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| studio = Soundworks ([[New York City|New York]])
| genre = [[Pop music|Pop]]<!--Sourced in "Composition" section. Do not add unsourced genres -->
| length = 5:24 <small>(album version)</small><br>4:36 <small>(single version)</small>
| label = {{hlist|[[Maverick Records|Maverick]]|[[Sire Records|Sire]]|[[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]]}}
| writer = {{hlist|Madonna|[[Shep Pettibone]]}}
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| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|15kWlTrpt5k|"Rain"}}}}
}}
"'''Rain'''" is a song by American singer [[Madonna]] from her fifth studio album, ''[[Erotica (Madonna album)|Erotica]]'' (1992), released by [[Maverick Records|Maverick]], [[Sire Records|Sire]] and [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner]]. Written and produced by Madonna and [[Shep Pettibone]]
Upon release, "Rain" was positively received by critics, who deemed it a highlight in ''Erotica'' and one of the best ballads Madonna had released up to that point. Commercially, the single saw moderate success. In the United States, it reached the 14th spot of the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. It fared better in Canada and the United Kingdom, where it reached the chart's second spot and top-ten, respectively.
The accompanying music video was directed by [[Mark Romanek]] and finds Madonna singing in front of a Japanese film crew; critics applauded the visual for its cinematography. "Rain" has been included on three of [[List of Madonna concerts|Madonna's concert tours]], the most recent being [[the Celebration Tour]] of 2023–2024. It has been [[cover (music)|covered]] by multiple artists
== Background and release ==
In early 1992, Madonna founded her own multi-media entertainment company [[Maverick (entertainment company)|Maverick]], consisting of a record company (Maverick Records), a film production company ([[Maverick Films]]), and associated music publishing, television broadcasting, book publishing, and merchandising divisions.<ref name=Maverick>{{cite web |last1=Holden |first1=Stephen |author1-link=Stephen Holden |title=Madonna makes a $60 million deal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/20/arts/madonna-makes-a-60-million-deal.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519100152/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/20/arts/madonna-makes-a-60-million-deal.html |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |date=April 10, 1992}}{{subscription required}}</ref> The first two projects from the venture were her fifth studio album ''[[Erotica (Madonna album)|Erotica]]'' and a coffee table book of photographs featuring Madonna, entitled ''[[Sex (book)|Sex]]''.<ref name=Maverick /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Orth |first1=Maureen |author1-link=Maureen Orth |title=Madonna in Wonderland |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/1992/10/madonna199210 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |access-date=6 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211083303/https://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/1992/10/madonna199210 |archive-date=February 11, 2015 |date=October 1992}}</ref> For ''Erotica'', Madonna primarily collaborated with American producer [[Shep Pettibone]]; Pettibone first began working with the singer during the 1980s, providing remixes for several of her singles.<ref name="Slant" /> According to author [[Mark Bego]], the first batch of songs they worked on were the album's [[Erotica (song)|title track]], "[[Deeper and Deeper]]", "[[Bad Girl (Madonna song)|Bad Girl]]", "Thief of Hearts", and "Rain".<ref>{{harvnb|Bego|2000|p=96}}</ref> Pettibone would create the music and Madonna the lyrics.<ref name="EroticaDiaries">{{cite web |last1=Pettibone |first1=Shep |author1-link=Shep Pettibone |title=''Erotica'' Diaries |url=http://www.sheppettibone.com/sp_erotica_diaries.htm |publisher=Official Shep Pettibone website |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627110144/http://www.sheppettibone.com/sp_erotica_diaries.htm |archive-date=June 27, 2007}}</ref> They came up with "Rain" the night before Madonna was scheduled to come in to the studio; "it was a Sunday, it was raining - ha! - and she wrote the words, and sang the song and harmonies all in that day. ['Rain'] came together very quickly", recalled the producer.<ref name="ViceErotica">{{cite web |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=An oral story: Madonna's ''Erotica'' by the people who helped create it |url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/kz3qbz/madonna-erotica-by-the-people-who-helped-create-it |work=[[i-D]] |publisher=[[Vice Media]] |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225080838/https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/kz3qbz/an-oral-history-madonnas-erotica-by-the-people-who-helped-create-it |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |date=October 20, 2017}}</ref> According to author [[Matthew Rettenmund]], "Rain" was intended to be part of a planned musical adaptation of the 1939 film ''[[Wuthering Heights (1939 film)|Wuthering Heights]]'', set to be directed by Madonna's collaborator [[Alek Keshishian]].<ref name="retten" />
