Mad About You (Belinda Carlisle song)


"Mad About You" is a song written by Paula Jean Brown, James Whelan and Mitchel Young Evans, produced by Michael Lloyd, for Belinda Carlisle's debut solo album Belinda. It was released as the album's first single, in 1986, as a CD single, 7" single and a 12" single. It was her first hit after leaving the Go-Go's, peaking at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and at number one on the Canadian Singles Chart.
Just over three weeks before the single was released, Carlisle married Morgan Mason, who appears with Belinda in the video for "Mad About You". The guitar solo on the song was performed by Andy Taylor, who also appears in the video.
Paula Jean Brown co-wrote the song with Jim Whelan, and Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey sang back-up vocals. "Mad About You" was one of a few songs being considered for the fourth Go-Go's album. The Go-Go's split, and "Mad About You" and two other songs co-written by Paula Jean Brown ended up on Belinda.
The single's B-side, "I Never Wanted a Rich Man", was also featured on Carlisle's first long playing work. The extended version of "Mad About You", originally on the A-side of the 12" single, was then included on the album compact disc re-release by Virgin in 2003.

Composition

The song is written in the key of A major in common time with a tempo of 144 beats per minute. Part of the appeal of the song's chorus lies in the rapid-fire kick drum double stroke pattern on every bar, performed using either a single or double bass pedal.

Music video

The music video was directed by Leslie Libman, and features Andy Taylor of Duran Duran, and Carlisle's husband Morgan Mason. During one scene she dances to a vinyl LP of Yma Sumac's Mambo!. The outdoor scenes are largely set in or near Palisades Park in Santa Monica, California.

Track listing

;7" single
  1. "Mad About You" — 3:30
  2. "I Never Wanted a Rich Man" — 4:12
;12" single
  1. "Mad About You" — 5:03
  2. "Mad About You" — 3:30
  3. "Mad About You" — 3:30

    Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Sales and certifications