Before self-love was trending, before feminism became pop culture currency, Madonna was already screaming it loud and clear: “Express Yourself!” Released in 1989, this powerhouse anthem didn’t just define a musical era—it sparked a movement. With its bold message of independence and self-worth, “Express Yourself” remains one of the most iconic, empowering pop tracks of all time.
Featured on her critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Like a Prayer, “Express Yourself” was Madonna’s clarion call to everyone—especially women—to never settle for less than they deserve. With its infectious brass blasts, funky basslines, and a booming dance groove, the track was inspired by the funk-pop energy of Sly & the Family Stone but filtered through Madonna’s signature lens of glam, grit, and provocation.
Lyrically, it was revolutionary. Lines like “Don’t go for second best, baby / Put your love to the test” weren’t just catchy—they were a manifesto. At a time when pop music was dominated by love songs about longing and heartbreak, Madonna flipped the script. “Express Yourself” told women to claim their power, set their standards high, and never be afraid to speak up or stand out.
The song was an instant success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple on MTV and radio worldwide. But its influence reached far beyond the charts.
The music video, directed by David Fincher (before his Hollywood film fame), was a futuristic, Metropolis-inspired masterpiece. Featuring Madonna as a powerful figure overseeing a dystopian factory run by shirtless workers, it was loaded with symbolism, cinematic flair, and a clear message of female dominance, sexual agency, and creative control. The video became one of the most expensive ever made at the time and remains a visual landmark in pop music history.
“Express Yourself” also marked a pivotal moment in Madonna’s evolution—from provocateur to cultural prophet. It helped solidify her role not just as a pop star, but as a voice for self-expression, freedom, and social progress. Long before mainstream feminism made its way into pop lyrics, Madonna was already preaching the gospel of autonomy and self-respect.
The song has been covered, sampled, and referenced countless times, and remains a core part of Madonna’s live shows. It was famously mashed up with “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga—a testament to its continued relevance and foundational influence on future generations of artists and activists.
More than three decades later, “Express Yourself” still commands attention. It’s a reminder that true power starts from within, and that the dance floor can be a space for joy, rebellion, and self-love.
So this Flashback Friday, channel your inner icon, turn up the volume, and take Madonna’s timeless advice: don’t go for second best.
