SongsTube Madonna

About "Burning Up"

"Burning Up" is a song written and recorded by American singer Madonna included on her 1983 self-titled debut album, released as a single on March 9, 1983. The song was presented as an early recorded demo by Madonna to Sire Records who green-lighted the recording of the single after her previous release, "Everybody", became a dance hit. Madonna collaborated with Reggie Lucas, who produced the single, while John Benitez provided the guitar riffs and backing vocals. Musically, the song incorporates instrumentation from bass guitar, synthesizers and drums, with the lyrics talking of the singer's lack of shame in declaring her passion for her lover.

Released with "Physical Attraction", another song from the album, as its B-side, "Burning Up" was given generally positive reviews from contemporary critics and authors, who noted the song's darker, urgent composition and praised its dance beats. It charted at number 13 in Australia and number three on the United States Dance Club Songs component chart. After a number of live appearances in nightclubs to promote it, it was added to the set-list of the Virgin (1985), Re-Invention (2004) and Rebel Heart (2015–2016) concert tours; on these last two, the singer performed rock-inspired versions and played electric guitar.

The accompanying music video of the song portrayed Madonna in classic submissive female positions, writhing in passion on an empty road while waiting for her lover who drives toward her in a car. This video ends with Madonna driving the car, with an interpretation that she is in charge. Many authors noted that the "Burning Up" music video was a beginning of Madonna's depiction of her taking control of a destabilized male sexuality.