Burning Up (Madonna song)
{{short description|1983 single by Madonna}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Burning Up
| cover = Madonna - Burning Up (single).png
| alt = A montage of Madonna's face. The images are arranged in square boxes in four rows, each row consisting of five boxes. The color of the images in the boxes are different and are made to appear as if they are painted.
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Madonna
| album = Madonna
| A-side = Physical Attraction
| released = {{Start date|1983|3|9}}
| recorded = November 1982
| studio = Sigma Sound, New York City
| venue =
| genre =
- Dance-punk
- new wave
- post-disco{{cite book|last=Walters|first=Barry|editor1-last=Brackett|editor1-first=Nathan|editor1-link=Nathan Brackett|editor2-last=Hoard|editor2-first=Christian|editor2-link=Christian Hoard|chapter=Madonna|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|title-link=The Rolling Stone Album Guide|publisher=Simon & Schuster|edition=4th|year=2004|isbn=0-7432-0169-8|pages=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/508 508–509]}}
| length = 3:45
| label =
| writer = Madonna
| producer = Reggie Lucas
| prev_title = Everybody
| title2 = Physical Attraction
| prev_year = 1982
| next_title = Holiday
| next_year = 1983
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|pufec0Hps00|"Burning Up"}}}}
}}
"Burning Up" is a song written and recorded by American singer Madonna included on her debut studio album Madonna (1983). Written by the singer and produced by Reggie Lucas, the song was released as a double-sided single with "Physical Attraction" on March 9, 1983. In early 1980, Madonna was beginning her music career as a member of band the Breakfast Club; together with band drummer Stephen Bray, they formed a new band, Emmy and the Emmys, but shortly after, she decided to pursue a solo career. She and Bray created demos for three songs: "Everybody", "Ain't No Big Deal", and "Burning Up".
In 1982, Madonna met and befriended DJ Mark Kamins at Danceteria nightclub, who took her to Sire Records, where she signed a deal for two singles. Following the success of first single "Everybody" on the dance scene, Sire Records green-lighted the recording of an album. Madonna chose to work with Lucas, who created two new songs for the album: "Physical Attraction" and "Borderline". However, problems soon arose between Madonna and the producer, who ended up leaving the project. She then called in John "Jellybean" Benitez, her boyfriend at the time, to remix some of the album tracks. A dance pop song with new wave influences, the lyrics to "Burning Up" juxtapose sex and ambition, with the singer proclaiming she "has no shame" and would do anything for her lover.
Upon release, both "Burning Up" was generally well received by critics and has been named one of Madonna's best singles in retrospective reviews. Chart performance was moderate: it charted at number 13 in Australia and at number three on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States. The accompanying music video for "Burning Up" was directed by Steve Barron, and depicts the singer in a white dress, writhing on an empty road waiting for her lover. Many authors noted that the visual was the beginning of Madonna's subversion of power through sex. After a number of live appearances in nightclubs and television programs, the singer included the song on four of her concert tours, the Virgin Tour, Re-Invention Tour, Rebel Heart Tour, and the Celebration Tour. "Burning Up" has been covered by artists such as Iggy Pop and Britney Spears.
Background
In early 1980, Madonna was living in New York City and establishing her music career as a member of rock band the Breakfast Club, alongside her boyfriend Dan Gilroy;{{harvsp|Morton|2002|p=78}} soon after, she was joined by Stephen Bray, her former boyfriend from Michigan, who became the band's drummer.{{cite web |last1=Graff |first1=Gary |author1-link=Gary Graff |title=Bray's loyalty to Madonna pays off |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-04-25-8701310985-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603075715/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-04-25-8701310985-story.html |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |date=April 4, 1987}} Bray and Madonna left the Breakfast Club and, together, formed a new band, Emmy and the Emmys. They were soon signed by Gotham Records, but short after, Madonna quit the band and decided to pursue a solo career. She carried with her three of the demos she had created with Bray: "Everybody", "Ain't No Big Deal", and "Burning Up". In 1982, she met and befriended DJ Mark Kamins at Danceteria nightclub. After listening to "Everybody", Kamins took her to Sire Records, where Seymour Stein, the label's president, signed Madonna for two 12" singles.
Released in October 1982, "Everybody" became a hit in the dance scene.{{cite web |title=Happy anniversary 'Everybody'! |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/happy-anniversary-everybody |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna Website |access-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009184840/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/happy-anniversary-everybody |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |date=October 6, 2012}} The song's success led to the label approving the recording of an album, but the singer chose not to work with either Bray or Kamins, opting instead for Warner Bros. producer Reggie Lucas. Lucas brought two new songs to the project: "Physical Attraction" and "Borderline". While working on the album, problems arose between Madonna and the producer, as she felt he was "moving [the songs] away from the sparse form of the original demos", something she did not approve of; Lucas ended up leaving the project without altering the songs. She then brought in John "Jellybean" Benitez to remix the remaining tracks. In the case of "Burning Up", Benitez added extra guitar riffs and additional vocals.
Recording and composition
{{listen
| pos = left
| filename = Madonna-burning up.ogg
| title = "Burning Up"
| description = Audio sample of the refrain of "Burning Up", which is repeated three times and backed by a single guitar arrangement.