Recording took place at [[Astoria, Queens|Astoria]]'s Sound Work Studios on June 8, 1992
== Composition ==
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"Rain" is a pop ballad with influence of [[R&B]], [[trip-hop]], and [[New-age music|New age]], comparable to the work of [[Peter Gabriel]] and [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]].<ref name=BBReview1/><ref name="AVRank" /><ref name=ParadeRanking/><ref name=ABClubSensual/> Its lyrics use water and rainfall as a metaphor for being in love: Both are cleansing elements that “wash away” past heartache and pain.<ref name="rik" /><ref name=ABClubSensual/> Joe Lynch from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' noted that the song talks of love in the age of [[HIV-AIDS|AIDS]], while for ''[[Slant Magazine]]''{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani, due to ''Erotica''{{'}}s overtly sexual themes, it can also be interpreted as an "extended metaphor" for [[ejaculation]].<ref name="BBEroticaTrackbyTrack">{{cite magazine |last1=Arnold |first1=Chuck |title=Madonna's ''Erotica'' album at 30: Every song ranked from worst to best |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-erotica-album-songs-ranked/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020220647/https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-erotica-album-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |date=October 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Slant" /> The song's instrumentation seeks to evoke a "purifying effect" and the "turbulent elements associated with rain", such as raindrops and lightning bolts; this is achieved through rhythmic patterns and [[orchestra hit]]s.<ref name=ABClubSensual/>
According to the sheet music published by [[Alfred Music|Alfred Publishing Inc.]], "Rain" is written in the key note of [[B-flat major|B{{music|flat}} major]], set in the [[time signature]] of [[common time]] with a moderate pace [[tempo]] of 92 beats per minute. It follows a [[chord progression]] of B{{music|flat}}<sup>sus2</sup>–E{{music|flat}}<sup>6/9</sup>–F in the [[refrain]], and later switches to E{{music|flat}}–F–B{{music|flat}} in the verses.<ref name=musicsheet>{{cite web |title=Rain by Madonna: Digital Sheet Music | date=October 26, 2009 |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0078006|publisher=[[Alfred Music]] |access-date=February 11, 2024}}</ref> Madonna sings with "heartfelt intensity" the lines ''When you looked into my eyes/And you said goodbye/Could you see my tears/When I turned the other way''.<ref name="MadonnaPorn">{{cite news |last1=Harrington |first1=Richard |title=The Madonna Pornucopia |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/10/21/the-madonna-pornucopia/fe69f452-50a6-4f9c-8a8d-aa6047cb749f/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719051522/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/10/21/the-madonna-pornucopia/fe69f452-50a6-4f9c-8a8d-aa6047cb749f/ |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |date=October 21, 1992}}</ref> Towards the [[bridge (music)|bridge]], there is a key change from B{{music|flat}} major to [[C major]], followed by two spoken parts and a harmony alongside it;<ref name="rik" /> Madonna recites out of the [[Stereophonic sound|left and right channels]], ''By sheer force of will/I’ll raise you from the ground/And without a sound, you’ll appear and surrender to me, to love''.<ref name=Idolator/> Also present is a ''[[crescendo]]'' that refers [[the Beatles]]' "[[Here Comes the Sun]]" (1969), and marks, according to John Myers from [[Yahoo! Voices]], an "escape from the deluge of the rain with the breaking of the sun".<ref name="YahooErotica">{{cite web |last1=Myers |first1=John |title=Classic 90's Music Reviews: Madonna's ''Erotica'' |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/classic-90s-music-reviews-madonnas-erotica-3027192.html?cat=33 |publisher=[[Yahoo! Voices]] |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618073544/http://voices.yahoo.com/classic-90s-music-reviews-madonnas-erotica-3027192.html?cat=33 |archive-date=June 18, 2012 |date=April 9, 2009}}</ref>
== Critical reception ==
{{Quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote="The softest and sweetest moment on the highly charged ''Erotica'', ['Rain'] is a gorgeous, subtle ballad, pitched halfway between an R&B slow jam and shimmering new age healing [...] The subdued pulse suggests something seductive, yet the washes of keyboards and vocal harmonies are comforting and consoling, a duality that gives 'Rain' depth and complexity.|source=—Stephen Thomas Erlewine commenting on "Rain" for ''[[The A.V. Club]]''.<ref name="AVRank">{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=40 years of Madonna: The Queen of Pop's greatest songs, ranked - 31. Rain |url= https://www.avclub.com/essential-madonna-40th-anniversary-best-songs-ranked-1850672035
