How Madonna’s “Into The Groove” Summed Up The History of Dance Music With One Song

This week our hosts Brittany Spanos and Rob Sheffield look at an Eighties dance-floor classic, from one of the all-time biggest pop legends: Madonna’s “Into The Groove.” It wasn’t Madonna’s first single (that was “Everybody”) or her first hit (that would be “Holiday”), but “Into The Groove” is the one that instantly evokes Madonna in her raw, gritty early days. It’s a cheap, fast, in-your-face disco anthem that hits as hard as punk rock, from the hungry young Madonna, aiming to sum up the whole history of dance music in one song. “Into The Groove” is still the song at the heart of her lifelong bond with the club scene and the dance community. It’s the one that where she sings right into your ear: “You can dance, for inspiration.”
For this episode Brittany and Rob are joined by one of the most brilliant music writers around, Suzy Exposito, a longtime journalist for Rolling Stone and the L.A. Times. They break down the song’s impact on club culture, including the goth world (the dancing boy in the music video became an iconic goth figure in himself!). They’ll also seek to answer the questions of why we’re all so obsessed with this song? Why does it loom so large over Madonna’s other hits? Why is it the gateway drug that hooks so many generations of Madonna fans? Take a listen to find out!
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Madonna's Iconic Hit
00:18 Diving Deep into Madonna's 'Into the Groove'
03:57 Madonna's Musical Genius and Influence
04:43 Exploring Madonna's Vocal Range and Songwriting
06:48 Madonna's Impact on Pop Culture and Music
15:54 Madonna's Cinematic Contributions and 'Desperately Seeking Susan'
19:48 Guest Segment: Susie Exposito Shares Her Madonna Insights
25:27 Madonna's Vocal Power and Legacy
28:20 Wrapping Up: The Enduring Legacy of Madonna
Apple: pod.link/1734617231.apple
Spotify: pod.link/1734617231.spotify
IHeartRadio: pod.link/1734617231.iheartradio
Others: episodes.fm/1734617231

[@markstar6056]

She’s never gotten the credit for how talented she is as a song writer, producer, musician, performer, overall artist. She has recorded some of the best pop songs ever. If you want to know how good she is, listen to the people that have worked closely with her over the years. All have very positive things to say about her and her work ethic.

[@michaelajaltouni3177]

I think people overlook her because she’s not looked at as this spectacular vocalist. She’s a pioneer and one of the biggest a icons. Deserves her respect

[@taintedlife2618]

@@michaelajaltouni3177but that’s such a boring dullards way of discussing music. Music is much more than hitting notes. We would leave so many amazing artists out of the equation if all that was needed was to be able to belt. David Bowie, Bjork, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, the Beatles, we really need to quit putting up with the lie that Madonna can’t sing out there just so others can feel that Mariah Carey or Beyonce are superior artists to her. That’s the only card you can pull in that debate and it’s TIRED.

[@briandubois-gilbert8182]

IMO, for her global legions of admirers, her artistic genius as a prolific songwriter, performer and impact on pop music and culture is not in doubt. It’s her social/political activism and advocacy against prejudices and ignorance that she’s woven into her artistic platform that’s largely the reason for the bigoted backlash/hate she’s experienced. Ageism, misogyny, homophobia, double standard chauvinism, racism, xenophobia, paparazzi/tabloid culture, etc. are prejudices and biases that she has fought against throughout her life and career. It’s what sets her apart from most pop music artists.

[@alrimawi]

She’s the queen of pop for a reason! Many more of her tracks are worthy of that list

[@Marc-zi5cq]

She deserved to be on the list for Frozen, Take A Bow, Express Yourself, Rain, Secret, La Isla Bonita, Papa Don't Preach, Live To Tell and many others as well. Incredible discography, so many good songs, so many hits, so many amazing videos, so many amazing tours. What an artist.

[@JC-mm9tq]

Great to hear intelligent and informed commentary about MADONNA. A conversation worthy of her genius. She has always been a force of nature, an irrepressible creative soul. And the fact that she has "stuck around", in her words, is her ultimate sign of defiance.

