Who's That Girl World Tour]].
 ==Writing and inspiration==
-The song was written and produced by [[Steve Bray]] with a co-writing credit by Madonna.<ref>Taraborrelli, 2002. p. 119</ref> According to Madonna, "True Blue" takes its title from a favorite expression of her then husband [[Sean Penn]] and to his very pure vision of love<ref name="metz"/> and was a direct tribute to him as well as the album, which was as a whole inspired by her "unabashed valentine" for Penn.<ref>Morton, 2002. p. 789</ref> In an interview, Steve Bray said, "She (Madonna) was very much in love. It was obvious if she's in love she'll write love songs. If she's not in love she definitely won't be writing love songs."<ref>Michael, 2004. p. 43</ref>
+The song was written and produced by [[Steve Bray]] with a co-writing credit by Madonna.<ref>{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2002|p=119}}</ref> According to Madonna, "True Blue" takes its title from a favorite expression of her then husband [[Sean Penn]] and to his very pure vision of love<ref name="metz"/> and was a direct tribute to him as well as the album, which was as a whole inspired by her "unabashed valentine" for Penn.<ref>{{harvnb|Morton|2002|p=789}}</ref> In an interview, Steve Bray said, "She (Madonna) was very much in love. It was obvious if she's in love she'll write love songs. If she's not in love she definitely won't be writing love songs."<ref>{{harvnb|Michael|2004|p=43}}</ref>
 ==Composition==
 {{listen|pos=right|filename=True Blue by Madonna.ogg|title="True Blue"|description=A 26 second sample from "True Blue", featuring Madonna singing part of the first verse, which includes the use of the archaic love word "dear", and a backing track that employs a chord progression commonly used in doo-wop.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
-"True Blue" is a [[dance-pop]] song inspired by the [[Motown]]'s [[girl group]]s from the 1960s which are considered the direct antecedents of Madonna's musical sound.<ref name="metz">Metz, 1999. p. 48.</ref> It emotionally and harmonically resembles [[Whigfield]]'s 1999 song "[[Be My Baby (Whigfield song)|Be My Baby]]".<ref name="marsh">Marsh, 1999. p. 184</ref> The song is composed in the key of [[B major]]. It is set in [[Compound meter (music)|compound quadruple meter]], commonly used in [[doo-wop]], and has a moderate tempo of 120 [[beats per minute]].<ref name="musicsheet">{{Cite web|title=Digital Sheet Music: True Blue|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0060333|work=''Musicnotes''|publisher=[[Alfred Publishing|Alfred Publishing Co. Inc]]|accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref> "True Blue" features instrumentation from a [[rhythm guitar]], a [[synthesizer]], [[keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s, and [[drum]]s for the [[bassline]],<ref name="marsh"/> with a basic sequence of I-VI-IV-V (B-G{{music|sharp}} minor-E-F{{music|sharp}} major) as its main [[chord progression]].<ref name="Rooksby">Rooksby, 2004. p. 24</ref>
+"True Blue" is a [[dance-pop]] song inspired by the [[Motown]]'s [[girl group]]s from the 1960s which are considered the direct antecedents of Madonna's musical sound.<ref name="metz">{{harvnb|Metz|Benson|1999|p=48}}</ref> It emotionally and harmonically resembles [[Whigfield]]'s 1999 song "[[Be My Baby (Whigfield song)|Be My Baby]]".<ref name="marsh">{{harvnb|Marsh|1999|p=184}}</ref> The song is composed in the key of [[B major]]. It is set in [[Compound meter (music)|compound quadruple meter]], commonly used in [[doo-wop]], and has a moderate tempo of 120 [[beats per minute]].<ref name="musicsheet">{{Cite web|title=Digital Sheet Music: True Blue|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0060333|work=''Musicnotes''|publisher=[[Alfred Publishing|Alfred Publishing Co. Inc]]|accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref> "True Blue" features instrumentation from a [[rhythm guitar]], a [[synthesizer]], [[keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s, and [[drum]]s for the [[bassline]],<ref name="marsh"/> with a basic sequence of I-VI-IV-V (B-G{{music|sharp}} minor-E-F{{music|sharp}} major) as its main [[chord progression]].<ref name="Rooksby">{{harvnb|Rooksby|2004|p=24}}</ref>
-Madonna's [[vocal range]] spans a bit less than one and a half [[octave]]s, from F{{music|sharp}}<sub>3</sub> to B<sub>4</sub>.<ref name="musicsheet"/> The chorus is backed by sounds of [[Bell (instrument)|bells]] ringing, an alternate verse—"This time I know its true"— which is sang by three back-up singers during the [[Bridge (music)|interlude]],<ref>McKeen, 2000. p. 234</ref> and a [[Bass (music)|bass counter]] melody which introduces her vocals during the second chorus.<ref name="Rooksby"/> The lyrics are constructed in a [[verse-chorus]] form, with the theme being Madonna's feelings for Sean Penn; it even uses the [[Archaism|archaic]] love word "dear" in the line "Just think back and remember, dear".<ref name="dean">Dean, 2003. p. 523</ref>
