Burning The Ground Exclusive
When Jane Wiedlin stepped out on her own in the late ’80s, she did so with a confidence that felt both playful and perfectly in sync with the era. Best known as a founding member of The Go-Go’s, Wiedlin’s solo work allowed her to lean harder into synth-pop and dancefloor-friendly territory—and “Rush Hour” stands as one of the brightest examples of that shift.
Released in 1988 from her second solo album Fur, “Rush Hour” is pure late-’80s pop bliss. Built on a propulsive beat, shimmering keyboards, and a hook that refuses to let go, the song captures that restless, kinetic feeling its title suggests. There’s movement everywhere—cars, people, emotions—mirrored in the song’s relentless forward momentum. It’s the sound of urgency without anxiety, excitement without chaos.
Commercially, “Rush Hour” became the biggest solo hit of Jane Wiedlin’s career. In the U.S., the song peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, firmly placing her in the mainstream pop spotlight outside of The Go-Go’s. On the dance side, where the track truly thrived, “Rush Hour” reached #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart, confirming its strong connection to club culture and DJs who embraced its extended and remix-friendly structure.
What makes “Rush Hour” especially compelling is how effortlessly it balances accessibility and edge. Jane’s vocal delivery is cool and confident, never overworked, gliding smoothly over the electronic production. While undeniably pop, the song borrows enough from contemporary dance music to feel right at home on late-’80s club floors—especially in its longer mixes that gave the groove room to breathe.
The song’s success also translated visually, earning heavy rotation on MTV at a time when image and sound worked hand in hand. Yet despite its chart performance and exposure, “Rush Hour” never feels disposable. There’s a timeless quality to its melody and pacing that keeps it sounding fresh decades later—one of those tracks that instantly transports you back to neon lights, late nights, and the pulse of city life in 1988.
For fans of synth-driven pop, crossover dance hits, and artists who successfully carved out a solo identity, “Rush Hour” remains essential listening. It’s proof that Jane Wiedlin wasn’t just part of one of the most iconic pop bands of the ’80s—she also delivered a solo single that conquered both the charts and the dancefloor.
Still moving. Still glowing. Still impossible to ignore once it starts.
SIDE A:
Rush Hour (Extended Remix) 7:20
Rush Hour (7″ Version) 4:01
SIDE B:
Rush Hour (The Red Mix) 7:23
Rush Hour (Instrumental) 5:04
The End Of Love 3:12
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Dance Club Songs | #1 | 1988 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #9 | 1988 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI-Manhattan Records – V-56085
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Specialty Records Corp. Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Art Direction – Henry Marquez
- Co-producer, Engineer – David Jacob
- Composed By – Jane Wiedlin, Peter Rafelson (tracks: A1 to B2), Stephen Hague (tracks: B3)
- Design – Ph.D
- Edited By – Bradley D. Hinkle (tracks: A1, B1, B2), Les Massengale (tracks: A1, B1, B2)
- Engineer [Remix] – Paul Sabu (tracks: A1, B1, B2)
- Keyboards [Additional] – Mike Egizi (tracks: A1, B1, B2)
- Photography – Mike Owens
- Producer – Stephen Hague
- Producer [Additional], Remix – Rusty Garner (tracks: A1, B1, B2)
NOTES:
Produced for Blue Panda Ltd.
A1, B1 & B2 edited for Ultimix.
Album version can be heard on the LP, cassette & CD “Fur”
Printed in U.S.A
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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I’ve seen comments about the 7″ Version here being a rarity. I owned this 12″, cassette single, and currently have the USA promo CD and the “Fur” CD. As far as I can tell they are all the same version. Am I missing something?
This is a bit late of a comment but…… THANK YOU Dj Paul! What a first post of the year. My absolute favorite Jane Wiedlin track!
Such a great song from our lovely Go-Go. I don’t think I have ever heard all these mixes before. So catchy, and what a great beat. Its like candy for the ears.
The music video is a blast too.
Oh you send me… it’s such a rush just listening with you 🙂
“JP, you’re never late — you’re right on time! And what a thrill to kick off the year with your favorite Jane track. ‘Rush Hour’ really is ear‑candy perfection, and hearing these mixes again just reminds me how magical that era was. I love that some of these versions are new to you too — that’s the fun of digging through the vaults together. And yes, the video still puts a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sharing the rush with me — here’s to an amazing year of music ahead!”
Thank you, Paul. I am late is commenting on this, but my head almost exploded when I saw this post. I love all things Jane, Belinda and Go-Go’s. And this song is SO Jane. And it makes me so happy that it was a big hit. I do love the mixes, expecially the Extended Remix. SO good! Way to kill it the first week of 2026. Thank you so much and Happy New Year!
“Thank you so much! Never too late — I’m just glad this one found you. ‘Rush Hour’ really is Jane at her most radiant, and it makes me so happy to hear how much it still lights you up. That Extended Remix has such a wonderful lift to it, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled this helped kick off your 2026 on a high note. Wishing you a fantastic New Year filled with great music and good vibes!”
Late replying here but thanks so much, Paul! I haven’t heard this song since probably 1988! Very catchy! Thanks again and happy new year!!
“Happy New Year, Fred! Never too late — I’m just glad this one found its way back to you after all these years. It really is one of those irresistibly catchy tracks. Thanks for stopping by and enjoying the ride again!”
