My 10 Favorite Heart Songs, Ranked

Fronted by vocal powerhouse Ann Wilson and her guitar-slaying sister Nancy Wilson, Heart is one of the most epic U.S. rock bands of all time, with music that spans multiple generations — and has inspired multiple tribute acts. 

In honor of rockmommy Nancy’s March birthday, here are my top ten favorite Heart songs.

#10 “What About Love?” (Heart, 1985)

From the moment Ann Wilson belts out, “I’ve been lonely, I’ve been waitin’ for you” my heart swells. One of the most epic songs from the band’s 1980s revival is one of the most defining ballads I’ve heard. 

#9: “I Didn’t Want To Need You” (Brigade, 1990)

This spirited song, the second single from Heart’s 1990 album Brigade, showcases the Wilson sisters’ feisty vocal harmonies and staying power. 

#8: “Never” (Heart, 1985)

This upbeat, quintessential ‘80s pop-rock track was one of the band’s biggest top-ten hits, which is not surprising: It’s got the vocals, the meaty hooks, the soaring choruses. Fun fact: On the UK singles chart, it was a Top 10 hit in 1988 as part of a double A-side reissue with the band’s epic ballad “These Dreams“, on the heels of the band’s most successful ’80s single, “Alone.”

#7: “Who Will You Run To?” (Bad Animals, 1987)

Catchy, keys-driven tune from 1987’s Bad Animal is all ferocious femme deliciousness. I always think about summers in Ocean City, Maryland, when I hear this song, a capstone of the Aqua-Net era.

#6 “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” (Brigade, 1990) 

The first time I heard this song, I was a kid — and I have vague recollections of singing along before actually sitting down and truly listening to the story of a woman who seeks out a one-night stand so she can have a child. After watching the video, I definitely understood! 

#5: “Barracuda” (Little Queen, 1977)

With its unmistakable opening guitar riff, “Barracuda” is possibly Heart’s most famous song, and an example of why channeling frustration into art is almost always a good thing: The song is reportedly based on Heart’s anger toward Mushroom Records, which circulated a made-up story of an affair between the Wilson sisters. 

#4: “Alone” (Bad Animals, 1987)

I don’t know if it’s the keys or the emotive, hormonal vocals, but this song makes me tear up every time — until the drums kick in, and then it just kicks ass. 

#3: “Magic Man” (Dreamboat Annie, 1975)

This mystical, riff-heavy song is symphonic and spellbinding, with searing guitar licks, and surprise instrumental change-ups. In an interview, Ann Wilson revealed that the “Magic Man” was about her then boyfriend, band manager Michael Fisher, and that part of the song was an autobiographical tale of the beginnings of their relationship.

#2: “If Looks Could Kill” (Heart, 1985) 

This song is one of Heart’s lesser-known hits, but it sizzles! Every time I’m feeling down, all I need to do is crank up this baby in the car, and try to match Ann and Nancy as they belt out the chorus, “If looks could kill/you’d be lying on the floor/you’d be begging me, ‘please please please, don’t hurt me no more!’” Honestly, it never gets old! 

#1: “Crazy On You” (Dreamboat Annie, 1975)

Heart’s first big single, “Crazy On You” burst into the world in March 1976 (just like me!), and the world has not since been the same. From Nancy’s iconic acoustic-guitar intro that’s near impossible to replicate, to Ann’s soaring soprano vocals, this song is one of the defining songs of 1970s rock.