Background
Before the production of Ray of Light commenced, Madonna started taking vocals lessons in preparation of her lead role in Evita (1996). She also gave birth to her daughter, Lourdes, that same year. During that same period of time, she enrolled in Kabbalah and studied Hinduism and yoga. According to the production of Ray of Light, another factor which inspired the record's conception was the vocal lessons Madonna took in preparation for Evita. Madonna felt that there was a "whole piece" of her voice left unused, which she decided to utilize for the album. By May 1997, Madonna had started writing songs for the album. Then not long after, Maverick Records's partner Guy Oseary phoned British electronic musician William Orbit, and suggested that he send some songs to Madonna.
"Drowned World/Substitute for Love" was written by Madonna, William Orbit, Rod McKuen, Anita Kerr and David Collins, while produced by Madonna and Orbit. The single was eventually released on August 24, 1998 worldwide except in North America. The reason being is the album's second single with the same name was released with a one-month delay in North America, which made Madonna's record label decide to release the single outside of North America so it was able to close the one-month gap between the next single "The Power of Good-Bye" (1998). The B-Side of the song was "Sky Fits Heaven".
Read more about this topic: Drowned World/Substitute For Love
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