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"Causing a Commotion"
Madonna with short cropped blond hair is pointing towards somebody while holding a gun. She is wearing a red skirt, a black jacket and gloves.
Single by Madonna
from the album Who's That Girl
B-side"Jimmy, Jimmy"
ReleasedAugust 25, 1987
Recorded1987
GenreDance-pop
Length4:20
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Madonna
  • Stephen Bray
Madonna singles chronology
"Who's That Girl"
(1987) 		"Causing a Commotion"
(1987) 		"The Look of Love"
(1987)
Licensed audio
"Causing a Commotion" on YouTube

"Causing a Commotion" is a song by American singer Madonna from the soundtrack album to the 1987 film Who's That Girl. It was released as the album's second single on August 25, 1987, by Sire Records. Its Silver Screen Single Mix later appeared on the EP The Holiday Collection (1991). Written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray, the song was inspired by her relationship with then-husband Sean Penn, and his abusive and violent nature. Containing a dance-oriented, up-tempo groove, the song begins with the chorus and is accompanied by a four-note descending bassline and staccato chords in the verses.

Since its release, "Causing a Commotion" has received mixed reviews from music critics. The song was a commercial success, peaking within the top-ten in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Madonna performed the song on the Who's That Girl World Tour in 1987 – which was transmitted via satellite to the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards – and the Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990. She also performed a brief snippet in selected shows on The Celebration Tour in 2023 and 2024. The performances were included in the home video release of the tours.

Background and release

[edit]

In 1986, Madonna was shooting for her third motion picture Who's That Girl, known at the time as Slammer. Needing songs for the soundtrack of the movie, she contacted Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray, with whom she had written and produced her third studio album True Blue (1986).[1] The song was written and produced by Madonna and Bray for the film's soundtrack. It was inspired by her then husband Sean Penn and their often tumultuous relationship. Madonna felt that her marriage to Penn was on the verge of breaking up, due to Penn's abusive and violent nature.[2] That translated as the inspiration behind the song. In a Rolling Stone article dated September 10, 1987, Madonna spoke about Penn's impact on her life,

"I don't like violence. 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 them [the paparazzi] 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."[3]

In the United States, "Causing a Commotion" was released on August 25, 1987. In the United Kingdom, the song was released on September 17, just after the conclusion of the Who's That Girl World Tour that same month. In 1991, the Silver Screen Single Mix of the song was included on the EP The Holiday Collection (1991).[4]

Recording and composition

[edit]
'Causing a Commotion'
A 20 second sample of "Causing a Commotion" featuring the chorus.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Causing a Commotion" was recorded and mixed by Stephen Bray along with Shep Pettibone, who also did additional production on the track. Junior Vasquez was the mixing engineer along with Steve Peck, the former also did the audio editing. Background vocals were provided by Donna De Lory and Niki Haris.[5] "Causing a Commotion" has a dancey, up-tempo groove in it.[6] The musical arrangement consists of a number of hooks interpolating with each other. It begins with the chorus, where Madonna sings the line "I've got the moves baby, You've got the motion, If we got together we'd be causing a commotion". The verses are accompanied by a four-note descending bassline and interjecting staccato chords.[6]

The lyrics make reference to Madonna's 1985 hit single "Into the Groove" and have three parts to the vocal harmony. Andrzej Ciuk, one of the editors of the book Exploring Space noted that the proverbial status of the phrase "opposites attract" as a defining key ingredient of cultural concept of "love" and this was evident also in the song with the lyrics: "You met your match when you met me, I know that you'll disagree it's crazy, But opposites attract you'll see, And I won't let you get away so easy".[7]

Critical reception

[edit]
Madonna performing "Causing a Commotion" on the Who's That Girl World Tour in 1987

