Taylor Dayne – Tell It To My Heart: A Breakout Moment in 1987
Co-written by Seth Swirsky and Ernie Gold, and released in 1987 as the lead single from Taylor Dayne’s debut album Tell It to My Heart, this fiery track propelled her into pop stardom. The song’s urgent beat and Dayne’s commanding vocals made an instant impression, helping the album become a double-platinum sensation. With its blend of freestyle, house, and pop, Tell It to My Heart defined a moment in late ’80s dance music and launched Dayne’s powerhouse career.
From Felony to Les Lee: The Early Days
Before “Tell It to My Heart” rocketed her to pop stardom, Taylor Dayne was navigating New York’s music scene as Leslie Wunderman. She fronted little-known rock bands like Felony and Next, sharpening her voice and stage presence along the way. Eventually, she went solo under the name Les Lee, releasing two dance singles—“I’m the One You Want” (1985) and “Tell Me Can You Love Me” (1986)—through the indie label Mega Bolt Records. While the tracks didn’t make major waves, they captured her vocal potential and opened doors. Then came the song that changed everything: after recording a demo of “Tell It to My Heart,” she used a $6,000 loan from her father to produce it properly. That bold move paid off when producer Ric Wake heard the track and helped her land a deal with Arista Records. She reintroduced herself as Taylor Dayne, and the rest was chart history.
The Sound and the Sentiment
Lyrically, “Tell It to My Heart” is a plea for emotional clarity in a relationship. The narrator wants to know if the love she feels is real or just a game. Musically, it’s pure late-’80s dancefloor magic: pulsing drum machines, shimmering synths, and a hook that’s impossible to forget. Dayne’s vocal delivery is fierce and soulful, with a rawness that made listeners feel every word. Critics noted that her voice had such depth and grit, many assumed she was a Black artist when they first heard the track.
Chart Domination and Cultural Impact
“Tell It to My Heart” was a global smash, reaching No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 3 in the UK, and topping charts in several European countries. In Germany, the song hit No. 1, spending 19 weeks on the charts. It also earned Gold certification there for over 250,000 copies sold. In 1995, the track was remixed and re-released to promote Dayne’s Greatest Hits package, and this version climbed to No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart, proving its enduring appeal nearly a decade after its debut.
Legacy That Still Echoes
Decades later, “Tell It to My Heart” remains a staple of ’80s nostalgia. It’s been remixed, covered, and featured in countless compilations. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked it among the 200 best songs of the 1980s, calling it “a permanent disco floor-filler”. Whether it’s blasting at a retro party or popping up in a playlist, the song still delivers the same rush it did in ’87.