Beautiful Stranger
{{Short description|1999 single by Madonna}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Beautiful Stranger
| cover = Madonna, Beautiful Stranger cover.png
| alt = Madonna looking towards the camera in front of a blue background. The lower half of the cover art shows the artist and song name in front of a violet flowery background.
| type = single
| artist = Madonna
| album = Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
| released = {{start date|1999|5|19}}
| recorded = February 1999
| studio = {{unbulleted list|Guerilla Beach |(Los Angeles, California)|Enterprise|(Burbank, California)}}
| genre =
| length = 4:22
| label = {{hlist|Maverick|Warner Bros.}}
| writer = {{hlist|Madonna|William Orbit}}
| producer = {{hlist|Madonna|William Orbit}}
| prev_title = Nothing Really Matters
| prev_year = 1999
| next_title = American Pie
| next_year = 2000
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Dsh0TfIKhoE|"Beautiful Stranger"}}}}
}}
"Beautiful Stranger" is a song by American singer and songwriter Madonna. It was released on May 19, 1999, by Maverick and Warner Bros. Records as a single from the soundtrack of the film, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Madonna co-wrote and co-produced the song with William Orbit. The soundtrack for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me was a much expected release and Madonna's song was chosen by the album's executive producers to promote it. "Beautiful Stranger" has appeared on three separate Madonna greatest hits collections: GHV2 (2001), Celebration (2009) and Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones (2022). Musically, "Beautiful Stranger" is a psychedelic pop and disco song that features heavily reverberated guitars and bouncy drum loops. Its lyrics tell the tale of a romantic infatuation.
The song received positive feedback from music critics who praised the production and Madonna's musical progression. It was a commercial success reaching the top of the charts in Canada, Finland, Iceland and Italy, number two in the United Kingdom and top-ten in many markets. Although the song was not commercially released in the United States, it reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 due to airplay. It reached number one on the US dance charts. "Beautiful Stranger" also earned Madonna her fifth Grammy Award, winning the trophy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
The song's music video, directed by Brett Ratner, prominently features Madonna singing in a club, visited by Mike Myers as his character Austin Powers. At the end of the video Madonna seduces Myers and goes off in his car. It won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film in 1999. Madonna performed the song on her 2001 Drowned World Tour, and it has been covered by some artists, including a critically acclaimed version by Australian rock band DMA's.
Background and release
File:Guy Oseary cropped Tech Crunch.jpg was one of the executive producers on the Austin Powers soundtrack and chose "Beautiful Stranger" as the first single.|alt=Guy Oseary in a coat smiling]]
Madonna and Canadian actor Mike Myers had previously collaborated for an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1991, when the singer hosted the show and invited Myers' character, Wayne Campbell to play a game of truth or dare, while pitching her documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare. According to Gwen Ihnat from The A.V. Club, the "creative partnership [between them] works because Madonna, though serious, always seems game, and Myers, though frequently goofy, is also creatively inventive". In 1999, the singer was chosen to contribute a single on the soundtrack for Myers' second film about the spy character Austin Powers, titled Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/madonna-made-perfect-beautiful-stranger-spy-who-sh-220572|title=Madonna made a perfect 'Beautiful Stranger' for The Spy Who Shagged Me|last=Ihnat|first=Gwen|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2016|work=The A.V. Club|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611022808/http://www.avclub.com/article/madonna-made-perfect-beautiful-stranger-spy-who-sh-220572|url-status=live}} Madonna's former boyfriend, British screenwriter Andy Bird, was reportedly the inspiration for "Beautiful Stranger."{{Cite book|last=Morton|first=Andrew|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-SK93CLsCMC&q=andy+bird|title=Madonna|date=2001|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=978-0-312-28786-3|pages=222–224|language=en|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923093730/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-SK93CLsCMC&q=andy+bird|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Venezia|first=Todd|date=January 19, 2001|title=MADONNA GOT DUMPED! – OUT-OF-WORK BRIT DIDN'T WANT TO BE A 'KEPT' GUY|url=https://nypost.com/2001/01/19/madonna-got-dumped-out-of-work-brit-didnt-want-to-be-a-kept-guy/|url-status=live|access-date=November 7, 2021|website=New York Post|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211062111/http://nypost.com/2001/01/19/madonna-got-dumped-out-of-work-brit-didnt-want-to-be-a-kept-guy/ |archive-date=December 11, 2015}}
The soundtrack to The Spy Who Shagged Me led to the teaming up of two music executives, Warner Bros. Records senior vice president Danny Bramson and Madonna's Maverick Records' co-owner Guy Oseary; both of them served as executive producer on the soundtrack. By May 1999, expectations were already high for the release, so the producers decided to include Madonna's track along with a song from a number of other high-profile artists like R.E.M., Lenny Kravitz and Mel B from the Spice Girls.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-16-ca-37640-story.html|title='Austin Powers' Snags Madonna|last=Hochman|first=Steve|date=May 16, 1999|access-date=July 7, 2021|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185047/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-16-ca-37640-story.html|url-status=live}}
As recalled by Oseary, there was intense competition among artists to have their songs placed in the soundtrack, with one manager connected to the project describing the fight for the first potential single release as "a blood bath". The main intention of the producers was to have the artists contribute music which would abide by the predominant 1960s mood of the film. Ultimately, it was decided that "Beautiful Stranger" was suitable for this, and it was chosen as the first single from the soundtrack. However, Madonna's recording company Warner Bros. decided not to release any CD single or remix singles to accompany the release in the United States, only promo 12-inch discs were sent to the dance club DJs. The song was only released to the CHR top 40 radio for airplay on May 19, 1999. In the United Kingdom, the single was released on June 7, 1999, as a CD single, 12-inch single, and cassette single, while in Canada, a CD was issued on July 20, 1999.{{cite magazine|title=New Releases – For Week Starting 7 June, 1999: Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=31|date=June 5, 1999}}{{cite web|url=http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicReleases1999/jul99.html|title=Album Releases: July 1999|publisher=Jam!|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000817161003/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicReleases1999/jul99.html|archive-date=August 17, 2000|access-date=January 6, 2023}} "Beautiful Stranger" has appeared on two separate Madonna greatest hits collections: GHV2 (2001) and Celebration (2009).