music itself, and shifting her focus on self-sufficiency. The line "I can make it alone" in the song demonstrated the shift. Keith Caulfield of Billboard believed that the song has a "positive universal message about believing in yourself, not wasting time and taking a chance in life", whereas according to Samuel R. Murrian from Parade, on the track, Madonna "sings about the possibilities of finding new love, and appears to reflect upon the move to NYC she made as a teen". Idolators Stephen Sears observed that "Jump" became "a fine addition to a long line of Madonna songs extolling both the power of family and her belief that you won’t get anywhere in life if you don’t take chances". The lyrics were also compared to the lyrics of Madonna's 1990 single "Keep It Together" by some critics, as they shared a similar theme surrounding family. Critical reception Upon release, "Jump" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Keith Caulfield from Billboard complimented the song's "empowerment" theme, while Margaret Moser of The Austin Chronicle called it "slinky and sexy". City Pages Peter S. Scholtes considered the track "very pretty". While reviewing the album, Alan Braidwood from BBC Music called the song as "lethally catchy" and one of the album's highlights. David Browne from Entertainment Weekly called "Jump", along with "Get Together", as fluid in nature. Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote that Madonna's "somber side sounds best in 'Jump', about the urge to move on". On his review for People, Chuck Arnold stated that "a new wavish energy drives pulsating tracks like 'Jump'". Writing for Salon, Camille Paglia shared her opinion that on the album "there are only two truly strong songs, 'Hung Up' and 'Jump' -- especially the latter, with its magnificent, hymnlike ascensions". Reut R. from New University wrote, "At this point, you are hoping that the album picks up, because only two or perhaps three titles are worthy listens from the first seven tracks. Your prayers are answered with 'Jump.'" Similarly, for David Byrne from RTÉ, the song "comes out of nowhere and we go for one last boogie". From The Times, Mike Pattenden said that "Jump" and "How High" perform a "breathless one-two". Folha de S.Paulo commented that "with a catchy chorus, it sounds like it was made to lift stadiums". Diego Costa of UWM Post wrote that "Jump" is a "bossy, slightly sadistic spoken