Elvis Presley – Burning Love (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)”. Now that’s a song that takes us right back to the heart of the King’s reign. Released in 1973, this live rendition pulsates with an energy that transcends the years. It’s a testament to Presley’s charisma and the enduring power of rock and roll.

“Burning Love” itself was a chart-topper in 1972, penned by the songwriting duo Dennis Belfield and Ivory Jo Hunter. It belonged to a new chapter in Presley’s career. The revolutionary rockabilly sound of the 50s had softened somewhat, evolving into a more soulful and ballad-heavy direction in the 70s. “Burning Love” stood out as a defiant return to his rock and roll roots.

The song itself is a classic tale of passionate infatuation, a “burning love” that consumes the narrator. The lyrics are simple yet effective, with Elvis delivering them with a playful swagger that’s impossible to resist. The driving rhythm section, courtesy of Presley’s longtime band members Scotty Moore on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, and James Burton on lead guitar, lays down a foundation that’s both tight and infectious.

But what truly elevates this version of “Burning Love” is the live element. Recorded during his legendary Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite concert, the energy in the Honolulu International Center practically crackles through the speakers. We hear the roar of the crowd, their excited anticipation building before the song explodes. Elvis, ever the showman, feeds off that energy. His vocals are powerful, his signature sneer evident even through the recording. He throws in playful ad-libs, stretches vowels with soulful emphasis, and lets loose with those iconic hip gyrations that had once scandalized a nation. It’s a masterclass in captivating an audience, a reminder of why Elvis was, and still is, the King.

The Aloha From Hawaii concert itself was a landmark event. Broadcast live via satellite to over a billion viewers worldwide, it was the first concert of its kind. Elvis, clad in his now-iconic white jumpsuit, delivered a career-spanning set that solidified his status as a global phenomenon. “Burning Love” became a highlight of the show, a potent reminder of his ability to ignite a stage, both literally (the elaborate set design featured erupting volcanoes) and figuratively, with the sheer force of his personality.

So, when you listen to Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)”, you’re not just listening to a song. You’re experiencing a moment in music history. It’s a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, the magnetic pull of a live performance, and the sheer magnetism of Elvis Presley himself.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Burning Love”