{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/ghv2-mw0001777679|title=GHV2 > Review|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|website=AllMusic|access-date=February 16, 2016|archive-date=February 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208065716/https://www.allmusic.com/album/ghv2-mw0001777679|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1637205|title=Celebration > Review|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|access-date=September 28, 2009|website=AllMusic|archive-date=November 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109033025/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1637205|url-status=live}} On May 21, 2021, Madonna released the "Beautiful Stranger" remix EP to all digital and streaming outlets.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6ruadXtOpvmpvp2eXtlUR7?si=5x7RynAeTGKMRWB5HL9VFQ|title=Madonna – Beautiful Stranger|website=Spotify|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 22, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522114727/https://open.spotify.com/album/6ruadXtOpvmpvp2eXtlUR7?si=5x7RynAeTGKMRWB5HL9VFQ|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beautiful-stranger-ep/1567207902|title=Madonna – Beautiful Stranger|website=iTunes|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 22, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522061805/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beautiful-stranger-ep/1567207902|url-status=live}}
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Recording and composition
Recording for "Beautiful Stranger" took place in February 1999 at the Guerilla Beach Studios in Los Angeles, California, as well as the Enterprise Studio in Burbank, California.{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8A0BE8E87460CF&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Snippets onstage and backstage at the Grammys|agency=Associated Press|date=February 25, 1999|access-date=January 9, 2012|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725210842/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F8A0BE8E87460CF&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}} Along with writing and producing the song with Madonna, Orbit also played the keyboards and the guitar on the track. Damian LeGassick did the programming and additional keyboard while Emma Fowler played the flute. The engineering team included Pat McCarthy, Mark Endert and Dave Chelsea, with McCarthy also mixing the track. Jeff Gregmay and Wassim Zartek were the assistant recording engineers. According to the sheet music published by Musicnotes.com, "Beautiful Stranger" is set in common time and is composed in a key of F{{sharp}} major with a mid dance tempo of 128 beats per minute. The song begins with a basic sequence of E–B–F{{sharp}}–A–C{{sharp}} before moving to the main chord progression of C{{sharp}}sus4–C{{sharp}}7.{{cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0033415|title=Madonna 'Beautiful Stranger' Sheet Music|date=March 29, 2000|publisher=Musicnotes.com|access-date=July 11, 2018|archive-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711152030/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0033415|url-status=live}}
"Beautiful Stranger" is a psychedelic pop{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1999/07/06/madonna-has-summers-most-deserving-hit|title=Madonna has the summer's most-deserving hit|last=Tucker|first=Ken|date=July 6, 1999|access-date=July 4, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=February 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224143356/http://www.ew.com/article/1999/07/06/madonna-has-summers-most-deserving-hit|url-status=live}} and disco{{cite magazine |last1=Sheffield |first1=Rob |title=Rob Sheffield's 99 Best Songs of 1999 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/99-best-songs-1999-rob-sheffield-835473/madonna-beautiful-stranger-austin-powers-836839/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 22, 2020 |page=2 |date=June 5, 2019 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518084813/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/99-best-songs-1999-rob-sheffield-835473/ |url-status=live }} song and begins with a musical instrumentation reminiscent of "Light My Fire" (1967) by The Doors and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" (1967) by The Beatles. The song's main structure is backed by guitar, while drums come in during the choruses. Around the 1:06 mark, there is a hint of mellotron and flute being played like The Beatles' 1967 songs "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "The Fool on the Hill".{{harvnb|Rooksby|2004|p=89}} The song has similar composition to Madonna's endeavors with her previous album Ray of Light, mixed with psychedelic music.{{harvnb|Rettenmund|2016|p=47}} USA Today{{'}}s Ken Barnes has suggested that the chorus, riff, instrumentation and structure of "Beautiful Stranger" were based on American rock band Love's 1966 single "She Comes in Colors".{{cite magazine|title=This week on the music beat|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1999/06/18/this-week-music-beat|last=Sinclair|first=Rom|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 18, 1999|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042624/http://www.ew.com/article/1999/06/18/this-week-music-beat|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Arthur Lee, the legend rock almost forgot|last=Barnes|first=Ken|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-08-06-arthur-lee-appreciation_x.htm|date=August 6, 2006|work=USA Today|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923093730/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-08-06-arthur-lee-appreciation_x.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Madonna: Songs We Love|last=Ulaby|first=Nela|publisher=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/29/113092530/madonna-songs-we-love|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-date=July 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705092201/http://www.npr.org/2011/03/29/113092530/madonna-songs-we-love|url-status=live}} The band's record company—Rhino Records—executive Gary Stewart stated that "Certainly, the riff and instrumentation [of 'Beautiful Stranger'] are reminiscent of 'She Comes in Colors,'" and that the "da da da da da" chorus on the track seems to be based upon "an instrumental flourish that's an integral part of the [Love] record. It may be a conscious or an unconscious homage." Madonna denied any such influence, claiming that she had never heard of Love.
According to Michael Paoletta from Billboard, "no fierce-ruling club DJ in 1999 would [have] dared play the original jangly rock-etched version of the song". Hence the song was remixed by Victor Calderone, who kept the basic structure of the song, while mixing it with tribal infused beats. Unlike many of his then releases—where he removed the bulk of the song's lyrics for remixing—with "Beautiful Stranger" he kept them. Paoletta described the remixes as "if Calderone fully understands the importance of a song and understands how best to unite deft beats and a dazzling vocal performance."{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1999/BB-1999-06-19.pdf|title=Calderone Opens Club Doors For 'Stranger'|last=Paoletta|first=Michael|date=June 19, 1999|access-date=July 6, 2016|magazine=Billboard|page=35}} The remixes include a rock-leaning version as well as Calderone's Club and Radio mixes.
