Madonna in the 1983 video for “Burning Up”
Today’s video pick comes from Madonna–a track that isn’t the first to come to mind when you think of this style icon. Why not? Perhaps because “Burning Up” was only her second single, or maybe because it received mixed reviews at the time of its release. But let’s face it: this stripped-down song with the pounding sounds of a drum machine, guitar and bass has got something. And even though the video is from early in Madonna’s career, she is true to form, using it as a vehicle to stand her ground and make a bold statement.
Madonna in the video for “Burning Up”
For one thing, “Burning Up” has become a club favorite. While it never found its way into 1983’s Billboard Hot 100, it did reach number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play. And these days, nothing rocks the house on ’80s night like this track. Then there’s the video’s colorful shots that somehow look amazingly crisp and relevant today. And of course, despite the submissive poses Madonna strikes throughout this piece, take a look at who’s driving the car at the end of the video! Was there ever a time in her career when she wasn’t in control?! Enjoy, and Happy Friday!
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