}}
"Burning Up" was written by Madonna and produced by Reggie Lucas.{{cite AV media notes |title=Madonna |others=Madonna |year=1983 |type=LP, Vinyl, CD |publisher=Sire Records|id=9 23867-1 }} Recording took place at New York's Sigma Sound Studios; personnel working on the song included Bray on programming and guitars, alongside Paul Pesco; Butch Jones, Fred Zarr, and Ed Walsh were in charge of the synthesizers, while Bobby Malach played tenor saxophone. Background vocals were provided by Gwen Guthrie, Brenda White, and Chrissy Faith. The artwork used for the 12" single was designed by the singer's friend Martin Burgoyne. According to Billboard{{'}}s Chris Malone Méndez, unlike "Everybody", which had mostly a post-disco sound, "Burning Up" saw Madonna moving in a more pop-oriented path.{{cite magazine |last1=Malone Méndez|first1=Chris |title=Lip Sync Herstory: 5 Things you didn't know about Madonna's 'Burning Up |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9356880/madonna-burning-up-lip-sync-herstory |magazine=Billboard |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820061532/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9356880/madonna-burning-up-lip-sync-herstory |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |date=April 13, 2020}} The singer herself described it as her "foray into electric guitars, Rock and roll [and] hair music".{{cite episode |title=Madonna: In her own words|series=Madonna's Madame X Radio |network=Sirius XM |date=July 1, 2019}}
A "yearning" New wave-influenced dance track, with lyrics that conflate sex with ambition, it has a "starker" arrangement brought about by bass, single guitar and drum machine.{{cite web |last1=Gerard |first1=Chris |title=Madonna's self-titled debut, 30 years later |url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2013/07/madonnas-self-titled-debut-30/ |work=Metro Weekly |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907090817/https://www.metroweekly.com/2013/07/madonnas-self-titled-debut-30/ |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |date=July 30, 2013}}{{harvnb|Taraborrelli|2002|p=77}}{{cite web |last1=Lindsay |first1=Matthew |title=Lucky Star: Madonna's debut album, 35 years on |url=https://thequietus.com/articles/12514-madonna-debut-album-review |website=The Quietus |access-date=19 May 2023 |date=June 13, 2013 }} Also present are tom-tom drum beats ―similar to the ones used on the work of Phil Collins―, electric guitars, and the "most state-of-the-art" synthesizers of the time.{{cite web |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Review: Madonna, Madonna (Remaster) |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/madonna-madonna-remaster/ |work=Slant Magazine |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210152617/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/madonna-madonna-remaster/ |archive-date=February 10, 2019 |date=September 9, 2001}} The refrain is a repetition of the same three lines of the lyrics, while the bridge consists of a series of double entendres that describe what she is prepared to do for her lover, showcasing that she "has no shame" and is "not like the others" According to the sheet music published by Alfred Publishing Inc., "Burning Up" is set in the time signature of common time with a dance beat tempo of 138 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of B minor, with Madonna's vocals ranging from the tonal nodes of A3 to B4. The song follows a basic sequence of Bm–Bm–A–E as its chord progression.{{cite web |title='Burning Up' by Madonnna | date=July 26, 2010 |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0085003 |publisher=Alfred Publishing Inc. |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831133948/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0085003 |url-status=live }}
Release and reception
The double-sided single of "Burning Up" and "Physical Attraction" was released on March 9, 1983.{{cite web |title=Madonna - Burning Up |url=http://www.madonna.com/discography/index/album/albumId/32/ |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712170544/http://www.madonna.com/discography/index/album/albumId/32 |archive-date=July 12, 2012}} "Burning Up" was later included on the compilations Celebration (2009), while a demo of the song was included on the compilation Pre-Madonna (1997).{{cite web |title='Celebration' - Track Listing for CD & DVD Announced |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/celebration--track-listing-for-cd--dvd-announced |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102085012/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/celebration--track-listing-for-cd--dvd-announced |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |date=August 25, 2009}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Pre-Madonna|others=Madonna|year=1997|type=CD, VHS|publisher=Soultone|id=83332-2}} Upon release, critical reception was generally positive. Billboard{{'}}s Brian Chin described "Burning Up" as a "fast [...] terrific one-two punch".{{cite magazine |last1=Chin |first1=Brian |title=Talent & Venues: Dance Trax |magazine=Billboard |date=March 26, 1983 |volume=95 |issue=13 |page=43 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-03-26.pdf#page=43 |access-date=31 August 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528205051/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-03-26.pdf#page=43 |url-status=live }} To Rikki Rooksby, author of The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, "Burning Up" sounds like "the disco end of new romanticism", comparing it to something Gary Numan would do; nonetheless, he pointed out that the song was "noticeably weaker" than others from the Madonna album.{{harvnb|Rooksby|2004|pp=10-12}} Santiago Fouz-Hernández, one of the authors of Madonna's Drowned Worlds, complimented it for having upbeat dance music.{{harvnb|Fouz-Hernández|Jarman-Ivens|2004|p=59}} Don Shewey from Rolling Stone named it simple but clever.