10 Best Songs That Feature The Word 'Heart' In The Title

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Crafting a list of the 10 Best Songs With the Word ‘Heart’ in the Title was both a rewarding and formidable challenge. With millions of songs to consider, this particular theme stands out as one of the most diverse and evocative in rock and roll history. The word “heart” has inspired artists to explore themes ranging from undying love and longing to heartbreak and resilience, providing the foundation for countless timeless classics. Narrowing these options down was no easy feat, but the result is a collection that spans genres, decades, and emotional landscapes, offering something for every music lover.

# 10 – The Heart Of Rock And Roll / Heart And Soul – Huey Lewis & The News

Sports by Huey Lewis & The News (1983-01-01)

Kicking off this list of songs with “heart” in the title are two tracks that pulse with the energy and spirit of their namesakes. Huey Lewis & The News introduced “The Heart of Rock and Roll” and “Heart and Soul” on their groundbreaking Sports album in 1983, both songs becoming cornerstones of their enduring legacy. Recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, with production by Huey Lewis, the band, and Bob Brown, the album skyrocketed the band to stardom, earning multiple platinum certifications and capturing the vibrant essence of 1980s rock.

# 9 – Closer To The Heart – Rush

Rush’s “Closer to the Heart” is a shining example of how the word “heart” can transcend its literal meaning to convey profound ideals of unity and hope. This track, featured on the band’s fifth studio album, A Farewell to Kings (1977), was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales and produced by Terry Brown. Co-written by Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and lyricist Peter Talbot, “Closer to the Heart” became Rush’s first hit single in the UK and a perennial favorite in their live performances, showcasing the band’s masterful blend of technical musicianship and philosophical lyricism.

# 8 – A Good Heart – Maria Mckee

Maria McKee’s original rendition of “A Good Heart” offers a raw and deeply personal take on the song she penned, reflecting her emotional vulnerability during a turbulent period in her life. Written about her relationship with Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the song captures McKee’s longing and the bittersweet complexities of love. Although McKee never officially released the track as a single, her version serves as the emotional blueprint for Feargal Sharkey’s polished 1985 hit, bringing a sense of intimacy and authenticity to the heartfelt lyrics.

# 7 – Anyone Who Had a Heart – Dionne Warwick

Hit maker!-Burt Bacharach plays his hits

“Anyone Who Had a Heart” is a masterclass in emotive songwriting and vocal delivery, brought to life by the unparalleled Dionne Warwick. Written by the iconic team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song was recorded in November 1963 at Bell Sound Studios in New York City. It quickly became one of Warwick’s signature tracks, released as a single in 1964 and featured on her album of the same name. The track’s orchestration, guided by Bacharach’s innovative arrangements, blends complex time signatures with sweeping melodies, creating a timeless appeal.

Read More: Top 20 Burt Bacharach Songs

# 6 – This One’s from the Heart – Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle

One From the Heart (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

“This One’s from the Heart” is a hauntingly beautiful duet between Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle, showcasing their contrasting yet complementary vocal styles. The song is a centerpiece of One from the Heart, the 1982 soundtrack album for Francis Ford Coppola’s film of the same name. Waits composed and produced the entire album, which remains a unique and celebrated project in his discography, blending elements of jazz, blues, and orchestral arrangements to reflect the film’s melancholic, romantic themes.

Read More: The Heroines In Tom Waits Songs

Read More: Top 10 Crystal Gayle Songs

# 5 – Tell It to My Heart – Taylor Dayne

“Tell It to My Heart” was the electrifying debut single that launched Taylor Dayne into the pop stratosphere in 1987. Written by Seth Swirsky and Ernie Gold, the song became an instant dance anthem, showcasing Dayne’s powerhouse vocals and magnetic presence. Produced by Ric Wake, the track was recorded in New York City and included on her debut album, Tell It to My Heart, released in 1988. Its pulsating beat, bold synth-driven production, and Dayne’s commanding vocal delivery established her as a breakout star of the late 1980s.

