Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” | Throwback Vibez

In the 77^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 77^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”, performed by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. 

Theme & Lyrics  

“Whenever I’m with him / Something inside / Starts to burnin’ / And I’m filled with desire.” Ooh, wee! “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” commences Martha Reeves & The Vandellas’ 1963 album, Heat Wave with a surefire BANG! It’s an epic opening statement.  It comes as no surprise that “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” was a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” was written by the legendary team of Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier (rest in peace, king). Brian Holland and Dozier also produced the record.

“It’s like a heat wave

Burnin’ in my heart (It’s like a heat wave)

I can’t keep from cryin’ (It’s like a heat wave)

It’s tearin’ me apart.”

“(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” features exuberant production and an alluring sound.  Live horns, including a potent, punchy baritone saxophone marks one of the best instrumental features. Martha Reeves serves up assertive, high-energy vocals.  Her performance can be characterized by the personality – the attitude and the confidence – she emits while singing (“Has high blood pressure got a hold of me / Or is this the way love’s supposed to be?”).  The lyrics are fun, lighthearted, and novel – incredibly idiomatic of the 1960s.

Final Thoughts  

“(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” is a prime example of a vintage soul, pop crossover hit that you can’t help but dance to when it comes on the radio or elsewhere. Sure, it’s about 60 years old but guess what – it still hits hard! Beyond “Heat Wave,” Martha Reeves & The Vandellas had plenty of hits, speaking to just how successful they were.  Still, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” ranks among the crème de la crème.

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave” • Heat Wave • Motown • 1963

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”: Throwback Vibez No. 77 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, Motown, The Musical Hype]