Introduction
The Power of a Ballad: Heart’s Rise to Number One with “Alone”
While the rock anthem “Barracuda” and the ethereal “These Dreams” are undeniable Heart classics, “Alone” holds a special place in their discography. It wasn’t originally a Heart song, though. Songwriting duo Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly first breathed life into “Alone” in 1983 for their band i-Ten. The track didn’t gain widespread recognition, but that changed a year later when it appeared on the soundtrack of the sitcom “Dreams,” sung by actors Valerie Stevenson and John Stamos.
Fast forward to 1987. Heart, already established as a force in rock with hits like “Crazy on You” and “What Are You Waiting For,” was gearing up for their ninth studio album, “Bad Animals.” They decided to cover “Alone,” transforming it from a pop tune into a soaring power ballad. Ann Wilson’s iconic vocals take center stage, starting with a tender vulnerability on the piano-led verses before exploding into a powerful, synth-driven chorus that perfectly captures the yearning of the lyrics.
“Alone” became Heart’s second chart-topping single in the US, following “These Dreams” just a year prior. It spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number two on the year-end Top Pop Singles chart for 1987. This success cemented Heart’s status as a band that could not only rock but also deliver emotionally resonant ballads that resonated with a wide audience.
“Alone” transcended its origins as a pop song, becoming a Heart signature piece. Its enduring legacy is evident in the numerous covers by artists like Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood, solidifying its place as a modern pop standard. So crank up the volume and get ready to be swept away by the raw emotion and powerful vocals of Heart’s unforgettable “Alone.”