PAT BENATAR - HEARTBREAKER

Released: October 26, 1979

Charts:  US: #23 

"Heartbreaker" was the second single from Pat Benatar's debut album, “In the Heat of the Night”. It followed the underperforming single "If You Think You Know How to Love Me." The song became Benatar's breakthrough hit, reaching number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spending four and a half months on the chart, making it one of her longest-charting singles. It was particularly successful on album-oriented rock stations, peaking at number 13 on the Tunecasters Rock Tracks chart. Internationally, it reached number 16 in Canada, number 14 in New Zealand, and number 95 in Australia.

Pat Benatar's regular backing band plays a crucial role in her music, with significant contributions from her husband Neil Giraldo, who is her lead guitarist and co-writer. Other key members of her band include drummer Myron Grombacher, keyboardist Charlie Giordano, and bassist Mick Mahan. For the recording of "Heartbreaker," the lineup featured Neil Giraldo on guitar and keyboard, Scott St. Clair Sheets on rhythm guitar, Roger Capps on bass, and Glen Alexander Hamilton on drums.

Originally written by Geoff Gill and Cliff Wade, the song was first recorded by British singer Jenny Darren in 1978. Since the original lyrics were filled with British expressions unfamiliar to American audiences, Benatar was tasked with adjusting the lyrics. She rewrote the song, making it more relatable to American listeners. Benatar has expressed her love for the track, which remains one of her favorites. Interestingly, many of her famous songs, including "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," were written by men, highlighting her collaboration with male songwriters.