"Burning Heart" by Vandenberg

Song#:  1300
Date:  01/08/1983
Debut:  83
Peak:  39
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Rock, Hair Metal



Pop Bits:  This Dutch hard rock band was formed and named after guitarist Adrianus van den Berg (updated to Adrian Vandenberg). Their demos got the attention of Atlantic Records in the US and soon the band was recording their self-titled debut album for the ATCO label. This power ballad from the LP did well reaching #5 at Mainstream Rock and peaking just inside the Top 40 at pop. Unfortunately, it would end up being their only pop chart entry. Their follow-up album featured the #29 rock chart entry "Friday Night," but it failed to chart at pop. The band would record one more album before fizzling out.

ReduxReview:  This single was one of the earlier hair metal successes of the 80s. While bands were revving up at clubs on Sunset Strip, Vandenberg notched this one before Def Leppard, Night Ranger, and Quiet Riot would break the genre wide open later in '83. This is a solid power ballad and a good example of what was soon to come. Had this song come out a year or two later, it might have done a lot better. But for the time period, having this get into the Top 40 was a real win.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  In 1986, Adrian Vandenberg was invited to play on Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again," which was being re-recorded for their 1987 self-titled LP. Vandenberg supplied the guitar solo. The song would end up getting issued as a single and would reach #1 on the pop chart. Soon after, Vandenberg was invited to be a member of the band. He accepted and stayed with them until the band's initial split in 1991. Vandenberg would later join up with the band again for a couple of reunion ventures.

_________________________________________________________________________________