These Dreams • Heart

These Dreams • Heart • 1986

These Dreams. This song is one of the most captivating pop songs ever. It could be equally described as haunting, enchanting, mystical, or simply fascinating. It has a beautiful melody and the lyrics are an interesting story about something we’re not sure about, the strange world of dreams, and perhaps even recurring dreams, the kind that have a hold on a person. 

The creative craftsmanship of it’s lyrics can be explained simply as the handiwork of songwriter Bernie Taupin. Taupin is perhaps best known as the longtime collaborator and lyricist for virtually every Elton John hit, of which there were many. Something about the song pulls you in, beckons you to come and linger for a bit to hear it’s message. And you find, almost reluctantly, that you can only surrender; you are compelled to listen. At least that was my experience with this song and it’s video. 

The band Heart seems to cross over various genre boundaries, to almost defy definition. Are they hard rock, glam rock, album oriented rock (AOR), or even an early form of gothic pop? Maybe all of the above. What is for sure is that they are great musicians, and this is a classic record. The video dominated MTV airplay back in the day. It’s attached below. 

The record itself was released early in 1986, and became Heart’s first song to top the Billboard Hot 100. The band has sold over 35 million records worldwide, including over 22.5 million in the U.S. They have had top 10 albums on the Billboard album chart during 4 separate decades (70s, 80s, 90s, & 2010s). 

Have a listen for yourself below to a few of their big hits, starting with “These Dreams:” 

Here is the official video for “These Dreams:” 

Here’s the official video for “Alone,” which spent 3 weeks at #1 in 1987: 

Here is a “Heart” Playlist on Spotify: