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| next_title = ] | next_title = ]
| next_year = 1987 | next_year = 1987
| misc = {{External music video|header=Licensed audio|1={{YouTube|a7Tuta8aOhs|"Causing a Commotion"}}}}
}} }}


"'''Causing a Commotion'''" is a song by American singer ] from the ] to the 1987 film '']''. It was released as the album's second ] on August 25, 1987, by ]. Its Silver Screen Single Mix later appeared on the ] '']'' (1991). Written and produced by Madonna and ], the song was inspired by her relationship with then-husband ], and his abusive and violent nature. Containing a ]-oriented, up-] ], the song begins with the ] and is accompanied by a four-note descending ] and ] chords in the ]s. "'''Causing a Commotion'''" is a song by American singer ] from the ] to the 1987 film '']''. It was released as the album's second ] on August 25, 1987, by ]. Its Silver Screen Single Mix later appeared on the ] '']'' (1991). Written and produced by Madonna and ], the song was inspired by her relationship with then-husband ], and his abusive and violent nature. Containing a ]-oriented, up-] ], the song begins with the ] and is accompanied by a four-note descending ] and ] chords in the ]s.


Since its release, "Causing a Commotion" has received mixed to positive reviews from ]s. The song was a commercial success, peaking within the top-ten in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and topped the '']'' ] chart. Madonna performed the song on the ] in 1987 – which was transmitted via satellite to the ] – and the ] in 1990. The performances were included in the home video release of the tours. Since its release, "Causing a Commotion" has received mixed reviews from ]s. 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 '']'' ] chart. Madonna performed the song on the ] in 1987 – which was transmitted via satellite to the ] – and the ] in 1990. She also performed a brief snippet in selected shows on ] in 2023 and 2024. The performances were included in the home video release of the tours.