"Causing a Commotion" received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Rikky Rooksby, author of The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, said that the song was "Perfectly acceptable, though not in the same class as 'Who's That Girl'."[6] Christian Wright from Spin called the song celebratory.[8] Camille Paglia, one of the authors of The Madonna Companion: Two Decades of Commentary, said that Madonna's command of massive, resonant basslines impressed her. She wrote: "I recall my stunned admiration as I sat in the theater in 1987 and first experienced the crashing, descending chords of Madonna's 'Causing a Commotion', which opened her dreadful movie Who's That Girl. If you want to hear the essence of modernity, listen to those chords, infernal, apocalyptic and grossly sensual. This is the authentic voice of fin de siècle."[9] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commented that "Causing a Commotion" and "Who's That Girl" were not among Madonna's best singles.[10] Matthew Jacobs from HuffPost, placed it at number 46 of his list "The Definitive Ranking of Madonna Singles", calling it "cheerful, until you learn it was inspired by her abusive relationship with Sean Penn".[11]

In August 2018, Billboard ranked it as Madonna's 85th greatest song; Joel Lynch wrote that only Madonna "could release a song this lightweight from a critically drubbed film and still take it to No. 2 on the Hot 100. The arresting, thick AF bass line and the sugary determination of her delivery make this a delight, albeit a relatively slight one".[12] Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson called it "somehow generic and diverting in equal measure, ['Causing a Commotion'] offers one of Madonna’s most undeniable come-on lines at the center of it all".[13] Louis Virtel from The Backlot ranked it at number 16 on a list for "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs", and called it "jubilant and driving".[14] Writing for Gay Star News, Joe Morgan deemed it an "absolute gem" that "unfortunately sinks in the background when it comes to Madonna’s 80s classics".[15] The Guardian's Jude Rogers described it as "a slighter facsimile of the imperial 'Into the Groove', protesting too much about its abilities to coax out the noise police".[16] For Medium's Richard LaBeau, "there is nothing especially bad about this track, but it is profoundly forgettable, particularly in comparison with the brilliant singles that preceded and followed it".[17]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Causing a Commotion" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 41 the week of September 12, 1987, as "Who's That Girl" was descending from the top-ten.[18] The song quickly climbed up the chart, ultimately peaking at number two the week of October 24, 1987, blocked from the top position by Michael Jackson's "Bad" and Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now." It remained in the runner-up position for three consecutive weeks, before descending the chart.[19] The song reached the top 40 of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and hit number one on the Dance Club Songs chart.[20][21] In Canada, the song debuted at number 90 on the RPM Top 100 chart on September 19, 1987.[22] After six weeks, the song reached a peak of number two on the chart.[23] It was present for a total of 31 weeks and ranked at number 47 on the RPM year-end chart for 1987.[24][25]

In the United Kingdom, "Causing a Commotion" entered the UK Singles Chart at number seven and peaked at number four. The song was present for a total of nine weeks.[26] According to the Official Charts Company, the song has sold 230,000 copies there.[27] In Germany, the song debuted on the Media Control Charts at number 66 on September 29, 1987, reaching a peak of number 14 in its third week and spending 12 weeks on the chart.[28] The song reached the top-ten in Australia and the European Hot 100 Singles, peaking at number seven and three, respectively.[29][30] Elsewhere, the song reached the top-ten in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland, and the top 20 in Austria, Norway and Sweden.[31][32][33]

Live performances

[edit]
Madonna and backup singers Donna De Lory and Niki Haris performing "Causing a Commotion" during the Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990

Madonna performed "Causing a Commotion" on the Who's That Girl World Tour and the Blond Ambition World Tour. On the Who's That Girl World Tour, "Causing a Commotion" was the sixth song of the set list. Collaborating with Marlene Stewart on the clothes for the tour, Madonna expanded on the idea of bringing her video characters to life and to display a gangster theme for the song. She wore a golden lamé jacket and performed the song while accompanied by two dancers, each holding a gun.[34] Performances of the song on this tour can be found on the Who's That Girl: Live in Japan video, filmed in Tokyo, Japan, on June 22, 1987,[35] and on the Ciao Italia: Live from Italy video, filmed in Turin, Italy, on September 4, 1987.[36] The latter performance was transmitted via satellite to the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.[37]