Hey Paul, first post of the year containing a rare 7 inch, good stuff, keep it up, wanna see more 7 inch stuff. 🙂 🙂
“Thanks, Mark! Always happy to slip a rare 7-inch into the mix. There’s something special about those single edits. I’ll definitely keep digging for more as the year rolls on!”
Please do, I’ll look forward to more. I know you love your extended mixes, and they were some real crackers back in the 80s. Admitfully I’m probably not the biggest fan of extended mixes on here, I know they are some much more dedicated and immersed 12 inch lovers, I just feel that about 85% of 12 inch singles are snooze fests, and the ones who seem to get the chemistry right are the artists and producers who can bring something different to the mix, rather then just streeeeeeeetching it out. I guess in the end, I was the prime candidate… Read more »
Happy New Year, Paul, and to everyone here!! I’ve missed this place! Jane Wiedlin was and still is, my very favorite Go-Go! Her song writing and that great voice of hers makes me so happy! What a terrific song and single this is! From the awesome production by Stephen Hague and Rusty Garner, to the editing skills of remix service Ultimix founders, Brad and Les, I can’t say enough about how wonderful this record is. I so agree with what Retro Hound had to say about today’s pop stars. They should really take a listen to how it should be… Read more »
“Happy New Year, Jeff! It’s great to have you back — you’ve been missed around here. Jane really did shine both with the Go-Go’s and on her own, and this single is such a perfect example of her talent. Hague and Garner brought out every bit of color in her voice, and Brad and Les took it even further with their razor‑sharp edits. It all comes together into one of those records that just feels right. I’m thrilled this was a worthy kickoff to 2026 for you!
First, welcome back Paul!! And Happy New Year everyone! Paul, this is such a great way to kick off the new year. Your write-up nailed it! This song is every bit as colorful as the video. Instantly catchy and transfers you back to 1988. It was Jane Wiedlin’s moment to shine on her own and boy did she ever – she nailed it with this one! Man alive, this is how you do a pop confection! (Take note “modern” pop stars). And with production from the great Stephen Hague to top it off. Thanks a million Paul!!
“Thank you so much, Retro Hound! What a joy to ring in the new year with a song that still bursts with color and charm. Jane really was in her element here — everything just clicked, from that irresistible melody to Stephen Hague’s immaculate production. I’m thrilled this one transported you right back to ’88. Here’s to many more rediscoveries together in 2026!”
I love this song so much, and it will be great to hear the mixes again!!! you summary is on point, there is something about the melody that is timeless. Just a fun, happy song. THANK YOU!!
“Thanks so much, Greg! This one really does have that ageless sparkle — the kind of melody that just lifts your whole mood. Always a joy to bring these mixes back out into the sunshine. Enjoy rediscovering them!”
Happy New Year everyone! Unfortunately, I’m in Venezuela and haven’t been able to write to wish you all the best for 2026 you deserve. So much has happened here; it feels like a Netflix series unfolding in episodes. Personally, I was traveling in the interior of the country, and getting home was quite an ordeal. But here we are, safe and sound, ready to continue sharing with you a 2026 full of great discoveries and good music, courtesy of our friend Paul from burningtheground.net. May this year be filled with high fidelity and the unique warmth that only a great… Read more »
“Rubén, it’s so good to hear from you, and I’m relieved to know you’re home safe. Life really does unfold in episodes sometimes, doesn’t it? Thank you for bringing your warmth and positivity into the new year despite everything happening around you. Here’s to a 2026 filled with great music, steady moments, and the comfort we all find in sharing these tracks together. A big hug right back to you.”
Yes, it’s true, Paul, life unfolds in episodes, sometimes sad and sometimes joyful, but the important thing is to get up and keep going, striving to be better each day. And music is always there to accompany you through each rebirth as a person, especially in these moments.
Thank you for your words.
Hi Rubén,
I’m also happy to hear that you are safe. We really do live in scary times. I feel better to know that you’re safe!
Happy New Year to you and your family!!
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff. Happy New Year to you and your family too. I hope 2026 is filled with blessings. Warm regards.
You’re awesome!!
Jeff
It was a joy to hear this track when it came on the radio back in 88. It still gives me goosebumps even now.
Timeless classic. Thanks Paul 🙂
I still have your rip transfer of her single Blue Kiss posted back in 2018.
“I love hearing that, Mark. There’s something magical about the way this one transports you right back to ’88. And wow—‘Blue Kiss’! That’s a deep pull. So glad you’ve been along for the ride all these years.”
Thank you for this, a great pop tune. We only had a four track 12″ in the UK, although the Red mix was on CD single, the players were too expensive for me so never bought the CDs
“Thanks, Stevo! The UK releases always had their own quirks, didn’t they? Those early CD singles were definitely a luxury back then. Glad I could finally share the mixes you missed the first time around.”
A fabulous timeless track!!
“Right? It still hits with the same sparkle it had back in ’88. These mixes really show how ahead of the curve Jane was. So glad you’re enjoying this one!”
and as I’ve stopped using Facebook, I’m VERY glad I can get updates by email.
Happy new year Paul!!
Thank you, thank you! Jane’s ’80s output was so good!
“Absolutely! She had such a strong run in the ’80s—so many clever, catchy tracks. Always a joy to bring these mixes back into the light.”