“Express Yourself” is one of Madonna’s most iconic songs, released in May 1989 with “The Look of Love” on the B-side as the second single from her fourth studio album, Like a Prayer. Written by Madonna and Stephen Bray, the song became a powerful anthem of female empowerment and self-expression. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts worldwide. “Express Yourself” remains one of Madonna’s most influential songs, both for its message and its cultural impact.
“Express Yourself” is an empowering anthem about self-respect, individuality, and independence. The lyrics encourage women to demand respect in their relationships and not settle for anything less than what they deserve. “Express Yourself” blends funk, dance-pop, and soul, with a heavy influence from Motown and R&B. The song features a funky bassline, vibrant horns, and a driving beat, creating an upbeat, celebratory feel. It has a strong, energetic rhythm that makes it danceable, while Madonna’s commanding vocal performance delivers the song’s message with conviction.
“Express Yourself” was a major commercial success. In the U.S., it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held back from the top spot by “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. It topped the charts in Canada and Italy, and reached the top 5 in several countries, including the UK, and Australia. The song became a symbol of female empowerment, resonating with fans and further solidifying Madonna’s influence in the music world. The song helped drive the success of the Like a Prayer album, which was a massive global hit and is often regarded as one of Madonna’s best albums.
The music video for “Express Yourself” is one of the most famous and expensive music videos ever made. Directed by David Fincher, who would later become a renowned film director (known for movies like Fight Club and Se7en), the video was inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis, directed by Fritz Lang. It features a futuristic, industrial setting with grand, symbolic imagery. Madonna appears in various forms throughout the video: in suits, lingerie, and glamorous outfits, symbolizing both strength and femininity. The video cost over $5 million to produce, making it the most expensive music video ever at the time of its release.
“Express Yourself” is widely regarded as one of Madonna’s most important songs, both for its message of empowerment and its cultural impact. The song’s themes of self-respect, confidence, and independence have made it a feminist anthem, particularly for women’s empowerment in the music industry