Upon release, "Rain" was generally well received by most music critics. In his 2000 book ''Madonna: Blonde Ambition'', Bego said it was one of Madonna's best and most beautiful ballads.<ref>{{harvsp|Bego|2000|p=202}}</ref> On his review of ''Erotica'', ''Billboard''{{'}}s Paul Verna referred to "Rain" as a "lovely pop ballad".<ref name=BBReview1>{{cite magazine |last1=Verna |first1=Paul |title=Album reviews |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=October 24, 1992 |volume=104 |issue=43 |page=60 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1992/Billboard-1992-10-24.pdf#page=60 |access-date=January 27, 2022 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> From the same magazine, [[Larry Flick]] called it "gorgeous [...] though not as lyrically daring as [previous single] '[[Bad Girl (Madonna song)|Bad Girl]]', ['Rain'] is a wonderfully constructed tune".<ref>{{cite
}}</ref> Anthony Violanti from ''[[The Buffalo News]]'' gave a particularly positive review, naming it one of the album's best moments, and one of the best ballads Madonna had done up to that point.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Violanti |first1=Anthony |title=Too much sex weakens Madonna's latest 'Erotica' |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/too-much-sex-weakens-madonnas-latest-erotica/article_dfa9e0aa-5273-5035-a99f-da7757625022.html |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105231001/https://buffalonews.com/news/too-much-sex-weakens-madonnas-latest-erotica/article_dfa9e0aa-5273-5035-a99f-da7757625022.html |archive-date=January 5, 2022 |date=October 20, 1992}}</ref> Writing for ''[[The Independent]]'', [[Giles Smith]] said the song is "as close to the Madonna of ''[[Like a Prayer (album)|Like a Prayer]]'' as [''Erotica''] comes, a big and solemn ballad".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Giles |author1-link=Giles Smith |title=REVIEW / Stripped down to basics: Giles Smith takes a peek at Erotica, Madonna's new album - Plus the rest of the week's new albums |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/review-stripped-down-to-basics-giles-smith-takes-a-peek-at-erotica-madonna-s-new-album-plus-the-rest-of-the-week-s-new-albums-1557514.html |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804160417/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/review-stripped-down-to-basics-giles-smith-takes-a-peek-at-erotica-madonna-s-new-album-plus-the-rest-of-the-week-s-new-albums-1557514.html |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |date=October 14, 1992}}</ref> For ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', Arion Berger highlighted the track as one of ''Erotica''{{'}}s "yearning ballads" that help it sustain its "icy tone".<ref name="RSReview">{{cite magazine |last1=Berger |first1=Arion |title=Home > Music > Album reviews > ''Erotica'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/erotica-186842/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927123157/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/erotica-186842/ |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |date=November 26, 1992}}</ref> At ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'', Tony Powers considered it one of the album's standout tracks.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Power |first1=Tony |title=Madonna - Erotica |url=http://www.blender.com/reviews/review_2347.html |work=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]] |access-date=September 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040818014510/http://www.blender.com/reviews/review_2347.html |archive-date=August 18, 2004}}</ref> Sal Cinquemani pointed out that, "Madonna’s rarely acknowledged harmonies glide atop the frosty beats, thunder-claps of percussion, and skyward drone of the sonorous 'Rain'".<ref name=Slant>{{cite web |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Review: Madonna, ''Erotica'' |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/madonna-erotica/ |work=[[Slant Magazine]] |access-date=February 17, 2024 |date=February 24, 2007 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520031744/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/madonna-erotica/ }}</ref> ''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]]''{{'}}s Troy J. Augusto opined it was a "simple yet effective" song, and noted that, "at times, [Madonna] almost sounds like [[Karen Carpenter]], all tender and shy. (My God, there's no limit to this artist's depth!)".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Augusto |first1=Troy J. |title=Pop Singles |journal=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]] |date=July 10, 1993 |volume=56 |issue=44 |page=13 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1993/CB-1993-07-10.pdf#page=13 |access-date=September 17, 2022}}</ref> [[Annie Zaleski]] from ''The A.V. Club'' stated that "Rain" turned the singer into a "sensual New age goddess".<ref name=ABClubSensual>{{cite web |last1=Zaleski |first1=Annie |title=
