“These Dreams” is a 1986 hit song by the American rock band Heart and was the third single from their self-titled album, Heart (1985). Written by Bernie Taupin (famous for his work with Elton John) and Martin Page, the song marked a departure from Heart’s harder rock sound, showcasing a softer, dreamier style. “These Dreams” became Heart’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., and its success helped rejuvenate the band’s career in the mid-1980s.
“These Dreams” was originally offered to Stevie Nicks, who turned it down, and then given to Heart. By the time they received it, Heart had already enjoyed success with hard rock hits, but they were looking for a new sound as they transitioned into a more radio-friendly era. Nancy Wilson, typically the guitarist and backing vocalist, took on lead vocals for this track, making it the first Heart single to feature her as the lead singer instead of her sister Ann Wilson. The song was released in January 1986 as the third single from the Heart album and marked a new, pop-influenced direction for the band.
“These Dreams” presents a dreamy, surrealistic view of love and escapism, painting a vivid picture of someone retreating into a fantasy world. Lyrics like “Every second of the night, I live another life” express a sense of yearning for an escape from reality, where dreams serve as a refuge from pain and a way to experience an idealized world. Musically, “These Dreams” is a soft rock and pop ballad that incorporates a blend of synthesizers, guitar, and light percussion to create a gentle, ethereal atmosphere. The song’s production, handled by Ron Nevison, leans heavily into 1980s synth-pop elements, which complemented Heart’s new sound.
Nancy’s delicate and breathy vocal performance gave the song a unique feel within Heart’s discography. The verses are softly sung, and the chorus rises to a dreamy, anthemic melody, enhancing the song’s sense of otherworldly beauty. The guitar solo, though subtle, adds a touch of Heart’s rock roots to the otherwise pop-oriented production.
“These Dreams” was a commercial triumph for Heart, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986, making it the band’s first-ever No. 1 single in the U.S. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in Canada and charting in several other countries. Its success, along with other hits from Heart, helped push the album to platinum status and solidified Heart’s comeback as one of the leading rock bands of the 1980s. The song was a notable shift in style for the band, opening the door for more ballads and softer hits in their future releases.