== Background and release == == Background and release ==
In 1986, Madonna was shooting for her third motion picture '']'', known at the time as ''Slammer''. Needing songs for the soundtrack of the movie, she contacted ] and ], with whom she had written and produced her third studio ] '']'' (1986).<ref name="fred1">{{harvnb|Bronson|2003|p=203}}</ref> The song was written and produced by Madonna and Bray for the film's soundtrack. It was inspired by her then husband ] 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.<ref>{{harvnb|Feldman|2000|p=211}}</ref> That translated as the inspiration behind the song. In a '']'' article dated September 10, 1987, Madonna spoke about Penn's impact on her life, In 1986, Madonna was shooting for her third motion picture '']'', known at the time as ''Slammer''. Needing songs for the soundtrack of the movie, she contacted ] and ], with whom she had written and produced her third studio ] '']'' (1986).<ref name="fred1">{{harvnb|Bronson|2003|p=203}}</ref> The song was written and produced by Madonna and Bray for the film's soundtrack. It was inspired by her then husband ] 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.<ref>{{harvnb|Feldman|2000|p=211}}</ref> That translated as the inspiration behind the song. In a '']'' article dated September 10, 1987, Madonna spoke about Penn's impact on her life,
<blockquote> <blockquote>
"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 ]] 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."<ref name="rsint">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RWXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA149|last=Lawson|first=Senegal|date=September 10, 1987|title=Madonna: She's That Girl|magazine=]|volume=1019|issue=32|isbn=9788190870573 |issn=0035-791X|access-date=September 1, 2022}}</ref> "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 ]] 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."<ref name="rsint">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5RWXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA149|last=Lawson|first=Senegal|date=September 10, 1987|title=Madonna: She's That Girl|magazine=]|volume=1019|issue=32|isbn=9788190870573|issn=0035-791X|access-date=September 1, 2022|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925085218/https://books.google.com/books?id=5RWXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA149|url-status=live}}</ref>
</blockquote> </blockquote>
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 ] that same month. In 1991, the Silver Screen Single Mix of the song was included on the ] '']'' (1991).<ref>{{harvnb|Rooksby|2004|p=90}}</ref> 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 ] that same month. In 1991, the Silver Screen Single Mix of the song was included on the ] '']'' (1991).<ref>{{harvnb|Rooksby|2004|p=90}}</ref>
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== Critical reception == == Critical reception ==
] in 1987.]] ] in 1987]]
"Causing a Commotion" received generally mixed to positive reviews from ]s. 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 ']'."<ref name="rikky"/> Christian Wright from '']'' called the song celebratory.<ref name="spin">{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Yh9p0GCKsEC&pg=PA79|last=Wright|first=Christian|title=Madonna: Like a Prayer Review|journal=]|volume=5|issue=2|issn=0886-3032|date=May 1, 1989}}</ref> ], 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 '']''."<ref>{{harvnb|Metz|Benson|1999|p=162}}</ref> ] of ] commented that "Causing a Commotion" and "Who's That Girl" were not among Madonna's best singles.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r84660|pure_url=yes}}|title=Who's That Girl > Review|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|publisher=]|access-date=July 8, 2009|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine}}</ref> Matthew Jacobs from '']'', 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".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jacobs|first1=Matthew|title=The Definitive Ranking Of Madonna Singles|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934.html|work=]|access-date=June 30, 2015|date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> "Causing a Commotion" received generally mixed to positive reviews from ]s. 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 ']'."<ref name="rikky"/> Christian Wright from '']'' called the song celebratory.<ref name="spin">{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Yh9p0GCKsEC&pg=PA79|last=Wright|first=Christian|title=Madonna: Like a Prayer Review|journal=]|volume=5|issue=2|issn=0886-3032|date=May 1, 1989|access-date=October 14, 2016|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017222441/https://books.google.com/books?id=8Yh9p0GCKsEC&pg=PA79|url-status=live}}</ref> ], 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 '']''."<ref>{{harvnb|Metz|Benson|1999|p=162}}</ref> ] of ] commented that "Causing a Commotion" and "Who's That Girl" were not among Madonna's best singles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r84660|title=Who's That Girl > Review|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|publisher=]|access-date=July 8, 2009|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925070817/https://www.allmusic.com/album/whos-that-girl-original-motion-picture-soundtrack--mw0000196749|url-status=live}}</ref> Matthew Jacobs from '']'', 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".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jacobs|first1=Matthew|title=The Definitive Ranking Of Madonna Singles|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934.html|work=]|access-date=June 30, 2015|date=March 10, 2015|archive-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327133855/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/22/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In August 2018, '']'' 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".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch|first1=Joel |title=The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8469835/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list |magazine=] |access-date=14 May 2019 |date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> '']''{{'}}s Eric Henderson called it "somehow generic and diverting in equal measure, offers one of Madonna’s most undeniable come-on lines at the center of it all".<ref>{{cite web |last=Henderson |first=Eric |title=The Beat Goes On: Every Madonna Single Ranked |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-beat-goes-on-every-madonna-single-ranked/2/ |work=] |access-date=14 May 2019 |date=1 August 2018}}</ref> Louis Virtel from ] ranked it at number 16 on a list for "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs", and called it "jubilant and driving".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/the-100-greatest-madonna-songs/02/2012/|title=The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs|publisher=]|last=Virtel|first=Louis|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=February 28, 2016}}</ref> Writing for '']'', Joe Morgan deemed it an "absolute gem" that "unfortunately sinks in the background when it comes to Madonna’s 80s classics".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Joe |title=The Definitive Ranking of Madonna's Top 60 Singles |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonnas-top-60-singles/#gs.bxxxb8 |work=] |access-date=14 May 2019 |date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> '']''{{'}}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".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rogers|first1=Jude|title=Every one of Madonna's 78 singles – ranked!|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 August 2018|date=August 16, 2018}}</ref> For ]'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".<ref>{{cite web |last1=LeBeau |first1=Richard |title=Ranking All 57 of Madonna's Billboard Hits in Honor of Her 60th(!) Birthday |url=https://medium.com/rants-and-raves/ranking-all-57-of-madonnas-billboard-hits-in-honor-of-her-60th-birthday-b4f5e2d10fcd |publisher=] |access-date=2 June 2019 |date=August 16, 2018}}</ref> In August 2018, '']'' 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".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joel |title=The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8469835/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list |magazine=] |access-date=14 May 2019 |date=August 15, 2018 |archive-date=August 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830050410/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/8469835/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list |url-status=live }}</ref> '']''{{'}}s Eric Henderson called it "somehow generic and diverting in equal measure, offers one of Madonna’s most undeniable come-on lines at the center of it all".<ref>{{cite web |last=Henderson |first=Eric |title=The Beat Goes On: Every Madonna Single Ranked |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-beat-goes-on-every-madonna-single-ranked/2/ |work=] |access-date=14 May 2019 |date=1 August 2018 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322005529/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/the-beat-goes-on-every-madonna-single-ranked/2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ] from ] ranked it at number 16 on a list for "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs", and called it "jubilant and driving".<ref>{{cite web |last=Virtel |first=Louis |author-link=Louis Virtel |date=March 2, 2012 |title=The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs |url=http://www.newnownext.com/the-100-greatest-madonna-songs/02/2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020234731/http://www.newnownext.com/the-100-greatest-madonna-songs/02/2012/ |archive-date=October 20, 2015 |access-date=February 28, 2016 |publisher=]}}</ref> Writing for '']'', Joe Morgan deemed it an "absolute gem" that "unfortunately sinks in the background when it comes to Madonna’s 80s classics".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Joe |title=The Definitive Ranking of Madonna's Top 60 Singles |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonnas-top-60-singles/#gs.bxxxb8 |work=] |access-date=14 May 2019 |date=August 9, 2018 |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815095248/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonnas-top-60-singles/#gs.bxxxb8 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']''{{'}}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".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rogers|first1=Jude|title=Every one of Madonna's 78 singles – ranked!|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 August 2018|date=August 16, 2018|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816144826/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref> For ]'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".<ref>{{cite web |last1=LeBeau |first1=Richard |title=Ranking All 57 of Madonna's Billboard Hits in Honor of Her 60th(!) Birthday |url=https://medium.com/rants-and-raves/ranking-all-57-of-madonnas-billboard-hits-in-honor-of-her-60th-birthday-b4f5e2d10fcd |publisher=] |access-date=2 June 2019 |date=August 16, 2018 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602160751/https://medium.com/rants-and-raves/ranking-all-57-of-madonnas-billboard-hits-in-honor-of-her-60th-birthday-b4f5e2d10fcd |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Chart performance == == Chart performance ==
"Causing a Commotion" debuted on the US ] at number 41 the week of September 12, 1987, as "]" was descending from the top-ten.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-09-12/|title=The Billboard Hot 100: Week Ending September 12, 1987|magazine=]|access-date=May 10, 2010}}</ref> The song quickly climbed up the chart, ultimately peaking at number two the week of October 24, 1987, blocked from the pole position by ]'s "]" and ]'s "]." It remained in the runner-up position for three consecutive weeks, before descending from the chart.<ref name="hot100">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-10-24/|title=The Billboard Hot 100: Week Ending October 24, 1987|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 10, 2010}}</ref> The song reached the top 40 of the ''Billboard'' ] chart and hit number one on the ] chart.<ref name="adult">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/1987-10-24/|title=Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: Week Ending October 24, 1987|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 10, 2010}}</ref><ref name="dance">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/1987-10-31|title=Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs: Week Ending October 31, 1987|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 10, 2010}}</ref> In Canada, the song debuted at number 90 on the '']'' Top 100 chart on September 19, 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0875&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|title=Top ''RPM'' Singles: Issue 0875|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085240/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0875&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836#|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After six weeks, the song reached a peak of number two on the chart.<ref name="rpm"/> It was present for a total of 31 weeks and ranked at number 47 on the ''RPM'' year-end chart for 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0938&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|title=Top ''RPM'' Singles: Issue 0938|work=RPM|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085330/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0938&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836#|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="rpmyear">{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0920&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|title=Top 100 Singles of '87|work=RPM|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085424/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0920&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836#|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> "Causing a Commotion" debuted on the US ] at number 41 the week of September 12, 1987, as "]" was descending from the top-ten.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-09-12/|title=The Billboard Hot 100: Week Ending September 12, 1987|magazine=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-date=April 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406020120/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-09-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The song quickly climbed up the chart, ultimately peaking at number two the week of October 24, 1987, blocked from the top position by ]'s "]" and ]'s "]." It remained in the runner-up position for three consecutive weeks, before descending the chart.<ref name="hot100">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-10-24/|title=The Billboard Hot 100: Week Ending October 24, 1987|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-date=June 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620085633/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-10-24|url-status=live}}</ref> The song reached the top 40 of the ''Billboard'' ] chart and hit number one on the ] chart.<ref name="adult">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/1987-10-24/|title=Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: Week Ending October 24, 1987|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-date=March 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325030903/http://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/1987-10-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dance">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/1987-10-31|title=Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs: Week Ending October 31, 1987|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-date=June 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623020311/http://www.billboard.com/charts/dance-club-play-songs/1987-10-31|url-status=live}}</ref> In Canada, the song debuted at number 90 on the '']'' Top 100 chart on September 19, 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0875&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|title=Top ''RPM'' Singles: Issue 0875|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085240/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0875&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After six weeks, the song reached a peak of number two on the chart.<ref name="rpm"/> It was present for a total of 31 weeks and ranked at number 47 on the ''RPM'' year-end chart for 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0938&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|title=Top ''RPM'' Singles: Issue 0938|work=RPM|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085330/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0938&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="rpmyear">{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0920&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|title=Top 100 Singles of '87|work=RPM|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085424/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0920&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=4dp17sl7hp9qmhhj3vmcenr836|archive-date=October 14, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


