Introduction:
Alright, settle in, folks, and let’s talk about a scorcher from the King himself, Elvis Presley. Burning Love, released in 1972, might not be the first song that pops into your head when you think of the pelvis-swiveling king of rock and roll, but it’s a track that deserves a place in any serious Presley collection.
Now, 1972 was a bit of a transitional period for Elvis. The electrifying rockabilly that launched him to superstardom in the 50s had softened somewhat in the 60s, with him focusing more on soundtrack work and ballads. By the early 70s, however, there was a clear desire to get back to his roots. Burning Love was part of that movement, a return to the raw energy and soulful vocals that made him a legend.
The song itself is a classic example of R&B and soul influences finding their way into American rock and roll. Written by Dennis Linde, Burning Love showcases a Presley hungry and impassioned. The lyrics tell the tale of a love that’s intense, almost out of control – a “burning love” that consumes the narrator. It’s a far cry from the sweeter love songs he was known for, and Burning Love lets him unleash a vocal performance that’s both powerful and nuanced. He growls, he pleads, he aches – you can practically feel the desperation in his voice.
The backing band deserves a mention too. Producer Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Presley, assembled a tight group of musicians who knew how to cook up a groove. The rhythm section lays down a steady, driving beat, while the horns punctuate the song with sharp bursts of energy. It’s all there to support the King, and they do it flawlessly.
Burning Love wasn’t Elvis’ biggest hit – it reached number two on the Billboard charts – but it was a critical and commercial success. It showed that the King still had the magic touch, that he could still deliver a song that was both electrifying and emotionally resonant. More importantly, it was a sign that he was hungry to recapture the raw energy of his early days.
So, the next time you’re looking for a Presley song that packs a punch, don’t forget Burning Love. It’s a reminder that the King of Rock and Roll never lost his ability to ignite a fire.