Barracuda

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Barracuda" by Heart from their 1977 album Little Queen, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This hard-hitting song was born out of fury and frustration. Ann Wilson, Heart’s lead vocalist, penned the lyrics after a disturbing encounter with a Detroit radio promoter who implied an incestuous relationship between her and her sister, Nancy Wilson, referencing a sleazy ad by their former label, Mushroom Records. The ad, which mimicked a tabloid headline, suggested the sisters were lovers, sparking outrage. Ann channeled her anger into "Barracuda," with Nancy contributing the song’s unforgettable galloping riff, inspired by Nazareth’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s "This Flight Tonight." The track became a middle finger to the music industry’s sexism and exploitation, with lyrics like “You lying so low in the weeds” calling out predatory figures. Genius Lyrics notes the song’s raw energy made it Heart’s signature hit, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a spot as VH1’s 34th-best hard rock song in 2009.

Behind the scenes, "Barracuda" emerged during a tumultuous time. Heart was embroiled in a legal battle with Mushroom Records, who tried to block Little Queen’s release and even put out an unfinished version of Heart’s intended album, Magazine. Producer Mike Flicker revealed in a 1999 interview that the band scrapped their initial recordings to start fresh with Little Queen, making "Barracuda" a defiant statement of resilience. Fans on X have shared stories about the song’s impact, with one user, @collectdust, noting in 2024 that Heart wrote it to confront their label’s manipulative rumors. The song’s legacy extends beyond music—its riff has been featured in Charlie’s Angels (2000) and video games like Guitar Hero III, cementing its cultural footprint.

Not everyone embraced "Barracuda" in the spirit it was intended. In 2008, Sarah Palin’s campaign used the song, tying it to her high school basketball nickname, “Sarah Barracuda.” The Wilson sisters were livid, with Nancy stating to MTV, “Sarah Palin’s views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women.” Despite their objections, the campaign had secured legal rights through ASCAP, leaving Heart powerless to stop it. This irony wasn’t lost on fans, as the song’s anti-exploitation message clashed with its political use. On a lighter note, a fan named John shared on Songfacts a nostalgic memory of cruising in a friend’s Plymouth Barracuda muscle car in 1976, linking the song to the era’s automotive culture.

Heart began in Seattle in the late 1960s as The Army, evolving through names like Hocus Pocus and White Heart before settling on Heart in 1973. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, the band’s core, brought a unique blend of folk, rock, and Led Zeppelin-inspired grit. Ann’s powerful vocals and Nancy’s virtuosic guitar work set them apart in a male-dominated industry. Their 1975 debut, Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like “Crazy on You,” catapulted them to fame, selling over a million copies. Despite early success, Heart faced challenges, including the sexist marketing tactics that fueled "Barracuda." Their perseverance paid off, with Little Queen going triple platinum and solidifying their legacy. Today, Heart continues to tour and inspire, with Ann and Nancy as enduring icons of rock.

Stay connected with Heart through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on tours and music. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Heart’s Official Fan Club or join discussions in the Heart Fan Club Facebook Group. For Zoo Freaks craving more, check out the Heart Mongers Fan Club, a dedicated community celebrating the band’s legacy. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let "Barracuda" fuel your inner rebel!