[@neo2764]

Madonna is the Queen. Thank you for acknowledging what a great song writer she is. She is never appreciated enough for how good a writer she is. The most brave and interesting pop star that ever existed.

[@ianhaddock6057]

She’s unparalleled. Hands. Down. That doesn’t take away from anyone else, but she’s just got it and she has it in spades.

[@joegotham27]

There never will be another artist to match what Madonna has accomplished across music and pop culture

[@robbiereacts22]

She was amazing in LA on this tour!!

[@phillipthomas5382]

Into the Groove always lights me up! I love the deeper moodier Madonna too!! Great discussion 🥰

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Stream Madonna! Copacabana is waiting for the Celebration Tour!

[@tishjamieson7812]

@@ronrodriguez9741 I Can't wait! I think It will shown be on GloboTV (?) via Sling (international). If you know otherwise, let us know.

[@JoshuaWillstheartist]

Madonna is receiving so much love in this video, and I love it. She is Pop Culture's Deity. The future is now her. Pop culture is not ruled by her.

[@MR-fx9gg]

I saw her new show and I was blown away. One of the best concert experiences of my life.

[@vibes7144]

It was awesome

[@EAB82]

Into The Groove should've been #1.. arguably the best dance song of the 80s

[@steven-yu3tu]

Madonna is an artist first. Everything she produces is based in creativity and curiosity. There’s no one like her. My top 500 would have at least 20 songs.

[@teralmiles]

The remix of Into the Groove from You can Dance will always be my favourite. Pure pop perfection!

[@taintedlife2618]

You Can Dance is such a great record!!!!

[@mschirmersf]

I’ve been a fan of Madonna since i was 13 years old. My first concert was Who’s That Girl Tour when I was 17. My parents dropped us off at the Anaheim Stadium. I’ve seen every tour since. At 53 years old i just saw the Celebration Tour in SF a d I’m still a rabid and obsessed fan. Thanks for the piece. It’s great to hear your views.

[@Xfile1947]

Warner Bros. Records did not officially release "Into the Groove" as a commercial single in the United States. Instead, it became the B-side of the 12" maxi-single of "Angel". Into the Groove is the only reason why Angel was certified Gold (RIAA) of 1 million+ copies sold!

[@senorgato70]

Yes, and knowing that ITG sold almost a million singles in the UK, there's no doubt it would have gone to #1 here in the US and would have been one of her, if not her, best selling single ever.

[@senorgato70]

Love this discussion. I absolutely agree that Madonna's music is STILL very much taken for granted because of her image, brashness, and controversies. I completely agree with the inclusion of Like A Prayer, Vogue, and Into the Groove. These are three of Madonna's most career-defining songs. I do feel that Live To Tell, Ray Of Light, Music, Papa Don't Preach, La Isla Bonita, and Holiday should have ranked, as well.

[@MARK-ni9oc]

Imagine Into The Groove coming out and then following it up with Dress You Up a couple of months later. Perfection. Her contribution to dance music was and still is unparalleled.

[@vibes7144]

What an era!

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Madonna is the Queen of Pop.

[@DutchGiant76]

In the eighties Madonna was constantly on tv on the news in The Netherlands. I remember the news showed footage of long lines of Madonna look-a-likes waiting for a concert or a store or a hotel. But she also made the news for how controversial she was for Americans. I remember people made parody of her songs, mostly religious people. A song that comes to mind is ‘Madonna don’t preach’ as an answer on ‘Papa don’t preach’ and like a prayer showed how much racism / discrimination there was. And she always stood up for the gay community.

[@graphiquejack]

I think what makes Madonna great is she is able to make the brilliantly complex seem simple because of its lean perfection. On the surface, Into the Groove’s lyrics seem basic but that’s because they are direct, simple and to the point, but at the same time, there are layers of meaning that as you keep listening, you discover. Is she really just singing about dancing and wanting to ‘dance with somebody’? Or is she talking about being tired of self pleasure and wanting a lover? Its also one of her first songs where she equates dancing and the dance floor with life itself, with ‘inspiration’ and a creative force, with sex, with joy. This is a theme she comes back to again and again, even as recently as ‘God Control’ on Madame X. An artist cannot have the level of success and longevity as Madonna has without talent. She rarely gets credited for this because she’s been outspoken, controversial and for better or worse, her visuals (videos, costumes, tour performances) have been so much of the focus of her career, for better or for worse. Shes a victim of her success as well as the failure for people to truly understand her message.. and some of that is because she’s so outspoken and confrontational that it turns people away from her and assume the worst. She’s also had to deal with constant misogyny and now ageism, something her male counterparts have never had to experience to the same degree.