Matthew Jacobs from ''[[HuffPost]]'' opined it wasn't "terribly distinctive" from other ballads Madonna had released at the time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jacobs |first1=Matthew |title=The definitive ranking of Madonna singles |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934 |work=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406160303/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934 |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> Barbara Walker, writing in the ''[[Sun-Sentinel]]'', named "Rain" a highlight in ''Erotica'', but said that it didn't add anything new to Madonna's catalogue.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Barbara |title=Madonna the superstar's first full-length studio release since 1989, due in stores on Tuesday, may leave listerners missing melodies and musing about Madonna's love life |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1992-10-18-9202240147-story.html |work=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129163724/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1992-10-18-9202240147-story.html |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |date=October 18, 1992}}</ref> Rikky Rooksby, author of ''The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna'', was also critical; he complimented the "radio friendly" sound of the song, but felt that the lyrical theme "had been used in countless [songs]".<ref name="rik">{{harvnb|Rooksby|2004|pp=42–43}}</ref> In less favorable reviews, Albumism's Justin Chadwick said it is the album's "only banal and skippable offering".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chadwick |first1=Justin |title=Tribute: Celebrating 25 years of Madonna's ''Erotica'' |url=https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-madonna-erotica |publisher=Albumism |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022203248/https://albumism.com/features/tribute-celebrating-25-years-of-madonna-erotica |archive-date=October 22, 2017 |date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> Chris Willman for the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that, "despite having crafted some of the best singles of the '80s, and despite being a genuine wit, Madonna can tend toward terribly banal rhymes", citing "Rain" as an example.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |title=Madonna struts her new pose |url=
Retrospective reviews have been positive. Rocco Papa from [[Odyssey (publication)|The Odyssey]] deemed it "one of the most beautiful songs on one of her most underrated albums".<ref name="Odyssey" /> On ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'}}s ranking of Madonna's singles, "Rain" came in at number 18; Jude Rogers called it "''Erotica''{{'}}s most properly erogenous moment".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jude |first1=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=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816144826/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/16/every-one-of-madonnas-78-singles-ranked |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |date=August 16, 2018}}</ref> Nayer Missim from ''[[PinkNews]]'' considered it the singer's ninth best, and said it was the "softest, most atmospheric (and least overtly sexual) bit of ''Erotica'', but no less sensual and seductive for it".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Missim |first1=Nayer |title=Madonna at 60: Queen of Pop's 60 best singles ranked |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/08/15/madonna-60-best-singles/ |work=[[PinkNews]] |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816163838/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/08/15/madonna-60-best-singles/ |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> For ''Billboard''{{'}}s Andrew Unterberger, it is the singer's 73th best: An "easily understood, highly accessible ballad [...] of perfectly polished R&B".<ref name=BB100Madonna>{{cite magazine |title=The 100 greatest Madonna songs: Critics' picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list-8469835/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119200810/https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list-8469835/ |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> [[Louis Virtel]], writing for [[AfterEllen|The Backlot]], named "Rain" Madonna's 47th best song and highlighted its warmth, an opinion that was shared by ''[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]''{{'}}s Samuel R. Murrian.