+Madonna's [[vocal range]] spans a bit less than one and a half [[octave]]s, from F{{music|sharp}}<sub>3</sub> to B<sub>4</sub>.<ref name="musicsheet"/> The chorus is backed by sounds of [[Bell (instrument)|bells]] ringing, an alternate verse—"This time I know its true"— which is sang by three back-up singers during the [[Bridge (music)|interlude]],<ref>{{harvnb|McKeen|2000|p=234}}</ref> and a [[Bass (music)|bass counter]] melody which introduces her vocals during the second chorus.<ref name="Rooksby"/> The lyrics are constructed in a [[verse-chorus]] form, with the theme being Madonna's feelings for Sean Penn; it even uses the [[Archaism|archaic]] love word "dear" in the line "Just think back and remember, dear".<ref name="dean">{{harvnb|Dean|2003|p=523}}</ref>
 ==Reception==
 ===Critical response===
-[[Davitt Sigerson]] from ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine in a review of the album ''[[True Blue (album)|True Blue]]'' said that the song "squanders a classic beat and an immensely promising title",<ref name="rolls">{{cite web|first=Davitt|last=Sigerson|authorlink=Davitt Sigerson|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/madonna/albums/album/311318/review/6067650/true_blue|title=Madonna: True Blue: Music Reviews|date=1986-07-17|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=RealNetworks, Inc|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref> [[Launchcast|LAUNCHcast's]] Bill Holdship said that "True Blue" is "Madonna's wonderful tribute to the late '50s/early '60s "girl groups".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holdship|first=Bill|title=Album Review: True Blue|url=http://ca.music.yahoo.com/read/review/12041816|date=1986-01-01|work=''[[Yahoo! Music]]''|publisher=[[Yahoo! Inc]]|accessdate=2009-03-26}}</ref> In his book ''Madonna: An Intimate Biography'', journalist [[J. Randy Taraborrelli]] described the song as "the light-hearted, fun track of the whole ''True Blue'' album project having a retro 1950's feel to it".<ref>Taraborrelli, 2002. p. 53</ref> In the book ''Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush'' which contains information about various artists and their singles, author [[Maury Dean]] said that the song as a "masterwork of simplicity interwoven with secret complexity" adding that "on one hand, it's just a basic steetcorner ditty, with four basic chords. In another context, it's a counterpoint harmonic blanket, twirling with star-spangled timbre and dynamic drive."<ref name="dean"/> Rikky Rooksby, in his book ''The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna'', said that "True Blue" is "a song that is merely cute and not really up to being the title track of an album".<ref name="Rooksby"/>
+[[Davitt Sigerson]] from ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine in a review of the album ''[[True Blue (album)|True Blue]]'' said that the song "squanders a classic beat and an immensely promising title",<ref name="rolls">{{cite web|first=Davitt|last=Sigerson|authorlink=Davitt Sigerson|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/madonna/albums/album/311318/review/6067650/true_blue|title=Madonna: True Blue: Music Reviews|date=1986-07-17|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=RealNetworks, Inc|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref> [[Launchcast|LAUNCHcast's]] Bill Holdship said that "True Blue" is "Madonna's wonderful tribute to the late '50s/early '60s "girl groups".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holdship|first=Bill|title=Album Review: True Blue|url=http://ca.music.yahoo.com/read/review/12041816|date=1986-01-01|work=''[[Yahoo! Music]]''|publisher=[[Yahoo! Inc]]|accessdate=2009-03-26}}</ref> In his book ''Madonna: An Intimate Biography'', journalist [[J. Randy Taraborrelli]] described the song as "the light-hearted, fun track of the whole ''True Blue'' album project having a retro 1950's feel to it".<ref>{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2002|p=53}}</ref> In the book ''Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush'' which contains information about various artists and their singles, author [[Maury Dean]] said that the song as a "masterwork of simplicity interwoven with secret complexity" adding that "on one hand, it's just a basic steetcorner ditty, with four basic chords. In another context, it's a counterpoint harmonic blanket, twirling with star-spangled timbre and dynamic drive."<ref name="dean"/> Rikky Rooksby, in his book ''The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna'', said that "True Blue" is "a song that is merely cute and not really up to being the title track of an album".<ref name="Rooksby"/>