In the United Kingdom, "Causing a Commotion" entered the ] at number seven and peaked at number four. The song was present for a total of nine weeks.<ref name="uk"/> According to the ], the song has sold 230,000 copies there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/madonna-official-top-40|title=Madonna: The Official Top 40|publisher=]|access-date=December 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010185423/http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/madonna-official-top-40|archive-date=October 10, 2010}}</ref> In Germany, the song debuted on the ] at number 66 on September 29, 1987, reaching a peak of number 14 in its third week and spending 12 weeks on the chart.<ref name="ger"/> The song reached the top-ten in Australia and the ], peaking at number seven and three, respectively.<ref name="kent">{{harvnb|Kent|1993|p=188}}</ref><ref name="euro">{{cite magazine|date=October 24, 1987|title=Pan European Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=99|issue=41|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> 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.<ref name="aut"/><ref name="bel"/><ref name="ire"/> In the United Kingdom, "Causing a Commotion" entered the ] at number seven and peaked at number four. The song was present for a total of nine weeks.<ref name="uk"/> According to the ], the song has sold 230,000 copies there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/madonna-official-top-40|title=Madonna: The Official Top 40|publisher=]|access-date=December 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010185423/http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/madonna-official-top-40|archive-date=October 10, 2010}}</ref> In Germany, the song debuted on the ] at number 66 on September 29, 1987, reaching a peak of number 14 in its third week and spending 12 weeks on the chart.<ref name="ger"/> The song reached the top-ten in Australia and the ], peaking at number seven and three, respectively.<ref name="kent">{{harvnb|Kent|1993|p=188}}</ref><ref name="euro">{{cite magazine|date=October 24, 1987|title=Pan European Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=99|issue=41|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> 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.<ref name="aut"/><ref name="bel"/><ref name="ire"/>