On the Blond Ambition World Tour, "Causing a Commotion" was the third song of the set list. The outfit she wore for the performance was described by Carol Clerk, author of Madonnastyle, as the "perfect visual combination of masculine and feminine".[38] Madonna wore heavy makeup with thick, blackened eyebrows and heavy application of dark liner.[38] The performance ended with Madonna wrestling with her female backup singers.[38] Two different performances were released on video: the Blond Ambition Japan Tour 90, filmed in Yokohama, Japan, on April 27, 1990,[39] and the Blond Ambition World Tour Live, filmed in Nice, France, on August 5, 1990.[40]

On occasion during her Celebration Tour in 2023, Madonna sang lines from the refrain before introducing the concept of the show to the audience and launching into a guitar-driven performance of "Burning Up."[41][42]

Track listing and formats

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]
  • Madonna – vocals, writer, producer
  • Stephen Bray – writer, producer, audio mixing
  • Shep Pettibone – audio mixing, additional production
  • Junior Vasquez – mixing engineer, audio editing
  • Steve Peck – mixing engineer
  • Jane O'Neal – photography[48]
  • Jeri Heiden – art direction
  • Maura P. McLaughlin – design

Credits adapted from the Who's That Girl soundtrack and 12" single liner notes.[5][49]

Charts

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Causing a Commotion

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"" is a song by American singer , serving as the second single from the soundtrack album to her 1987 film Who's That Girl. Written and produced by Madonna and , the track features upbeat synth-driven instrumentation and lyrics exploring themes of excitement and disruption in romance. Released on August 25, 1987, by , it marked Madonna's continued commercial dominance during her Who's That Girl era, encompassing both the film and its supporting world tour. The song achieved significant chart success, reaching number two on the for three weeks, blocked from the top spot by Michael Jackson's "Bad," while topping the chart. Internationally, it peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and entered the top ten in countries including , , , , , and . Despite lacking an official , "Causing a Commotion" benefited from promotion during Madonna's Who's That Girl Tour, where it was performed as an encore, contributing to the tour's record-breaking status as the highest-grossing female tour of its time.

Origins and Development

Songwriting and Inspiration

"Causing a Commotion" was co-written by and longtime collaborator , who also served as co-producer on the track. The pair had previously worked together on several of Madonna's hits, including "True Blue" and "Express Yourself," with Bray contributing to the rhythmic and melodic foundations that defined her mid-1980s sound. Composition occurred in 1987 specifically for the soundtrack album to the film Who's That Girl, aligning with Madonna's involvement in the project's promotional efforts. Madonna indicated that the song drew inspiration from her marriage to actor , which had become tumultuous by mid-. The couple wed in August 1985 amid high-profile media scrutiny, but their relationship involved reported conflicts, including Penn's arrests in for alleged assault related to Madonna. While the evoke general themes of chaotic attraction—"Why don't you play with me? / I'm the only one who laughs at your jokes"—Madonna explicitly linked the track's energy to Penn's volatile influence during a . This personal undercurrent contrasted with the film's lighthearted plot, positioning the song as a bridge between Madonna's private experiences and her public persona.

Recording Process

"Causing a Commotion" was co-written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray, with the pair handling primary production duties during sessions for the Who's That Girl soundtrack in 1987. Bray, who had previously collaborated with Madonna on tracks from her 1986 album True Blue, contributed to the song's upbeat dance-pop arrangement, emphasizing rhythmic percussion and synth-driven hooks characteristic of late-1980s pop production. Additional production and mixing were provided by , a remixer known for his work enhancing club-oriented tracks, while Steve Peck served as the mix engineer. This layered approach allowed for multiple versions, including extended mixes tailored for radio and dance formats, reflecting the era's emphasis on remixing for broader market appeal. Background vocals were recorded by and , adding harmonic depth to Madonna's lead performance. The track's production prioritized a high-energy, polished sound suitable for the film's promotional , with Bray's drum programming and synth layers creating a sense of frenetic motion aligned with the song's thematic chaos. No specific is documented in primary credits, but the sessions aligned with 's workflow involving New York and facilities used for her mid-1980s projects.