-''[[The Wichita Eagle]]'' did not like the song, believing that it was "sassless and neutered" as compared to the other songs on the record.<ref name="eaglewi">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WE&s_site=kansas&p_multi=WE&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADB2F235797323&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Madonna's 'True Blue' Leaves Bad Aftertaste|date=1986-11-23|work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> However, Daniel Brogan of ''[[The Chicago Tribune]]'' believed the song was good, calling it "impressive" like the rest of the album,<ref name="tribblue">{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Brogan|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24919431.html?dids=24919431:24919431&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+11%2C+1986&author=Daniel+Brogan&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=MADONNA+KEEPS+FAITH+WITH+'VIRGIN'+CAUSE+IN+'TRUE+BLUE'&pqatl=google|title=Madonna Keeps Faith with 'Virgin' Cause in 'True Blue'|date=1986-07-11|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> and Jan DeKnock of the same paper believed it was "charming".<ref name="tribjan">{{cite news|first=Jan|last=DeKnock|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24933883.html?dids=24933883:24933883&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+29%2C+1986&author=Jan+DeKnock&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc='HIGHER+LOVE'+TAKES+BRITON+STEVE+WIWOOD+TO+A+NEW+PLATEAU+ON+CHARTS&pqatl=google|title='Higher Love' Takes Briton Steve Wiwood to a New Plateau on Charts|date=1986-08-29|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> Steve Morse of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', when describing the song, said that the song was a "bid to be an '80s [[Helen of Troy]]".<ref name="globe">{{Cite news|first=Steve|last=Morse|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BG&p_theme=bg&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADED8EEA35D9C3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Madonna's Latest: Is She Serious?|date=1986-07-01|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref>
+''[[The Wichita Eagle]]'' did not like the song, believing that it was "sassless and neutered" as compared to the other songs on the record.<ref name="eaglewi">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WE&s_site=kansas&p_multi=WE&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADB2F235797323&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Madonna's 'True Blue' Leaves Bad Aftertaste|date=1986-11-23|work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> However, Daniel Brogan of ''[[The Chicago Tribune]]'' believed the song was good, calling it "impressive" like the rest of the album,<ref name="tribblue">{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Brogan|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24919431.html?dids=24919431:24919431&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+11%2C+1986&author=Daniel+Brogan&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=MADONNA+KEEPS+FAITH+WITH+'VIRGIN'+CAUSE+IN+'TRUE+BLUE'&pqatl=google|title=Madonna Keeps Faith with 'Virgin' Cause in 'True Blue'|date=1986-07-11|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> and Jan DeKnock of the same paper believed it was "charming".<ref name="tribjan">{{cite news|first=Jan|last=DeKnock|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24933883.html?dids=24933883:24933883&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Aug+29%2C+1986&author=Jan+DeKnock&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc='HIGHER+LOVE'+TAKES+BRITON+STEVE+WIWOOD+TO+A+NEW+PLATEAU+ON+CHARTS&pqatl=google|title='Higher Love' Takes Briton Steve Wiwood to a New Plateau on Charts|date=1986-08-29|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref> Steve Morse of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', when describing the song, said that it was a "bid to be an '80s [[Helen of Troy]]".<ref name="globe">{{Cite news|first=Steve|last=Morse|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BG&p_theme=bg&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADED8EEA35D9C3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Madonna's Latest: Is She Serious?|date=1986-07-01|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|accessdate=2009-04-01}}</ref>
 ===Chart performance===
@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 === Official version ===
 [[Image:Truebluem.jpeg|199px|thumb|Madonna sporting a blond bushy haircut, drives a [[Mercedes (car)|Mercedes]] with her girlfriends in the back, in the 50s inspired blue themed video for "True Blue"]]
-"True Blue" had two music videos to accompany it. Shot in early September 1986 in [[New York]], Madonna's own video for the song was directed by [[James Foley]] and produced by David Naylor and [[Sharon Oreck]] with photography by [[Michael Ballhaus]]. The Foley version featured Madonna with three dancers and a 1950s car in an all-blue [[diner]]. Madonna changed her hairstyle from short-cropped in "[[Papa Don't Preach]]" to a bushy platinum blonde hairdo and sings the song in choreographed moves backed by her dancers. It displays a flashing back to fifties [[Rock and Roll|rock'n'roll]] youth culture.<ref name=carol>Clerk, 2002. p. 49</ref>
+"True Blue" had two music videos to accompany it. Shot in early September 1986 in [[New York]], Madonna's own video for the song was directed by [[James Foley]] and produced by David Naylor and [[Sharon Oreck]] with photography by [[Michael Ballhaus]]. The Foley version featured Madonna with three dancers and a 1950s car in an all-blue [[diner]]. Madonna changed her hairstyle from short-cropped in "[[Papa Don't Preach]]" to a bushy platinum blonde hairdo and sings the song in choreographed moves backed by her dancers. It displays a flashing back to fifties [[Rock and Roll|rock'n'roll]] youth culture.<ref name=carol>{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=49}}</ref>
-The blue background changes to a sunny one as she sings "The sun is bursting right out of the sky" to go-along with the lyrical meaning of the song. Two of Madonna's close friends, [[Erika Belle]] and [[Debi Mazar]] appeared in the video. The video was released at a time when she was going through a failed marriage with then husband actor [[Sean Penn]]. During this period, Madonna focused on more traditional fashion and attitudes and tried to appear more respectful of traditional gender roles. After shedding her trampy sex-kitten and boy-toy image with the "[[Live to Tell]]" music video, Madonna again adopted a new look for this video.<ref>Peach, 1998. p. 176</ref> Madonna attended aerobics classes at [[Hollywood]] health centre ''The Sports Connection'', which was responsible for her toned down look in the video.<ref name=carol/>
+The blue background changes to a sunny one as she sings "The sun is bursting right out of the sky" to go-along with the lyrical meaning of the song. Two of Madonna's close friends, Erika Belle and [[Debi Mazar]] appeared in the video. The video was released at a time when she was going through a failed marriage with then husband actor [[Sean Penn]]. During this period, Madonna focused on more traditional fashion and attitudes and tried to appear more respectful of traditional gender roles. After shedding her trampy sex-kitten and boy-toy image with the "[[Live to Tell]]" music video, Madonna again adopted a new look for this video.<ref>{{harvnb|Peach|1998|p=176}}</ref> Madonna attended aerobics classes at [[Hollywood]] health centre ''The Sports Connection'', which was responsible for her toned down look in the video.<ref name=carol/>
 ==="Make My Video" contest===
-[[Sire Records]] decided to opt for a promotional device in the United States that would involve [[MTV]] viewers to make their own videos for "True Blue". In the fall of 1986, MTV asked its viewers to submit their own videos. The contest was known as "Madonna's 'Make My Video' Contest". The winner was awarded a trip to MTV's [[New York City|New York]] studio where Madonna presented a [[$ (Dollars)|$]]25,000 cheque live on MTV.<ref>{{cite web|first=Guy D.|last=Garcia|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,962763,00.html|title=People|date=1986-11-03|accessdate=2009-03-31|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|publisher=[[Time Inc]]}}</ref> Thousands of viewers submitted their recorded tapes which were mainly made using home-made video equipments and featured themselves or relatives as the actors.<ref name=lisa>Lewis, 1991. p. 206</ref> MTV publicist [[Peter Danielson]] said that many of the submissions featured teenagers imitating Madonna. All the entries were shown in a continuous run on MTV as promised. The same song was played over and over for the whole day, but each time with a different video made by the finalists.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lyndsey|last=Parker|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/videogaga/7748/most-memorable-madonna-moments-46-50/|date=2008-08-07|title=Most Memorable Madonna Moments: 46-50|accessdate=2009-03-31|work=''[[Yahoo! Music]]''|publisher=[[Yahoo! Inc]]}}</ref> Author Lisa A. Lewis says that this event emphasized the effect Madonna had on different kind of audiences due to the popularity and response to the contest. <!-- role as perveyor of multiple audience feelings -->MTV selected ten finalists based mainly on a standard of [[popularity]] rather than slickness of production or concept creativity.<ref name=lisa/>
