“Tell It to My Heart” is the debut single by American singer Taylor Dayne, released in July 1987 with the instrumental version on the B-side. The song became a major hit and launched Dayne’s career, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and making the top 10 in numerous countries worldwide. Written by Seth Swirsky and Ernie Gold, the song is characterized by its high-energy dance-pop style and powerful vocal performance, establishing Dayne as one of the standout voices of the late 1980s.
Before the release of “Tell It to My Heart,” Taylor Dayne was performing in bands and working on a solo career under her real name, Leslie Wunderman. She adopted the stage name Taylor Dayne and recorded the demo for “Tell It to My Heart,” which caught the attention of producer Ric Wake. Wake helped her secure a record deal with Arista Records, and the song was released as her debut single in 1987. Originally, “Tell It to My Heart” was not intended to be the title of Dayne’s debut album, but after the song’s success, the album was named after the single.
The lyrics of “Tell It to My Heart” revolve around themes of passion, desire, and the intensity of love. The narrator expresses a longing for emotional honesty and a need for reassurance in a romantic relationship. “Tell It to My Heart” is an upbeat dance-pop song with strong elements of freestyle and Hi-NRG, which were popular dance music styles in the late 1980s. The song features a driving synth beat, catchy melodies, and rhythmic drum machine patterns, giving it a high-energy feel suitable for dance floors. Taylor Dayne’s powerful and soulful vocal delivery is a standout feature of the song. Her ability to hit high notes and deliver the lyrics with intensity and emotion contributed to the song’s impact and helped differentiate it from other dance-pop tracks of the era.
“Tell It to My Heart” was a major commercial success for Taylor Dayne. In the U.S., the song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also became a hit on the dance charts. Internationally, the song performed exceptionally well, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries, including the UK (where it peaked at No. 3), Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia. The song’s success helped propel Dayne’s debut album, also titled Tell It to My Heart, which went on to achieve multi-platinum status in the U.S. and sold over a million copies worldwide.
“Tell It to My Heart” remains one of Taylor Dayne’s most iconic and enduring songs. It is often included in 1980s music compilations and playlists and continues to be a popular track at retro-themed parties and events. The song’s high-energy beat and passionate vocals have made it a dance floor favorite for decades.