WHAT ABOUT LOVE - ANN WILSON

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What About Love - ANN WILSON

"What About Love," from Heart’s 1985 self-titled album, marks a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution, transitioning from their 1970s hard rock roots to a polished, MTV-friendly power ballad sound. Written by Brian Allen, Sheron Alton, and Jim Vallance, the song—originally intended for Canadian rockers Toronto—features Ann Wilson’s commanding mezzo-soprano, delivering lyrics of romantic yearning with raw intensity.

Nancy Wilson’s subtle guitar work and the song’s driving synths and soaring chorus, produced by Ron Nevison, create a quintessential 1980s anthem. The track’s emotional depth and Ann’s vocal prowess helped Heart reclaim commercial prominence, proving their adaptability in an era dominated by glam metal and pop, as noted in Louder’s retrospective on the band’s reinvention. On the Billboard charts, "What About Love" was a resounding success, peaking at Number 10 on the Hot 100 in August 1985 and spending 15 weeks on the chart, as documented in Billboard archives. It also reached Number 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, reflecting its crossover appeal. As the lead single from Heart, which hit Number 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over five million copies, the song outperformed earlier hits like "Barracuda" (Number 11) and set the stage for subsequent Number 1 singles "These Dreams" and "Alone." Its chart performance, bolstered by heavy MTV rotation of its dramatic video, marked Heart’s triumphant 1980s comeback, reestablishing Ann and Nancy Wilson as trailblazers in a male-dominated rock scene. Ann Wilson’s latest live performances of "What About Love," notably during Heart’s 2025 Royal Flush Tour, showcase her enduring vocal power despite recent health challenges. At a March 6, 2025, concert at Phoenix’s PHX Arena, Ann performed from a wheelchair due to a broken elbow, yet delivered a medley of "What About Love" and "Alone" with “fiery force,” as reported by AZ Central. Her husky, emotive delivery built to a powerhouse chorus, seamlessly blending the two ballads, with Nancy’s acoustic flourishes and the band’s robust support—featuring Ryan Wariner, Ryan Waters, and Paul Moak on guitars—electrifying the crowd. The Phoenix performance, part of Heart’s return after Ann’s 2024 cancer treatment, highlighted her ability to channel raw emotion, even at 75, as noted in USA Today’s tour review. The medley’s inventive guitar solo and vibrant stage lighting enhanced the song’s dramatic impact, though some fans on Reddit noted Ann backed off certain high notes compared to her 1980s peak.

The Royal Flush Tour, resuming after a 2024 postponement, underscores Heart’s legacy, with "What About Love" remaining a fan favorite for its bold vulnerability. Its Number 10 chart peak and Ann’s recent performances affirm the song’s lasting resonance, solidifying the Wilson sisters’ status as rock icons who continue to inspire.