The Gap Band, Burn Rubber On Me | Throwback Vibez

In the 52^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” by The Gap Band.  

“Inever, ever had a lover / Who put the pedal to the metal / And burn rubber on me, Charlie / Oh, no, no, no!” The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 52^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”, performed by The Gap Band.  

via GIPHY

Simply put, there are some songs you simply CAN’T resist. “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” from The Gap Band – Charlie Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, and Robert Wilson – is one such song.  It appears as the third track from the collective’s 1980 album, The Gap Band III.  Led by Charlie (the sole surviving member), The Gap Band were noted for their funkiness.  After revving the motorcycle up on the intro, the listener is treated to one of the funkiest grooves of all time. There is no way your body won’t move while partaking of this rubber burning!  In addition to the groove, the synths are electrifying, while the rhythmic identity of this joint is one of its biggest selling points.

“You took my money, you took my time / Made me think everything was fine / Then you upped and ran away / And made me just go crazy.” Totally NOT nice, girl! It’s not only the instruments that make “Burn Rubber On Me” a celestially funky experience.  The entertaining lyrics, as well as the soulful, nuanced lead vocals by the man who delivers them, Charlie Wilson, are a vibe on their own! The robustness of his instrument is awe-inspiring – the man is a beast ! “Just because you’re not for real / Why you wanna hurt me, girl?” YEAH! Clearly, this girl has it out for him, judging by all the stuff she does to him . Tuneful melodies, ample personality, and the irresistibly, infectious chorus make “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” one of the true gems of the 1980s. It deserved a better showing than its no. 84 peak on the Billboard Hot 100, sigh.

via GIPHY

The Gap Band • The Gap Band III • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1980

The Gap Band, “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”: Throwback Vibez No. 52 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]