[@briandubois-gilbert8182]

Not many would care to see or even remember Desperately Seeking Susan if Madonna and her Into The Groove soundtrack were not in that film. My fave performance of ITG is her 1985 Virgin Tour version. She would re-invent ITG-give it new artistic twists in her later tour versions of it like in Re-Invention and Sticky&Sweet tours-that illustrates the richness and depth of her artistic creativity. I agree that her prolific songwriting and longevity has produced a vast discography and videography that she’s had the luxury of leaving out other hits when she released compilation and remixed albums. She also has so many unreleased songs left out from her album projects that can fill up several new albums. Many of her not popular songs that were initially overshadowed by her mega hits, were ahead of it’s time, like time release hidden gems that were overlooked but eventually rediscovered and became new favorites to many older and new fans. Such is the greatness of her artistic genius.

[@thesubstitute]

Madonna's best song.

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Music, Hung Up, Ray of Light, and Popular are amazing dance pop songs!!!

[@acnyc4601]

Your thoughtful and smart commentary to the incomparable Madonna is so refreshing. The reminder of Madonna's unyielding strength, her unapologetic embrace of her choices, and the epic life she has crafted resonates profoundly. It's a testament to her unwavering determination and the monumental impact she continues to have, solidifying her status as a legendary icon. I can acknowledge that without Madonna, my very existence would not exist today. She wasn't just an artist to me; she was a lifeline, a beacon of hope that pulled me through dark times. In my eyes, she transcends mere mortal status, ascending to the realm of deity. Thank you for sharing this testament to Madonna's influence. It's a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art and the profound connections it fosters between creator and audience. She continues her journey solidifying a valuable and profound lesson: Never doubt yourself. As long as there's breath in our bodies and inspiration in our hearts, we must forge ahead, leaving behind the noise of criticism and judgment for those ensnared by it. Madonna's unwavering spirit continues to inspire, drawing us closer to her authenticity and resilience with each passing day. Amen.

[@Electricrebel001]

I love her. Always have, always will.

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Stream Madonna now!

[@Matuteilcapo]

All Hail the Queen of Pop! The one and only, Her Madgesty ❤

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Stream Madonna now!!!

[@michaelsoldierworks1]

This was so fun and refreshing. Brought me back to the early years when it was obvious Madonna was in the process of both finding herself and defining a generation of pop.

[@sxnico]

For years I’ve stated Madonna’s Top 3 songs were Like a Prayer, Vogue and Into the Groove. Into the Groove is her Number One.

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Thank you and enjoyed this.❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉 Madonna!!!

[@atoliver77]

Assim como Everybody, Vogue, Music, Girl Gone Wild, quando Madonna escreve sobre música e dança, a mágica acontece. Into The Groove continua atravessando o tempo cada vez mais aclamada por seu groove ousado e sua atmosfera inocente. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@boymickeyboy]

Deeper & Deeper, Justify my Love, Rescue me, Resue Me, Erotica are great songs and very underrated

[@Kingthin]

Into the Groove is for me the best dance song ever!!

[@RAMO75]

Into the Groove is a timeless piece.

[@jritsoncandler]

This is so great! More more of you guys talking about Madonna please 😊

[@WasWasLo]

iconic song by a legendary Pop artist ❤

[@Dr_Madonna]

The Queen of Pop. Record Number 1’s United world chart: 22 Euro hot 100: 17 Canada: 25 Italy: 23 Spain: 21 Uk: 13 Australia: 11 Switzerland:10 Ireland: 8

[@bananaboydc5431]

Great discussion! I still have my "Madonna Goes All The Way" Rolling Stone issue.

