Justify My Love

"Justify My Love" is a song by American recording artist Madonna from her first compilation The Immaculate Collection (1990). It was released on November 6, 1990 by Sire Records, as the first single from the compilation. The song appeared on the later greatest hits compilation album Celebration (2009). The song was written by Lenny Kravitz and Ingrid Chavez, with additional lyrics by Madonna. Chavez, however was not credited the song, which led to a lawsuit towards Kravitz. Chavez received an out-of-court settlement including a writer credit. The song was unique in that Madonna's vocals are primarily spoken and whispered, but almost never sung, a style which she later utilized frequently on her following album Erotica (1992).

Musically, "Justify My Love" is a trip-hop inspired song, with mid-tempo settings and instrumentation. The lyrics of the song are primarily about sex and romance. "Justify My Love" received mixed reviews from older critics, but was critically appreciated from many contemporary critics, noting it as one of Madonna's best songs to date. The song became Madonna's ninth number one on the Billboard Hot 100, while reaching the top ten in countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, including more other countries.

The accompanying music video portrayed Madonna as a woman walking in an hotel hallway, looking distressed and tired from work, until being sexually seduced to having sex with a mysterious man and woman. It caused controversy worldwide, due to its explicit sexual images which was subsequently banned from MTV and other TV networks. The video contained imagery of sadomasochism, voyeurism, and bisexuality. The song has been performed on three of her concert tours, most recently being on her MDNA Tour in 2012.

"Justify My Love" has a legacy as one of the most, if not the most, controversial songs and videos of Madonna's career. It has been covered multiple times by other artists and also frequently parodied.