== Live performances == == Live performances ==
] and ] performing "Causing a Commotion" during the ] in 1990.]] ] and ] performing "Causing a Commotion" during the ] in 1990]]
Madonna performed "Causing a Commotion" on the ] and the ]. 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 ] theme for the song. She wore a golden ] jacket and performed the song while accompanied by two dancers, each holding a gun.<ref>{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=66}}</ref> Performances of the song on this tour can be found on the ''Who's That Girl: Live in Japan'' video, filmed in ], Japan, on June 22, 1987,<ref>{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=Who's That Girl: Live in Japan|medium=VHS|publisher=Warner-Pioneer Japan|year=1987}}</ref> and on the '']'' video, filmed in ], Italy, on September 4, 1987.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Phares|first=Heather|title=Ciao Italia: Live in Italy (Video)|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r86678|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=March 18, 2009}}</ref> The latter performance was transmitted via satellite to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/performers.jhtml|title=MTV Video Music Awards 1987|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010}}</ref> Madonna performed "Causing a Commotion" on the ] and the ]. 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 ] theme for the song. She wore a golden ] jacket and performed the song while accompanied by two dancers, each holding a gun.<ref>{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=66}}</ref> Performances of the song on this tour can be found on the ''Who's That Girl: Live in Japan'' video, filmed in ], Japan, on June 22, 1987,<ref>{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=Who's That Girl: Live in Japan|medium=VHS|publisher=Warner-Pioneer Japan|year=1987}}</ref> and on the '']'' video, filmed in ], Italy, on September 4, 1987.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Phares|first=Heather|title=Ciao Italia: Live in Italy (Video)|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r86678|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=March 18, 2009|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923074437/https://www.allmusic.com/album/ciao-italia-live-in-italy-video--mw0000272071|url-status=live}}</ref> The latter performance was transmitted via satellite to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/performers.jhtml|title=MTV Video Music Awards 1987|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2010|archive-date=July 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717110159/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/performers.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>