[@hutnerbaekUBS]

Loved this. Madge has always talked about the importance of having something to say vs just being famous. She cared more about making an impact and speaking her mind than anything else, and it really shows. Through the decades, she has never relented and I love her for it.

[@user-so8hx8mo1e]

I have been a fan of Madonna since 1984. I was in 4 grade at the time. For some reason, I knew even in elementary school, that Madonna would be around for a long time. She has been part of my life since that time. Her songs reflect each stage of my life. It is like she took you on a journey through her music. I still listen to her music today. Her music is a reflection of her personality. She has so many different sides to her and it reflect in her music. Her ballads are very moving and touching, but at the same time, her dance music have so much energy and it just make you want to get up and dance. It took many years for people to speak highly of Madonna. I remember back in the 80's and 90's the critics were so cruel to her. They constantly criticized her. They said that she can't sing, she can't act, and that she is a one hit wander and she won't last. They dragged her every chance they got. The critics were more cruel to her in the early 90's when she released her Sex Book. She was so controversial and shocking. She kept people guessing what she was going to do next. She didn't win the public approval until 1997 when she released her Ray of Light album. It took Madonna many years to gain the critics approval. She had to fight and climb through many obstacles to get acceptance by the mainstream media. The gay community were the most loyal to her. they stood by Madonna's side throughout the years. They can relate to her struggles and being out cased by the society. Madonna is one of the only artist from the 80's that is still making new music and selling out tours around the world. I admire Madonna because she is her own creation. She didn't have famous parents and she didn't have anyone in her life who encouraged her to become a singer or an entertainer. No one point her to go in the right direction. She had to get her foot in the door on her own. She followed her own instinct and she believed in herself. That is why no one can take credit for her success.

[@dalestark9505]

i first heard it on MTV seeing the video before the movie came out

[@lucyfer4420]

Into the Groove was a B-side for the ANGEL 12" single. It was never released as a single in the US, which makes its success and impact even more impressive ..... Into the Groove was her first N°1 single in the UK as early as in 1985. British people never get wrong. They got into Madonna's groove since her early days.....

[@tahuaroa]

totally best track❣️❣️❣️

[@Dorian.Janiak]

Really nice interview :) I like your vibe ;)

[@jennyc5417]

Substitute for Love - amazing production.

[@gordUK]

Simply put, Into The Groove is the joint best song ever created ... along with You Spin Me Round (Like A Record).

[@lukasharding6657]

I absolutely ADORE Rob but this random girl??? She said "like" more times than I breathed watching! Only lasted 8 minutes. I couldn't with her

[@Rodotala]

THAT CLUB SCENE!

[@vibes7144]

Who wouldn’t want to be there!

[@Rodotala]

@@vibes7144 OMG! Exactly! I was a 15 yo gay boy living in a shithole city in Brazil and all I wanted was to be there!

[@georgedominguez255]

I wish she would release the “ demo” version heard in the movie at the end! I’ve always loved that rendition!

[@aimser1]

Great interview. Madonna is amazing

[@Dr_Madonna]

Not only did she leave off Whos that girl which was a Number 1 single … it was also her first Golden Globe Nomination.

[@htimseyllib1439]

Into the Groove deserves billions of streams…it also deserves to chart on the Hot 100…which it never did. Fans are sleeping on making that happen.

[@Beitownit]

It would take a 10 part series to break down Madonna's discography properly so that some of those great hits that usually fly under the radar get mentioned. Madonna truly is a living legend because of the indelible and trailblazing impact she's had on music, pop culture and society.

[@ronrodriguez9741]

Like Suzy, I also love Mer Girl, I Want You, Bedtime Stories and Ray of Light Madonna era.

[@taintedlife2618]

Mer Girl is amazing.

[@jimmonade]

There will ever only be one Madonna. People don’t realize how much she influenced pop culture.

[@taintedlife2618]

And how amazing her catalogue and work is. We’ll never get music that good again. What artist today could ever give us such art?

[@JaysonSan-xp1zp]

Missing Live to Tell, but I forgive you because Whos That Girl the movie got a well deserved shout out!!! Finally ❤

[@teralmiles]

Hung up was released 20 years after Into the Groove. Not 30!

[@Djadja]

I remember Neil Tennant,Pet Shop Boys leader,said it was the best 80's pop song.

