Alone MP3 by Heart is one of the band’s most iconic songs, released in May 1987 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, Bad Animals. Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, the song quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1987 and staying there for three weeks. It also topped the charts in Canada and was a Top 5 hit in the UK.
Initially, “Alone” was recorded by the duo i-Ten in 1983, but it was Heart’s powerful rendition that turned it into a worldwide sensation. The band, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, added their signature rock style to the song, which elevated its emotional intensity. With Ann’s powerful vocals, the song’s theme of longing and loneliness struck a chord with many listeners.
The music video for “Alone” is as memorable as the song itself. Directed by Marty Callner, the video features a dramatic, Gothic-inspired setting. It opens with Ann Wilson standing on a balcony, dressed in black, singing to her sister Nancy, who is below. The video then shifts between scenes of the sisters performing on stage and a series of haunting, dream-like visuals, including a collapsing piano and a black horse. The imagery perfectly complements the song’s themes of isolation and desire, adding to its overall impact.
Some of the song’s most quotable lyrics include:
“Till now, I always got by on my own / I never really cared until I met you / And now it chills me to the bone / How do I get you alone?”
These lines encapsulate the essence of the song, highlighting the intense feelings of love and vulnerability that define “Alone.”
Heart’s version of Alone MP3 remains a staple of 80s rock ballads, showcasing the band’s ability to transform a song and make it their own. The track’s success helped propel Bad Animals to triple-platinum status, further cementing Heart’s place in rock history. Over the years, the song has been covered by several artists, including Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood, but Heart’s version remains the definitive rendition.
