On this day, February 14, 1980, Heart released their fifth studio album, Bébé le Strange. The album marked a shift in the band’s sound, embracing a harder rock edge while still maintaining their signature blend of powerful vocals and intricate guitar work. It became another commercial success for the band, reaching #5 on the Billboard charts.
Bébé le Strange was the first Heart album recorded without founding guitarist Roger Fisher, making it a significant turning point for the band. The album featured standout tracks like Even It Up, a bluesy rocker with a horn section featuring members of Tower of Power, and the haunting title track Bébé le Strange. The album’s rawer sound set the stage for Heart’s continued evolution throughout the decade.
Despite lineup changes, Heart proved they could still dominate the charts, and Bébé le Strange remains an underrated classic in their catalog. The album showcased Ann Wilson’s soaring vocals and Nancy Wilson’s distinctive guitar work, reinforcing their status as one of the premier rock bands of the era.
80s insight: Even It Up featured a horn section by Tower of Power, adding a bluesy swagger to Heart’s signature rock sound.
Bébé le Strange was the first Heart album recorded without founding guitarist Roger Fisher, making it a significant turning point for the band. The album featured standout tracks like Even It Up, a bluesy rocker with a horn section featuring members of Tower of Power, and the haunting title track Bébé le Strange. The album’s rawer sound set the stage for Heart’s continued evolution throughout the decade.
Despite lineup changes, Heart proved they could still dominate the charts, and Bébé le Strange remains an underrated classic in their catalog. The album showcased Ann Wilson’s soaring vocals and Nancy Wilson’s distinctive guitar work, reinforcing their status as one of the premier rock bands of the era.
80s insight: Even It Up featured a horn section by Tower of Power, adding a bluesy swagger to Heart’s signature rock sound.
