ON THIS DAY: 6 June 1987 – Heart Released Bad Animals

When Rock Royalty Roared into the Late ‘80s

There are albums that capture a moment in time – and then there are albums that define it. Heart’s 1987 masterpiece Bad Animals is firmly in the latter category. Released at the height of the slick, big-hair, big-sound ‘80s rock era, Bad Animals saw the Wilson sisters – Ann and Nancy – at the peak of their creative powers, straddling the line between their hard-rock roots and the shimmering pop-rock production of the MTV age.

It’s an album full of soaring vocals, anthemic choruses, emotional ballads, and an unmistakable sense of drama. And if you’ve ever belted out ‘How do I get you alone…‘ in your car at full volume – you already know exactly what I mean.

The Road to Bad Animals

By 1987, Heart had already traveled a remarkable musical journey. They stormed out of the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s with mystical, Zeppelin-esque rockers like ‘Magic Man‘ and ‘Barracuda‘. But after weathering industry changes, lineup shifts, and a brief commercial lull, they reinvented themselves with 1985’s self-titled Heart, which spun off mega-hits like ‘These Dreams‘ and ‘What About Love‘.

With Bad Animals, the band wasn’t just riding the wave of their mid-80s resurgence – they were steering the ship. The title itself was a playful reference to the band’s self-described mischievous, untamed spirit on tour (despite their polished stage personas).

The Sound of a Band at Full Power

Sonically, Bad Animals embraced the era’s high-gloss production values. It was recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver with renowned producer Ron Nevison (who also helmed their previous album). But beneath the synths and power chords, it remained deeply personal – driven by Ann’s unparalleled vocals and Nancy’s versatile guitar work.

This was music crafted for stadiums and airwaves, yet anchored by genuine emotion. And the results were unforgettable.

The Tracklist: A Song-by-Song Snapshot

Here’s the full tracklist of Bad Animals, a journey of an album from start to finish:

1. Who Will You Run To
   A punchy, driving opener with Ann belting over crunchy guitars – a perfect start.
2. Alone
   The iconic ballad. Ann’s vocal performance here is legendary – fragile in the verses, volcanic in the chorus.
3. There’s the Girl
   An upbeat, synth-driven rocker featuring Nancy on lead vocals – a refreshing shift.
4. I Want You So Bad
   Another emotive ballad, rich with longing and lush instrumentation.
5. Wait for an Answer
   A dark, haunting track with one of the most atmospheric arrangements on the album.
6. Bad Animals
   The title track – a muscular, riff-heavy number that reminds listeners of Heart’s rock pedigree.
7. You Ain’t So Tough
   A swaggering, attitude-laden rocker with a touch of blues.
8. Strangers of the Heart
   A tender ballad that highlights the band’s lyrical sensitivity and melodic sense.
9. Easy Target
   A propulsive, almost punk-tinged rock song with biting lyrics.
10. RSVP
    A dreamy, romantic closer that brings the album to a graceful end.

Chart Success and Legacy

Bad Animals was an immediate commercial triumph:

• Peaked at #2 on the US Billboard 200
• Certified multi-platinum in the US and Canada
• Spawned three Top 20 singles (“Alone”, “Who Will You Run To”, and “There’s the Girl”)

More importantly, it kept Heart at the forefront of the rock scene during a period when many of their ‘70s contemporaries were struggling to adapt.

The Enduring Magic of Bad Animals

Listening to Bad Animals today feels like opening a time capsule—yet its emotional core remains timeless. Whether it’s Ann’s jaw-dropping vocal performance on “Alone” or Nancy’s confident presence on “There’s the Girl”, the album captures a band who had nothing left to prove but everything left to say.

For fans old and new, Bad Animals offers a masterclass in how to evolve while staying true to your spirit—a perfect blend of heart, muscle, and melody.

Fun Facts & Trivia: Behind the Scenes of Bad Animals

Every great album has its share of behind-the-scenes stories and quirky moments—and Bad Animals is no exception! Here are some fun tidbits to delight Heart fans:

The Title’s Origins

• The title Bad Animals wasn’t inspired by the songs, but rather by the band’s own nickname for themselves during the tour. Despite their polished public image, the Wilson sisters and crew were known for their wild sense of humor and mischievous antics on the road. They jokingly dubbed themselves “bad animals,” and the name stuck!

That Iconic High Note in ‘Alone‘

• Ann Wilson’s spine-tingling vocal on ‘Alone‘ – particularly the dramatic, sustained high note in the final chorus—is often cited as one of the greatest vocal moments in rock history. Believe it or not, Ann reportedly nailed that jaw-dropping note in just a few takes during recording!

MTV Magic

• The music video for ‘Alone‘ became a heavy-rotation staple on MTV, helping the single climb to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 – Heart’s second-ever chart-topper.
• The video’s dramatic lighting, sweeping staircase, and 80s fashion are pure visual time-capsule gold.

Nancy Wilson Steps Up

• Though Ann is the band’s primary lead vocalist, Nancy takes center stage on ‘There’s the Girl‘. This marked one of the few Heart singles to feature Nancy on lead vocals – a delightful showcase of her talent beyond the guitar.

Grammy Glory

• Bad Animals earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
• Though they didn’t take home the trophy that year, the nomination was a well-deserved nod to their staying power in a rapidly evolving music scene.

Family Ties

• Several members of Heart’s touring and recording crew were longtime friends and family members – keeping the band’s vibe warm, collaborative, and grounded despite their global success.