The Tracks — Madonna, 1983, Track 03
Burning Up
All heat, no apology.
At a Glance
Title
Burning Up
Record
Madonna (1983) | Track 03
Single
Second single | 9 March 1983 (with “Physical Attraction”)
Writers
Madonna
Producers
Reggie Lucas | John “Jellybean” Benitez (remix)
Video
Directed by Steve Barron
The hardest-edged song on the debut — a declaration of want delivered over guitar and drum machine.
The Song
Written by Madonna, “Burning Up” leans towards the downtown post-punk of the clubs she came from. Jellybean Benitez’s remix added the guitar that cuts through it. It was released as a double A-side with “Physical Attraction” and became a club hit.
The Video
Steve Barron filmed Madonna in a white dress writhing in the middle of a road as a car approaches — and, in the final shot, behind the wheel herself.
LISTEN NEXT
Keep listening — headphones on, lights low.