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

Angel * and Dress You Up * So ridiculous they were not featured on the Immaculate Collection! - I agree ... Angel was and remains EVERYTHING! .... As far as Vogue though ... Malcolm McLaren's "Deep in Vogue" was THE original vogue record and was the real target to the vogueing community.

[@taintedlife2618]

Unfortunately Deep in Vogue was a mediocre song. It’s cute I like it, but it was never going to make it big.

[@Lemarcus03]

IMHO this is the BEST DANCE SONG... EVER

[@TheMadonnasummer]

Yes, doesn’t get the recognition for her music oddly enough. She is a mood, she is fun, sad, thoughtful, aggressive, vulnerable and on and on. Get into the Groove is timeless and will get me going anytime !!! 👑💜🪩

[@mlvc82]

QUEEN MADONNA FOREVER!

[@mpourmpoulithra2011]

👑👑

[@gregdahlen4375]

fun to get this history

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

Goth boy in frilly shirt xoxoxo Sigh + He is an ICON, totally!

[@rvegas81]

I hadn't been a fan of hers until recently. She's up there with diana ross and donna summer for me!

[@DanielleA2023]

Spot on critique & write up & title ❤❤❤ but 🙏🏻 stop saying "like" so often

[@balldalt]

Not to nitpick... but Vogue was not on the Dick Tracy soundtrack. It was on I'm Breathless which is not a soundtrack. And there is actually a separate soundtrack to that movie.

[@Beitownit]

You're nitpicking, but you're correct on both claims that Vogue was on her I'm breathless album and that the Dick Tracy movie has its own soundtrack. Touché!

[@dominicward1078]

I still think Sire/Warner Brothers not releasing this as a stand alone single was a mistake

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

And they get it now

[@SuperQueenMadonna]

I would t say she stole but she’s was inspired. She pe didn’t take anybody’s music but were able to mesh and concoct styles and genres that were never thought to go

[@heyoletsgo9]

Thank you. All artists work is filtered through a unique confluence of influences.

[@maryt2290]

Weird that this song wasn’t released as a single so has no US Billboard presence.

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

And they need to talk about 2024

[@teralmiles]

The Virgin Tour*

[@rebelblue]

Album I’m Breathless is not Dick Tracy soundtrack, that movie has its own soundtrack. I’m Breathless is Madonna album inspired by Dick Tracy movie, but it’s not soundtrack.

[@WasWasLo]

can you believe this song didn’t chart on Billboard 100? 💀

[@alessaschmitz5847]

Think the Song was Not Released Specially for the Charts?! Available Outside of US, except US. Like „American pie“

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

And rina should listen and influenced Linkin Park

[@mebeasensei]

Reminds me of Micheal Jackson , 'Billie Jean '.

[@ITHINKDAFUCKNOTYOUTRICKASSBITC]

Nah, into the groove is so much better. Jacko is boring

[@ffrraa348]

viva madonna!

[@Matuteilcapo]

I think there is a song called "Desperately Seeking Susan", which one day we will know...

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

Into The Groove "Her first great dance track" ... Ummmm ... NO! ... That would be Physical Attraction and Everybody!

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

And pop singer are not metal singer and those are not aggressive

[@JBanks333]

🌬📢💨 Give me a break, the Hist🤔ry of dance r👀ts R African.

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

I don't like 2023 because that year was disappointhing

[@bestdisco1979]

Into the groove is hardly a classic,,,try I feel love Donna Summer. A truly ground breaking recording.

[@fjvbfjvb]

Uhhh… they both are and can be

[@andiapple1532]

Another bitter ATRLer? Madonna's Into The Groove is a classic whether you like it or not.

[@ITHINKDAFUCKNOTYOUTRICKASSBITC]

Madonna into the groove > Donna Summer's whole discography PERIODT

[@taintedlife2618]

It’s an undeniable classic. You tried it.

[@Beitownit]

"I feel love", what's not to love about this song. This song is in a class of its own because it really has a hypnotic effect that can slip you right into a trance without you realizing it. I've always considered this song as the number greatest disco song ever. Can we get back to Madonna now? 😂