The story of “What About Love” is deeply intertwined with the dramatic reinvention of Heart in the mid-1980s. By this time, the band, fronted by the powerhouse sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, had already achieved success in the 1970s with their blend of hard rock and folk influences, producing hits such as “Barracuda,” “Magic Man,” and “Crazy on You.” However, by the early 1980s, their commercial momentum had stalled, and they faced pressure from their record label to embrace a more contemporary, radio-friendly sound. Their previous albums, while critically appreciated, had not generated the sales needed to keep their careers moving forward, and they were facing a critical turning point.
The decision to move towards a more polished, pop-oriented approach was not without internal conflict. Ann and Nancy Wilson, the creative core of Heart, had initially been resistant to the idea of abandoning their rock roots, preferring to write their own music and maintain creative control. However, realizing the need to adapt to the changing musical landscape, they agreed to collaborate with outside songwriters and producers on their 1985 self-titled album, Heart. This album, and “What About Love” in particular, was a conscious effort to re-establish Heart as a major force in the music industry.
“What About Love” was written by four outside songwriters: Brian Allen, Sheron Alton, Jim Vallance, and Holly Knight. Holly Knight, in particular, was a prolific songwriter known for her ability to craft catchy hooks and emotionally resonant lyrics. The song was initially written for another band, but it was passed on, and eventually made its way to Heart through a record executive who believed it would be a great fit for the band. Recognizing the song’s potential, Ann and Nancy embraced the challenge of interpreting material not of their own creation.
The production of “What About Love” was a meticulous process, aimed at achieving a contemporary and commercially appealing sound. Producer Ron Nevison, who had worked with bands such as Led Zeppelin and Survivor, was brought in to helm the production. He focused on creating a lush and layered soundscape, utilizing synthesizers, electric guitars, and a powerful rhythm section. The goal was to create a song that would be both accessible to mainstream audiences and showcase Ann Wilson’s impressive vocal talents. The sound was a significant departure from the band’s earlier, more organic sound, but was part of a calculated effort to gain mainstream success.
The release of “What About Love” was accompanied by a music video that further enhanced the song’s appeal. The video featured Ann and Nancy Wilson in a stylish and glamorous setting, reinforcing the band’s reinvention. It was a far cry from their earlier, more rough-around-the-edges image. The video’s narrative focused on the song’s emotional themes of longing and love, portraying a story of heartbreak and the search for connection. The carefully crafted visuals, coupled with the song’s radio-friendly appeal, helped to establish it as a major hit in the summer of 1985. The song and the accompanying album proved to be a major comeback for Heart.
Musical Style: The Quintessential 80s Power Ballad
“What About Love” is a textbook example of the 1980s power ballad, a genre characterized by its blend of hard rock instrumentation with melodic hooks and emotionally charged vocals. The song carefully combines soft and loud dynamics, building from gentle verses to an anthemic, soaring chorus. It embraces the soundscape of the era through its use of synthesizers, electric guitar, and strong backing vocal harmonies.
The song opens with a gentle, almost ethereal synthesizer riff, immediately establishing a melancholic and reflective mood. The intro is then joined by a subtle drum beat and acoustic guitar chords, creating a soft and understated beginning. The dynamics are immediately set to quiet and intimate, drawing the listener into the song’s emotional core.
The verses are characterized by Ann Wilson’s powerful yet restrained vocals, delivered with a sense of vulnerability and longing. Her delivery is both controlled and expressive, conveying the emotional weight of the lyrics. The instrumentation remains subdued during the verses, primarily featuring acoustic guitars, synthesizers, and a light bass line. This restraint allows Ann’s vocals to take center stage, highlighting her impressive range and emotional expression. The instrumentation gradually builds in intensity as the verse progresses.
The pre-chorus is where the energy begins to increase. The instrumentation becomes fuller and more layered, adding to the building sense of anticipation. Ann’s vocals rise in intensity, preparing the listener for the explosive chorus. This section is key to building the tension and setting the stage for the emotional payoff of the chorus.
The chorus is the heart of the song, featuring a soaring melody and a powerful vocal performance. The instrumentation swells to a full sound, including drums, electric guitars, and layered synthesizers. The melody is both memorable and anthemic, designed to linger in the listener’s mind. The use of backing vocals further enhances the power of the chorus, adding depth and richness to the overall sound. The dynamics are released to full force, creating an emotional impact.
The guitar solo, a staple of the power ballad genre, is another key element of “What About Love”. The solo, played by Howard Leese, is melodic and emotionally driven, rather than a showcase of technical proficiency. The solo is carefully placed to serve as a transition between the second chorus and the final repeat, maintaining the song’s energy and pushing it toward its climax. The use of the wah pedal adds a unique and interesting sonic texture.
The song’s structure follows a typical pop song format with alternating verses and choruses, a bridge, and a final repeat of the chorus, all crafted to maximize emotional impact and radio appeal. The production of “What About Love” is polished and pristine, reflecting the high standards of 1980s studio techniques. The use of reverb, chorus effects, and compression creates a lush and radio-ready sound. Each element of the song, from the vocals to the individual instrument tracks, is carefully layered, creating a sonic tapestry that is both powerful and accessible. The overall production aimed for maximum impact on both car radios and MTV.
Lyrics: Heartbreak, Longing, and the Search for Love
The lyrics of “What About Love” explore the complex and often painful emotions associated with heartbreak, longing, and the search for genuine connection. The song’s central theme revolves around the protagonist’s yearning for reciprocated love and the frustration of a one-sided relationship. The lyrics express both vulnerability and a sense of defiance, questioning the very nature of love itself.