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Virtel |first1=Louis |author-link=Louis Virtel |date=March 2, 2013 |title=The 100 greatest Madonna songs |url=http://www.newnownext.com/the-100-greatest-madonna-songs/02/2012/ |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=September 18, 2022 |publisher=[[AfterEllen|The Backlot]]}}</ref><ref name=ParadeRanking>{{cite web |last1=Murrian |first1=Samuel R. |title=We ranked the 100 best Madonna songs of all time |url=https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/ |work=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]] |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816194656/https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=16 August 2019 |date=16 August 2019}}</ref> ''[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]''{{'}}s Saeed Saeed named it an "ethereal beauty", and one of Madonna's "most criminally underrated" singles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saeed |first1=Saeed |title=All of
== Commercial performance ==
In the United States, "Rain" debuted on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number 75, in the issue dated July 24, 1993.<ref>{{cite
In the United Kingdom, "Rain" debuted at the 10th position of the [[UK Singles Chart]] on July 31, 1993, and, one week later, peaked at number seven; it spent 8 weeks on the chart overall.<ref name="uk"/> According to ''[[Music Week]]'' magazine, over 130,000 copies of the single have been sold in the United Kingdom as of 2008.<ref name=MusicWeek>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Alan |title=The immaculate guide to 50 years of Madonna |url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=22&storycode=1035210 |work=[[Music Week]] |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911221201/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=22&storycode=1035210 |archive-date=September 11, 2008 |date=August 19, 2008}}</ref> In Australia, the song debuted at number 21 on the charts before rising and peaking at number five; it was certified gold by the [[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) for shipments of 35,000 copies.<ref name="aus" /> It was less successful in New Zealand, where it barely cracked the top 20.<ref name="nz"/> Reception towards the single in Europe was moderate: It reached the top 10 in Ireland and Italy, and the top 20 in Sweden and Switzerland.<ref name="ire"/><ref name="Italy">{{cite journal |title=Top 10 Sales in Europe |journal=Music & Media |date=October 23, 1993 |volume=10 |issue=43 |page=24 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-10-23.pdf#page=24}}</ref><ref name="swe"/><ref name="swi"/> "Rain" reached the top 30 in Germany and Austria, but was less successful in The Netherlands, where it barely managed to enter the top 40.<ref name="ger"/><ref name="aus"/><ref name="dt40"/><ref name="dt100"/> It came in at number 15 of the [[European Hot 100 Singles]] chart.<ref name="EuroChary">{{cite journal |title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles |journal=Music & Media |date=August 7, 1993 |volume=10 |issue=32 |page=15 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1993/MM-1993-08-07.pdf#page=15 |access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref>
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=== Background and development ===
[[File:Mark Romanek Tokyo Intl Filmfest 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Madonna became interested in working with [[Mark Romanek]] (''picture'') after seeing his work in [[En Vogue]]'s "[[Free Your Mind (song)|Free Your Mind]]", and [[Lenny Kravitz]]'s "[[Are You Gonna Go My Way (song)|Are You Gonna Go My Way]]".<ref>{{harvnb|Vernallis|2004|p=107}}</ref>]]
The music video for "Rain" was directed by American filmmaker and photographer [[Mark Romanek]], and filmed at a [[Santa Monica Airport]] hangar in [[Santa Monica, California]] from May 16–19, 1993.<ref name="romanek">{{cite AV media |people=[[Mark Romanek|Romanek, Mark]]|year=2005|title=The Work of Director Mark Romanek|medium=Documentary DVD|location=New York|publisher=Palm Pictures|oclc=61717830}}</ref> Crew members included Krista Montagna in [[Video production|production]], [[Harris Savides]] in [[Cinematographer|direction of photography]], Jon Peter Flack in [[production designer|production design]]; Robert Duffy was an [[Video editing|editor]], and David Bradshaw was in charge of wardrobe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Madonna - Rain |url=http://www.markromanek.com/video/08_credits.html |publisher=MarkRomanek.com |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030619021433/http://www.markromanek.com/video/08_credits.html |archive-date=June 19, 2003}}</ref> Madonna had previously expressed interest in working with Romanek due to his collaborations with [[Lenny Kravitz]] and [[En Vogue]].<ref name="RS20videos" /> However, the director turned down the offer as he felt "intimidated" by the idea of shooting a music video that "would mark a departure from [Madonna's] ostentatious antics";<ref name="BBRainVideo" /> he also explained that, "['Rain'] was really romantic and I didn't really know what to do with something romantic at that point in my life".<ref name="RS20videos" /> Romanek
