Heart has solidified their position as one of rock music’s most enduring and influential bands throughout their decades-spanning career. The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, have crafted an impressive catalog of timeless songs that continue to resonate with fans across generations. From powerful ballads to hard-hitting rock anthems, Heart’s greatest hits showcase their incredible range and musical prowess that has defined arena rock since the 1970s.
Barracuda
“Barracuda” stands as Heart’s most recognizable anthem and a defining moment in rock history. The song’s distinctive guitar riff, played by Nancy Wilson, creates an instantly memorable hook that has influenced countless musicians over the decades. Ann Wilson’s powerhouse vocals deliver the lyrics with fierce intensity, making this track a staple of classic rock radio and a testament to Heart’s ability to blend hard rock with melodic sensibility.
Alone
This power ballad became one of Heart’s biggest commercial successes, showcasing Ann Wilson’s incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song’s soaring chorus and dramatic arrangement perfectly capture the essence of 1980s rock balladry. “Alone” demonstrated Heart’s ability to evolve with the times while maintaining their signature sound, proving their versatility beyond their hard rock origins.
Magic Man
“Magic Man” introduced the world to Heart’s unique blend of folk-influenced melodies and hard rock edge. The song’s hypnotic guitar work and Ann’s mystical vocals create an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s mysterious lyrics. This track established many of the musical elements that would become Heart’s trademark sound throughout their career.
Crazy on You
The opening track from Heart’s debut album remains one of their most beloved compositions. Nancy Wilson’s intricate acoustic guitar work provides the foundation for this multi-layered masterpiece that seamlessly transitions between gentle verses and explosive choruses. The song’s complex arrangement and Ann’s passionate vocals demonstrate the technical proficiency and emotional intensity that would define Heart’s musical identity.
What About Love
“What About Love” marked Heart’s successful return to mainstream success in the mid-1980s with its polished production and arena-ready sound. The song features one of Ann Wilson’s most memorable vocal performances, supported by lush synthesizers and powerful guitar work. This track perfectly encapsulates the band’s ability to adapt to contemporary music trends while maintaining their distinctive musical personality.
These Dreams
This ethereal ballad showcased a different side of Heart’s musical capabilities with Nancy Wilson taking lead vocals for the first time on a major hit. The song’s dreamlike quality and atmospheric production created a unique listening experience that stood out from their typical hard rock offerings. “These Dreams” became a massive radio hit and demonstrated the band’s versatility in crafting both powerful anthems and delicate, introspective pieces.
Dog and Butterfly
The title track from their fourth studio album represents Heart’s progressive rock influences and storytelling abilities. The song’s narrative structure and varied musical sections showcase the band’s compositional sophistication beyond simple verse-chorus arrangements. Ann Wilson’s emotive delivery brings the song’s imagery to life, while the intricate instrumental work demonstrates the band’s technical prowess.
Little Queen
“Little Queen” combines hard rock aggression with melodic hooks in a way that became synonymous with Heart’s classic sound. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable guitar riffs create an infectious energy that has made it a fan favorite for decades. This track exemplifies Heart’s ability to craft songs that work equally well on radio and in live concert settings.
Straight On
This uptempo rocker features some of Heart’s most intricate guitar work and showcases their ability to create complex arrangements that never sacrifice accessibility. The song’s layered harmonies and dynamic shifts demonstrate the Wilson sisters’ understanding of how to build tension and release within a single composition. “Straight On” remains a highlight of Heart’s catalog and a testament to their songwriting skills.
Who Will You Run To
“Who Will You Run To” represents Heart’s exploration of more contemporary production techniques while maintaining their emotional core. The song’s polished sound and radio-friendly structure helped introduce Heart to a new generation of listeners. Ann Wilson’s vocal performance carries the song’s emotional weight, demonstrating her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously.
All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You
Despite its controversial lyrics, this ballad became one of Heart’s most successful singles and showcased their ability to create emotionally complex narratives. The song’s lush production and Ann Wilson’s nuanced vocal delivery create a listening experience that goes beyond typical love songs. This track demonstrated Heart’s willingness to tackle mature themes while maintaining their melodic sensibilities.
