Alone

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Alone" by Heart from their 1987 album Bad Animals! This power ballad, composed by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, wasn’t originally a Heart creation—it was first recorded by the duo i-Ten in 1983 for their album Taking a Cold Look. Fun fact: before Heart made it a chart-topping hit, it was covered by actors Valerie Stevenson and John Stamos for the CBS sitcom Dreams in 1984, where they played characters Lisa Copley and Gino Minelli. Heart’s version, though, is the one that soared, hitting number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in July 1987 and ranking number two on the Billboard Year-End Top Pop Singles that year. The song’s emotional punch comes from Ann Wilson’s five-octave vocal range, with co-writer Tom Kelly adding those soaring high harmony parts. An extended 5:30 version even made it onto a Japanese 3" mini-CD for their single "There’s the Girl," and an unplugged take later appeared on Heart’s 1995 album The Road Home.

Dig this wild tidbit from Ann and Nancy Wilson’s autobiography, Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock and Roll: recording "Alone" wasn’t all smooth sailing. Producer Ron Nevison’s dictatorial style clashed with the band, leading Ann and Nancy to jokingly sing his name to the tune of "Bad Medicine" during sessions. The sisters also became co-owners of a Seattle recording studio named Bad Animals after this album in 1991, where legends like Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam later laid down tracks. Fans on X have shared their love for the song, with posts like one from @OldSchool80s on May 16, 2023, celebrating its release and linking to an interview with co-writer Billy Steinberg. The music video, remastered in HD and posted on YouTube in 2010, captures the band’s 80s hair-metal glory, with Nancy Wilson’s iconic look stealing the spotlight.

Now, let’s rewind to how Heart got their start. Formed in Seattle in 1973, the band evolved from earlier projects like The Army (1967–1969), Hocus Pocus (1969–1970), and White Heart (1970–1973), led by founding members Roger Fisher (guitar) and Steve Fossen (bass). By 1975, the lineup solidified with Ann Wilson on lead vocals and flute, Nancy Wilson on rhythm guitar and vocals, Michael Derosier on drums, and Howard Leese on guitar and keyboards. This crew powered Heart’s mid-to-late 70s success, blending hard rock, heavy metal, and folk influences. Their breakthrough came with hits like "Magic Man" (1975) and "Barracuda" (1977), driven by Ann’s powerhouse vocals and Nancy’s gritty guitar riffs. The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and a raw, organic sound, though lineup changes in the late 70s and early 80s shifted their style toward glossier arena rock by the time Bad Animals dropped. Heart’s resilience kept them rocking, with over 50 million records sold worldwide and a 2013 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Stay connected with Heart’s legacy, Zoo Crew! Check out their official website at heart-music.com for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can dive deeper with communities like the Heart Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Ann and Nancy’s epic tunes. There’s also a tribute band, Bad Animals – The Best Heart Tribute Band, keeping the spirit alive with live shows. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep rocking to "Alone"!