Happy Anniversary: Madonna, “Causing a Commotion”

28 years ago today, Madonna released the second single from the soundtrack from her 1987 film Who's That Girl, a song which may or may not have been about Sean Penn but definitely was another top-10 hit for the Material Girl.

“Causing a Commotion” was co-written by Stephen Bray, who - in addition to collaborating with Madonna on a number of other songs, including “True Blue,” “Into the Groove,” and “Express Yourself” - also earned a hit single of his own as a member of The Breakfast Club. (If you don't remember “Right on Track,” go familiarize yourself with it right away.) Also, we were trying to be diplomatic in the opening paragraph, just in case Madonna's ex-husband happened to swing by the site, but the truth can be found in a 1987 Rolling Stone interview: Madonna actually said outright that the song was inspired by Penn.

“I don't like violence,” said Madonna. “I never condone hitting anyone, and I never thought that any violence should have taken place. But on the other hand, I understood Sean's anger and believe me, I have wanted to hit him many times. I never would, you know, because I realize that it would just make things worse. I felt like he was 'Causing a Commotion' to purposefully distract me. I wrote this song and vented my frustration in it."

Ironically, some critics found frustration in listening to “Causing a Commotion,” suggesting that it wasn't really on par with her best work, but the masses liked it just fine: the song went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it topped the Dance Singles chart. Given its origins, it shouldn't come as a surprise that it hasn't turned up in her live set in 25 years - the last time she performed it was way back in 1990 - but there'd be a nice serendipity to the audience's reaction if she abruptly decided to revive it now: she'd be the one causing a commotion.