Comparing the song to ''Wuthering Heights'', Madonna came up with the idea of shooting in [[black and white]], but Romanek thought that would be "a little too kind of on the nose"; he instead decided on a futuristic theme of a video-within-a-video, showing the singer as a "doe-eyed ingenue" performing for a film crew.<ref name="RS20videos" /><ref name="BBRainVideo" /> For the role of the director, Madonna approached [[Jean-Luc Godard]] and [[Federico Fellini]], but both declined. At the end, [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]] was selected for the role, thanks to him being what Romanek called "the most iconic and famous and attractive Japanese icon".<ref name="RS20videos" /> Argentine model Daniel Rossi, whom Madonna was allegedly romantically involved with at the time, also participated.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Convertini |first1=Horacio |title=Buscando al novio argentino de Madonna |url=https://www.clarin.com/sociedad/buscando-novio-argentino-madonna_0_cVneu5ocX.html |work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]] |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=
Described as "very [[zen]], very stripped away", the music video takes place in [[Tokyo]] and shows Madonna as an "accessible, vulnerable creature surrounded by the high-tech and the global".<ref name="LATimesRain" /> As Romanek didn't want the clip to be too "clichéd" or literal, he decided to use water, contained in two large walls that were placed on either sides of the singer.<ref name="BBRainVideo" /> To further capture the track's "crystalline" essence, Romanek and Savides did colored [[closeup]]s of the singer's face and features, for which she underwent half a day of camera tests.<ref name="BBRainVideo" /> Then, a German lighting fixture was used to achieve a "thoroughly modern, yet classic" effect.<ref name="BBRainVideo" /> Madonna's appearance was inspired by 1940s Paris and singer [[Edith Piaf]]: she wore a "waif-like cap of short black hair with spiky bangs", and "porcelain-doll perfect" make-up. The director also asked her to grow back her eyebrows, which had been "virtually invisible in her recent videos".<ref name="LATimesRain" /> [[Rei Kawakubo]] of [[Comme des Garcons]] and [[Vivienne Westwood]] provided the clothes.<ref name="LATimesRain" />
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The video begins with Madonna in a studio, lying on a riveted aluminium [[chaise longue]] –designed by then unknown [[Marc Newson]]– with headphones on her ears composing a song.<ref name="retten"/> This alternates with scenes of her singing in front of a microphone, and receiving instructions from the director (Sakamoto). Next, she appears in front of a background of bright lights, and kissing a man (Rossi) behind glass on which water falls. The video ends with an air view of open umbrellas covering the entire floor.<ref>{{harvsp|Guilbert|2002|p=113}}</ref>
"Rain" premiered on [[MTV]], on June 21, 1993;<ref name="retten"/> upon release, it was positively received by critics. ''Billboard''{{'}}s Deborah Russell said it showed a "chic yet vulnerable, glamorous yet sweet" Madonna, and named it the year's ninth best music video.<ref name="BBRainVideo">{{cite
Both Rocco Papa and the staff of ''Rolling Stone'' deemed "Rain" Madonna's sixth best video, with the latter highlighting its "high-contrast look and [[meta-narrative]] concept".<ref name=Odyssey>{{cite web |last1=Papa |first1=Rocco |title=The 10 best Madonna music videos of all-time |url=https://www.theodysseyonline.com/top-10-madonna-videos |publisher=[[Odyssey (publication)|The Odyssey]] |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=
Jef Rouner from the ''[[Houston Press]]'' named it the ninth best music video directed by Romanek: "One of [his] more light-hearted and definitely the most... purple of his work, 'Rain' is a fascinating treatise on the act of creating a music video itself".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rouner |first1=Jef |title=Top 10 Mark Romanek videos |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/top-10-mark-romanek-videos-6501897 |work=[[Houston Press]] |access-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=
== Live performances ==
[[File:
