What are the 5 Biggest U.S. Hits by Heart?

Heart proved a female-led rock band could thrive in the late ‘70s, one of the most competitive eras for new rock bands. Songs like “Magic Man” and “Barracuda” exuded grit and grace, and showed the Wilson sisters were razor-sharp songwriters as well as ace performers.

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But you won’t find any of those early hits on this list. As we dig into the five Heart songs that did the best on the U.S. charts, you’ll grasp the story of a band who adjusted to the times and enjoyed their greatest commercial success well after their first flush of stardom.

“Who Will You Run To” (No. 7 in 1987)

Long story short: Following a rough stretch in the early ‘80s, Heart made the decision to both turn to outside songwriters and embrace videos. By the time they reached this song, the second single from their 1987 album Bad Animals, they were pretty much chart mainstays, and each new single muscled its way into the Top 10 with little resistance. Diane Warren, known mostly for the ballads she’s written, could also deliver an uptempo number with some bite when asked, as she proves with “Who Will You Run To.”

“Never” (No. 4 in 1985)

Heart’s 1985 self-titled album was the turning-point record for them, as they tested their new strategy and watched it flourish better than probably even they could have imagined. To be fair, the Wilson sisters didn’t abandon writing at this point, but most of the singles are from outsides sources. “Never” is one hit from this era where they contributed to its writing (along with their longtime collaborator Sue Ennis). Holly Knight and Gene Bloch also earned credits on this bombastic power ballad, sung to the hilt by Ann Wilson.

“All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” (No. 2 in 1990)

Eventually, the Wilson sisters showed some remorse for their change in approach in the second half of the decade. You get the feeling this particular song might have been a bridge too far for them. Ann Wilson, in particular, has often expressed her displeasure for it. It was written by Mutt Lange all the way back in the late ‘70s, and was at some point intended for Don Henley to record. The twist at the end of this story song isn’t exactly one that’s all too surprising, and the music sort of sits listlessly in the background to keep out of the way of the creaky plot.

“These Dreams” (No. 1 in 1986)

It’s fascinating to look at the Heart catalog in the late ‘80s, because it’s like a who’s who of songwriters for hire. In the case of “These Dreams,” Bernie Taupin, known for all his hits with Elton John, wrote this with Martin Page. Page and Taupin also had a hand in “We Built This City” around this time, but that’s another story. This song is a bit more delicate and subtle, although it does surge into a potent chorus, as was typical of the Heart output of this era. It’s also notable in that Nancy Wilson gets her chance to strut as lead vocalist.

“Alone” (No. 1 in 1987)

Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly were the go-to guys for power ballads in the mid to late-‘80s. Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, and The Bangles were just a few of the artists who benefited greatly from the duo’s touch with the soft stuff. They gave Heart their second No. 1 hit with “Alone.” Ann Wilson’s singing is often defined by its power and bluster. On this track, however, she shows the ability to temper her approach. Her delicacy in the verses only makes the impact greater when she soars into the melodic peaks of the chorus.

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