{{cite magazine |last1=Shewey |first1=Don |title=Home > Music > Album reviews > Madonna |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/madonna-101406/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044440/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/madonna-101406/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |date=September 29, 1983}} AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine singled "Burning Up" and "Physical Attraction" as two "great songs" from the album, and applauded their "darker, carnal urgency".{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |title=Madonna > Madonna > Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/madonna-mw0000268192 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=31 August 2021 |date=1983 |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206204705/https://www.allmusic.com/album/madonna-mw0000268192 |url-status=live }} Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Jim Farber said that "Burning Up" proved that Madonna could also "rock".{{cite magazine |last1=Farber |first1=Jim |title=Music news: The girl material |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/07/27/girl-material/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016113115/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,255548,00.html |archive-date=October 16, 2007 |url-status=live |date=July 27, 2001}} From Pitchfork, Jill Mapes named it a "striking" second single.{{cite web |last1=Mapes |first1=Jilll |title=Madonna - Madonna |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/madonna-madonna/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816104253/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/madonna-madonna/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |date=August 16, 2017}} A mixed review came from the Observer–Reporter{{'}}s Terry Hazlett, who named it "inoffensive, danceable [but] ultimately forgettable".{{cite news |last1=Hazlett |first1=Terry |title=Madonna Madness: 14,000 fans at Civic Arena are crazy for her |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W5BiAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA22 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |work=Observer–Reporter |date=May 30, 1985 |page=22 |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206190721/https://books.google.com/books?id=W5BiAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA22 |url-status=live }} The staff of The Washington Times was also dismissive of "Burning Up", writing that it wasn't among the singer's best, and called it a "nugget better left buried".{{cite web |title=Madonna serves up dull inventions |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/jun/14/20040614-095044-3446r/ |work=The Washington Times |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124025224/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/jun/14/20040614-095044-3446r/ |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |date=June 14, 2004}}
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|quote="[...] another shoulda-been hit that became a fan favorite after she made it big. The most rocking thing she has ever done, this self-penned song drew from the '80s New York punk scene with its fiery attitude and passion".|source=—Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Chuck Arnold reviewing "Burning Up" on the magazine's ranking of the singer's 60 best singles.{{cite magazine |last1=Arnold |first1=Chuck |title=Madonna's 60 best singles, ranked |url=https://ew.com/music/2018/08/15/madonnas-60-best-singles-ranked/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815230537/https://ew.com/music/2018/08/15/madonnas-60-best-singles-ranked/ |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |date=August 15, 2018}} }}
Retrospective reviews towards "Burning Up" have also been positive; for BBC News{{'}} Mark Savage, it's one of the singer's "overlooked gems".{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Madonna returns to scene of Brits fall |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34979759 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202143523/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34979759 |archive-date=December 2, 2015 |date=December 2, 2015}} A similar opinion was shared by Adam Graham from The Detroit News, who deemed it "underappreciated".{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Adam |title='Hometown girl is back,' Madonna tells The Joe |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/10/02/hometown-girl-back-madonna-tells-joe/73190370/ |work=The Detroit News |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014173248/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/10/02/hometown-girl-back-madonna-tells-joe/73190370/ |archive-date=October 14, 2015 |date=October 2, 2015}} The Portland Mercury{{'}}s Mark Lore referred to "Burning Up" and previous single "Everybody" as "true gems, gritty New York anthems", that were overshadowed by the more known "Holiday" and "Borderline".{{cite web |last1=Lore |first1=Mark |title=Madonna's monumental first album |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/Feature/2015/10/14/16698400/madonnas-monumental-first-album |work=Portland Mercury |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726141238/https://www.portlandmercury.com/Feature/2015/10/14/16698400/madonnas-monumental-first-album |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |date=October 14, 2015}} On his ranking of Madonna's singles, Matthew Jacobs from HuffPost placed "Burning Up" at number 41, and added that it sounds like an "outtake from the punk persona [Madonna] never fully embraced".{{cite web |last1=Jacobs |first1=Matthew |title=The definitive ranking of Madonna singles |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934 |work=HuffPost |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406160303/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-definitive-ranking-of-madonna-singles_n_5078934 |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |date=March 10, 2015}} PinkNews{{'}} Mayer Nissim added that it "wouldn't sound out of place on an early New Order or late Joy Division record".