On [[The Girlie Show (Madonna)|the Girlie Show]] of 1993, Madonna sang "Rain" with her [[backing vocalist]]s [[Niki Haris]] and [[Donna De Lory]], interspersed with lyrics of [[the Temptations]]' "[[Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)]]" (1971).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |author1-link=Jon Pareles |title=Review/Pop: From Madonna, a new palatability but still spicy |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/16/arts/review-pop-from-madonna-a-new-palatability-but-still-spicy.html?pagewanted=2 |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=
A [[Mashup (music)|mashup]] of "Rain" and [[Eurythmics]]{{'}} "[[Here Comes the Rain Again]]" (1984) was used as a video interlude on 2008―2009's [[Sticky & Sweet Tour]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roffman |first1=Michael |title=
The performance of "Rain" on [[the Celebration Tour]] (2023―2024) sees a "shadowy reaper" embrace Madonna —who's decked out in a long robe— and "pull[ing] her into the darkness".<ref name="PerthCeleb">{{cite web |title=
== Covers and usage ==
{{See also|List of cover versions of Madonna songs|List of Madonna tribute albums}}
In 2000, British [[gothic rock]] band [[Rosetta Stone (band)|Rosetta Stone]] covered "Rain" for the tribute album ''Virgin Voices: A Tribute to Madonna, Vol. 2''; AllMusic's Heather Phares considered it one of the album's finest moment.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Phares |first1=Heather |title=Various Artists > ''Virgin Voices 2000: A Tribute to Madonna'' > Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/virgin-voices-2000-a-tribute-to-madonna-mw0000059200 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 21, 2022 |date=March 21, 2000}}</ref> The following year, a [[hi-NRG]]/[[Eurodance]] cover by Who's That Girl! was included on the album ''Exposed'', released through [[Almighty Records]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Who's That Girl! - ''Exposed'' |url=https://www.almightyrecords.com/product/ALMYCD035/ |publisher=[[Almighty Records]] |access-date=August 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060225052531/https://www.almightyrecords.com/product/ALMYCD035/ |archive-date=February 25, 2006}}</ref> The [[Vitamin String Quartet]] included a cover of "Rain" on ''The String Quartet Tribute to Madonna'' (2002), while Los Angeles based band Motor Industries did it for ''The Dancefloor Tribute to Madonna'' (2003).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Loftus |first1=Johnny |title=Vitamin String Quartet > ''The String Quartet Tribute to Madonna'' > Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-string-quartet-tribute-to-madonna-mw0000230797 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 21, 2022 |date=October 15, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Loftus |first1=Johnny |title=Various Artists > ''The Dancefloor Tribute to Madonna'' > Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-dancefloor-tribute-to-madonna-mw0000663632 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 21, 2022 |date=January 14, 2003}}</ref> A cover by Da Capo Players and the Vitamin String Quartet was included on ''Strung out on Madonna: The String Quartet Tribute'' (2008);<ref>{{cite web |title=Vitamin String Quartet / Da Capo Players > ''Strung out on Madonna: The String Quartet Tribute'' > Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/strung-out-on-madonna-the-string-quartet-tribute-mw0000782680 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 21, 2022 |date=April 8, 2008}}</ref> that same year, [[Madonna impersonator]] Melissa Totten included the song as part of the "Klubkidz House Party Mix", from her album ''Forever Madonna''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Melissa Totten - ''Forever Madonna'' |url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/melissa-totten/discography/2334518/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=August 21, 2022 |archive-url=
In May 2016, Niki Haris and [[Donna De Lory]] recorded an acoustic version of "Rain" and released it as a [[Music download|digital single]]; this release also included a remix created by Willie Ray Lewis.<ref>{{cite web |title=Niki Haris & Donna De Lory - Rain (single) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/rain-remixed-ep/1166069100?l=es |publisher=[[Apple Music]] |access-date=August 21, 2022 |archive-url=
==Track listings and formats==
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|title=Rain|artist=Madonna|nocert=true|salesamount=130,771|salesref=<ref name=MusicWeek/>}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
== References ==
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|isbn=978-0-671-78700-4
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Gabriel
|first=Mary
|title=Madonna: A Rebel Life
|publisher=[[Hachette Livre|Hachette UK]]
|year=2023
|isbn=978-0316456449
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=Guilbert
|first=Georges-Claude
|author-link=Georges-Claude Guilbert
|title=Madonna as Postmodern Myth
|publisher=[[McFarland & Company|McFarland]]
|year=2002
|isbn=0-7864-1408-1
}}
*{{Cite book
|last=O'Brien
|