HEART - WHAT ABOUT LOVE?

Released: May 1985

Charted:  US: #10    UK: #14 

"What About Love" was originally recorded by the Canadian band Toronto in 1982 before Heart re-recorded it in 1985 as the lead single from their self-titled album, marking a major comeback. Released on their new label, Capitol Records, the track featured background vocals by Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas of Starship. In this song Ann Wilson sings to a man who isn’t reciprocating her feelings, urging him to open his heart to her. She warns that while he might dismiss her love now, there could come a time when he’ll need it. 

Heart's single "What About Love" marked a pivotal comeback under their new Capitol Records contract. After struggling in the early '80s with dwindling sales and limited radio or MTV exposure, Capitol helped reorient Heart's sound by pairing them with producer Ron Nevison and encouraging the use of outside writers. "What About Love," written by Brian Allen and Sheron Alton of the band Toronto, along with Jim Vallance (known for hits with Bryan Adams), was initially intended for Toronto but ultimately transformed into Heart's first Top 40 hit in three years and their first Top 10 hit in five, also reaching #14 in the UK as their first charting single there. This success launched a new era for the band, with subsequent singles "Never" and "These Dreams" charting even higher at #4 and #1, respectively, reigniting Heart's commercial success.

In "What About Love," Ann Wilson’s vocal performance shifts dramatically between the verses and chorus, showcasing a more dynamic style than in Heart's earlier work. Under producer Ron Nevison’s guidance, she holds back her powerful voice in the verses, creating a sense of restraint that builds tension. This controlled approach makes her explosive delivery in the chorus even more impactful.

The music video, directed by David Mallet, features Heart performing in a gritty foundry setting, dressed in leather and lace. The video’s edgy aesthetic helped it stand out, becoming the band’s first to gain substantial airplay on MTV, which played a key role in boosting the song’s popularity.