Critical reception
{{quote box|width=25%|align=right|quote="It's always a joy when a well-established artist is able to show that he or she is as creatively inspired as ever. ['Beautiful Stranger'] does nothing but further Madonna's essential place in pop culture through the '80s, '90s, and now, beyond. Credible and utterly exceptional."
|source=—Chuck Taylor from Billboard reviewing "Beautiful Stranger".
}}
"Beautiful Stranger" received generally positive reviews. Chuck Taylor from Billboard denoted the song as a "new shift in the wind for [Madonna]", calling it another creative high for her. He also complimented the production saying that "this latest partnership with [Orbit] taps into a walloping romp of guitars and
enough cascading organs to prompt an urge to listen to your Monkees collection." Taylor ended the review with positive feedback for Madonna's vocals, likening them to those for the Evita album, along with commending the chorus.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1999/BB-1999-05-29.pdf|title=Singles: Edited by Chuck Taylor|date=May 29, 1999|access-date=July 8, 2016|magazine=Billboard|page=22|last=Taylor |first=Chuck}} In a different article for Billboard talking about the song's remixes, Paoletta described the track as "effervescent blast of psychedelic electronica". Writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Gino DeLa Paz found it "cute but forgettable".{{cite news|last1=DeLa Paz|first1=Gino|title=Ray of Fright: Age Against the Machine|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479&dat=20031101&id=4bhjAAAAIBAJ&pg=1066,407173&hl=es|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=April 6, 2016|date=November 1, 2003|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717233824/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479&dat=20031101&id=4bhjAAAAIBAJ&pg=1066,407173&hl=es|url-status=live}} Gwen Ihnat, from the entertainment website The A.V. Club, labeled it as "Madonna's best song that never appeared on one of her regular albums [...] a psychedelic pop confection that offered a few of her most indelible hooks". Ihnat also wrote that "although less ethereal than 1998's Ray of Light, ['Beautiful Stranger'] is just as dance-floor ready [...] dance flute has never sounded so enticing, and Madonna's voice so sweetly seductive". AllMusic's Jose F. Promis listed the track "as one of the singer's more memorable moments, coupling 1960s go-go rock with 1990s electronica, resulting in nothing less than a true slice of old fashioned rock & roll"; Promis also praised the two Calderone mixes.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/beautiful-stranger-mw0000536249|title=Madonna > Beautiful Stranger|last=Promis|first=Jose F.|date=May 29, 1999|website=AllMusic|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=March 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325143540/http://www.allmusic.com/album/beautiful-stranger-mw0000536249|url-status=live}}
Slant Magazine{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani gave the song a rating of B− and wrote: "Like any good throwaway track, 'Beautiful Stranger' doesn't pretend to be much more than it is. Whiny guitars and flutes abound, Madonna and Orbit concocted a perfect theme song for friend Mike Myers's cooky Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Playful, wispy and ultimately forgettable".{{cite web|last1=Cinquemani|first1=Sal|title=Madonna: GHV2|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/madonna-ghv2|work=Slant Magazine|access-date=April 6, 2016|date=November 8, 2001|archive-date=October 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003130432/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/madonna-ghv2|url-status=live}} In August 2018, Paul Schrodt from the same magazine, placed it at number 53 on his ranking of the singer's singles, calling it "the antithesis of Ray of Light. The hooky, psychedelic track is more accessible than Madonna’s previous work with Orbit. The innocuous lyrics could’ve been ghostwritten for anyone, but the song endears due to Madge’s playful delivery and Orbit’s sonic details".{{cite web |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |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=Slant Magazine |access-date=May 14, 2019 |date=August 1, 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 }} Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly, declared it as the "song of the summer", and praised it for being "a piece of psychedelic pop at once so 60s and so 90s that to sully it with a 'shagalicious' joke would be an insult... The way [Madonna] has of making her voice merge into indistinguishability with the surging instrumentation in the chorus, the way she sings the title phrase with an ache in her voice, that's at once urgent and playful." Matthew Jacobs from The Huffington Post ranked the song 22 on their list of "The Definitive Ranking Of Madonna Singles".{{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=The Huffington Post|access-date=April 6, 2016|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}} Medium's Richard LaBeau called it a "bold, clever and interesting bridge between the Ray of Light and Music eras".{{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=Medium |access-date=June 2, 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 }} In March 2023, Billboard ranked the song as Madonna's 88th greatest ever, with Andrew Unterberger writing: "Madonna's still in too reflective a mindset to go full incense and peppermints with it, but she's game enough to meet Orbit's woozy reverb-soaked groove..."{{Cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |last2=Unterberger |first2=Andrew |last3=Gracie |first3=Bianca |last4=Feeney |first4=Nolan |last5=Atkinson |first5=Katie |date=2023-03-08 |title=Madonna's 100 Greatest Songs (Critics' Picks) |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-madonna-songs/beautiful-stranger-austin-powers-the-spy-who-shagged-me-1999/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}