+[[Sire Records]] decided to opt for a promotional device in the United States that would involve [[MTV]] viewers to make their own videos for "True Blue". In the fall of 1986, MTV asked its viewers to submit their own videos. The contest was known as "Madonna's 'Make My Video' Contest". The winner was awarded a trip to MTV's [[New York City|New York]] studio where Madonna presented a [[$ (Dollars)|$]]25,000 cheque live on MTV.<ref>{{cite news|first=Guy D.|last=Garcia|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,962763,00.html|title=People of Time|date=1986-11-03|accessdate=2009-03-31|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]}}</ref> Thousands of viewers submitted their recorded tapes which were mainly made using home-made video equipments and featured themselves or relatives as the actors.<ref name=lisa>{{harvnb|Lewis|1991|p=206}}</ref> MTV publicist [[Peter Danielson]] said that many of the submissions featured teenagers imitating Madonna. All the entries were shown in a continuous run on MTV as promised. The same song was played over and over for the whole day, but each time with a different video made by the finalists.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lyndsey|last=Parker|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/videogaga/7748/most-memorable-madonna-moments-46-50/|date=2008-08-07|title=Most Memorable Madonna Moments: 46-50|accessdate=2009-03-31|work=[[Yahoo! Music]]|publisher=[[Yahoo! Inc]]}}</ref> Author Lisa A. Lewis said that this event emphasized the effect Madonna had on different kind of audiences due to the popularity and response to the contest. <!-- role as perveyor of multiple audience feelings -->MTV selected ten finalists based mainly on a standard of [[popularity]] rather than slickness of production or concept creativity.<ref name=lisa/>
 However, the concepts used in the videos were wide ranging and included a number of different ideas to interpret the [[Music lyrics|lyrical meaning]] of the song. The final three entries selected, portrayed a [[Fifties|fifties-style]] production referring to the [[Theme (music)|thematic]] content of the song. The song's narration  about "True Love" formed the basis of the rest of the semi-finalist videos but was used in very different ways. The videos were choreographed featuring [[Heterosexuality|heterosexual romance]], though no particular male or female protagonist was singled out. Some even adopted a kind of [[Montage (music)|literal montage]] technique rather than structuring the video around a narrative line.<ref name=lisa/> The winning entry was by Angel Gracia and Cliff Guest and it showed the female protagonist being supported and guided by her girlfriends who introduce her with the male protagonist. The girl even goes to the boy's door to gift him flowers, thereby reversing the usual gender-directed pattern of gift-giving. The male protagonist is portrayed as a "perfect boy" having the sensibilities like attentiveness, cuteness, playfulness like a friend (after the lyrics "You're my best friend") and not sexual overtones. The video in-turn contrasts him with a self-centered boy who puts on sunglasses, throws his leather jacket over his shoulder and walks away from the girl. Other videos portrayed a girl pining for her sailor, U.S.-Soviet relations and an arguing couple with the girl in a scene inspired by the music video of [[Tina Turner]]'s 1984 single "[[What's Love Got to Do with It (song)|What's Love Got to Do with It]]".<ref name=lisa/>
 ==Live performance and cover==
-Madonna performed the song only once on her 1987 "[[Who's That Girl Tour]]". She came up on the stage wearing a blue dress for singing the song after finishing a performance of "[[Lucky Star (song)|Lucky Star]]". In a similar setting to the original music video of the song, Madonna is backed up by her singers who play her girlfriends. At the end of the song Madonna is asked to dance again by the dancer playing her man in the performance.<ref>Voller, 1999. p. 29</ref> Her dance in the performance (and also some other performances in the tour) was choreographed by [[Jeffrey Hornaday]] from ''[[Flashdance (film)|Flashdance]]''.<ref>Parish; Pitts, 2003. p. 526</ref>
+Madonna performed the song only once on her 1987 "[[Who's That Girl Tour]]". She came up on the stage wearing a blue dress for singing the song after finishing a performance of "[[Lucky Star (song)|Lucky Star]]". In a similar setting to the original music video of the song, Madonna is backed up by her singers who play her girlfriends. At the end of the song Madonna is asked to dance again by the dancer playing her man in the performance.<ref>{{harvnb|Voller|1999|p=29}}</ref> Her dance in the performance (and also some other performances in the tour) was choreographed by [[Jeffrey Hornaday]] from ''[[Flashdance (film)|Flashdance]]''.<ref>{{harvnb|Parish|Pitts|2003|p=526}}</ref>