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".<ref name="clerk">{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=84}}</ref> Madonna wore heavy makeup with thick, blackened eyebrows and heavy application of dark liner.<ref name="clerk"/> The performance ended with Madonna wrestling with her female backup singers.<ref name="clerk"/> Two different performances were released on video: the ''Blond Ambition Japan Tour 90'', filmed in ], Japan, on April 27, 1990,<ref name="yokohama">{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=Blond Ambition Japan Tour 90|medium=VHS|publisher=Warner-Pioneer Japan|year=1990}}</ref> and the '']'', filmed in ], France, on August 5, 1990.<ref>{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=]|medium=Laserdisc|publisher=Pioneer Artists|year=1990}}</ref> 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".<ref name="clerk">{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=84}}</ref> Madonna wore heavy makeup with thick, blackened eyebrows and heavy application of dark liner.<ref name="clerk"/> The performance ended with Madonna wrestling with her female backup singers.<ref name="clerk"/> Two different performances were released on video: the ''Blond Ambition Japan Tour 90'', filmed in ], Japan, on April 27, 1990,<ref name="yokohama">{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=Blond Ambition Japan Tour 90|medium=VHS|publisher=Warner-Pioneer Japan|year=1990}}</ref> and the '']'', filmed in ], France, on August 5, 1990.<ref>{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=]|medium=Laserdisc|publisher=Pioneer Artists|year=1990}}</ref>

On occasion during her ] 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 "]."<ref>{{Citation |title=Madonna sings causing a commotion at celebration tour in Antwerp.. well kinda |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMhL0UtegdE |access-date=2023-11-20 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Madonna Köln, Germany Causing a Commotion Intro 15.11.2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjANxUmz-xs |access-date=2023-11-20 |language=en}}</ref>


== Track listing and formats == == Track listing and formats ==
Line 66: Line 69:
{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
*'''US 7" single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Causing a Commotion|others=]|year=1987|type=US 7-inch Single liner notes|publisher=]|id=7-28224}}</ref> *'''US 7" single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Causing a Commotion|others=]|year=1987|type=US 7-inch Single liner notes|publisher=]|id=7-28224}}</ref>
# "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix)&nbsp;– 4:05 # "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix)&nbsp;– 4:00
# "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version)&nbsp;– 3:54 # "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version)&nbsp;– 3:54

*'''US promotional 7" single / 7-28224-DJ'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Causing a Commotion|others=]|year=1987|type=US 7-inch Single liner notes|publisher=]|id=7-28224}}</ref>
# "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix)&nbsp;– 4:00
# "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Edit)&nbsp;– 4:12