{{cite web |last1=Missim |first1=Nayer |title=Madonna at 60: Queen of Pop's 60 best singles ranked |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/08/15/madonna-60-best-singles/ |work=PinkNews |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816163838/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/08/15/madonna-60-best-singles/ |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |date=August 15, 2018}} "Burning Up" came in at number 21 on rankings done by The Backlot and The Arizona Republic; writing for the former, Louis Virtel held that, "as much as Madonna was something of a tartier Pat Benatar when she first arrived, she was also inspired by the punks of NYC – and this barebones, breathy war cry proves it", while Ed Masley ―from the latter publication― compared it to Michael Jackson's "Beat It", and said it had "the personality that would go on to help define the decade fully formed — playful, assertive and sexy".{{cite web |last1=Virtel |first1=Louis |author-link=Louis Virtel |date=March 2, 2012 |title=The 100 greatest Madonna songs |url=http://www.newnownext.com/the-100-greatest-madonna-songs/02/2012/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020234731/http://www.newnownext.com/the-100-greatest-madonna-songs/02/2012/ |archive-date=October 20, 2015 |access-date=29 August 2021 |publisher=The Backlot}}{{cite web |last1=Masley |first1=Ed |title=Essential Madonna: Her 30 best singles of all time |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/10/16/essential-madonna-her-30-best-singles-all-time/74054636/ |work=The Arizona Republic |access-date=29 August 2021 |date=October 26, 2015}}
The staff from The Advocate referred to "Burning Up" as "one of the sexiest songs of the [1980s] decade".{{cite web |title=Madonna's 13 studio albums ranked |url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2015/01/23/madonnas-12-studio-albums-ranked?pg=3 |work=The Advocate |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715182657/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2015/01/23/madonnas-12-studio-albums-ranked?pg=3 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |date=January 23, 2015}} Samuel R. Murrian from Parade placed it at number 32 of his ranking of Madonna songs, highlighting its production.{{cite web |last1=Murrian |first1=Samuel R. |title=We ranked the 100 best Madonna songs of all time |url=https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/ |work=Parade |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816194656/https://parade.com/897929/samuelmurrian/best-madonna-songs-ranked/ |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |date=August 16, 2019}} It figured on the same position of Slant Magazine{{'}}s list; Paul Schroeder called it one of Madonna's corniest yet "most aggressive" songs.{{cite web |title=All 82 Madonna singles ranked |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/all-82-madonna-singles-ranked/ |work=Slant Magazine |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420183418/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/all-82-madonna-singles-ranked/ |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |date=April 14, 2020}} Billboard deemed it Madonna's eleventh greatest: "No early '80s pop album was complete without one song that threw a scorching rock riff into the synth-dance mix, and on her self-titled debut, that was the irrepressible 'Burning Up' [...] [she] sounds less like a doormat and more like a pioneer of female Big Dick Energy", wrote Joe Lynch.{{cite magazine |title=The 100 greatest Madonna songs: Critics' picks |url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list-8469835/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119200810/https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-madonna-songs-list-8469835/ |archive-date=November 19, 2021 |date=August 15, 2018}} Idolator{{'}}s Robbie Daw considered "Burning Up" to be one of Madonna's "10 best songs that radio forgot".{{cite web |last1=Daw |first1=Robbie |title=Madonna's 10 best songs that radio forgot |url=https://www.idolator.com/6151271/madonna-10-best-songs-radio?chrome=1 |work=Idolator |access-date=29 August 2021 |date=January 25, 2012 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230426005249/https://www.idolator.com/6151271/madonna-10-best-songs-radio?chrome=1 |url-status=dead }} Finally, The National Student{{'}}s Emily D'Souza hailed it her third most underrated song, calling it an "irresistibly catchy, quintessentially 80s" track.{{cite web |last1=D'Souza |first1=Emily |title=Celebrating Madonna at 60: Underrated songs from the Queen of Pop |url=https://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2018-08-16/celebrating_madonna_at_60_underrated_songs_from_the_queen_of_pop.html |work=The National Student |access-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816224630/https://www.thenationalstudent.com/Music/2018-08-16/celebrating_madonna_at_60_underrated_songs_from_the_queen_of_pop.html |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |date=August 16, 2018}}
"Burning Up" / "Physical Attraction" debuted on Billboard{{'}}s Dance Club Songs charts at number 66 the week of April 9, 1983, peaking at number three one month later.{{cite magazine |title=Dance/Disco Top 80 |magazine=Billboard |date=April 9, 1983 |volume=95 |issue=15 |page=28 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-04-09.pdf#page=28 |access-date=31 August 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528231521/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-04-09.pdf#page=28 |url-status=live }} By September 1983, according to a Warner Bros. Records advertisement in Radio & Records, the "Burning Up" / "Physical Attraction" 12" single had sold more than 150,000 copies.{{cite journal |title=Futures: Hear today, hear tomorrow |journal=Radio & Records |date=September 2, 1983 |issue=449 |page=106 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-09-02.pdf#page=68 |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309122718/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1980s/1983/RR-1983-09-02.pdf#page=68 |url-status=live }} The song entered Australia's Kent Music Report in November 1983 and, almost eight months later, peaked at number 13.{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=188}} N.B. The Kent Report chart was licensed by ARIA from mid-1983 until June 12, 1988.
Music video
= Background and release =
File:Steve Barron and Eddie Izzard (cropped).jpg (picture) directed the music video for "Burning Up".]]
