MADONNA - True Blue ( Papa Don't Preach ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Definitive 1986 Pop Masterpiece That Redefined Madonna’s Sound and Image

Front Cover Photo Of Madonna - True Blue

Released in 1986, Madonna's True Blue marked a pivotal moment in her career—both artistically and personally. Inspired by her then-husband Sean Penn and her growing command over her musical direction, the album blends infectious pop melodies with deeper lyrical themes of love, independence, and resilience. Produced by Madonna herself alongside Patrick Leonard and Stephen Bray, True Blue features some of her most iconic tracks, including "Papa Don't Preach" and "La Isla Bonita." With its polished production, emotional range, and international appeal, the album not only solidified her status as the Queen of Pop but also demonstrated her ability to evolve as an artist while dominating global charts.

TRUE BLUE - Album Description

Madonna’s “True Blue” is a landmark album in her career that cemented her status as a pop icon. Released in 1986, it was her third studio album, and it was a massive commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. The album spawned many hits, including “Papa Don’t Preach,” which remains one of her most popular and enduring songs to this day. The 12” vinyl LP version of “True Blue” is a treasured collector’s item for fans of the artist and vinyl enthusiasts alike.

The 12” vinyl LP version of “True Blue” includes eight tracks and has a runtime of approximately 40 minutes. The album opens with the title track, “True Blue,” which sets the tone for the rest of the record. It is a catchy, upbeat track with a retro feel that draws heavily from the Motown sound. The song was a massive hit and reached number one on the charts in many countries.

The standout track on the album is undoubtedly “Papa Don’t Preach,” which was released as the lead single from the album. It is a powerful, emotional song that deals with the issue of teenage pregnancy and abortion. Madonna’s vocals are particularly impressive on this track, as she delivers the lyrics with a raw and emotional intensity that captures the listener’s attention. The song was also accompanied by a now-famous music video, which features Madonna in a Catholic schoolgirl outfit and tells the story of a young girl dealing with a difficult decision.

The other tracks on the album are also strong, with highlights including “Open Your Heart,” which features a catchy synth riff and a danceable beat, and “La Isla Bonita,” which has a Latin-influenced sound and an infectious chorus.

The 12” vinyl LP version of “True Blue” is a must-have for any Madonna fan or vinyl collector. The album has been remastered and reissued several times over the years, but the original 1986 release remains the most sought-after version. The vinyl itself is a beautiful shade of black, and the record sleeve features the iconic album cover art with a portrait photo of Madonna.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

1980s Pop Music

Label & Catalognr:

SIRE 925 442 (925442) WX54

Album Packaging

Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record

Year & Country:

1986 – Made in Germany

Producers:
  • Madonna – Producer
  • Patrick Leonard – Producer
  • Stephen Bray – Producer
Herb Ritts and the Art of Album Photography

Herb Ritts was one of the most influential photographers of the late 20th century, known for transforming album covers into high art. With a background in fashion and portrait photography, Ritts brought a sculptural, elegant quality to his images that elevated the visual identity of many artists. His collaborations with musicians were not just photoshoots—they were iconic moments that defined pop culture aesthetics.

Ritts had a particular talent for capturing the essence of performers—whether it was the raw emotion of a pop ballad or the edgy confidence of a rock anthem. His use of natural light, high contrast, and minimalist settings made his album covers and promotional images instantly recognizable.

Among his many collaborations, these albums stand out for their unforgettable imagery and cultural impact:

  • Madonna – True Blue (1986): An elegant black-and-white portrait that redefined Madonna’s image.
  • Madonna – La Isla Bonita (1987): Promotional visuals infused with Latin flair and romantic mystique.
  • Billy Idol – Whiplash Smile (1986): A slick, fashion-forward portrait matching Idol’s glam rock style.

Herb Ritts’ photography continues to influence album art and visual branding, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music imagery.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Papa Don't Preach
  2. Open Your Heart
  3. White Heat
  4. Live to Tell
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Where Is the Party
  2. True Blue
  3. La Isla Bonita
  4. Jimmy Jimmy (one makes the world go round)

Madonna - True Blue Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo
Close-up of Madonna’s profile on the front cover of her 1986 album True Blue, with platinum blonde hair styled back, head tilted upward, eyes closed, and lips slightly parted in a stylized, elegant pose against a blurred blue background.

This image is the front cover of Madonna’s 1986 album True Blue, featuring a dramatic close-up portrait of the artist taken by Herb Ritts. Madonna is shown in profile, her head tilted upward and slightly back in a pose that conveys both confidence and serenity.

Her platinum blonde hair is slicked back and curled in soft waves, sculpted into a voluminous shape that reflects the light. Her skin appears smooth and luminous, and she wears deep red lipstick. Her eyes are closed, lashes visible, and she exudes a sense of calm poise. Around her neck, a thin chain necklace glimmers faintly.

The background is a rich, blurred indigo blue, which contrasts sharply with her pale complexion and platinum hair. Above her head, the name MADONNA is printed in large sky-blue capital letters, while the title True Blue is written in delicate cursive script just below it.

The composition is iconic, balancing the softness of the lighting with the power of Madonna’s sculptural pose. It became one of the most recognized and influential album covers of the 1980s.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label from Madonna's 1986 True Blue LP, showing track list and production credits on a white and lavender background with the SIRE logo and catalog number 925 442-1 WX54.

This image shows a close-up of the Side One record label from Madonna’s 1986 *True Blue* vinyl LP. The label design is split vertically into two tones—pale lavender on the left and off-white on the right—with all text printed in blue.

On the left half, the word MADONNA is printed vertically in large, bold serif letters. Below it is the faint signature-style title True Blue in light script. Along the edge is the text identifying the SIRE label (with the distinctive blue “S” logo), copyright year (1986), and catalog numbers “925 442-1” and “WX54.”

On the right, the label lists four tracks: Papa Don't Preach (4:27), Open Your Heart (4:12), White Heat (4:25), and Live to Tell (5:45), including songwriting and publishing credits. Above the track list are three production credits for Madonna, Patrick Leonard, and Stephen Bray. The label also features rights information, the GEMA/BIEM licensing box, and the LC 3228 code.

The spindle hole is centered in the middle, and the vinyl surface reflects ambient light, giving the grooves a glossy sheen. The overall layout is minimal, precise, and consistent with Sire Records' mid-1980s design aesthetic.

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