Blast those opening riffs of “Barracuda” or belt out the soaring chorus of “Never” – Heart’s legacy in rock and roll is undeniable. Their arena-filling anthems have soundtracked countless lives, becoming staples of classic rock radio.
But Heart’s rich discography holds treasures beyond the chart-topping hits. Formed in the early 70s by the Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, Heart carved a path that blended hard rock with soaring vocals and introspective lyrics.
Their sound evolved over the years, but their core strength – powerful music that resonated with fans – remained constant. This list digs into five under-appreciated gems, hidden tracks with all the power and emotion that make Heart such a beloved band.
1. “Even It Up” (Bébé le Strange, 1980)
Heart’s 1980 album, Bébé le Strange, isn’t just known for its title track. “Even It Up” is another gem from that era that deserves a spotlight. This song kicks in with both soaring guitars and a horn section, showcasing Heart’s willingness to experiment with sounds beyond traditional rock instrumentation.
While “Even It Up” didn’t crack the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #33 in 1980, it’s a driving rock anthem that exemplifies the power and innovation of the Wilson sisters.
2. “Bébé le Strange” (Bébé le Strange, 1980)
“Bébé le Strange”, the title track from Heart’s 1980 album, is a powerful song that flies under the radar compared to their bigger hits. With its driving guitars and Ann Wilson’s soaring vocals, it bears a clear influence from Led Zeppelin, particularly Robert Plant’s singing style. Some might call it derivative, but we see it as a strong homage with a unique Heart twist.
The song’s commercial performance was less than stellar, failing to crack the Billboard Hot 100. It only managed to reach #9 on the Bubbling Under chart, a list for songs just outside the main chart. Despite its lack of chart success, “Bebe Le Strange” remains a powerful and enjoyable example of Heart’s hard rock prowess.
3. “Straight On” (Dog & Butterfly, 1978)
Heart’s 1978 album, Dog & Butterfly, marked a period of experimentation for the band. They ventured beyond their rock roots, exploring new sounds and genres. “Straight On,” the album’s lead single, is a prime example of this artistic exploration. The song blends a funky bassline with the signature Wilson sisters’ energy, resulting in a unique disco-tinged rock anthem.
While “Straight On” defies easy categorization, it undeniably grooves. The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody resonated with listeners, propelling it to #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it didn’t quite reach the top spot, it’s still a powerful of Heart’s ability to push boundaries and create truly original music.
2. “Kick It Out” (Little Queen, 1977)
“Kick It Out”, a hidden gem from Heart’s 1977 album Little Queen, showcases their under-appreciated Southern rock side. The song seamlessly blends a country-tinged piano with driving rock guitar riffs, creating a powerful and anthemic sound. It’s a testament to Heart’s versatility, demonstrating their ability to rock out just as convincingly as their more well-known hard rock anthems.
While not a chart-topping hit, “Kick It Out” is a short, fast-paced rocker with undeniable energy. Despite peaking at #79 on the Billboard Hot 100, it remains a favorite among dedicated Heart fans. The song’s electrifying performance proves that some of Heart’s greatest moments lie beyond the mainstream.
1. “Never” (Heart, 1985)
Heart’s self-titled album of 1985, released during the peak of the “big hair” era, remains a divisive chapter in their career. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the power of “Never”, a hidden gem nestled within this iconic record.
This 1985 single, co-written by the Wilson sister alongside Holly Knight and Gene Bloch, is a rock song with a message of resilience in love. The uplifting lyrics encourage someone facing discouragement to keep fighting for their love. “Never” followed the success of “What About Love” and enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV.