“Heart” is a vibrant and romantic synth-pop song by the British duo Pet Shop Boys, released in March 1988 with “I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)” on the B-side as the fourth and final single from their second studio album, Actually. Written and produced by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, the track became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, making it their fourth and final chart-topping single in the UK.
The song stands out for its danceable beat, catchy melody, and tender lyrics, embodying the duo’s ability to craft infectious pop music with emotional depth. Originally titled “Heartbeat,” the track is a playful yet heartfelt exploration of love and desire, with a polished production that reflects the era’s electronic music trends. The origins of “Heart” date back to the early 1980s, with Tennant and Lowe initially envisioning it as a potential track for Madonna. The song was shelved until the sessions for Actually, where it was reworked and recorded by the duo. Its theme of overwhelming love and infatuation is presented through a sleek electronic arrangement, blending the Pet Shop Boys’ signature sound with a disco influence.
“Heart” was a major commercial success, becoming the Pet Shop Boys’ fourth UK No. 1 single, where it stayed at the top for three weeks in April 1988. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top of Eurochart Hot 100 Singles chart, and the singles charts in Germany, New Zealand and other countries. While it didn’t chart as highly in the United States, it remains a beloved track among fans and a staple of 1980s synth-pop.
The music video for “Heart,” directed by Jack Bond, features a Gothic, vampire-inspired storyline, based on the 1922 film Nosferatu. Neil Tennant plays a groom whose wedding with his bride (played by model Danijela Čolić Prižmić) is disrupted by a vampire, portrayed by legendary actor Ian McKellen, who becomes infatuated with the bride.