Although Madonna devoted a whole album to sex with 1992's "Erotica," she hit her most sensual (and most controversial) two years earlier with the release of the ultra-steamy "Justify My Love." For this rather unconventional hit from "The Immaculate Collection," Madonna teamed forces with Andre Betts and hot new up-and-comer Lenny Kravitz. Her whispered vocals were accompanied by a sinuous drum loop and simple synth instrumentation. Few songs can match the sheer sexiness found in "Justify My Love."

What really pushed the envelope was the libido-charged video, helmed by frequent collaborator Jean-Baptiste Mondino. The clip featured Madonna in heavy make-up, observing and participating in various sexual acts, including such taboos as bisexuality. In fact, the video was deemed so controversial that MTV actually banned it. Warner Bros. capitalized on the controversy by releasing the song as a video single, which would go on to be the best selling video single in history.

The song sped up the charts and gave Madonna yet another #1 hit, although it became Madonna's first #1 single to miss the top spot on Airplay.

TRIVIA: Many fans consider "The Beast Within Mix" of "Justify My Love" to be one of Madonna's greatest mixes ever. Indeed, with its added biblical verses, some even consider it a whole separate song. "Justify My Love" also marked the first time Madonna would solicit the assistance of producer William Orbit, who remixed the track.