Louis Virtel, from TheBacklot.com, placed "Beautiful Stranger" at number 36 of his list "The 100 Greatest Madonna Songs"; he felt that "Orbit's psychedelic styling suit Madonna's groovy wistfulness perfectly".{{cite web |last1=Virtel |first1=Louis |author-link=Louis Virtel |date=February 3, 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=April 6, 2016 |publisher=TheBacklot.com}} Author Phil Dellio wrote in his book Interrupting My Train of Thought that although "Beautiful Stranger" had similarities to Madonna's own "Ray of Light" (1998), it had "better melody, better vocal, better light show. It's about the trippiest, most propulsive above-ground dance music since the first two minutes of Led Zeppelin's 'How Many More Times'."{{harvnb|Dellio|2014|p=380}} J. Randy Taraborrelli wrote in Madonna: An Intimate Biography that Madonna's 2000 song "Amazing", from her eighth studio album Music sounded like a cousin to "Beautiful Stranger" with its inspired composition.{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2008|p=290}} While ranking Madonna's singles, in honor of her 60th birthday, The Guardian{{'}}s Jude Rogers placed "Beautiful Stranger" at number 34, calling it a "gorgeously slinky, impish love song".{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Jude |author-link=Jude Rogers |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=August 26, 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 }} In a list of the "99 Best Songs of 1999", Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield placed the track at number 27 and praised it for being "the most shagadelic disco hit by a megastar shimmying into the big 4-0", adding that "Madonna has never sounded so loose, so lithe, so funny". The song received a Grammy Award at the 42nd ceremony, in the category of Best Song Written for Visual Media. It was also nominated in the category of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.{{cite web| url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=Madonna&field_nominee_work_value=&year=All&genre=All| title=Grammy Award Winners – Madonna| publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences| access-date=April 6, 2016| archive-date=February 14, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214163455/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=MADONNA&field_nominee_work_value=&year=All&genre=All| url-status=live}} It was also nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Original Song, but lost to Phil Collins{{'}}s "You'll Be in My Heart".{{cite web|title=Winners & Nominees 2000 Jump to Year |url=http://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/2000 |website=Golden Globes |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association |access-date=April 6, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151208181743/http://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/2000 |archive-date=December 8, 2015}} At the 2000 ASCAP Pop Awards it was awarded the Most Performed Song.{{cite magazine|title=Large Retains Top Slot For Zomba: Songwriter And His Publisher Among ASCAP/PRS Winners|last=Stark|first=David|date=November 4, 2000|magazine=Billboard|issn=0006-2510|volume=112|issue=45|page=49}} It also won the Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work, while also being nominated for Best Contemporary Song.{{cite magazine|title=Shania Twain Garners 4 Novello Nominations|last=Hunter|first=Nigel|date=April 29, 2000|magazine=Billboard|issn=0006-2510|volume=112|issue=18|page=71}} The 1999 MTV Europe Music Awards also nominated the track in the category of Best Song.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1426920/britney-bsb-top-nominations-for-mtv-europe-awards-spears-mariah-puffy-manson-to-perform/|title=Britney, BSB Top Nominations For MTV Europe Awards; Spears, Mariah, Puffy, Manson To Perform|last=Ives|first=Brian|publisher=MTV News|date=May 10, 1999|access-date=September 14, 2016|archive-date=November 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109141609/http://www.mtv.com/news/1426920/britney-bsb-top-nominations-for-mtv-europe-awards-spears-mariah-puffy-manson-to-perform/|url-status=dead}} "Beautiful Stranger" was nominated as Favorite Song From a Movie at the 1999 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/kids-choice-awards/all-winners/|title=Kids' Choice Awards > All Winners|publisher=Nickelodeon|access-date=November 1, 2012|archive-date=January 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122184504/http://www.nick.com/kids-choice-awards/all-winners/|url-status=live}}
Chart performance
In the United States, "Beautiful Stranger" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 78 on June 12, 1999.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1999-06-12|title=Billboard Hot 100: Week of June 12, 1999|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-date=July 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714210355/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1999-06-12|url-status=live}} It was Madonna's first soundtrack single to chart on the Hot 100 since her rendition of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" reached number eight in March 1997. "Beautiful Stranger" also debuted at number 28 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart.{{cite news|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1999/BB-1999-06-12.pdf|title=Chart Beat: Actress Lopez Out of Sight on Hot 100|last=Bronson|first=Fred|author-link=Fred Bronson|magazine=Billboard|pages=76, 99|date=June 12, 1999|access-date=July 6, 2016}} It gradually climbed up the Hot 100 and peaked at number 19 on July 13, 1999, on the strength of radio airplay only.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1999-07-24|title=Billboard Hot 100: Week of July 24, 1999|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618144706/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1999-07-24|url-status=live}} Promis said that the relative low placement was due to the CD singles not being released. "Beautiful Stranger" was successful on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart, reaching number one. It placed at number 31 on the year-end ranking for the Dance Club Play chart in 1999. In Canada, "Beautiful Stranger" was able to top both the RPM 100 Hit Tracks and Adult Contemporary charts, while also reaching a peak of number four on the Dance 30 chart. While the song was commercially released in Canada, it was ineligible to chart on the Canadian Singles Chart as Warner did not submit the necessary barcode information to Nielsen SoundScan.{{cite web|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/home.html|title=Chart Talk Q & A|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|author-link=Nanda Lwin|publisher=Jam!|date=August 23, 1999|access-date=June 12, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990827204532/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/home.html|archive-date=August 27, 1999}}
In Australia, "Beautiful Stranger" debuted at number eight on the ARIA Singles Chart and reached its peak of number five the next week, staying there for two weeks in total. It gradually descended down the charts, present within the top 50 for a total of 16 weeks. It was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipment of 35,000 copies of the single. On the year end tabulation, the song ranked at number 34. In New Zealand, "Beautiful Stranger" debuted at its peak position of number five. The single gradually descended down the chart and was present for a total of 14 weeks.