Musical and Lyrical Analysis

Composition and Style

"Causing a Commotion" is a song co-written and co-produced by and for the soundtrack to the 1987 film Who's That Girl. The track runs for 4:21 in its album version and features an up-tempo groove driven by rhythms and a synth bass line, hallmarks of Madonna's mid-1980s production approach. Instrumentation incorporates pounding keyboards, wiggly electric guitars, and chord stabs, fostering a lively, club-ready energy suited to dance floors. Musically, the song operates at 120 beats per minute in the key of F minor, employing a structure that opens directly with the chorus rather than a traditional verse introduction. This immediate hook deployment, paired with a four-note descending bassline, propels the listener into its rhythmic pulse. Chord progressions demonstrate above-average complexity and novelty relative to standard pop compositions, with elevated chord-melody tension enhancing the track's dynamic feel and melodic intrigue. Stylistically, "Causing a Commotion" exemplifies influences within the broader genre, blending electronic elements with a funky edge that echoes contemporary club music trends. Its layered production—mixing synthetic textures and percussive drive—prioritizes danceability and replay value, aligning with the era's emphasis on high-energy, accessible pop for radio and . The song's arrangement avoids overt balladry or experimentation, instead favoring concise, repetitive motifs to sustain momentum across verses, choruses, and bridges.

Lyrics and Themes

"Causing a Commotion" consists of verses and a repeating chorus that emphasize assertive pursuit and the thrill of incompatible yet magnetic partnerships. Co-written by and , the lyrics open with the narrator's bold claim of equivalence: "You met your match when you met me / I know that you will disagree it's crazy / But you'll see / And I won't let you get away so easy." This sets a tone of defiance toward , portraying attraction as an undeniable force overriding rational doubt. Subsequent lines reinforce persistence: ", aren't you ? / You won't admit it but you know it's true / It's not , so don't try to hide it." The chorus captures the core dynamic of complementary energies leading to disruption: "I've got the moves baby, you got the motion / If we got together we'd be causing a commotion." Repeated throughout, this evokes physical and emotional , implying that union would provoke upheaval—whether relational turmoil or exhilarating chaos. Bridge sections introduce sensory urgency: "Satisfy my / Let me be the one who completes you / Don't you feel the fire burning? / Let me be the one who treats you." These elements blend flirtation with insistence, highlighting themes of unyielding desire and the transformative power of passion. Thematically, the song explores the inevitability of attraction between contrasting personalities, framing "commotion" as both a warning and an invitation to intensity. It reflects a rejection of complacency in favor of volatile connection, where only heightens tension. Interpretations often tie this to personal volatility, with reports indicating the track drew from Madonna's 1987 marriage to , amid documented instances of his aggressive behavior toward her. This context aligns with the ' undercurrent of challenged , portraying relationships as arenas of and vitality rather than serene compatibility. User analyses on music forums further emphasize mutual amid resistance, underscoring causal links between opposition and spark.

