Madonna single: Into the Groove (1985)

Madonna
“Into the Groove”

Release: July 9, 1985

1. Into the Groove
2. Shoo-Bee-Doo

Producers: Madonna and Stephen Bray
Songwriters: Madonna and Stephen Bray

UK Singles Chart: #1 (4 weeks)
Billboard Dance Chart: #1 (1 week)

Desperately Seeking Susan was Madonna’s big break into the movie business. Playing a supporting part against Rosanna Arquette’s lead, Madonna steals the show as title character Susan, giving Madonna early screen success that would be followed by a string of duds. To promote the film and take advantage of Madonna’s burgeoning music career, she recorded “Into the Groove” for the movie’s soundtrack.

“Into the Groove” is a driving dance track with prominent drums, synthesizers, and Madonna’s endless enticements to get up and dance as a sexual come on. “You can dance for inspiration, come on, I’m waiting,” she coos during the song’s intro. Shep Pettibone, who would go on to produce “Vogue” and the Erotica album, remixed “Into the Groove” in 1987 for inclusion on the You Can Dance collection, which was named for one of the song’s lyrics. His production enhances the original composition without changing its core sound and adds a vital element—an effective and energetic keyboard solo during the song’s bridge. This version was edited down for The Immaculate Collection, and is the one usually heard on the radio today.

“Into the Groove” is Madonna’s best early dance track, and it has become a true Madonna classic, despite the fact that it was never officially released as a single in the US. The song was included as a B-side to the release of “Angel,” which became a top 10 hit. Even though it wasn’t in stores, “Into the Groove” was all over the radio, peaking at #6 on top 40 airplay charts. It continues to be a staple among adult top 40 stations.

Outside the US, the single was an official release and a huge hit. In the UK, it became Madonna’s first #1 hit, spending 4 weeks at the top, a run Madonna’s matched only by “Vogue.” Madonna was all over the charts in 1985. During “Into the Groove’s” third week at #1 in the UK, Madonna also held #2 with a re-release of “Holiday;” “Crazy For You” was also still in the top 20.

Sadly, like many Madonna singles of the time, “Into the Groove” lacks a proper video, but there was a clip video edited from Desperately Seeking Susan footage.