Introduction
“Heaven” by Bryan Adams is a power ballad that has become a staple of rock radio and a timeless anthem of love. Released in 1985 as the third single from his album “Reckless,” it soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Adams’ status as a global rock star. But the song’s journey to the top was a bit of a winding road.
The song was initially written for the soundtrack of the 1983 film “A Night in Heaven.” Adams and his longtime songwriting partner Jim Vallance drew inspiration from Journey’s hit song “Faithfully,” aiming to capture a similar emotional depth and soaring melody. Ironically, Adams had been touring as an opening act for Journey, further fueling the influence.
Despite its initial purpose, “Heaven” almost didn’t make it onto “Reckless.” Adams reportedly felt it didn’t quite fit the album’s overall vibe. However, he had a change of heart, and the song was included at the last minute. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius.
The song’s lyrics, simple yet powerful, speak of finding paradise in the arms of a loved one. The combination of Adams’ raspy vocals, the anthemic chorus, and the driving guitar riffs resonated with audiences worldwide. “Heaven” became a massive commercial success, not only reaching number one in the US but also achieving significant chart success in numerous other countries. It has since become one of Adams’ signature songs and a classic example of the 1980s power ballad.