-[[Pennsylvania]] based [[Pop punk|pop-punk]] band [[Digger (band)|Digger]] recorded a version for their first [[LP (format)|LP]] ''Powerbait'' in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hnfqxq9kldte|title=allmusic ((( Digger > Overview )))|accessdate=2009-04-01 |publisher=[[Allmusic]]}}</ref>
+[[Pennsylvania]] based [[Pop punk|pop-punk]] band [[Digger (band)|Digger]] recorded a version for their first [[LP (format)|LP]] ''Powerbait'' in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hnfqxq9kldte|title=allmusic ((( Digger > Overview )))|accessdate=2009-04-01 |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|work=[[Allmusic]]}}</ref>
 ==Formats and track listing==
@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 ==Charts==
-{| class="wikitable"
+{| class="wikitable sortable"
 !|Chart (1986)
 !|Peak<br>position
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 |align="center"|4
 |-
-|[[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|French SNEP Singles Chart]]<ref name="fra">{{cite web|url=http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Madonna&titel=True+Blue&cat=s|title=Madonna - True Blue (Chanson)|language=French|publisher=[[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique]]|date=1986-12-27|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref>
+|[[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|French Singles Chart]]<ref name="fra">{{cite web|url=http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Madonna&titel=True+Blue&cat=s|title=Madonna - True Blue (Chanson)|language=French|publisher=[[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique]]|date=1986-12-27|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref>
 |align="center"|6
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@@ Line 135: / Line 135: @@
 |align="center"|4
 |-
-|[[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart]]<ref name="nzc">{{cite web|url=http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Madonna&titel=True+Blue&cat=s|title=Madonna - True Blue (Song)|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand]]|date=1986-11-09|accessdate=2009-09-26}}</ref>
+|[[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|New Zealand Singles Chart]]<ref name="nzc">{{cite web|url=http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Madonna&titel=True+Blue&cat=s|title=Madonna - True Blue (Song)|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand]]|date=1986-11-09|accessdate=2009-09-26}}</ref>
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 |align="center"|1
 |-
-|U.S. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]]<ref name="usa">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/hot-100?chartDate=1986-11-29|title=Hot 100:  Week of November 29, 1986 - True Blue|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|date=1986-11-29|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref>
+|U.S. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]]<ref name="usa">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/hot-100?chartDate=1986-11-29|title=Hot 100:  Week of November 29, 1986 - True Blue|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|date=1986-11-29|accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref>
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@@ Line 181: / Line 181: @@
 ==References==
 {{refbegin}}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Clerk
  | first = Carol
  | title = Madonnastyle
- | date = 2002
+ | year = 2002
  | publisher = [[Omnibus Press]]
  | isbn = 0711988749
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Dean
  | first = Maury
  | authorlink = Maury Dean
  | title = Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush: A Singles Un-Cyclopedia
- | date = 2003
+ | year = 2003
  | publisher = Algora Publishing
  | isbn = 0875862071
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Lewis
  | first = Lisa A.
  | title = Gender Politics and MTV: Voicing the Difference
- | date = 1991
+ | year = 1991
  | publisher = [[Temple University Press]]
  | isbn = 0877229422
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Marsh
  | first = Dave
@@ Line 212: / Line 212: @@
  | title = The heart of rock & soul: the 1001 greatest singles ever made
  | publisher = [[Da Capo Press]]
- | date = 1999
+ | year = 1999
  | isbn = 030680901X
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = McKeen
  | first = William
  | authorlink = William McKeen
  | title = Rock and Roll is Here to Stay: An Anthology
- | date = 2000
+ | year = 2000
  | publisher = [[W. W. Norton & Company]]
  | isbn = 0393047008
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Metz
  | first = Allan
- | coauthors = Benson, Carol
+ | last2 = Benson
+ | first2 = Carol
  | title = The Madonna Companion: Two Decades of Commentary
- | date = 1999
+ | year = 1999
  | publisher = [[Music Sales Group]]
  | isbn = 0825671949
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Michael
  | first = Mick St.
