“The Look of Love” is a song by American singer Madonna released on with “I Know It” on the B-side. It was included on the Who’s That Girl soundtrack, released in 1987. The song was written by Madonna and Patrick Leonard and was released as the third and final single from the album in some regions, including the UK, where it charted at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart.
“The Look of Love” is a romantic and introspective ballad that expresses themes of longing and desire. Musically, “The Look of Love” is more subdued and melancholic compared to the upbeat, Latin-influenced tracks on the soundtrack like “Who’s That Girl.” The song is built around a soft, haunting melody, with Madonna’s vocals delivered in a gentle, introspective manner. The instrumentation is atmospheric, featuring synthesizers, strings, and light percussion, which give the song a dreamy, cinematic quality.
In the Who’s That Girl film, “The Look of Love” plays during a scene where Madonna’s character, Nikki Finn, and Griffin Dunne’s character, Loudon Trott, share a tender moment, deepening their connection. The song reflects the growing romantic tension between the two characters and adds a layer of emotional resonance to the film.
While “The Look of Love” was not as commercially successful as the other singles from the Who’s That Girl soundtrack, such as “Who’s That Girl” and “Causing a Commotion,” it still performed well in the UK and other European markets. The song did not receive a single release in the U.S., but it remains a fan favorite and is appreciated for its emotional depth and lyrical sensitivity. In May 1989, “The Look of Love” was used as the B-side for the “Express Yourself” single release.
The song has been included in several of Madonna’s compilation albums and remains a notable entry in her discography as an example of her ability to convey deep emotion in a quieter, more restrained musical setting.