30 January 1990 saw 'Keep It Together' released as the sixth single overall from 'Like a Prayer'. Whilst the UK and select European countries had 'Dear Jessie' as the final release of the album, North America received 'Keep It Together', a song that deals with the realisation of how important family is. The album version is a tribute to Sly and the Family Stone with its funk-infused sound, although the production was stripped back and replaced with an R&B-house beat for the single mix. It reached #8 in the US and, in the process, Madonna broke the record for most Top 10s by a female solo artist. In Australia, 'Keep It Together' was a double A-side with 'Vogue' and reached #1. No video was filmed, but the song is remembered as the Blond Ambition Tour's closing performance, inspired by A Clockwork Orange and Cabaret.

 

35 years on, what are your thoughts and memories of 'Keep It Together'?

 

 

This is quite a weird one for me because I don't really think of it being a single.

 

I'd have much preferred a UK release of this to 'Dear Jessie' ngl.

I'd have much preferred a UK release of this to 'Dear Jessie' ngl.

I agree. 'Dear Jessie' was a big hit for Madonna in the UK (bigger than 'Express Yourself' and 'Cherish' on physical sales!) so I can't say it was a wrong choice of single, but I'd have personally preferred a full release for 'Oh Father' and 'Keep It Together'. I think the two songs compliment each other nicely, presenting the beginning and end of Madonna's journey regarding her relationship with her family.

 

I thought it was quite impressive how 'Keep It Together' climbed all the way to #8 in the US when 'Oh Father' stalled at #20, but then I realised every Madonna release since 'Lucky Star' had gone Top 5 so it's more that 'Oh Father' was just an anomaly. Wonder why it all went wrong for that single?