What About Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "What About Love" by Heart, from their 1985 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its powerful chords and soaring vocals. This song marked a pivotal moment for Heart, as it was their first major hit after switching to Capitol Records, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly, "What About Love" was originally recorded by the Canadian band Toronto in 1982 but never released by them. Heart's version, with Ann Wilson’s commanding vocals and Nancy Wilson’s gritty guitar riffs, transformed it into a hard rock anthem. In a 2012 interview with Songfacts, fans noted that while Capitol pushed power ballads like this one to market Heart as a pop act, the band’s heavier album tracks, like "If Looks Could Kill" or "The Wolf," still got love from hard rock stations, showing their versatility. Posts on X also highlight the song’s release on May 1, 1985, as a cornerstone of Heart’s comeback era, proving their resilience in the shifting ‘80s music scene.

Another tidbit Zoo Freaks might dig is the debate around Heart’s image during this period. Some fans, like commenter Kenny from Dallas on Songfacts, argued Capitol’s choice to release polished singles like "What About Love" leaned too pop, overshadowing Heart’s raw, metal-edged roots. Yet, the song’s heavy guitar power chords kept it grounded in rock, bridging both worlds. Ann Wilson herself reflected in a 2012 autobiography, Kicking and Dreaming, that this era was about reinventing themselves while staying true to their sound, a balance that resonated with fans. On X, users recently celebrated the Heart album’s legacy, noting "What About Love" as one of four hit singles alongside "These Dreams," the band’s first number-one hit, underscoring its lasting impact.

Heart’s journey began in Seattle in 1973, evolving 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 powerhouse voice, and her sister Nancy Wilson hopped on board in 1974, adding rhythm guitar and vocals. The band’s early days were gritty, playing shows in Vancouver after Ann followed her then-partner Mike Fisher (Roger’s brother) to Canada. According to their Wikipedia bio, Heart’s initial lineup solidified with drummer Michael Derosier and guitarist/keyboardist Howard Leese, leading to their mid-’70s breakthrough with albums like Dreamboat Annie. Hits like "Magic Man" and "Crazy on You" blended hard rock with folk influences, earning them a loyal following. Despite lineup changes and a dip in popularity by the early ‘80s, Heart’s 1985 reinvention with the Heart album, including "What About Love," cemented their legacy, with over 50 million records sold worldwide.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Heart through their official channels: the band’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on dedicated spaces like the Heart Fan Club Facebook Group, where devotees share concert stories, rare photos, and love for the Wilson sisters’ enduring spirit. Another fan hub, Heartmongers, offers updates on tours and merchandise, keeping the community tight. Whether you’re a longtime freak or new to the zoo, Heart’s story and their anthem "What About Love" are a testament to rocking hard and staying true.