In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at its peak of number two on the UK Singles Chart with first-week sales of over 135,000 copies. The song spent 16 weeks on the singles chart, with seven of those being within the top 20.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-s-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles__8266/|title=Open your chart to me... Madonna's Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles|last=Myers|first=Justin|date=August 16, 2017|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308043127/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-s-official-top-40-biggest-selling-singles__8266/|url-status=live}} "Beautiful Stranger" also became one of the most played songs on UK radio, receiving over 2,462 plays per week, breaking the previous record held by Cher with her single "Believe".{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/394193.stm | work=BBC News | title=Top Gear host quits after conviction | date=July 14, 1999 | access-date=July 6, 2016 | archive-date=June 12, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612221901/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/394193.stm | url-status=live }} According to the Official Charts Company, the song has sold 535,000 copies in the United Kingdom as of August 2016 and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Across Europe, "Beautiful Stranger" reached the top 20 of the charts in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, while reaching the top of the charts in Finland and Italy. It received a silver certification in France for shipment of 125,000 copies. The song reached a peak of number two on the European Hot 100 Singles chart, also ranking number two in the 1999 year-end tabulation behind Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=949693|title=Women Rule 1999 European Charts|last=Sexton|first=Paul|magazine=Billboard|date=December 30, 1999|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225043254/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=949693 |archive-date=February 25, 2012}}
Music video
File:Madonna beautiful stranger moving video.gif (Mike Myers) are shown in various scenes in the "Beautiful Stranger" video.|alt=Refer to caption]]
The song's accompanying music video was directed by Brett Ratner and filmed at Universal Studios in Los Angeles on May 1, 1999.{{cite web|title=Madonna, Mike Myers Team Up For 'Austin Powers' Video|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431576/madonna-mike-myers-team-up-for-austin-powers-video/|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 6, 2016|date=May 5, 1999|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809053111/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431576/madonna-mike-myers-team-up-for-austin-powers-video/|url-status=dead}} Madonna had previously shown interest in working with Ratner after seeing his video for D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar" (1995).{{cite AV media notes |title=The Shooter Series Volume One: Director Brett Ratner|others=Brett Ratner |type=Liner notes |publisher=Genius Products |location=Santa Monica, California|id=B001UDS4C2|year=2009}} Her make-up was done by Kevyn Aucoin, with whom she had previously worked on her music video for "The Power of Good-Bye".{{harvnb|Diamond|Aucoin|2004|p=136}} According to Ratner, it was a rather jovial shooting:
Mike was in character the entire time. He and Madonna really had a great chemistry together. This video shows her absolutely hysterical sense of humour, and it's great for everyone to see that side of her. This was by far the most fun I've ever had making a video.{{cite press release|title=New Madonna Single and Video to Be Released; 'Beautiful Stranger' Lead Track from 'Austin Powers' Soundtrack|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-madonna-single-and-video-to-be-released-beautiful-stranger-lead-track-from-austin-powers-soundtrack-74505907.html|agency=PR Newswire|access-date=6 April 2016|date=May 12, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819081309/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-madonna-single-and-video-to-be-released-beautiful-stranger-lead-track-from-austin-powers-soundtrack-74505907.html|archive-date=August 19, 2016}}
The video begins with Myers as Austin Powers, receiving a call from his boss Basil Exposition (Michael York), who warns him against a dangerous spy describing her as a "master of disguise". The screen of his car depicts five images of Madonna wearing different looks, and Exposition clarifies that she has been "seducing our top agents". He also warns Powers "whatever you do don't fall in love. We've already lost 007 and 008".{{harvnb|Guilbert|2002|p=113}} As the video continues, Powers finds Madonna at a club performing in front of a crowd, which includes Verne Troyer in character as Mini-Me. As he watches her perform, Powers finds himself fantasizing about the two of them dancing in front of a white background with psychedelic fluorescent whirls. He also imagines her in the passenger seat of his car, where she playfully teases him whilst he is driving through London at night.{{harvnb|Austerlitz|2007|p=136}}
According to Ratner, Myers was not comfortable with these scenes, as he felt it was too sexual and inappropriate; he even asked him to cut that particular shot. Madonna on the other hand, thought it was fun and convinced the director to keep it. The video ends with Powers' car fantasy, with Powers telling Madonna “You’re going the right way for a smackbottom”, to which Madonna replies “I hope so”.{{harvnb|Austerlitz|2007|p=137}} Author Georges Claude Guilbert wrote in his book, Madonna as Postmodern Myth, that "Beautiful Stranger" denoted one of the series of looks reinvented by Madonna around that time, and was a "radical" change from the geisha look of her previous video for "Nothing Really Matters", released the same year.{{harvnb|Guilbert|2002|p=174}} Matthew Rettenmund wrote in his Encyclopedia Madonnica that "Madonna probably gave very little thought [behind the video]" but he felt that it was better than being a "couple of steps above a clips compilation".
At the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated in the categories of Best Female Video and Best Cinematography, and won for Best Video from a Film.{{cite web|title=1999 Video Music Awards|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1999/|publisher=MTV|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=September 9, 1999|archive-date=August 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828041546/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1999/|url-status=dead}} It also received a nomination for Best Pop Clip of the Year at the 1999 Billboard Music Video Awards.{{cite magazine|title=Lopez is Top Billboard Music Video Awards Nominee|date=October 16, 1999|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1999/BB-1999-10-16.pdf|page=94|access-date=July 6, 2016}} The clip won Best Cinematography and Best Make-Up at the 2000 MVPA Awards; it was also nominated for Soundtrack Video of the Year.{{cite magazine|title=Chemical Bros. Video Wins 3 MVPA Awards|last=Hay|first=Carla|date=April 29, 2000|magazine=Billboard|issn=0006-2510|volume=112|issue=18|page=94|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EA8EAAAAMBAJ|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=May 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521013411/https://books.google.com/books?id=EA8EAAAAMBAJ|url-status=live}} At the 1999 VH1 Fashion Awards, the video received a nomination in the category of Most Stylish Video.{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/1999/STYLE/fashion/12/06/vh1.vogue/|title=VH1/Vogue dole out fashion awards|date=December 6, 1999|access-date=July 7, 2016|publisher=CNN|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134133/http://edition.cnn.com/1999/STYLE/fashion/12/06/vh1.vogue/|url-status=dead}} The video can be found on the Madonna compilations, The Video Collection 93:99 (1999) and Celebration: The Video Collection (2009).{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1431573/madonna-offers-up-new-video-compilation/|title=Madonna Offers Up New Video Compilation|date=October 8, 1999|access-date=April 7, 2016|last=Basham|first=David|publisher=MTV News|archive-date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601084644/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431573/madonna-offers-up-new-video-compilation/|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2009/08/26/madonna-celebration-track-list|title=Madonna's 'Celebration' track list revealed: Are the greatest hits all there?|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|date=August 26, 2009|access-date=July 6, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=January 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116135156/http://www.ew.com/article/2009/08/26/madonna-celebration-track-list/|url-status=live}}
Live performances and covers
{{See also|List of cover versions of Madonna songs|List of Madonna tribute albums}}
File:4.DWT-Beautiful Stranger (cropped).jpg in 2001|alt=Madonna wearing a skirt dancing on a blue it stage, in front of a video screen.]]