Read More: Top 10 Taylor Dayne Songs

# 4 – Hearts Of Stone – Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

“Hearts of Stone,” written by Bruce Springsteen, is a stirring ballad from Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes’ 1978 album Hearts of Stone. The album, widely regarded as one of the group’s finest, was produced by Miami Steve Van Zandt, Springsteen’s longtime collaborator, and recorded at Secret Sound Studios in New York City. The track epitomizes the heartache and yearning that defined much of Springsteen’s songwriting during this period, while Southside Johnny’s soulful delivery brings the song’s emotional depth vividly to life.

# 3 – Tie – Only Love Can Break Your Heart/ Heart Of Gold – Neil Young

Neil Young’s poetic lyricism and unmistakable sound make his contributions to this list a perfect pairing. Both “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and “Heart of Gold” highlight different facets of his songwriting genius, offering two perspectives on love, longing, and the human experience.

“Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” from Young’s 1970 album After the Gold Rush, stands as one of his most introspective and tender compositions. Written during a period of emotional upheaval, the song reflects on vulnerability and heartbreak with a melancholy that is universal. Its understated arrangement, featuring gentle acoustic guitar and harmonies, enhances the sincerity of the lyrics, such as, “Only love can break your heart / Try to be sure right from the start.” This introspective gem resonated with listeners, earning Young his first Top 40 hit in the United States and solidifying his reputation as a master of emotive songwriting.

Meanwhile, “Heart of Gold,” from his 1972 album Harvest, showcases a different tone—optimistic yet wistful, with its yearning for authenticity and genuine love. The song’s iconic harmonica riff and country-inspired instrumentation, featuring James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt on backing vocals, contributed to its warm, approachable feel. “Heart of Gold” became Young’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a cultural touchstone and a symbol of the Harvest album’s wide appeal. Lines like “I want to live, I want to give / I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold” embody Young’s pursuit of connection and meaning, echoing sentiments that continue to resonate with audiences decades later.

Together, these two tracks demonstrate Neil Young’s versatility in exploring love’s complexities—its ability to both uplift and devastate. As early entries in his storied career, they highlight his profound impact on music and his unique voice in rock’s golden era. Placed side by side on this list, “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and “Heart of Gold” offer a rich and compelling juxtaposition of love’s joys and sorrows.

Read More: Top 10 Neil Young Songs

# 2 – Piece Of My Heart – Big Brother & The Holding Company feat Janis Joplin

Few songs in rock history channel raw emotion and vocal intensity like Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Piece of My Heart” with Big Brother and the Holding Company. Originally written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns and recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967, the song reached new heights when Joplin and her band reimagined it for their 1968 album Cheap Thrills. Joplin’s electrifying performance transformed it into an anthem of heartbreak, empowerment, and unfiltered soul, securing its place as one of the defining tracks of the 1960s.

Read More: Top 10 Janis Joplin Songs

# 1 – “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” – The Beatles

Sgt. Pepper s Lonely Hearts Club Band [LP] [2017 Stereo Mix]

Closing this list with “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” feels nothing short of perfect, as it highlights the unparalleled artistry of the greatest musical band of all time, The Beatles. Written primarily by Paul McCartney with contributions from John Lennon, the song serves as the bold and theatrical opening track for their groundbreaking 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Updated November 22, 2025

Sorry for the shameless plug, but this was a song I wrote for the group I was working with many years ago in the 80s called Phase IV. It got a little buzz, but not much more than that.

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One Response

Baybluesman December 15, 2024

One of my personal favorites (it was reflective for me as I was navigating through a brutal breakup coinciding with its release) is Don Henley’s “Heart Of The Matter” from 1989’s nearly perfect “End Of The Innocence” LP.

It is a well-crafted, introspective, as well as melodic song, packed with relatable thoughts.

It doesn’t hurt that Don Henley was assisted by the incomparable and multi-talented Mike Campbell of The Hearbreakers, lending his talents to composition, guitar, and production of “The Heart Of The Matter”