“Alone” is one of Heart’s most iconic songs, released in 1987 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, Bad Animals. Originally written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly and recorded by their project i-Ten in 1983, “Alone” gained widespread popularity when Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart made it their own. With Ann’s powerful vocals and Nancy’s instrumental backing, the song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking a pinnacle in Heart’s career as one of the leading rock acts of the 1980s.
“Alone” was initially written and recorded by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly for their band, i-Ten, on their 1983 album Taking a Cold Look. The song received little attention in its original release, but when Heart decided to cover it, they reinterpreted it with a rock ballad approach, enhancing its emotional depth. Producer Ron Nevison helped craft a lush, polished production that highlighted Ann Wilson’s vocal performance and gave the song a powerful, anthemic quality. The song was included on Heart’s Bad Animals album, marking a period of reinvention for the band as they embraced a more polished, radio-friendly sound that leaned heavily into power ballads and arena rock.
The lyrics of “Alone” express the yearning, vulnerability, and heartbreak of unrequited love. The narrator longs for a chance to confess their feelings to someone, despite their loneliness and emotional struggle. Lines like “Till now, I always got by on my own / I never really cared until I met you” capture the intensity of falling in love with someone who remains just out of reach. “Alone” is a power ballad with a combination of hard rock and pop rock elements, characterized by a dramatic piano intro, dynamic guitar riffs, and an intense buildup leading into the chorus. Ann Wilson’s vocals are the centerpiece, showcasing her powerful range, particularly in the song’s climactic moments. Her vocal delivery captures the song’s vulnerability and desperation, turning it into a truly emotive performance.
“Alone” was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., where it held the top spot for three weeks in July 1987, and on RPM Canada Top Singles chart. It became Heart’s U.S. second No. 1 hit (after “These Dreams” in 1986) and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Internationally, “Alone” also performed well, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK, and Australia. The song’s success helped solidify Heart’s place as one of the premier rock bands of the 1980s, showcasing their ability to deliver both hard rock and emotive ballads.