The mid-1980s were a slightly surreal time in the history of Heart. The 1970s group led by the Wilson sisters (Ann on vocals, Nancy on guitar) had forged a solid career from rock gems that are still revered today. They encompassed everything from the aggressive grooves of “Barracuda” to the dreamy folk rock of “Dreamboat Annie”—they had great breadth to their catalog. But as the ‘80s emerged and styles began to change, the group’s commercial fortunes waned, with Private Audition and Passionworks breaking their Gold and Platinum albums streak.
After ending a five-album run with Epic Records, Heart signed with Capitol Records and began working with producer Ron Nevison. A new game plan was instituted—outside songwriters would be brought in for some tracks, and the group would receive a sexy glam makeover that fit the mid-1980s. It was a big shift from the more organic look and sound the group had built their name on.
The Wilson sisters initially agreed to the changes assuming they would only be temporary, but they didn’t realize this would be the edict for the next three albums to be released over the subsequent five years. But the certified sales of Heart, Bad Animals, and Brigade equaled their previous eight releases combined, and they finally scored two No. 1 singles along with four more Top-10s, more than they ever had before. The boost came with an artistic compromise, but it rejuvenated their career. And they do still play some of the songs from this period today.
Many old-school Heart fans might understandably dislike this more pop-metal and glossy ballad-driven incarnation of the band, but the Wilsons still managed to get some harder-rocking tracks in there, as included in the following list. A few of the poppier tunes of the time like “There’s the Girl” were good, but these selections capture more of Heart’s rock energy, as influenced by the ‘80s zeitgeist.
“If Looks Could Kill” from Heart (1985)
The only track on this list not co-written by the Wilson sisters and their bandmates, this is very much a mid-’80s love-scorned rocker elevated by the ferocious vocal performance from Ann Wilson. The hooky choruses meshed the guitar and keyboard chords in a big way, and the propulsive energy does not let up the whole time. This is a great example of how matching the right band with the right song (and the best running time) makes all the difference.
“The Wolf” from Heart (1985)
This snarling, mid-tempo rocker features another fierce vocal track and gritty riffs that make it one of the hardest-hitting Heart songs from the 1985-1991 period. It’s certainly more raw-sounding, which fits the bill for this tale of a woman steering clear from a social and likely sexual predator. A nice touch in the chorus: The title of the tune is sung with a melodic howl. “The Wolf” made for a nice rebuttal to the music of the time that aggressively emphasized male sexuality.
“Shell Shock” from Heart (1985)
Similar in spirit to “The Wolf,” this hard-rocking album closer flips the script with Wilson singing about a confident woman who can’t resist the charms of a new romantic partner. Again, this is one of those tracks that lesser bands wouldn’t be able to pull off so well, but Heart’s energy and her attitude kick it up a notch.
“Bad Animals” from Bad Animals (1987)
This is the lone track on Bad Animals that is harder-hitting, although there are some poppy synths injected into the moody mix. It’s an atmospheric slow burn amped up by guitar swagger and Ann Wilson’s powerful pipes, although she overwhelms the chorus with the high notes. It’s an off-kilter balance that perhaps tries too hard to fit the times, but the tune still qualifies for this list.
“The Night” from Brigade (1990)
Co-written with Sammy Hagar, “The Night” trades off bluesy acoustic-guitar strumming with bombastic, almost metallic passages, and they eventually merge together. It’s a good exercise in contrast with the acoustic parts recalling the Heart of the ’70s. The production gets a bit over-the-top, but it proved the group could get as heavy as the young guns nipping at their heels.
“Cruel Tears” from Brigade (Bonus Track, 1990)
The Brigade album features the Diane Warren power ballad “Cruel Nights,” but the band’s own “Cruel Tears” was relegated to a Japanese bonus disc. (Bonus tracks often ended up that way as CDs were more expensive over there.) Whereas the Warren track expresses romantic heartache, the Heart tune is about cutting through the deception of a manipulative lover: Those all cruel tears, to cry now / After all you’re the one who is saying goodbye / Cruel tears to cry now / Don’t come many closer, I don’t wanna look in your eyes. Like “The Night,” this engaging track was definitely dialed into the booming hard rock sounds of the time.
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