Only Your Heart

The Zoo Crew, the eclectic hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the track "Only Your Heart" by Paul Laine from his debut album Stick It In Your Ear for their devoted Zoo Freaks. Released in 1990 on Elektra Records, this song is one of four bonus tracks included in the 1995 and 2011 reissues of the album, as noted on Discogs. While specific interviews or social media posts about "Only Your Heart" are scarce, the track is a melodic rock gem that showcases Laine’s versatile vocal range, shifting from angelic AOR tones to rougher, Coverdale-esque grit, as described in an Amazon review. Its inclusion as a bonus track highlights its appeal to fans craving more of Laine’s signature blend of catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, perfectly suiting the Zoo Crew’s retro vibe.

The album Stick It In Your Ear, produced by the legendary Bruce Fairbairn, marked a significant milestone for Laine, and "Only Your Heart" complements its anthemic, fist-pumping energy. In a Classic Rock interview, Laine reflected on the album’s creation, noting how Fairbairn’s mentorship taught him patience and a relentless drive to perfect hooks and arrangements. Although Laine expressed a desire to redo the vocals for the entire album, including tracks like "Only Your Heart," he acknowledged that the raw, youthful energy captured in the recordings reflects his abilities at age 23. Fans on Facebook have praised the album’s reissue for bringing tracks like "Only Your Heart" to new listeners, with its soaring melodies resonating with the Zoo Freaks’ love for classic rock nostalgia.

Paul Laine, born in Vancouver, Canada, embarked on his musical journey at a young age, driven by a pivotal moment in the early 1980s. As he shared in a Classic Rock interview, seeing Seattle metal band Rail open for The Beach Boys at a Vancouver music festival sparked his passion for music. That experience, coupled with his first time smoking pot and seeing a naked girl, led him to buy a guitar the next day and commit to a music career. Leaving home at 13, Laine was playing in bars before he was 18, honing his craft in Vancouver’s vibrant music scene. A four-song demo, recorded for just $1,600, caught the attention of Bryan Adams’ manager Bruce Allen, securing a deal with Elektra Records and studio time with Fairbairn, as noted on Last.fm.

Laine’s debut album, Stick It In Your Ear, was a hard rock masterpiece, drawing comparisons to Bon Jovi but with a youthful exuberance that set it apart. His collaboration with top Vancouver musicians like Kenny Kaos and Pat Steward, as mentioned in a Rock’n’Reviews article, helped craft the album’s massive sound. Laine’s career continued to evolve, including an 11-year stint as the singer for Danger Danger, fronting bands like Shugaazer and Darkhorse, and joining The Defiants and Jet Set Junkies, as detailed on Wikipedia. His 2024 induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as Trooper’s lead singer underscores his lasting impact, making him a fitting choice for the Zoo Crew’s airwaves.

Zoo Freaks can follow Paul Laine on his official website, paullaine.com, for updates on tours and releases. His Facebook page, with over 7,000 followers, offers fan engagement and news, while Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes glimpses of his performances. On X, Laine shares quick updates and interacts with fans. While no dedicated fan websites or specific Facebook groups for Laine were found, the AOR Heaven Facebook Group frequently discusses melodic rock artists like Laine, providing a space for Zoo Freaks to connect over his music and the enduring appeal of tracks like "Only Your Heart."