Introduction:
“Love Is Burnin'” is a captivating country song by American artist Ricky Van Shelton, released in 1990. It is featured on his third studio album, RVS III, which was a significant commercial success for Shelton. The album, released in January 1990, cemented his status as one of country music’s leading male vocalists of the era.
As a prominent track on RVS III, “Love Is Burnin'” falls squarely within the country music genre, characterized by its traditional instrumentation and heartfelt lyrical content. Ricky Van Shelton’s rich, baritone voice became a trademark of his sound, and this song perfectly showcases his expressive delivery and ability to convey deep emotion. The album RVS III itself was a monumental achievement, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
While “Love Is Burnin'” was not released as a standalone commercial single, it gained considerable recognition as a fan favorite and an integral part of the successful RVS III album. Often appearing as the B-side to “Life’s Little Ups and Downs,” which reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1990, “Love Is Burnin'” benefited from the album’s overall popularity and the strong chart performance of its singles. This indirect exposure helped solidify its place in Ricky Van Shelton’s esteemed catalog. The success of RVS III with its string of hit singles, including “I’ve Cried My Last Tear for You” (a #1 hit) and “Statue of a Fool” and “I Meant Every Word He Said” (both #2 hits), allowed “Love Is Burnin'” to be widely heard and appreciated by country music audiences. It stands as a testament to Shelton’s vocal prowess and the enduring appeal of his traditional country sound during a golden age for the genre.