Jennifer Rush – “Madonna’s Eyes”:
A Forgotten Gem with Fierce Edge
Released in 1984 on her debut album Jennifer Rush, “Madonna’s Eyes” is one of the singer’s most underrated singles — a gritty, synth-laced pop-rock track that reveals a tougher, more defiant side of her artistry. While it never reached the commercial heights of “The Power of Love,” it remains a cult favorite among fans who appreciate when powerhouse vocalists trade orchestras for attitude.
Released in 1984 on her debut album Jennifer Rush, “Madonna’s Eyes” is one of the singer’s most underrated tracks — a gritty, synth-laced pop-rock number that reveals a tougher, more defiant side of her artistry. While it never reached the commercial heights of “The Power of Love,” it remains a cult favorite among fans who appreciate when powerhouse vocalists trade orchestras for attitude.
From Power Ballads to Pop-Rock Bite
Jennifer Rush was quickly gaining recognition in Europe for her soaring ballads, but “Madonna’s Eyes” took a different route. Co-written by Gunther Mende and Candy DeRouge, the same team behind her signature hit, this track leans into pop-rock and AOR territory. With sharp guitar lines, pulsing synths, and a driving rhythm, it gave Rush the space to explore a more rebellious vocal tone — less operatic, more streetwise.
Lyrical Ambiguity with an Edge
Despite its title, “Madonna’s Eyes” isn’t religious in theme. Instead, it uses the name as a metaphor for a woman who conceals pain behind a composed, alluring exterior. Lines like “She hides her pain behind Madonna’s eyes” suggest emotional armor — beauty masking turmoil. Rush’s delivery is fierce and emotionally layered, capturing both vulnerability and resistance in equal measure.
Chart Modesty, Cult Appeal
Though released in Germany in 1984, “Madonna’s Eyes” didn’t receive a UK single release until February 1986, after “The Power of Love” had already topped the charts there. It failed to chart in the UK Top 75, but found success elsewhere — reaching No. 5 in France and No. 12 in South Africa. It was later included in international reissues and compilations, helping it gain a second life among collectors and fans of ’80s deep cuts.
A Cover Version with Euro-Disco Flair
In 1985, British singer Jayne Collins released a cover of “Madonna’s Eyes”, produced by Frank Farian — the hitmaker behind Boney M. and Milli Vanilli. Issued on Hansa Records, Collins’s version transformed the song into a Euro-disco synth-pop anthem, complete with a Special Extended Club Mix on 12-inch vinyl. While it didn’t chart significantly, it gained visibility through televised performances like Musikladen Eurotops and has since become a cult favorite among collectors and fans of 1980s dance-pop.
Legacy: Rush, Rewired
“Madonna’s Eyes” proves that Jennifer Rush wasn’t just a ballad queen — she could deliver grit and edge with just as much conviction. And with Jayne Collins’s high-gloss reinterpretation, the song gained a second identity as a dancefloor-ready synth-pop gem. For those willing to dig deeper into Rush’s catalog — or explore the curious corners of ’80s Euro-pop — this track remains a treasure worth rediscovering. masking turmoil. Rush’s delivery is fierce and emotionally layered, capturing both vulnerability and resistance in equal measure.