*'''UK 12" single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Causing a Commotion|others=]|year=1987|type=UK 12-inch Single liner notes|publisher=]|id=W 8224 T}}</ref> *'''UK 12" single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Causing a Commotion|others=]|year=1987|type=UK 12-inch Single liner notes|publisher=]|id=W 8224 T}}</ref>
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# "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix)&nbsp;– 9:40 # "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix)&nbsp;– 9:40
# "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version)&nbsp;– 3:54 # "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version)&nbsp;– 3:54

*'''Digital Single (2024)'''
# "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix)&nbsp;– 4:07
# "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Mix)&nbsp;– 6:40
# "Causing a Commotion" (Dub)&nbsp;– 7:10
# "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix)&nbsp;– 9:46
{{col-end}} {{col-end}}


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{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for "Causing a Commotion" |+Weekly chart performance for "Causing a Commotion"
!Chart (1987) !Chart (1987—1988)
!Peak<br />position !Peak<br />position
|- |-
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|- |-
!scope="row"|Finland (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf|title=Sisältää hitin: 1.1.1960 – 30.6.2021|date=2021|publisher=]|language=fi|pages=156–157|first=Timo|last=Pennanen|access-date=September 5, 2022}}</ref> !scope="row"|Finland (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf|title=Sisältää hitin: 1.1.1960 – 30.6.2021|date=2021|publisher=]|language=fi|pages=156–157|first=Timo|last=Pennanen|access-date=September 5, 2022|archive-date=January 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122233715/https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|align="center"|5 |align="center"|5