Madonna performed "Beautiful Stranger" on her 2001 Drowned World Tour, where it was the fourth song on the setlist. It began with an introduction by Myers as Austin Powers on the video screens, the singer then asked the crowd "Do I make you horny?" (one of Powers' catchphrases) before performing the song. She was joined by backup singers Niki Haris and Donna DeLory, who also contributed with background vocals on the track.{{cite web|last1=Gallo|first1=Phil|title=Review: 'Madonna – Drowned World Tour'|url=https://variety.com/2001/music/reviews/madonna-4-1200469978/|work=Variety|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=September 10, 2001|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232708/http://variety.com/2001/music/reviews/madonna-4-1200469978/|url-status=live}} Costumes for the performance included spiked dog collars, Swarovski crystal-encrusted bracelets and tattered tops; Madonna herself wore a sleeveless black top, crossover top with one net sleeve, jeans with zips and bondage straps and a tartan kilt.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1444414/few-hits-many-costumes-at-madonna-tour-launch/|title=Few Hits, Many Costumes At Madonna Tour Launch|last=Moss|first=Cory|date=June 11, 2001|publisher=MTV News|access-date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=February 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225032006/http://www.mtv.com/news/1444414/few-hits-many-costumes-at-madonna-tour-launch/|url-status=dead}} The backdrop during the performance displayed scenes from the movie and psychedelic fluorescent whirls. It also featured a lost technician at the end and elements of "Soul Bossa Nova (Dim's Space-A-Nova)", another song from the film's soundtrack.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/live/madonna-earls-court-london|title=Madonna @ Earl's Court, London|last=Hubbard|first=Michael|date=July 4, 2001|magazine=MusicOMH|access-date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210043/http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/live/madonna-earls-court-london|url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=190}} On September 15, 2001, the tour's final date, Madonna's then husband Guy Ritchie joined her onstage as the lost technician.{{harvnb|Fouz-Hernández|Jarman-Ivens|2004|p=133}} Michael Hubbard from MusicOMH noted that "things quickly hotted up with [...] 'Beautiful Stranger'". The performance on August 26, 2001, at The Palace of Auburn Hills, outside of Madonna's hometown of Detroit was recorded and released in the live video album, Drowned World Tour 2001.{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78099/madonnas-drowned-comes-to-home-video|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|title=Madonna's 'Drowned' Comes To Home Video|date=October 9, 2001|access-date=April 7, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120743/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/78099/madonnas-drowned-comes-to-home-video|url-status=live}}
On October 26, 2008, Madonna performed a snippet of "Beautiful Stranger" as the request song during the Chicago stop of her Sticky & Sweet Tour.{{cite web |url=http://consequence.net/2008/10/madonnas-on-fire-at-the-united-center-1026/ |title=Madonna's on fire at the United Center (10/26) |last=Roffman |first=Michael |date=October 27, 2008 |website=Consequence of Sound.net |access-date=December 3, 2016 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019045810/http://consequence.net/2008/10/madonnas-on-fire-at-the-united-center-1026/ |url-status=live }} An a cappella version of the song was also performed during the Nashville stop of her Rebel Heart Tour in January 2016.{{cite web|last1=Hancock|first1=Trae|title=Photos & Review: Madonna 1/18/16, Nashville|url=http://blurtonline.com/feature/photos-review-madonna-11816-nashville/|work=Blurt|access-date=April 8, 2016|date=January 19, 2016|archive-date=February 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214224708/http://blurtonline.com/feature/photos-review-madonna-11816-nashville/|url-status=live}} In December 2016, Madonna performed "Beautiful Stranger" during her Tears of a Clown show as part of a benefit dinner for her charity, Raising Malawi, at Miami, Florida.{{cite magazine|last1=Kreps|first1=Daniel|title=Watch Madonna's Sultry Cover of Britney Spears' 'Toxic' at Art Basel|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-madonna-cover-britney-spears-toxic-at-art-basel-w453681|access-date=December 3, 2016|date=December 3, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=December 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204122834/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-madonna-cover-britney-spears-toxic-at-art-basel-w453681|url-status=live}}
Jon Auer, co-founder of the American power pop band The Posies, recorded a cover of the song on his 2001 solo EP 6 ½. Website Stereogum listed the cover at number five on their list of The 20 Best Indie Rock Madonna Covers.{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/986321/the-20-best-indie-rock-madonna-covers/franchises/best-covers/|title=The 20 Best Indie Rock Madonna Covers|last=Lapatine|first=Scott|date=March 27, 2012|website=Stereogum|access-date=July 8, 2016|archive-date=August 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807040832/http://www.stereogum.com/986321/the-20-best-indie-rock-madonna-covers/franchises/best-covers/|url-status=live}} A 2007 folk music tribute compilation to Madonna, entitled Through the Wilderness, features a cover of the song by Golden Animals.{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/5859/ariel_pink_covers_madonna/news/|title=Ariel Pink Covers Madonna|date=July 16, 2007|website=Stereogum|access-date=July 8, 2016|archive-date=August 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807032610/http://www.stereogum.com/5859/ariel_pink_covers_madonna/news/|url-status=live}} Australian rock band DMA's covered the song during their BBC Radio 1 sessions with Annie Mac on March 8, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/records/n3j6jx|title=Beautiful Stranger: Live|last=Mac|first=Annie|author-link=Annie Mac|date=March 6, 2016|publisher=Radio 1|access-date=July 8, 2016}} Michelle Geslani from Consequence of Sound website praised the cover saying that it would "undoubtedly be hailed as yet another successful entry in DMA's young career" and described the cover as "easily tweaking the swirling, retro number into a psychedelic, arena-ready anthem".{{cite magazine|url=http://consequence.net/2016/03/dmas-cover-madonnas-beautiful-stranger-listen/|title=DMA's cover Madonna's 'Beautiful Stranger'|last=Geslani|first=Michelle|date=March 14, 2016|magazine=Consequence of Sound|access-date=July 8, 2016|archive-date=May 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529052125/http://consequence.net/2016/03/dmas-cover-madonnas-beautiful-stranger-listen/|url-status=live}} Michael Carr from Music Feeds magazine also praised the cover saying "Lending itself surprisingly well to the boys’ shoegazey brit pop treatment, the lads absolutely nail it... To be honest though, they kind of won on song choice alone".{{cite web|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/dmas-drop-tasty-cover-madonnas-beautiful-stranger/|title=DMA's Drop Tasty Cover Of Madonna's 'Beautiful Stranger'|last=Carr|first=Michael|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=July 8, 2016|work=Music Feeds|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914034235/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/dmas-drop-tasty-cover-madonnas-beautiful-stranger/|url-status=live}}
