"Burning in the Heat of Love" is a song by English rock band Slade, released in 1977 as a non-album single. It was written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and was produced by Chas Chandler. The song failed to make an appearance in the UK Singles Chart.
"Burning in the Heat of Love" was released at a time when Slade, having returned to the UK from the United States in 1976, found themselves out of favour in the UK music scene, particularly with the explosion of punk rock. Both the single "Gypsy Roadhog" and its parent album, Whatever Happened to Slade, were commercial disappointments when released in early 1977. As the band and their manager/producer Chas Chandler agreed that were no other obvious potential hit singles from the album, "Burning in the Heat of Love" was written and recorded within a week in March 1977 to be the band's next single release. Lead vocalist Noddy Holder told the Sunday Sun in 1977, "[The song is] similar in style to the album but more commercial. We like to feel we appeal to both the rock and pop markets."
"Burning in the Heat of Love" was recorded on 17 March 1977 and was mixed the following day. The B-side, "Ready Steady Kids", was recorded and mixed at Advision Studios in London on 26 and 27 January 1977. The single was a commercial disappointment and was Slade's second since 1976 not to enter the top 50 of the UK Singles Chart.
Upon its release, Barry Cain of Record Mirror wrote, "Slade are okay. But they're gone. [Three stars] for the 'You Really Got Me' guitar riff." Chas de Whalley of Sounds remarked, "The dirtiest ballsiest single of the lot. Slightly old fashioned, but disease ridden all the same. I like it." The Coventry Evening Telegraph stated, "Slade are back in business with a vengeance. This single marks a slight change in direction for Noddy's boys. It's powerful rock and generates bags of atmosphere. A hit!"
7-inch single (UK, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy)
Slade
Production
In 1983, British rock band Girlschool recorded the song as "Burning in the Heat" for their fourth studio album, Play Dirty, which was produced by Lea and Holder. It was released as the album's second and final single on 30 January 1984.
Upon its release as a single, Tommy Vance, reviewing for Kerrang!, called it "the most commercial record they've ever made" and "very cleverly done" with a "great production". He added, "The beginning is rather like Bach but it quickly switches into a guitar riff similar to 'You Really Got Me' from the Kinks. The vocals aren't especially great, but then that's never been a strong point with Girlschool." Julie Birchill of NME stated, "Girlschool sound as though they are having a good time but unfortunately they make it sound like a closed shop. They should go to America and wipe the floor with Pat Benatar. They could have been born for heavy rotation on MTV." Tony Jasper of Music Week felt the song was "nothing special", but noted the "hard rasping moments on guitar and vocals". Limahl, as guest reviewer for Smash Hits, commented that "this little ditty seems terribly American" and continued, "I'm sorry, I don't like this at all. I've heard this sort of thing a million times before. In fact, I'm sure I've heard the melody somewhere before too."
7-inch single (UK and Australia) and 12-inch single (UK)
Girlschool
Production
Other