|- |-
!scope="row"|Iceland (])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/4516215?iabr=on#page/n69/mode/2up|title=20 Á Toppnum|newspaper=Vikan|language=is|page=87|date=November 12, 1987|access-date=December 30, 2021}}</ref> !scope="row"|Iceland (])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/4516215?iabr=on#page/n69/mode/2up|title=20 Á Toppnum|newspaper=Vikan|language=is|page=87|date=November 12, 1987|access-date=December 30, 2021|archive-date=December 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230192650/https://timarit.is/page/4516215?iabr=on#page/n69/mode/2up|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2 | 2
|- |-
{{single chart|Ireland2|2|artist=Madonna|song=Causing a Commotion|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2016|refname="ire"}} {{single chart|Ireland2|2|artist=Madonna|song=Causing a Commotion|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2016|refname="ire"}}
|- |-
!scope="row"|Italy ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1987/M&M-1987-11-07.pdf#page=12|title=Top 3 Singles in Europe|magazine=]|volume=4|issue=44|page=23|date=November 7, 1987|access-date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> !scope="row"|Italy ('']'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1987/M%26M-1987-11-07.pdf#page=12|title=Top 3 Singles in Europe|magazine=]|volume=4|issue=44|page=23|date=November 7, 1987|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815223603/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1987/M%26M-1987-11-07.pdf#page=12|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 3 | 3
|- |-
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{{single chart|Norway|10|artist=Madonna|song=Causing a Commotion|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2016|refname="nor"}} {{single chart|Norway|10|artist=Madonna|song=Causing a Commotion|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2016|refname="nor"}}
|- |-
!scope="row"|South Africa (])<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.rock.co.za/files/springbok_top_20_(M).html |title= South African Rock Lists Website SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (M) |website= rock.co.za |access-date= 22 November 2018}}</ref> !scope="row"|South Africa (])<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rock.co.za/files/springbok_top_20_(M).html |title= South African Rock Lists Website SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (M) |website= rock.co.za |access-date= 22 November 2018 |archive-date= September 27, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180927225419/http://rock.co.za/files/springbok_top_20_(M).html |url-status= live }}</ref>
| 16 | 16
|- |-
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|- |-
{{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2016|refname="bbdance"}} {{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2016|refname="bbdance"}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboarddancesales|1|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|access-date=December 23, 2024}}
|-
!scope="row"|US '']'' ] & Pop Charts<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gghunt.utasites.cloud/charts/madonna.html|title=Madonna|website=]|access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref>
|2
|- |-
{{single chart|West Germany|14|artist=Madonna|song=Causing a Commotion|songid=1685|rowheader=true|access-date=February 28, 2020|refname="ger"}} {{single chart|West Germany|14|artist=Madonna|song=Causing a Commotion|songid=1685|rowheader=true|access-date=February 28, 2020|refname="ger"}}
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!Position !Position
|- |-
!scope="row"|Australia (Kent Music Report)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/sPdqqRt.jpg|title=Kent Music Report No 701 – 28 December 1987 > National Top 100 Singles for 1987|publisher=]|via=]|access-date=December 11, 2019}}</ref> !scope="row"|Australia (Kent Music Report)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/sPdqqRt.jpg|title=Kent Music Report No 701 – 28 December 1987 > National Top 100 Singles for 1987|publisher=]|via=]|access-date=December 11, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730025736/https://i.imgur.com/sPdqqRt.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 65 | 65
|- |-
!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1987&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten 1987: Ultratop 50 Flanders|language=nl|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=March 29, 2021}}</ref> !scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1987&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten 1987: Ultratop 50 Flanders|language=nl|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=March 29, 2021|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612181938/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1987&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 37 | 37
|- |-
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| 42 | 42
|- |-
!scope="row"|European Hot 100 Singles (''Music & Media'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1987/M&M-1987-12-26.pdf|title=European Charts of the Year 1987: Singles|magazine=Music & Media|date=December 26, 1987|access-date=May 20, 2021|pages=34–35}}</ref> !scope="row"|European Hot 100 Singles (''Music & Media'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1987/M%26M-1987-12-26.pdf|title=European Charts of the Year 1987: Singles|magazine=Music & Media|date=December 26, 1987|access-date=May 20, 2021|pages=34–35|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308064410/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1987/M%26M-1987-12-26.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 85 | 85
|- |-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1987|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1987|publisher=]|language=nl|access-date=March 28, 2021}}</ref> !scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1987|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1987|publisher=]|language=nl|access-date=March 28, 2021|archive-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220211721/https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1987|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 61 | 61
|- |-
!scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1987&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten 1987|publisher=]|access-date=March 28, 2021|language=nl}}</ref> !scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1987&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten 1987|publisher=]|access-date=March 28, 2021|language=nl|archive-date=September 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919203520/https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1987&cat=s|url-status=live}}</ref>
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!scope="row"|US Hot Crossover Singles (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JCgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22i+knew+you+were+wating%22|date=December 26, 1987 |title=1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Hot Crossover Singles |magazine=Billboard |volume=99 |issue=52 |page=Y-27|accessdate=April 7, 2022}}</ref> !scope="row"|US Hot Crossover Singles (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JCgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22i+knew+you+were+wating%22 |date=December 26, 1987 |title=1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Hot Crossover Singles |magazine=Billboard |volume=99 |issue=52 |page=Y-27 |accessdate=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925070818/https://books.google.com/books?id=JCgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22i+knew+you+were+wating%22 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Latest revision as of 13:47, 23 December 2024

1987 single by Madonna

"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
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • 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

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). 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. 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 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."

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).

Recording and composition

'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. "Causing a Commotion" has a dancey, up-tempo groove in it. 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.

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".

Critical reception

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'." Christian Wright from Spin called the song celebratory. 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." Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commented that "Causing a Commotion" and "Who's That Girl" were not among Madonna's best singles. 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".

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". Slant Magazine's Eric Henderson called it "somehow generic and diverting in equal measure, offers one of Madonna’s most undeniable come-on lines at the center of it all". 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". 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". 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". 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".

Chart performance

"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. 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. The song reached the top 40 of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and hit number one on the Dance Club Songs chart. In Canada, the song debuted at number 90 on the RPM Top 100 chart on September 19, 1987. After six weeks, the song reached a peak of number two on the chart. It was present for a total of 31 weeks and ranked at number 47 on the RPM year-end chart for 1987.

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. According to the Official Charts Company, the song has sold 230,000 copies there. 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. The song reached the top-ten in Australia and the European Hot 100 Singles, peaking at number seven and three, respectively. 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.

Live performances

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. 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, and on the Ciao Italia: Live from Italy video, filmed in Turin, Italy, on September 4, 1987. The latter performance was transmitted via satellite to the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.