Most recently, American punk band Skating Polly released a cover of the song on the 2020 re-release of their album, The Make It All Show, as one of the bonus tracks.{{cite tweet|number=1230947283350347776|user=SkatingPolly|title=The Japanese release of “The Make It All Show” is now available! TWO BONUS TRACKS! Our new song “Mostly Glad” & our… |date=February 21, 2020}} The band had previously covered the song on their 2016 tour.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATnf5i1kFGs |title=Skating Polly 6.12.16 at Shea Stadium 10 songs – YouTube |website=YouTube |date=June 12, 2016 |access-date=February 22, 2020 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923093810/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATnf5i1kFGs |url-status=live }}
Track listing and formats
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- US 12-inch promo vinyl 1{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=US Promo 12" single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=PRO-A-9838-A}}
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Club Mix) – 10:12
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Radio Mix) – 4:00
- "Beautiful Stranger" (New Club Edit) – 5:12
- "Beautiful Stranger" (LP Version) – 4:22
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Club Mix) – 10:13
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Album Version) – 4:21
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Radio Mix) – 4:04
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Dub Mix) – 6:22
- US and UK promo CD{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=UK Promo CD single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=PRO-CD-9760}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=US Promo CD single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=PR0-1417-CD}}
- "Beautiful Stranger" (William Orbit Radio Edit) – 3:58
- "Beautiful Stranger" (LP Version) – 4:22
- UK 7-inch and cassette single, European 2-track CD{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=UK Cassette single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=W495}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=EUR 2-track CD single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=W495}}
- "Beautiful Stranger" (LP Version) – 4:22
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Radio Mix) – 4:00
{{col-2}}
- European, UK, Japanese, and Australian CD single{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=W495CD}}{{cite AV media notes|title="Beautiful Stranger"|others=Madonna|year=1999|type=Japanese CD single liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=9362-44699-2}}
- "Beautiful Stranger" (LP Version) – 4:22
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Club Mix) – 10:12
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Radio Mix) – 4:00
- Digital single (2021){{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beautiful-stranger-ep/1567207902 |title=Beautiful Stranger – EP by Madonna on Apple Music |date=May 19, 1999 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-date=May 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522061805/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/beautiful-stranger-ep/1567207902 |url-status=live }}
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Club Mix) – 10:12
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Dub Mix) – 6:21
- "Beautiful Stranger" (Calderone Radio Mix) – 4:03
- "Beautiful Stranger" (New Club Edit) – 5:13
- "Beautiful Stranger" (William Orbit Radio Edit) – 3:56
{{col-end}}
Credits and personnel
Credits and personnel are adapted from Beautiful Stranger promo single liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|others=Madonna|title="Beautiful Stranger"|year=1999|type=US 7" Single Liner notes|publisher=Maverick Records|id=9362446992}}
{{div col|colwidth=45em}}
- Madonna – vocals, songwriter, producer
- William Orbit – songwriter, producer, guitar, keyboards
- Victor Calderone – additional producer, remixer
- Emma Fowler – flute
- Damian LeGassick – keyboards, programming
- Pat McCarthy – engineering
- Mark Endert – engineering
- Dave Chelsea – engineering
- Jeff Gregmay – assistant engineering
- Wassim Zartek – assistant engineering
{{div end}}
Charts
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}
= Weekly charts =
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for "Beautiful Stranger" !Chart (1999) !Peak |
| {{single chart|Australia|5|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="aus"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Austria|14|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="aut"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Flanders|15|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="fla"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Wallonia|12|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="wal"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Canadatopsingles|1|chartid=8382|rowheader=true|refname="rpm"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Canadaadultcontemporary|1|chartid=8359|rowheader=true|refname="rpmac"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{singlechart|Canadadance|4|chartid=8461|rowheader=true|refname="rpmdance"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| scope="row"|Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS){{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050407221908/http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/1999.pdf|archivedate=April 7, 2005|url=http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/1999.pdf|title=Canadian Top 20 in 1999|website=Cross Canada Countdown|accessdate=November 13, 2023}}
| style="text-align:center"|3 |
|---|
| scope="row"|Czech Republic (ČNS IFPI){{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/radio.htm|title=Hitparada radia 2000. 34 tyden|publisher=ČNS IFPI|language=cs|access-date=March 21, 2021|archive-date=August 29, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990829142859/http://www.ifpicr.cz/radio.htm|url-status=dead}}
|5 |
| scope="row"|Denmark (Tracklisten)
|4 |
| scope="row"|European Hot 100 (Music & Media){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1999/BB-1999-07-03.pdf|title=Hits of the World|magazine=Billboard|volume=111|issue=27|page=61|date=July 3, 1999|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121010817/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1999/BB-1999-07-03.pdf|url-status=live}}
|2 |
| scope="row"|European Radio Top 50 (Music & Media){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-08-14.pdf#page=16|title=European Radio Top 50 week 33/99|magazine=Music & Media|volume=16|issue=33|page=16|date=August 14, 1999|access-date=April 10, 2021|archive-date=July 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722051833/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-08-14.pdf#page=16|url-status=live}}
|1 |
| {{single chart|Finland|1|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="fin"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|France|17|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="fra"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Germany|13|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|songid=3935|rowheader=true|refname="ger"|access-date=October 17, 2018}} |
| scope="row"|Greece (IFPI){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-17.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=Music & Media|volume=16|issue=29|page=11|date=July 17, 1999|access-date=June 26, 2018|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609022059/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-17.pdf|url-status=live}}