Release and Commercial Trajectory

Single Release and Formats

"Causing a Commotion" was released as the second single from the Who's That Girl soundtrack in the United States on August 25, 1987, by Sire Records, following the title track. In the United Kingdom, the single appeared on September 7, 1987, through Warner Bros. Records. The release supported promotion for Madonna's Who's That Girl World Tour, which began in June 1987. The single was distributed primarily in analog formats prevalent for at the time, including 7-inch vinyl singles and cassettes. Standard 7-inch pressings featured the album version or a of "Causing a Commotion" (approximately 4:35) as the A-side, backed by "Jimmy Jimmy" (3:55) from Madonna's 1986 album True Blue. Cassette singles mirrored this configuration, with U.S. editions often housed in slimline cases. Maxi-single variants on 12-inch vinyl and extended cassette formats provided remixes tailored for dance clubs and radio airplay. These included the Silver Screen Mix (6:39), produced by and , emphasizing layered synths and percussion; the Movie House Mix, an early house-influenced edit released in August 1987; and instrumental dubs. European editions expanded options with 12-inch singles and promotional 7-inch versions bundled with badges. No commercial was issued in 1987, though the track later appeared on compilations.
FormatKey Tracks/FeaturesRegions
7" Vinyl"Causing a Commotion" (edit) / "Jimmy Jimmy", ,
Cassette SingleSame as 7" vinyl,
12" Vinyl MaxiSilver Screen Mix, Movie House Mix, Dub,
Cassette MaxiExtended mixes + "Jimmy Jimmy"
These formats facilitated broad accessibility, with vinyl emphasizing collectibility through variant sleeves and etchings, while cassettes targeted portable playback. Total global pressings exceeded hundreds of thousands, though exact figures remain unverified by official sales data.

Chart Performance and Sales

"Causing a Commotion" entered the US at number 41 on September 12, 1987, ultimately peaking at number 2 for three consecutive weeks and spending a total of 18 weeks on the chart. The single also topped the chart. In the , it debuted on the Official Singles Chart at number 7 before reaching a peak position of number 4 on September 19, 1987. Internationally, the song achieved strong placements across various territories, including number 2 in and number 4 in .
Chart (1987)Peak Position
(Kent Music Report)2
(RPM Top Singles)4
UK Singles (OCC)4
US Billboard Hot 1002
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)1
Sales data for "Causing a Commotion" indicate it exceeded one million units globally, contributing to the commercial success of the Who's That Girl soundtrack. No specific certifications from the RIAA or BPI were issued for the single in the United States or United Kingdom based on available records.

Promotion and Live Renditions

Promotional Efforts

The primary promotional vehicle for "Causing a Commotion" was its accompanying , directed by Dutch filmmaker Egbert van Hees and released in August 1987 alongside the single. The black-and-white video depicts Madonna performing energetic dance routines in a stylized urban setting, emphasizing the song's energy and aligning with the promotional push for the Who's That Girl film . It received rotation on , contributing to the single's visibility during its chart run. To further amplify exposure, a live of the track from Madonna's was broadcast via satellite to the on September 11. Captured during the September 4 concert at Stadio Comunale in , , the rendition featured in a vibrant stage outfit, with highlighting the song's rhythmic hooks, and served dual purposes of promoting both the single and the ongoing tour. This appearance capitalized on the event's high viewership, where also received the Best Female Video award for "Papa Don't Preach." Sire Records supported radio and club promotion through specialized remixes, including the "Silver Screen Single Mix" and "Movie House Mix," released on 12-inch singles starting August 25, 1987. These extended versions, produced by Stephen Hague, targeted dance formats and helped the song top Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart on October 31, 1987, broadening its appeal beyond top 40 airplay.

Tour Performances and Appearances

"Causing a Commotion" was performed as the sixth song in the setlist of Madonna's , following "White Heat" and preceding "The Look of Love". The tour, Madonna's second overall and first to span multiple continents, consisted of 38 concerts across , , and , beginning on June 14, 1987, in , , and ending on September 21, 1987, in Rome, . A rendition from the September 4, 1987, show at Stadio Comunale in , , was transmitted live via satellite to the , marking one of the song's high-profile televised appearances. The track reappeared in the setlist in 1990, integrated into the opening "" segment as the third number, after "Express Yourself" (incorporating elements of "Everybody") and "Open Your Heart". This tour featured elaborate staging, with the performance involving synchronized choreography among and her backup singers, and , evoking a playful confrontation amid the act's urban theme. Videos from dates such as , , on April 25, 1990, and , , document the high-energy delivery tailored to the tour's theatrical production. No subsequent Madonna tours included "Causing a Commotion" in their standard setlists, limiting its live renditions primarily to these two outings.

