"Express Yourself" is also a 1989 single by the hip hop group N.W.A., in turn based on a sample from the 1970 funk song of the same name by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.
"Express Yourself" was the second single from Madonna's multi-platinum selling 1989 album Like a Prayer. It was composed and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray with Additional Production and Remix by Shep Pettibone. .
Music video
When the video was released, it caused a commotion in the press. The premise is that of the Fritz Lang classic film Metropolis. Madonna is seen as the epitome of feminity residing with her cat high above the masculine world of hard work and steam, at once protected and isolated by her surroundings and "chained" to her desires. An older man seems to be in control of the entire situation and keeps a watchful eye over the young male workers and over Madonna. Eventually the queen of pop, dressed in a man's suit and grabbing her crotch, bursts forth into the male-dominated world, before a vision of her eyes beckons to one of the workers to enter her world. When the other workers are involved in a boxing match for the entertainment of the older man, the young worker meets with a now-naked and seemingly vulnerable Madonna. The pair kiss as fall to the floor in an embrace. The clip ends with a quotation from the film, "Without the heart there can be no understanding between the hand and the mind". Directed by David Fincher.
Tracklistings
7" single/cassette single/7" denim sleeve/poster sleeve
- "Express Yourself" (7" Remix)
- "The Look Of Love" (LP Version)
12" single/12" picture disc/European 5" CD single/UK 3" CD single
- "Express Yourself" (Non-Stop Express Mix)
- "Express Yourself" (Stop & Go Dubs)
Charts
| Chart (1989) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia ARIA Top 50 Singles | 5 |
| Canada | 4 |
| Eurochart Hot 100 | 1 (3 wks) |
| Germany (Media Control) | 3 |
| Japan (ChartJapan) | 2 |
| UK Singles Chart | 5 |
| USA Billboard Hot 100 | 2 (2 wks) |
| USA Billboard Adult Contemporary | 12 |
| USA Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Chart | 1 |
| USA Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | 1 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification |
|---|---|
| Australia | Gold |
| UK | Silver |
| USA | Gold |
References
For charts and certifications:
- "Chart Performance of Madonna Records - A Compiled History". MLVC.ORG - Charts. link - last accessed on December 11, 2005.