| 3 |
| scope="row"|Hungary (Mahasz){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-24.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=Music & Media|volume=16|issue=30|page=10|date=July 24, 1999|access-date=June 26, 2018|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704021813/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-24.pdf|url-status=live}}
| 2 |
| scope="row"|Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40){{cite magazine|url=https://timarit.is/page/2986791#page/n9/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 331 Vikuna 8.7. – 15 July 1999)|newspaper=Dagblaðið Vísir|language=is|page=10|date=July 9, 1999|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215323/https://timarit.is/page/2986791#page/n9/mode/2up|url-status=live}}
| 1 |
| {{single chart|Ireland2|3|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="ire"v}} |
| scope="row"|Italy (Musica e dischi){{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-03.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=Music & Media|volume=16|issue=27|page=13|date=July 3, 1999|access-date=November 28, 2019|archive-date=June 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608224828/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-03.pdf|url-status=live}}
| 1 |
| scope="row"|Italy Airplay (Music & Media){{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1999/MM-1999-07-24.pdf|title=Major Market Airplay: Italy|magazine=Music & Media|volume=16|issue=30|page=19|date=24 July 1999}}
| 2 |
| {{single chart|Dutch40|6|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="dt40"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Dutch100|6|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="dt100"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|New Zealand|5|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="nz"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Norway|8|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="nor"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Scotland|2|date=19990613|rowheader=true|refname=scotland|access-date=June 12, 2015}} |
| {{single chart|Spain|4|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="spain"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Sweden|15|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="swe"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Switzerland|6|artist=Madonna|song=Beautiful Stranger|rowheader=true|refname="swi"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|UK|2|date=19990613|rowheader=true|refname="uk"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|UKdance|7|date=19990613|rowheader=true|refname="ukdance"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|19|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|refname="bbhot100"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|23|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|refname="bbac"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|9|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|refname="bbapop"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|refname="bbdance"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|8|artist=Madonna|rowheader=true|refname="bbpop"|access-date=June 28, 2016}} |
{{col-2}}
= Year-end charts =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (2001) !Position |
| scope="row"|Canada (Nielsen SoundScan){{cite web|url=http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_singles2.html|title=Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2001|publisher=Jam!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020726120310/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_singles2.html|archive-date=July 26, 2002|access-date=March 28, 2022}}
| 132 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications and sales
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Beautiful Stranger"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Madonna|title=Beautiful Stranger|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|access-date=March 17, 2015|refname="aria"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|access-date=May 22, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Madonna|title=Beautiful Stranger|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1999|certyear=1999|access-date=August 19, 2022|refname="snep"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Madonna|title=Beautiful Stranger|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=1999|certyear=2024|id=754-2003-1|access-date=June 28, 2024|refname="bpi"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
Release history
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
Bibliography
{{Refbegin|30em}}
- {{Cite book|last = Austerlitz|first = Saul |title = Money for Nothing: A History of the Music Video, from the Beatles to the White Stripes|publisher = Continuum Publications|year = 2007|isbn = 978-0-8264-1818-0}}
- {{Cite book | last = Clerk | first = Carol | title = Madonnastyle | year = 2002 | publisher = Omnibus Press | isbn = 0-7119-8874-9}}
- {{cite book | last1 = Diamond| first1 = Kerry|last2=Aucoin|first2=Kevyn | title = Kevyn Aucoin a Beautiful Life: The Success, Struggles, and Beauty Secrets of a Legendary Makeup Artist | year = 2004| publisher = Simon and Schuster | isbn =978-0-7432-3583-9}}
- {{cite book| last1 = Fouz-Hernández| first1 = Santiago| first2 = Freya| last2 = Jarman-Ivens| title = Madonna's Drowned Worlds| publisher = Ashgate Publishing, Ltd| isbn = 0-7546-3372-1| year = 2004| url-access = registration| url = https://archive.org/details/madonnasdrownedw0000unse}}
- {{Cite book|last = Dellio|first = Phil|title =Interrupting My Train of Thought|publisher =Lulu Publishers|year = 2014|isbn =978-1-312-49197-7}}
- {{Cite book|last = Guilbert|first = Georges-Claude|title = Madonna as Postmodern Myth: How One Star's Self-Construction Rewrites Sex, Gender, Hollywood and the American Dream|author-link = Georges Claude Guilbert|publisher = McFarland|year = 2002|isbn = 0-7864-1408-1}}
- {{Cite book|last = Morgan|first = Michelle|title = Madonna|publisher = Hachette UK|year = 2015|isbn = 978-1-4721-1943-8}}
- {{Cite book|last = Rettenmund|first = Matthew|author-link = Matthew Rettenmund|title = Encyclopedia Madonnica 20|publisher = Boyculture Publications|year = 2016|isbn = 978-0-692-51557-0}}
- {{Cite book|last = Rooksby|first = Rikky|title = The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna|year = 2004|publisher = Omnibus Press|isbn = 0-7119-9883-3|url-access = registration|url = https://archive.org/details/madonnacompleteg0000rook}}
- {{Cite book|last = Taraborrelli|first = J. Randy|author-link = J. Randy Taraborrelli|title = Madonna: An Intimate Biography|publisher = Simon & Schuster|year = 2008|isbn = 978-1-4165-8346-2}}
{{Refend}}
External links
- {{Discogs master|34056|Beautiful Stranger|type=single}}
{{Austin Powers}}
{{Madonna songs}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for "Beautiful Stranger"
|titlestyle = background: lightblue
|list1 =
{{Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media
Category:Maverick Records singles
Category:Number-one singles in Finland
Category:Number-one singles in Iceland
Category:Number-one singles in Italy
Category:Psychedelic pop songs
Category:RPM Top Singles number-one singles
Category:Songs written for films
Category:Songs written by Madonna
Category:Songs written by William Orbit
Category:Song recordings produced by Madonna