Reception

Contemporary Critical Views

Upon its release in August 1987, "Causing a Commotion" received mixed , with reviewers often characterizing it as a competent but unremarkable entry in 's catalog of upbeat tracks. Critics noted its reliance on familiar synth-driven grooves and playful innuendo-laden , viewing it as emblematic of her mid-1980s formula rather than a departure. For instance, during a July 1987 concert review ahead of the single's full promotion, a Washington Post critic described the song's live debut as "somewhat derivative," grouping it with other new material from the Who's That Girl soundtrack that echoed prior styles without significant evolution. In a broader November 1987 New York Times examination of Billboard's top hits, the track was critiqued as "more formulaic than most of her hits," highlighting its predictable structure amid Madonna's streak of chart successes. Such assessments reflected a growing sentiment among some music writers that Madonna's output, while commercially potent, risked repetition in its blueprint, prioritizing accessibility over artistic risk. Positive notes focused on its infectious energy and suitability for clubs and radio, aligning with its rapid ascent to number one on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart by October 31, 1987, though these were tempered by the perception of it as filler amid the soundtrack's variable quality.

Retrospective Evaluations

In later assessments of Madonna's discography, "Causing a Commotion" has been frequently characterized as an underrated dance track from her mid-1980s period, praised for its infectious energy and production despite initial mixed reception. Music writer Michael Christopher, in a 2022 retrospective on the Who's That Girl soundtrack, described it as a "total banger" to which he returns repeatedly, acknowledging its diminished status among Madonna classics but highlighting its enduring appeal as a high-energy pop song. Similarly, a 2011 guide to Madonna's career by Popdose labeled it a "classic Madonna dance track," noting its inspiration from her tumultuous marriage to and arguing it as arguably superior to the soundtrack's lead single "Who's That Girl," though often overlooked in favor of her more prominent hits. Analyses from the 2020s have positioned the song as a transitional piece in Madonna's artistic evolution, blending the upbeat, synth-driven pop of her early career with hints of the more introspective themes in her subsequent work. In a 2023 examination by The Lost Songs Project, it was credited with forming a "crucial bridge" between her initial "empress of joy" era and deeper explorations, emphasizing its danceable rhythm alongside lyrical nods to relational chaos, with over 7.5 million streams reflecting sustained listener interest. These views contrast with its absence from key compilations like Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones (2022), where omissions of non-number-one tracks like this one underscore a selective canon that critics argue undervalues its #2 Billboard Hot 100 peak and cultural resonance as a product of 1980s club culture. Overall, retrospective commentary elevates its craftsmanship by producers Madonna and Stephen Bray, viewing it as emblematic of her ability to channel personal turmoil—specifically Penn's volatility—into commercially viable, rhythmically propulsive pop without sacrificing accessibility.

Legacy and Cultural Footprint

Remixes, Covers, and Reuse

The single release of "Causing a Commotion" in 1987 included several official remixes produced for promotional and club play, extending the track's dance-oriented appeal. The Silver Screen Mix, clocking in at approximately 7:40, emphasized layered synths and extended breakdowns, and was issued on vinyl by . Similarly, the Movie House Mix, released in August 1987, incorporated early elements with pulsating basslines and was later made available on streaming platforms by . The Special Re-Xtended Mix provided another elongated version focused on rhythmic builds, appearing on formats. Covers of the song have been infrequent and largely confined to niche or tribute contexts. Welsh musician performed a live cover in 2017, infusing it with electronic arrangements during concerts. Electronic act Teammate released a version in 2010, reinterpreting the track with minimalist production. Other renditions, such as those by Deejay Jay featuring Stephi and D-Flex, appeared in dance compilations but garnered limited mainstream attention. Reuse of the song's elements has been minimal. It was sampled by artist MermaidS in a 2012 track titled "Causing a Commotion," directly interpolating vocal hooks and beats for an electronic rework. No major commercial samples or interpolations in high-profile releases have been documented beyond fan remixes and unofficial mashups.