The verses paint a picture of emotional turmoil and confusion. Lines like “Another lonely night, another tear falls down, my heart keeps screaming out, where is the love?” express the protagonist’s sense of isolation and deep-seated sadness. The lyrics reveal a struggle to understand why the love the protagonist craves seems to be absent in their life. There’s a clear sense of longing for emotional connection.
The pre-chorus builds on this theme of frustration and the need for understanding. The lines “I’ve been waiting so long, can’t someone tell me why, this burning fire inside just won’t let go” highlight the protagonist’s desperation for answers. The lyrics convey the feeling of being consumed by a strong emotional need that is not being fulfilled. There’s a palpable sense of yearning for a change in their circumstances.
The chorus, the emotional core of the song, is where the central question of love’s existence is brought to light. The repetition of “What about love, don’t you want it anymore, what about love, isn’t this what we’re here for” emphasizes the protagonist’s bewilderment and frustration. The lyrics directly challenge the listener (and themselves), forcing them to confront the importance of love and connection. The chorus is both a question and a plea for understanding and a reciprocal response from a love interest.
The bridge of the song often provides a moment of personal revelation and displays greater emotion. In “What About Love,” lines like “I know that love can be so true, and I know it’s what I want from you” express the protagonist’s deep belief in the power of true love. The lyrics also include a sense of vulnerability and a need for confirmation. This section indicates that the protagonist believes love is both real and obtainable, and that they will not give up searching for it.
The overall lyrical tone of “What About Love” is one of longing, questioning, and a fierce determination to find love. The lyrics avoid overly sentimental phrasing, opting for a more direct and honest portrayal of emotional struggles. They are both simple and effective, allowing listeners to easily connect with the song’s message, regardless of their personal experiences with love. This relatability is a key part of the song’s lasting popularity. The themes of heartbreak, hope, and the search for connection are universal and touch on some of the core aspects of the human condition.
Cultural Impact: An Anthem of the 80s
“What About Love” had a profound impact on popular culture, becoming an instant hit upon its release in 1985 and solidifying Heart’s comeback into mainstream music. Its success was partly due to the song’s strategic positioning within the rising music video culture of MTV.
The music video for “What About Love” was a carefully crafted cinematic piece, showcasing Ann and Nancy Wilson’s new image and the song’s emotional intensity. The video featured the sisters in sleek, modern outfits, a stark contrast to their earlier, more bohemian image. The dramatic lighting, slow-motion shots, and story-driven narrative, helped to elevate the video to an MTV staple. The video’s impact was instrumental in the song’s crossover success and helped to establish the band’s new image with a new generation of fans.
The song’s heavy rotation on MTV and radio exposed Heart to a significantly wider audience than their previous work. It became a staple of the 1980s power ballad genre, defining the era’s sound alongside hits from other bands like Bon Jovi and Journey. The song’s accessibility and radio-friendly nature pushed it up the charts, reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieving significant success in various other countries around the world. The success of “What About Love” was crucial for the album’s overall performance, which sold millions of copies worldwide and helped re-establish Heart as a leading band of the era.
“What About Love” had a cultural influence that extended beyond music charts. The song became a common choice for slow dances and romantic dedications, further solidifying its place in popular culture. It became the sound track for many romances and was used in television and film, reinforcing its emotional impact and connection with audiences. It also became a popular karaoke song, reflecting its continued appeal and ability to connect with listeners. The song’s themes of longing and the search for love made it relatable to a wide range of people.
The song’s impact was also significant because it marked a turning point in Heart’s career. The band embraced a more polished sound and a more mainstream image, demonstrating their willingness to adapt to the changing music industry. This change, though initially met with some criticism from longtime fans, ultimately paved the way for Heart to enjoy a new period of success. The song helped introduce the band to a new generation of listeners while also solidifying their place in the history of rock music.
The legacy of “What About Love” continues to this day. It is still a common track on classic rock and 80s playlists, showcasing its continued popularity and relevance. The song remains a potent symbol of the 1980s, encapsulating the era’s music and visual aesthetics. It is a testament to the power of a well-crafted power ballad to capture the hearts and minds of a generation and continues to be a beloved song by many fans.
Conclusion: A Timeless Power Ballad
“What About Love” by Heart is a prime example of how a song can transcend its genre and become a cultural touchstone. Its origins, musical style, lyrical themes, and cultural impact are all interconnected, contributing to its enduring legacy. The song represents a significant reinvention for Heart, embracing a more commercially viable sound that paid off handsomely and re-established them as major players in the music industry.
The meticulous production and carefully constructed musical arrangement make it a standout example of the 1980s power ballad. The lyrics, though simple in their construction, resonate with universal themes of heartbreak, longing, and the search for genuine connection. The music video, an integral part of the song’s success, helped further propel it into the public consciousness. Its success is a testament to the power of music, visuals, and effective promotion to shape cultural tastes and define a musical era.
The enduring legacy of “What About Love” is its ability to evoke emotion and memories. It is not just a song, but a symbol of a specific period in music history and the emotions associated with that time. While some might argue that it represents a commercial compromise for the band, its impact is undeniable. The song helped to establish Heart as a global force in rock music and secured its place as one of the most iconic power ballads of all time. It remains a timeless example of how a song can capture the essence of human emotion and create a lasting connection with generations of listeners. Even as the music industry and trends have evolved, “What About Love” continues to be a beloved track, demonstrating the enduring power of a well-crafted and genuinely felt expression of love and longing. It’s a testament to its ability to transcend the constraints of its era and become a timeless piece of pop culture.