The music video for "Burning Up" was directed by Steve Barron, who had previously worked on Toto's "Africa" (1982), Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", and Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue" (1983).{{cite magazine |last1=Staff |title=Express Yourself: The Making of Madonna's 20 Greatest Music Videos |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/express-yourself-the-making-of-madonnas-20-greatest-music-videos-140803/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505143647/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/express-yourself-the-making-of-madonnas-20-greatest-music-videos-140803/fever-1993-66233/ |archive-date=May 5, 2020 |date=February 25, 2015}} The director was on vacation when he got a call from Sire Records producer Simon Fields, asking him to direct the video. Barron initially refused, as the song "didn't have the atmosphere" he was looking for. However, Madonna, who was "really keen on the 'Billie Jean' video", insisted until Barron begrudgingly agreed. He went to meet the singer and was impressed with her confidence. He would later recall:
I went to New York to meet with [Madonna], begrudgingly, and showed up at an address at SoHo, which turned out to be a squat basically. Madonna was scantily clad, working out to a massive disco track. She was charismatic. She kept putting her head down on the table and talking to me, very flirtatious, and that gave me the idea for the scene in "Burning Up", where her face is on the road, and the camera's really low and close.{{harvnb|Tannenbaum|Marks|2011|p=15}}
Filming took places for two nights in Los Angeles. The "mish-mash" concept of the video was based on Barron's own ideas as opposed to the song's lyrics and theme, as he still "didn't connect with it too much". According to him, Madonna was "very much in charge" of her look and clothes; she wore a white mini-dress, crucifix earrings, and black typewriter belts as bracelets.{{cite magazine |title=Madonna's 50 greatest songs: 'Burning Up' (from 'Madonna', 1983) |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/madonnas-50-greatest-songs-126823/burning-up-from-madonna-1983-98370/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026085203/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/madonnas-50-greatest-songs-126823/like-a-virgin-from-like-a-virgin-1984%e2%80%a8-128312 |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |date=July 27, 2016}} Actress Debi Mazar, a personal friend of the singer, was hired as make-up artist, while her then boyfriend Ken Compton played the role of her onscreen lover. During a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, Barron recalled that a seven-ton crane that stretched out and had a camera placed on it, was used to shoot scenes of the singer lying in a boat at night; he also revealed that, at one point, the crane almost fell right on top of her. The video was added to MTV on October 8, 1983;{{cite magazine |title=Video Music Programming: MTV Adds & Rotation |magazine=Billboard |date=October 10, 1983 |volume=95 |issue=41 |page=32 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-10-08.pdf#page=32 |access-date=31 August 2021 |issn=0006-2510 |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215211606/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1983/BB-1983-10-08.pdf#page=32 |url-status=live }} years later, it was included on Madonna's 2009 compilation, Celebration: The Video Collection.
= Analysis and reception =
File:Burningupmusicvideo.jpg wrote that the scene of Madonna driving a white Amphicar demonstrated how she was starting to subvert the "female-as-victim role".{{cite web |last1=Hanlon |first1=Mike |title=Amphicars go to auction – Dual-purpose vehicle ahead of its time or sinking 60s relic? |url=https://newatlas.com/amphicars-auction-marketplace-collectible-cars/35375/ |work=New Atlas |access-date=31 August 2021 |date=January 3, 2015 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831133438/https://newatlas.com/amphicars-auction-marketplace-collectible-cars/35375/ |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|O'Brien|2007|p=103}}]]
The video was described as a juxtaposition of "disparate images of illuminated busts and cars driving on water with Madonna writhing in the middle of the road", by the staff of Rolling Stone. It shows Madonna as a "helpless victim" proclaiming her passion for her lover. Robert Clyde Allen, author of Channels of Discourse, wrote that although lyrics such as "Do you want to see me down on my knees?" portray female helplessness, the video acts as a counter-text. When the fore-mentioned line is sung, Madonna is shown kneeling on the road in front of the advancing Amphicar, which is driven by Compton; she then turns her head back while exposing her throat back in a posture of submission. The tone of her voice and the look she gives at the camera, however, portray a hardness and defiance that contradict the submissiveness of her body posture, turning the question of the line into a challenge.{{harvnb|Allen|1987|p=281}} The video ends with Madonna driving the car; she has a "knowing, defiant" smile on her lips, thereby giving the message that she is now in charge.
Author Andrew Morton, in his biography on Madonna, commented that the video was America's "first introduction" to the singer's "sexual politics".{{harvnb|Morton|2002|p=256}} Allen compared it to "Material Girl" (1985), as both videos have an undermining ending, employ a consistent series of puns, and exhibit a parodic amount of excess associated with Madonna's style. The author also noted discourses of sexuality and religion: Madonna, knelt down and singing about "Burning in love", depicted the traditional ideological work of using women's subordination and powerlessness in Christianity to naturalize their equally submissive position in patriarchy. Georges-Claude Guilbert, author of Madonna as postmodern myth, commented that, as the video plays on, the male character becomes irrelevant.{{harvnb|Guilbert|2002|p=79}} Her utterance of having "no shame" was interpreted by author James B. Twitchell as an attempt to separate herself from contemporary female artists of the era.{{harvnb|Twitchell|1998|p=109}}
Jon Pareles, writing for The New York Times, compared Madonna's poses to those of Marilyn Monroe.{{cite web |last1=Pareles |first1=Jon |author1-link=Jon Pareles |title=Recent Releases: Madonna |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/01/13/arts/recent-releases-madonna.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111171325/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/01/13/arts/recent-releases-madonna.html |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |date=January 13, 1985}} In retrospective reviews, the staff of Rolling Stone said it's a "great testament to the anything-goes era of early MTV". Jill Mapes wrote that it was Madonna's "first great wink to her signature subversion of power through sex"; adding that, although her 1984 MTV Video Music Awards performance is considered "erotic lore on the level of Elvis{{'}} censored hips, that writhing set to 'Like a Virgin' would have had little context without the slow, sensual burn of ['Burning Up']". In the same vein, Louis Virtel, who deemed it Madonna's 18th greatest video, wrote: "Before [she] humped the stage of the MTV Video Music Awards in a wedding dress, she thrusted away at pavement in a chintzier white ensemble".{{cite web |last1=Virtel |first1=Louis |author-link=Louis Virtel |date=August 16, 2013 |title=Madonna's 55 best videos, in honor of her 55th birthday |url=http://www.newnownext.com/madonnas-55-best-videos-in-honor-of-her-55th-birthday/08/2013/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111131948/http://www.newnownext.com/madonnas-55-best-videos-in-honor-of-her-55th-birthday/08/2013/ |archive-date=November 11, 2016 |access-date=31 August 2021 |publisher=The Backlot}} It was ranked her 13th best by Nerdist News{{'}} Eric Diaz, who called it "iconic" and a "classic". He further wrote that "there is something [about 'Burning Up'] that is just so '80s, and so Madonna - the rubber bracelets, the chains, the bleach blonde hair with the terrible roots. When girls today dress up like '80s Madonna' for Halloween, it's the look from this video they're emulating".{{cite web |last1=Diaz |first1=Erik |title=The 13 greatest Madonna music videos of all time |url=https://archive.nerdist.com/the-13-greatest-madonna-music-videos-of-all-time/ |publisher=Nerdist News |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102040204/https://archive.nerdist.com/the-13-greatest-madonna-music-videos-of-all-time/ |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |date=February 8, 2015}}
Live performances
File:Madonna - Celebration Tour Antwerp Sportpaleis 22 10 2023 (53288414770) (cropped).jpg (2023–2024)]]
To promote the single, Madonna appeared on several television programs and nightclubs in Europe and the United Kingdom, such as Discoring, The Tube, and Manchester's The Haçienda.{{harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=36}}{{harvnb|Morton|2002|p=256}}{{cite web |last1=Elliot |first1=Mark |title=Holiday: Behind the song that started Madonna's lifelong chart stay |url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/holiday-madonna-song-story/ |publisher=This Is Dig! |access-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727144006/https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/holiday-madonna-song-story/ |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |date=July 27, 2022}} According to Andrew Morton, however, these performances were not well received by the European audience.{{harvnb|Morton|2002|p=118}} "Burning Up" was then included on four of the singer's concert tours: Virgin (1985), Re-Invention (2004), Rebel Heart (2015–2016), and Celebration (2023–2024). On the first one, it was performed before the encore and found Madonna, decked in a black outfit of matching fringed top and mini-skirt, suggestively posing around her band; orange lights bathed the stage.{{Harvnb|Clerk|2002|p=49}} The Dallas Morning News{{'}} Mikel Longoria praised the performance for being "crisp and energetic".{{cite web |last1=Longoria |first1=Mikel |title=Desperately Seeking Stardom: Madonna's material whirl stirs Convention Center |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3CD5E603F05D7&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |work=The Dallas Morning News |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024042311/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3CD5E603F05D7&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |date=May 6, 1985}}{{subscription required}} "Burning Up" was one of three performances not included on the Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour video release.{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=Madonna Live: The Virgin Tour|medium=VHS|date=1985|publisher=Warner Home Video}}
Madonna played a black Gibson Les Paul electric guitar and sang a rock-style version of the track on the Re-Invention World Tour.{{cite magazine |last1=Walters |first1=Barry |title=Madonna reinvents herself |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-reinvents-herself-252287/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723171524/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-reinvents-herself-252287/ |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |date=May 25, 2004}} She was dressed in military fatigues while the screens behind her depicted scenes of war and sex which, according to The New York Times{{'}} Kelefa Sanneh, looked like they were filmed with a camcorder and were reminiscent of the prisons in Abu Ghraib.{{cite web |last1=Sanneh |first1=Kalefa |title=Pop Review; Madonna's latest self, a mix of her old ones |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/26/arts/pop-review-madonna-s-latest-self-a-mix-of-her-old-ones.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113024157/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/26/arts/pop-review-madonna-s-latest-self-a-mix-of-her-old-ones.html |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |date=May 26, 2004}} The Daily Herald{{'}}s Mark Guarino praised Madonna's ability to "transform the song's original adolescent whine into adult certitude".{{cite web |last1=Guarino |first1=Mark |title=Madonna reinvents her hits (tour review - spoiler) |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-reinvents-her-hits-tour-review-spoiler |website=Daily Herald |via=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107035312/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-reinvents-her-hits-tour-review-spoiler |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |date=June 12, 2004}}
On the Rebel Heart Tour, "Burning Up" was performed as the third number; similar to Re-Invention, the artist sang a rock rendition of the track and played a Gibson Flying V electric guitar.{{cite web |last1=Needham |first1=Alex |title=Madonna at Madison Square Garden review – 'There is no other performer like her' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/17/madonna-at-madison-square-garden-review-rebel-heart-tour-no-other-performer-like-her |work=The Guardian |access-date=29 August 2021 |date=September 7, 2015 |archive-date=September 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917224741/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/17/madonna-at-madison-square-garden-review-rebel-heart-tour-no-other-performer-like-her |url-status=live }} During the number, she knelt down for the guitar solo, and then ripped off her skirt to reveal a "barely there" nun's outfit.{{cite web |last1=Quarles |first1=Alicia |title=Madonna kicks off 'Rebel Heart' tour in Montreal |url=http://news.yahoo.com/madonna-kicks-off-rebel-heart-tour-montreal-125639280.