From the mid-1980s into the early 1990s, Heart reinvigorated their career with a series of hit singles and albums. This period saw the band start recording material penned by outside songwriters alongside originals co-written by the group’s sibling leaders, Ann and Nancy Wilson.
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On this day (July 11) in 1987, Heart scored their second and, to date, final No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the soaring power ballad “Alone.” The song was featured on the band’s ninth studio album, Bad Animals, which had been released that May. The tune was yet another showcase for Ann Wilson’s soaring, powerful voice.
[RELATED: Heart’s Ann Wilson Announces Cancer Diagnosis and Operation, Sister Nancy Shares Message]
“Alone” was co-written by the hit-making songwriting team of Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. The duo also had composed such other smashes as Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” and “I Drove All Night,” Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” and Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional.”
“Alone” knocked Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” from the top of the Hot 100. It spent three weeks at No. 1 before being replaced by Bob Seger’s “Shakedown.”
“Alone” also topped the Canadian singles chart and was a No. 3 hit in the U.K. It became the band’s first Top-40 hit in the latter country.
The song was the first of three hit singles on the Hot 100 released from Bad Animals. It was followed by “Who Will You Run To” and “There’s the Girl,” which peaked at No. 7 and No. 12, respectively.
“Alone” also was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group category in 1988.
About Heart’s First No. 1 Hit
Heart scored their first Hot 100 chart-topper single with “These Dreams,” a song from the band’s self-titled 1985 studio album. Rather than frontwoman Ann Wilson, “These Dreams” featured guitarist Nancy Wilson on lead vocals. The tune spent one week at No. 1 in march of 1986.
“These Dreams” was co-written by longtime Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin and Martin Page. Taupin and Page also co-write the Starship smash “We Built This City.”
Celine Dion’s Version of “Alone”
Celine Dion recorded a version of “Alone” that appeared on her 2007 album Taking Chances. Dion’s rendition was a minor chart hit in Canada and the U.K.
The Latest on Heart
In early July, Ann Wilson shared the upsetting news that she’s been diagnosed with cancer, and is now undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy. Ann’s health issues have forced Heart to postpone the remainder of their 2024 Royal Flush Tour.
In a message posted on her social media pages, Ann said, “I absolutely plan to be back on stage in 2025.
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