Impact, Influence, and Critiques

"Causing a Commotion" reinforced Madonna's commercial dominance in the late 1980s, peaking at number two on the for three weeks in October 1987 and contributing to the Who's That Girl soundtrack's platinum certification in the United States by November 1987. The track's success, despite being overshadowed by the concurrent number-one hit "Bad" by , underscored Madonna's ability to generate top-tier singles from non-album projects, sustaining her momentum following the True Blue era. The song's influence extended through its dance-oriented production and thematic focus on playful provocation, aligning with Madonna's persona of blending sexuality with empowerment in . Its music video, directed by Glenn Scarpin and Marc Hay, adopted a aesthetic with surreal elements like floating furniture and prop guns, exemplifying Madonna's innovative visual storytelling that impacted subsequent pop videography by prioritizing narrative flair over literal interpretation. Retrospectively, the track has been viewed as a "fun, somewhat bubblegum ode to being sexy and sassy," highlighting its role in Madonna's catalog of anthems celebrating self-assured . Critiques of the song often center on its perceived superficiality, with some observers noting the lyrics' emphasis on stirring desire as formulaic within Madonna's oeuvre, lacking the deeper of tracks like "Like a Prayer." However, its enduring appeal was evident in , when the single debuted on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Songs and Dance Sales charts for the first time, driven by streaming resurgence amid Madonna's ongoing cultural relevance. This longevity reflects a broader acceptance of its lighthearted disruption as emblematic of pop rather than profound artistic statement.

References

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  4. https://www.billboard.com/artist/madonna/chart-history/dsi/
  5. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/madonna-causing-a-commotion/
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  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/780762-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion
  12. https://www.discogs.com/release/9197041-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion
  13. https://www.umusicpub.com/tr/Digital-Music-Library/song/169125/madonna-causing-a-commotion-
  14. https://madonnaunderground.com/madonna-discography/causing-a-commotion/
  15. https://lostsongs.substack.com/p/causing-a-commotion-madonna-review
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  17. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/madonna/causing-a-commotion-jimmy-jimmy/
  18. https://www.madonna.com/pages/song/causing-a-commotion
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  20. http://madonnabbarchives.blogspot.com/2012/03/causing-commotion-1987.html
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/765170-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/365714-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/662282-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/1188352-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion
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  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWq7zPVlkoo
  28. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOKJHRQky_X/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYXRKcucff0
  30. https://todayinmadonnahistory.com/tag/causing-a-commotion/
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  33. https://todayinmadonnahistory.com/tag/vmas/
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  36. https://www.popzeal.com/blog/madonna-singin-in-the-ring-causing-a-commotion
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eV5SE49aEk
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTtId3f_2k8
  39. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/madonna-bd6bdbe.html?songid=13d74979
  40. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1987/07/03/madonnas-star-turn-at-rfk/193a0e40-5f56-40e0-9287-f60fd2927593/
  41. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/01/arts/pop-view-hits-on-parade-some-lessons-of-a-top-10-countdown.html
  42. https://albumism.com/features/madonna-whos-that-girl-soundtrack-turns-35-anniversary-retrospective
  43. https://popdose.com/the-popdose-guide-to-madonna-part-3/
  44. https://albumism.com/features/madonna-eponymous-debut-album-anniversary
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/530269-Madonna-Causing-A-Commotion-Silver-Screen-Mix
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn7oANHakio
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4-FNsQms-s
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp7NePEiglU
  49. https://www.whosampled.com/Madonna/Causing-a-Commotion/covered/
  50. https://www.whosampled.com/Madonna/Causing-a-Commotion/
  51. https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/the-videos-of-madonna/
  52. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2024/09/05/madonnas-decades-old-song-lands-on-multiple-charts-for-the-first-time/
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