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023084544/http://news.yahoo.com/madonna-kicks-off-rebel-heart-tour-montreal-125639280.html |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |date=September 10, 2015}}{{cite magazine |last1=Sheffield |first1=Rob |author1-link=Rob Sheffield |title=Bitch, she's Madonna: NYC Stop Showcases genius of Rebel Heart Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/bitch-shes-madonna-nyc-stop-showcases-genius-of-rebel-heart-tour-107890/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716025457/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/bitch-shes-madonna-nyc-stop-showcases-genius-of-rebel-heart-tour-107890/ |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |date=September 17, 2015}} Rappler's Nicole Reyes opined that the singer "oozed attitude and charisma" during the number.{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Nicole |title=In Photos: 10 dazzling moments from Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' Manila concert, day 2 |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/madonna-rebel-heart-manila-day-2-moments-photos |publisher=Rappler |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720042957/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/madonna-rebel-heart-manila-day-2-moments-photos |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |date=February 26, 2016}} The performance of the song at the March 19–20, 2016 shows in Sydney's Allphones Arena was recorded and released on the artist's fifth live album, Rebel Heart Tour (2017).{{cite video|people=Madonna|title=Rebel Heart Tour|medium=2× CD, DVD, Blu-ray|publisher=Eagle Records|date=2017}}
It was also performed on guitar during the Celebration Tour. Dressed in a "punky" tailcoat designed by Dilara Fındıkoğlu —inspired by one she wore for a performance in Japan— Madonna sang as "VHS-style projections that recalled her days bouncing off the walls at CBGB" played on the backdrops.{{cite magazine |last1=Allaire |first1=Christian |title=A closer look at Madonna's one-of-a-kind Celebration Tour wardrobe |url=https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/madonna-celebration-tour-costume-designer-interview |magazine=Vogue |access-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017020350/https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/madonna-celebration-tour-costume-designer-interview |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |date=October 17, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Hess |first1=Liam |title=With Madonna's Celebration Tour, the Queen of Pop reclaims her throne |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/madonna-celebration-tour-london-review |magazine=Vogue |access-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021031433/https://www.vogue.com/article/madonna-celebration-tour-london-review |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |date=October 20, 2023}} From The Guardian, Laura Snapes singled out the "brilliant" rendition.{{cite web |last1=Snapes |first1=Laura |title=Eight things we learned from Madonna's nights of Celebration in London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/20/eight-things-we-learned-madonna-celebration-tour-london |website=The Guardian |access-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020161514/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/20/eight-things-we-learned-madonna-celebration-tour-london |archive-date=October 20, 2023 |date=October 20, 2023}}
Usage and covers
{{See also|List of cover versions of Madonna songs|List of Madonna tribute albums}}
In 1984, "Burning Up" was featured in a scene of the film The Wild Life. It was then covered by singer Isadar on his 2006 compilation album, Scratching The Surface: Vol 2 Electro-Voice Sampler.{{cite web |title=Various Artists > Scratching The Surface, Vol. 2: Electro Voice Sampler > Overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/scratching-the-surface-vol-2-electro-voice-sampler-mw0001487863 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=31 August 2021 |date=2006 |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831003345/https://www.allmusic.com/album/scratching-the-surface-vol-2-electro-voice-sampler-mw0001487863 |url-status=live }} During Madonna's induction at the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Iggy Pop and The Stooges performed "punked-up" renditions of "Burning Up" and "Ray of Light" (1998).{{cite magazine |last1=Cohen |first1=Jonathan |title=Madonna, Mellencamp lead Rock Hall's '08 class |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046300/madonna-mellencamp-lead-rock-halls-08-class |magazine=Billboard |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507044849/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046300/madonna-mellencamp-lead-rock-halls-08-class |archive-date=May 7, 2013 |date=March 11, 2008}} Two years later, it was covered by Jonathan Groff for American television show Glee; his version was included in an extended play titled Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna.{{cite web |title=Glee - The Music: The Power of Madonna - Glee Cast |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/glee-the-music-power-madonna/id363320646 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403003331/https://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/glee-the-music-power-madonna/id363320646 |archive-date=April 3, 2010 |date=April 20, 2010}} Britney Spears covered the song on her 2011 Femme Fatale Tour.{{cite web |last1=Peck |first1=Jamie |title=Listen to Britney Spears cover Madonna's 'Burning Up' |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/06/10/britney-spears-cover-madonna-burning-up/ |publisher=MTV |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926021622/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2011/06/10/britney-spears-cover-madonna-burning-up/ |archive-date=2012-09-26 |date=June 11, 2011}} The performance found Spears straddling a giant, glittering guitar; it received a mixed review from Rolling Stone{{'}}s Barry Walters, who felt it "lacked Madge's authority".{{cite magazine |last1=Walters |first1=Barry |title=Britney Spears proves she's still got it at 'Femme Fatale' Tour kickoff |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-proves-shes-still-got-it-at-femme-fatale-tour-kickoff-103716/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116091918/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-proves-shes-still-got-it-at-femme-fatale-tour-kickoff-103716/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |date=June 17, 2011}} A studio recording of the cover, described by Billboard{{'}}s Sarah Maloy as "glammed-up without a hint of the '80s to be found", leaked on June 10 of that year.{{cite magazine |last1=Maloy |first1=Sarah |title=Billboard Bits: Jennifer Hudson food poisoned, Britney's Madonna Cover leaks |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/470594/billboard-bits-jennifer-hudson-food-poisoned-britneys-madonna-cover-leaks |magazine=Billboard |access-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608112519/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/470594/billboard-bits-jennifer-hudson-food-poisoned-britneys-madonna-cover-leaks |archive-date=June 8, 2013 |date=June 10, 2011}} Finally, in a 2020 episode of the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, Brita Filter and Heidi N Closet performed "Burning Up" in a lip sync challenge, which was won by Heidi.
