HEART - EVEN IT UP

Released: January 1980

Charted:  US: #33 

"Even It Up" is an upbeat rock song by Heart, released in 1980 as the lead single from their fifth album, “Bebe le Strange”. The lyrics express a woman’s demand for equal effort in a relationship, urging her partner to "even it up" to match her commitment. The track reached No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The release of “Bebe le Strange” marks a period when Ann and Nancy Wilson took firm control over the band’s direction and songwriting, with contributions from their longtime friend Sue Ennis. By this point, the sisters were the band's visual and creative core, even being the sole members featured prominently on the album cover, with the remaining band members shown only on the back. 

Heart, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, broke barriers as one of the few female-fronted rock bands in the 1970s. At a time when women in rock were often limited to roles as backup singers or groupies, Ann and Nancy stood out not only for their powerful performances but also for writing their own songs. 

While "Even It Up" sounds like Ann Wilson is addressing a selfish lover, the song was actually inspired by the challenges she and her sister Nancy faced as women in rock. Written in 1979-1980, it reflects their frustration with systemic barriers and "glass walls" that obstructed their progress in a male-dominated industry. The lyrics reflect demands for equality, not only in relationships but also as women in the music world.

Heart made a straightforward performance video for “Even It Up,” but its release was just before MTV's launch, which limited its impact. When MTV debuted in 1981, the network prioritized concept-driven videos and newer songs, leaving Heart’s early videos largely overlooked. It wasn’t until the mid-1980s, with more stylized videos for hits like “What About Love” and “Never,” that Heart began making a significant impact on MTV.