These Dreams

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some cosmic trivia about "These Dreams" by Heart, spinning on THE ZOO’s turntables! This dreamy track from the 1985 self-titled album Heart was the band’s first-ever number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, soaring to the top on March 22, 1986. Unlike Heart’s usual rock anthems led by Ann Wilson’s powerhouse vocals, this power ballad features Nancy Wilson taking the lead, a first for the band. In a Songfacts interview, songwriter Martin Page revealed he initially wrote the song with a different title, but felt the bridge—containing the iconic “these dreams” lyric—was the true chorus, reshaping the song into the ethereal hymn we know today. Interestingly, the song was first offered to Stevie Nicks, who passed, and then to Kim Carnes, who declined due to the vocal range. Heart’s producer Ron Nevison loved Nancy’s raspy vocals, recorded while she had a cold, and even asked her to recreate that gritty texture later, joking, “Can’t you just get sick again?”

Another layer of heart and soul in “These Dreams” comes from its dedication to Sharon Hess, a close friend of Nancy Wilson’s who passed away from leukemia shortly before the song’s release. According to Sharon’s sister, Shannon Hess-Terlop, in a Songfacts interview, Sharon was a devoted Heart fan who gifted Nancy a custom blue acoustic guitar, making the tribute deeply personal. The song’s music video, directed by Jeff Stein, leaned into its dreamy vibe with surreal imagery and heavy MTV rotation, cementing its status as a 1986 staple. Fans on social media, like a 2017 post from @officialheart, celebrate the song’s milestone, noting its historic chart-topping moment. For Zoo Freaks, the lyrics about a fantasy world entered in sleep resonate as a perfect escape, mirroring the free-spirited ethos of THE ZOO’s airwaves.

Now, let’s rewind to how Heart kicked off their rock ‘n’ roll journey. Formed in Seattle in 1973, the band evolved from earlier projects like The Army and White Heart, led by founding members Roger Fisher (guitar) and Steve Fossen (bass). Ann Wilson joined as lead vocalist, bringing her electrifying voice, followed by her sister Nancy Wilson on rhythm guitar and vocals, creating a groundbreaking female-fronted rock band. Their early sound blended hard rock, heavy metal, and folk, defying the male-dominated rock scene of the time. Heart’s big break came with their 1975 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.” Despite facing challenges, like a controversial 1977 Mushroom Records ad that implied the Wilson sisters were romantically involved, Heart fought back, switching labels and scoring hits through the late ‘70s. Their move to Capitol Records in 1985, with the polished sound of the Heart album, marked a glam-metal makeover that launched “These Dreams” and other chart-toppers, cementing their legacy.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Heart through their official channels and fan communities. Check out their official website for tour dates and merch, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, like their 2025 tour pre-sale with the code “DREAMS.” Fans can also join vibrant communities like the Heartmongers Official Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for diehard supporters sharing memories and news. For more fan-driven content, visit Heartfangram, a fan site packed with photos, videos, and band history. So, Zoo Crew, keep spinning those records and let “These Dreams” carry you to that misty, magical place!