Track listings and formats
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- "Burning Up" (12" version) – 5:56
- "Physical Attraction" (LP version) – 6:35
- European 7" single{{cite AV media notes|title=Burning Up / Physical Attraction|others=Madonna|date=1983|type=European 7" single liner notes|publisher=Sire Records|id=92-9609-7}}
- "Burning Up" (7" version) – 3:50
- "Physical Attraction" (7" version) – 3:57
- Australia 7" single{{cite AV media notes|title=Burning Up / Physical Attraction|others=Madonna|date=1983|type=Australian 7" single liner notes|publisher=Sire Records|id=7-29609}}
- "Burning Up" (alternate LP version) – 4:45
- "Physical Attraction" (7" version) – 6:35
{{col-2}}
- European CD single (1995){{cite AV media notes|title=Burning Up / Physical Attraction|others=Madonna|date=1995|type=European CD Single liner notes|publisher=Sire Records|id=7599 29715-2}}
- "Burning Up" (12" version) – 5:56
- "Physical Attraction" (LP version) – 6:35
- "Burning Up" – 3:46
- "Burning Up" (7" edit) – 3:52
- "Burning Up" (12" mix) – 6:00
- "Physical Attraction" (7" edit) – 3:58
- "Physical Attraction" – 6:40
{{col-end}}
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the album and 12" single liner notes.
- Madonna – lead vocals, background vocals, writer
- Reggie Lucas – producer, guitars, drum programming
- Butch Jones – synthesizer
- John "Jellybean" Benitez – remixing
- Fred Zarr – synthesizer, electric and acoustic piano
- Dean Gant – electric and acoustic piano
- Bobby Malach – tenor saxophone
- Paul Pesco – guitar
- Ed Walsh – synthesizer
- Gwen Guthrie – background vocals
- Brenda White – background vocals
- Chrissy Faith – background vocals
- Martin Burgoyne – artwork
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
| Chart (1983–1984)
! Peak |
|---|
| scope="row"|Australia (Kent Music Report)
|13 |
| {{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|3|artist=Madonna|song=Burning Up|rowheader=true|access-date=31 August 2021|refname=BBdance}} |
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
References
{{reflist}}
= Bibliography =
- {{Cite book
|last=Allen
|first=Robert Clyde
|title=Channels of discourse: television and contemporary criticism
|year=1987
|publisher=Routledge
|isbn=0-416-07082-5
}}
- {{Cite book
|last1=Brackett
|first1=Nathan
|last2= Hoard
|first2=Christian
|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide
|year=2004
|publisher=Simon & Schuster
|isbn=0-394-72107-1
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=Clerk
|first=Carol
|title=Madonnastyle
|year=2002
|publisher=Omnibus Press
|isbn=0-7119-8874-9
}}
- {{Cite book
|last1=Fouz-Hernández
|first1=Santiago
|last2=Jarman-Ivens
|first2=Freeya
|title=Madonna's Drowned Worlds
|year=2004
|publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
|isbn=0-7546-3372-1
|url=https://archive.org/details/madonnasdrownedw0000unse
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=Guilbert
|first=Georges-Claude
|title=Madonna as postmodern myth
|year=2002
|publisher=McFarland
|isbn=0-7864-1408-1
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=Morton
|first=Andrew
|author-link=Andrew Morton (writer)
|title=Madonna
|year=2002
|publisher=Macmillan Publishers
|isbn=0-312-98310-7
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=O'Brien
|first=Lucy
|author-link=Lucy O'Brien
|title=Madonna: Like an Icon
|year=2007
|publisher=Bantam Press
|isbn=978-0-593-05547-2
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=Rooksby
|first=Rikky
|title=The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna
|year=2004 | publisher = Omnibus Press | isbn = 0-7119-9883-3 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/madonnacompleteg0000rook }}
- {{cite book
|last1=Tannenbaum
|first1=Rob
|last2=Marks
|first2=Craig
|title = I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution
|year=2011
|publisher=Penguin Books
|isbn=9781101526415
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=Taraborrelli
|first=Randy J.
|author-link=J. Randy Taraborrelli
|title=Madonna: An Intimate Biography
|year=2002
|publisher=Simon & Schuster
|isbn=0-7432-2880-4
}}
- {{Cite book
|last=Twitchell
|first=Robert B.
|title=For Shame: The Loss of Common Decency in American Culture
|year=1998
|publisher=Macmillan Publishers
|isbn=0-312-19453-6
}}
{{Madonna songs}}
{{authority control}}
Category:American new wave songs
Category:Music videos directed by Steve Barron