"justify my love" is a controversial 1990 song performed by madonna and focusing on romance, sex and sadomasochism. this single was released november 6, 1990 by sire records. this got mixed review by older critics, although the more contemporary critics expressed critical acclaim and noted this as one of madonna's best songs to date. it would be her ninth number 1 song on "billboard" hot 100. the related music video featured explicit sexual material, and was banned from mtv (music television) and certain other television networks. other artists have covered this single since its release in autumn 1990.