Burning Up ● (1983) ● 'Madonna'

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/whkz9l.jpg

 

Sorry about no SOTW last week, had tones of revision...

 

Background

'Burning Up' was recorded to be the second single after 'Everybody' became a dance hit in the US clubs. It was produced by Reggie Lucas - who encouraged Madonna to follow a pop sound - whilst John Benitez added guitar riffs and backing vocals after Madonna wasn't happy with the amount of changes from her original demo.

 

Although mixed, the reviews for 'Burning Up' were an improvement to the previous single, with critics complimenting the edgy, rocky and punk-ness of the track. One, however, commented that it was weaker than other songs from the album. Commercially, the song was a hit again in the US clubs, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play and also had a taste of success out of the US, peaking at #13 in Australia.

 

The Virgin Tour included 'Burning Up' on its set-list and was later performed on the Re-invention Tour in 2004, where Madonna played on guitar to make it more of a rock song.

 

Opinion

I discovered 'Burning Up' on Celebration and I remember being drawn into it on that listen. Since listening to Madonna's debut album, it's become one of my favourites from there, possibly my favourite single. I'd love to know the total sales for this and 'Everybody' in the UK, maybe 20k? I love the tour performances - from those I've heard, Madonna's rock version of songs always turn out well (rock version of Ray of Light! :wub:), although I'm not too sure on the screamo elements. :P Madonna goes emo isn't one I'm supporting, I'm afraid.

 

Versions

7" Version [3:45]

12" Version [5:56]

Album Version [3:45]

Alternate Album Version [4:48]

 

Videos

Official Music Video:

 

Re-invention Tour performance:

 

If you have any requests for Song of the Week, feel free to PM me or SweetCandy! Also, I've added links to previous Songs of the Weeks below, so if you missed one, please do comment in them.

 

Songs of the Week

Week 1: I Know It

Week 2: Bad Girl

Week 3: Jump

Week 4: Sky Fits Heaven

Week 5: Causing a Commotion

Week 6: Die Another Day

Week 7: Dress You Up

Week 8: Frozen

Week 9: Ray of Light

Week 10: Drowned World/Substitute of Love

Week 11: The Power of Goodbye

Week 12: Nothing Really Matters

Week 13: American Life

Week 14: Hollywood

Week 15: Nothing Fails

Week 16: Love Profusion

Week 17: NONE

Week 18: Burning Up

Fabulous song, some of the lyrics are a bit questionable but it's one of my early favourites. :wub:

People love this song because she ignored it for years!!!

 

Such a fan favourite, the Bridge is epic!!!

 

For those that don't know she simulated given oral sex to a guitarist during the virgin tour performance .

It should have been Gang Bang / Girl Gone Wild after our discussion <_<

 

Love this though (as well as the album). So chilllled and understated.

Great song, I love the RIT performance and madonna on guitar isn't a bad thing.