Never
“Never” combines Heart’s hard rock roots with polished 1980s production values to create a powerful anthem about determination and resilience. The song’s driving beat and soaring chorus make it a natural crowd-pleaser in live performances. Ann Wilson’s commanding vocal performance anchors the track, while the guitar work provides the necessary punch to drive the song’s message home.
If Looks Could Kill
This underrated gem from Heart’s catalog showcases their ability to craft sophisticated pop-rock compositions with subtle complexity. The song’s intricate arrangement and memorable hooks demonstrate the band’s evolution as songwriters throughout their career. “If Looks Could Kill” features excellent interplay between Ann’s vocals and Nancy’s guitar work, creating a cohesive musical statement.
How Can I Refuse
“How Can I Refuse” highlights Heart’s talent for creating emotionally resonant ballads that avoid sentimentality through honest lyricism and authentic performances. The song’s gentle acoustic foundation supports Ann Wilson’s intimate vocal delivery, creating an atmosphere of genuine vulnerability. This track represents Heart’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level while maintaining their musical integrity.
Tell It Like It Is
Heart’s interpretation of this classic soul song demonstrates their versatility and respect for musical traditions beyond rock. Ann Wilson’s powerful vocal interpretation brings new life to the familiar lyrics while maintaining the song’s emotional impact. The band’s arrangement respects the original while adding their distinctive musical personality to create something uniquely their own.
Nothin’ at All
This lesser-known track showcases Heart’s ability to create compelling mid-tempo rockers that balance accessibility with musical sophistication. The song’s steady groove and memorable chorus demonstrate the band’s understanding of how to craft songs that work well in both intimate and arena settings. “Nothin’ at All” features excellent vocal harmonies and guitar work that exemplify Heart’s collaborative musical approach.
Beautiful Broken
From their recent releases, “Beautiful Broken” shows that Heart continues to create relevant and emotionally powerful music in 2025. The song addresses contemporary themes while maintaining the musical qualities that have made Heart enduring favorites among rock fans. This track proves that the Wilson sisters remain vital artists capable of speaking to current audiences while honoring their musical legacy.
Fanatic
Another recent addition to Heart’s catalog, “Fanatic” demonstrates their continued ability to rock with the intensity and passion that made them legends. The song’s modern production doesn’t overshadow the classic Heart elements that fans love, including powerful vocals and memorable guitar work. This track shows that Heart’s creative fire burns as brightly today as it did during their initial rise to fame.
WTF
This provocatively titled recent release showcases Heart’s willingness to address contemporary issues with their characteristic directness and musical power. The song combines social commentary with the band’s signature sound, proving their relevance in today’s musical landscape. “WTF” demonstrates that Heart continues to evolve artistically while maintaining the core elements that define their musical identity.
59 Crunch
From their latest material, “59 Crunch” represents Heart’s ongoing exploration of their rock roots with a modern sensibility. The song’s energy and craftsmanship show that the Wilson sisters haven’t lost any of their creative edge despite their long careers. This track serves as evidence that Heart remains a vital force in rock music, capable of creating new classics alongside their established greatest hits.
Heart’s extensive catalog represents one of rock music’s most impressive collections of both commercial hits and artistic achievements. From their early folk-rock experiments to their arena rock anthems and recent releases, the Wilson sisters have consistently delivered music that combines technical excellence with emotional authenticity. Their influence on rock music continues to be felt by new generations of musicians and fans who discover the power and passion that defines Heart’s timeless appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heart’s biggest hit song?
“Barracuda” is widely considered Heart’s biggest and most recognizable hit, featuring their most famous guitar riff and serving as their signature song throughout their career.
Who are the main members of Heart?
Heart’s core members are sisters Ann Wilson (lead vocals) and Nancy Wilson (guitar, vocals), who have been the driving force behind the band since its formation in the early 1970s.
What genre of music does Heart play?
Heart primarily plays rock music, spanning hard rock, arena rock, folk rock, and pop rock, with their style evolving throughout different decades while maintaining their distinctive sound.
Is Heart still making music today?
Yes, Heart continues to tour and record new music, with recent releases showing they remain active and creative artists in 2025.
What makes Heart’s music unique?
Heart’s music is distinguished by Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals, Nancy Wilson’s intricate guitar work, and their ability to blend hard rock intensity with melodic sophistication and emotional depth.