  | title = Madonna 'talking': Madonna in Her Own Words
- | date = 2004
+ | year = 2004
  | publisher = Omnibus Press
  | isbn = 1844494187
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Morton
  | first = Andrew
@@ Line 247: / Line 248: @@
  | title = Madonna
  | publisher = [[Macmillan Publishers]]
- | date = 2002
+ | year = 2002
  | isbn = 0312983107
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Parish
  | first = James Robert
- | coauthors = Pitts, Michael R.
+ | last2 = Pitts
+ | first2 = Michael R.
  | title = Hollywood Songsters: Garland to O'Connor
  | publisher = [[Taylor & Francis]]
- | date = 2003
+ | year = 2003
  | isbn = 0415943337
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Peach
  | first = Lucinda J.
@@ Line 265: / Line 267: @@
  | date = 1998
  | publisher = [[Wiley-Blackwell (publisher)|Wiley-Blackwell]]
- | date = 1998
+ | year = 1998
  | isbn = 155786649X
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Rooksby
  | first = Rikky
- | date = 2004
+ | year = 2004
  | title = The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna
  | publisher = Omnibus Press
  | isbn = 0711998833
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Taraborrelli
  | first = J. Randy
@@ Line 282: / Line 284: @@
  | title = Madonna: An Intimate Biography
  | publisher = [[Simon and Schuster]]
- | date = 2002
+ | year = 2002
  | isbn = 0743228804
  }}
-*{{cite book
+*{{citation
  | last = Voller
  | first = Debbie
  | title = Madonna: The Style Book
  | publisher = Omnibus Press
- | date = 1999
+ | year = 1999
  | isbn = 0711975116
  }}
@@ Line 297: / Line 299: @@
 ==External links==
 * [http://www.madonna.com/ Madonna Official Site]
-* [http://madonna.com/music/?v=&a=1&id=3 "True Blue" - Album Details]
+* [www.madonna.com/discography/index/album/albumId/3/ "True Blue" - Album Details]
 * [http://www.mtv.com/lyrics/madonna/true_blue/607828/lyrics.jhtml "True Blue" lyrics]

v t e Madonna
Albums Songs Singles Unreleased Concerts Videos Films Books Fashion brands Awards Achievements Cultural impact
Studio albums	Madonna Like a Virgin True Blue Like a Prayer Erotica Bedtime Stories Ray of Light Music American Life Confessions on a Dance Floor Hard Candy MDNA Rebel Heart Madame X
Soundtrack albums	Who's That Girl I'm Breathless Evita
Live albums	I'm Going to Tell You a Secret The Confessions Tour Sticky & Sweet Tour MDNA World Tour Rebel Heart Tour Madame X: Music from the Theater Xperience
Remix albums	You Can Dance Remixed & Revisited Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones
Compilation albums	The Immaculate Collection Something to Remember GHV2 Celebration
Limited releases	Like a Virgin & Other Big Hits! The Complete Studio Albums (1983–2008)
Video releases	Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour Ciao Italia: Live from Italy The Immaculate Collection Blond Ambition World Tour Live The Girlie Show: Live Down Under The Video Collection 93:99 Drowned World Tour 2001 The Confessions Tour Celebration Sticky & Sweet Tour MDNA World Tour Rebel Heart Tour
Concerts and tours	The Virgin Tour Who's That Girl World Tour Blond Ambition World Tour The Girlie Show Drowned World Tour Re-Invention World Tour Confessions Tour Sticky & Sweet Tour The MDNA Tour Rebel Heart Tour Tears of a Clown Madame X Tour The Celebration Tour
Films directed	Filth and Wisdom W.E. secretprojectrevolution Who's That Girl (biopic)
Documentaries	Truth or Dare I'm Going to Tell You a Secret I Am Because We Are Madame X
Television	1994 Late Show with David Letterman appearance Super Bowl XLVI halftime show