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". Madonna wore heavy makeup with thick, blackened eyebrows and heavy application of dark liner. The performance ended with Madonna wrestling with her female backup singers. Two different performances were released on video: the Blond Ambition Japan Tour 90, filmed in Yokohama, Japan, on April 27, 1990, and the Blond Ambition World Tour Live, filmed in Nice, France, on August 5, 1990.

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."

Track listing and formats

  • US 7" single
  1. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix) – 4:00
  2. "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version) – 3:54
  • US promotional 7" single / 7-28224-DJ
  1. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix) – 4:00
  2. "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Edit) – 4:12
  • UK 12" single
  1. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Mix) – 6:33
  2. "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix) – 9:40
  3. "Jimmy Jimmy" (Fade) – 3:39
  • US 12" Maxi-Single
  1. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Mix) – 6:33
  2. "Causing a Commotion" (Dub) – 7:04
  3. "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix) – 9:40
  4. "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version) – 3:54
  • Germany / UK Reissue CD Maxi-Single (1995)
  1. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Mix) – 6:33
  2. "Causing a Commotion" (Dub) – 7:04
  3. "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix) – 9:40
  4. "Jimmy Jimmy" (LP Version) – 3:54
  • Digital Single (2024)
  1. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Single Mix) – 4:07
  2. "Causing a Commotion" (Silver Screen Mix) – 6:40
  3. "Causing a Commotion" (Dub) – 7:10
  4. "Causing a Commotion" (Movie House Mix) – 9:46

Credits and personnel

  • 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
  • Jeri Heiden – art direction
  • Maura P. McLaughlin – design

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

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Causing a Commotion"
Chart (1987—1988) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report) 7
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) 14
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 2
Canada Top Singles (RPM) 2
Denmark (IFPI) 1
European Hot 100 Singles (Music & Media) 3
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) 5
Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp) 2
Ireland (IRMA) 2
Italy (Musica e dischi) 3
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 3
Netherlands (Single Top 100) 3
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) 6
Norway (VG-lista) 10
South Africa (Springbok Radio) 16
Spain (PROMUSICAE) 21
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) 13
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) 9
UK Singles (OCC) 4
US Billboard Hot 100 2
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 37
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard) 1
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard) 1
US Radio & Records CHR & Pop Charts 2
West Germany (GfK) 14

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for "Causing a Commotion"
Chart (1987) Position
Australia (Kent Music Report) 65
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 37
Canada Top Singles (RPM) 42
European Hot 100 Singles (Music & Media) 85
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 61
Netherlands (Single Top 100) 42
UK Singles (OCC) 72
US Billboard Hot 100 46
US Hot Crossover Singles (Billboard) 23
US Cash Box Top 100 29

See also

Notes

  1. Bronson 2003, p. 203
  2. Feldman 2000, p. 211
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  4. Rooksby 2004, p. 90
  5. ^ Who's That Girl (Liner notes). Madonna. Warner Bros. Records. 1987. 925611-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ Rooksby 2004, p. 69
  7. Ciuk & Molek-Kozakowska 2010, p. 61
  8. Wright, Christian (May 1, 1989). "Madonna: Like a Prayer Review". Spin. 5 (2). ISSN 0886-3032. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  9. Metz & Benson 1999, p. 162
  10. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Who's That Girl > Review". AllMusic. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
  11. Jacobs, Matthew (March 10, 2015). "The Definitive Ranking Of Madonna Singles". HuffPost. Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
  12. Lynch, Joel (August 15, 2018). "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
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  34. Clerk 2002, p. 66
  35. Madonna (1987). Who's That Girl: Live in Japan (VHS). Warner-Pioneer Japan.
  36. Phares, Heather. "Ciao Italia: Live in Italy (Video)". AllMusic. Archived from the original on September 23, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
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  48. Her contribution is uncredited
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References

External links

Madonna songs
1980s singles
1990s singles
2000s singles
2010s singles
2020s singles
Promotional singles
Other songs recorded
Other songs written

Categories: