“La Luna” is a mystical and atmospheric pop song by Belinda Carlisle, released in November 1989 with “Whatever It Takes” on the B-side as the second (third in Japan) single from her album Runaway Horses. Written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, the song stands out for its dreamy, Latin-inspired melodies and haunting storytelling, showcasing a more romantic and ethereal side of Carlisle’s music.
La Luna tells a fairy-tale-like love story, set under the magic of the moonlit night. The lyrics evoke a sense of mystery, longing, and destiny, as Carlisle sings about a passionate but fleeting romance. The imagery of the moon (“La Luna”) adds to the song’s enchantment and poetic beauty.
Musically, the song blends lush orchestration, Spanish guitar flourishes, and a hypnotic, waltz-like rhythm, creating a sweeping, cinematic feel. Carlisle’s soulful and expressive vocals add depth, making the song feel both intimate and grand.
Though La Luna was not released as a single in the United States, and was commercially successful as some of Carlisle’s previous hits, it still performed well in Europe, Australia, and Japan, reaching the Top 40 in the UK and Ireland.
The music video, directed by British director Andy Morahan, enhances the song’s mystical and romantic atmosphere, featuring Carlisle lying naked in the bed in moonlit, old-world settings, reinforcing its dreamlike and exotic quality.
Over the years, La Luna has remained a fan favorite, praised for its unique, magical vibe and departure from typical late-80s pop formulas. It continues to be one of Belinda Carlisle’s most beautifully haunting and underrated songs.