Books	Sex The English Roses Mr. Peabody's Apples Yakov and the Seven Thieves The Adventures of Abdi Lotsa de Casha
Companies and brands	Maverick Ray of Light Foundation Raising Malawi Hard Candy Fitness Truth or Dare by Madonna
Works about Madonna	Cover versions Tribute albums Madonna by Alisha Chinai Through the Wilderness Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna A Panel of Experts "Like a Surgeon" Medusa: Dare to Be Truthful Madonna: Innocence Lost "If Madonna Calls" Madonna: An Intimate Biography Madonna (book) "Do It with Madonna" "She's Madonna" Madonna: Like an Icon Life with My Sister Madonna "The Power of Madonna" Strike a Pose Madonnaland Holidays (musical)
Impact and legacy	Academic studies Bibliography Scholarly articles Business Contemporary arts Echiniscus madonnae Fandom Fashion Feminism Gay icon Impersonator Madonna (nickname) Madonna wannabe Media Philanthropy Radio 1 controversy Religion Sexuality
Related articles	Breakfast Club Christopher Ciccone Lourdes Leon Madonna (name) Sean Penn Pre-Madonna Guy Ritchie
Category

v t e Madonna songs
Singles Songs Covers Unreleased songs
1980s singles	"Everybody" "Burning Up" "Physical Attraction" "Holiday" "Lucky Star" "Borderline" "Like a Virgin" "Material Girl" "Crazy for You" "Angel" "Into the Groove" "Dress You Up" "Gambler" "Live to Tell" "Papa Don't Preach" "True Blue" "Open Your Heart" "La Isla Bonita" "Who's That Girl" "Causing a Commotion" "The Look of Love" "Spotlight" "Like a Prayer" "Express Yourself" "Cherish" "Oh Father" "Dear Jessie"
1990s singles	"Keep It Together" "Vogue" "Hanky Panky" "Justify My Love" "Rescue Me" "This Used to Be My Playground" "Erotica" "Deeper and Deeper" "Bad Girl" "Fever" "Rain" "Bye Bye Baby" "I'll Remember" "Secret" "Take a Bow" "Bedtime Story" "Human Nature" "You'll See" "One More Chance" "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" "You Must Love Me" "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" "Frozen" "Ray of Light" "Drowned World/Substitute for Love" "The Power of Good-Bye" "Nothing Really Matters" "Beautiful Stranger"
2000s singles	"American Pie" "Music" "Don't Tell Me" "What It Feels Like for a Girl" "Die Another Day" "American Life" "Hollywood" "Me Against the Music" "Nothing Fails" "Love Profusion" "Hung Up" "Sorry" "Get Together" "Jump" "4 Minutes" "Give It 2 Me" "Miles Away" "Celebration" "Revolver"
2010s singles	"Give Me All Your Luvin'" "Girl Gone Wild" "Masterpiece" "Turn Up the Radio" "Living for Love" "Ghosttown" "Bitch I'm Madonna" "Hold Tight" "Medellín" "Crave" "I Rise"
2020s singles	"I Don't Search I Find" "Levitating (The Blessed Madonna remix)" "Frozen (Sickick remixes)" "Break My Soul (The Queens remix)" "Back That Up to the Beat" "Popular" "Vulgar"
Promotional singles	"You Can Dance (LP Cuts)" "Erotic" "I Want You" "Sky Fits Heaven" "Impressive Instant" "GHV2 Megamix" "Into the Hollywood Groove" "Nobody Knows Me" "Imagine" "Hey You" "Superstar" "Future" "Dark Ballet" "Material Gworrllllllll" "Hung Up on Tokischa"
Other songs recorded	"Santa Baby" "Sooner or Later" "Oh What a Circus" "Sing" "Beat Goes On" "Gang Bang" "I Don't Give A" "Devil Pray" "Unapologetic Bitch" "Illuminati" "Joan of Arc" "Iconic" "Holy Water" "Wash All Over Me" "Rebel Heart" "God Control" "Batuka"
Other songs written	"Sidewalk Talk" "Each Time You Break My Heart" "Just a Dream" "Love Won't Wait" "The Greatest Hit" "Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling" "Go Hard" "Who's That Chick?" "Mamacita"
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