Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs

Ann Wilson Songs

Feature Photo: Brian Patterson Photos / Shutterstock.com

Our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list will look at a legendary singer who is best known for being the lead singer in Heart. She has been ranked as one of the greatest rock and roll female vocalists of all time. She got her rise to fame by being a member of the band Heart. The band  Heart is one of the first hard rock bands to feature women. Ann Wilson is known for her soprano vocal range. She has operatic abilities when she sings. Ann Wilson is arguably one of the best female vocalists in rock music. She made it possible for women to be taken seriously as rock stars. The talented singer has released three solo albums and counting.

Ann Dustin Wilson was born on June 19, 1950. Her father was in the service, so she and her family had to move a lot. She and her sister Nancy Wilson wanted to feel a sense of normalcy, so they turned to music. Ann Wilson listened to a variety of artists. She listened to Ray Charles, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, as well as others. She had a speech impediment when she was a child. It led her to seek comfort in music. She joined a local band called White Heart in the early 70s. The band went through a name change before they became Heart. Her sister Nancy joined the band. Heart moved to Canada. Heart became successful in music. Ann Wilson went on to record solo albums while being a member of Heart.

Hope and Glory was released in September 2007. Ann Wilson has guest appearances by Nancy Wilson, Elton John, k.d. lang, Gretchen Wilson, Alison Krauss, Wynona Judd, Rufus Wainwright, Deana Carter and Shawn Colvin. This album is a collection of cover songs. Some of the songs she covered are “War of Man,” “Where to Now, St. Peter?,” “Immigrant Song” and “Bad Moon Rising.” Immortal was released in September 2018. This is another covers album. It has one original song. The album features the singles “You Don’t Own Me,” “I Am the Highway,” “Politician” and “A Thousand Kisses Deep.” Fierce Bliss was released in April 2022. This album is a combination of original and cover songs. The album features the singles “Greed,” “Black Wing,” “A Moment in Heaven” and “Forget Her.”

Ann Wilson made a name for herself as a member of Heart, but she also made a name for herself as a solo artist. She helped open the door for other female rock singers. She is a talented singer who has an amazing voice. She deserves to get her recognition for her hard work in music. Our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list will give us a chance to give her the attention she deserves. This list does not include the songs she recorded in Heart. This is all about Ann Wilson solo songs.

# 10 – War of Man ft. Alison Krauss

The 10th song on our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list is ”War of Man” from the Hope & Glory album. “War of Man” was released in 2007. This is a political song about the war. People are scared and are running for shelter. People want to go where they feel safe. They want to be in their parent’s arms. They want to feel the security of being with their loved ones. Their ears are ringing from the guns they are hearing. There are no winners when people are dying because of the war. The narrators are talking about a little girl who dreams of a better life. When she looks up at the sky she can play. She feels safe because she is looking up to the heavens.

This is a timely song about the war. The song was originally recorded by Neil Young in the 90s, but it still works today. This song is something we could listen to during these tough times. It is a heart-wrenching story that will open your eyes to what is going on in the world. The lyrics are deep and sorrowful. The melody in Ann Wilson and Alison Krauss’ version is slightly different from Neil Young’s version. Ann Wilson’s version has a harder rock edge than Neil Young’s.

Ann Wilson and Alison Krauss do an amazing job with their vocals. They sound good together. They sound as if they have been singing together for years. The contrast in their voices makes the song stand out. Ann Wilson is at home once the guitars get louder. You can hear the power and grit in her voice when the music gets louder. They did a magnificent job of making this song their own.

# 9 – I Am the Highway

The ninth song on our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list is “I Am the Highway” from the Immortal album. “I Am the Highway” was released in 2018. This is a cover of Audioslave’s song. The spiritual song is about a person who wants freedom and independence. The narrator was lost and felt lonely. The narrator doesn’t want to deal with liars or fake friends. She would rather be on her own. She could be a million miles away and still feel too close to them. She wants to prove she could make it without the wrong people in her life. She wants freedom. She wants her independence.

This song will touch your heart (no pun intended) if you are dealing with liars and fake people. We have all had to deal with people like that. The lyrics will grab your attention immediately. It is the type of song that will help with your healing. You can’t help listening to the song and feeling emotional. Ann Wilson wanted to sing this song because Audioslave’s Chris Cornell was her friend. She loved the song and wanted to sing it. The music in Ann Wilson’s version isn’t as hard driven as Audioslaves. Her version sounds like soft rock. She didn’t do a karaoke version of the song. She made it her own. Ann Wilson sounds emotional. She is singing the song as if it is a dedication to the late great Chris Cornell. She does the song justice. She keeps her vocals subdued and raspy. The music isn’t loud, so she doesn’t have to project her voice. We congratulate her on doing a phenomenal job on this cover song.

# 8 – A Moment in Heaven

The eighth song on our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list is “A Moment in Heaven” from the Fierce Bliss album. “A Moment in Heaven” was released in 2022. The meaningful song tells a story about a one-hit wonder’s road to fame. It talks about the frustrations of the music business. The narrator talks about how you must keep competing in order to have a hit. The pressure is on the character to achieve a second hit. The person who had the one hit easily struggles to get the second one. Everybody isn’t fussing over the person the way they were when they had the hit song. The singer finds out it is a cold world out there when you can’t achieve a second hit song.

This is a subject that most singers will understand. You don’t even have to be a singer to understand the value of the lyrics. We all know what it is like to achieve success only to have the rug snatched out from under you. Ann Wilson depicts this story perfectly on this track. The music has an amazing rock beat. This is like a throwback to her Heart days. The guitars sell the music. The guitars are fire. The guitar riffs will have you playing air guitar. The drumbeat is excellent and adds tempo to the song. Ann Wilson sounds better than ever on this track. She proved all her years in the music business didn’t destroy her voice. Her vocals are powerful and smoky. She sings this with the right amount of power needed to nail the vocals. This is a song you will like instantly.

# 7 – Black Wing

The seventh song on our list is “Black Wing” from the Fierce Bliss album. “Black Wing” was released in 2022. The peaceful song is about liberation. The narrator talks about a bird that is soaring above and bringing news to everyone. The people that are below the world are cut off from civilization so the only communication they are getting is from the bird. People are feeling isolated and their only form of communication is through animals. The narrator wants things to go back to the way they used to be. She wants to be back in a time when things weren’t insane. She wants her old life back so she can be happy. The bird is on a mission to reach everyone who is cut off from civilization.

The lyrics are different. They describe a helpless feeling of isolation. This song is timely because of the tough times going on in the world. Ann Wilson wrote this song while she was quarantined so she knows what it feels like to be isolated. She wanted to feel free like the bird she is describing in her song. She was inspired to write this song because she was living by animals in a river. Listening to this song will give you chills. The classic rock music will set the mood for the somber lyrics.

The musicians have a lot of energy in this song. The intense guitar and banging drumbeat make the song soar to heights unknown. There is a musical pause towards the end of the song that will allow you the chance to appreciate the music. It will keep you mesmerized as you listen to the instrumentation. She proved that she was still on top of her game with this track. She could give lessons on how to be a true rock queen. She never misses a vocal beat in this song. She has vocal control throughout the song because she knows when to hold back and when to belt.

# 6 – Where to Now, St. Peter? ft Elton John

“Where to Now, St. Peter?” is from the Hope & Glory album. “Where to Now, St. Peter?” was released in 2007. This song is a cover of Elton John’s song. The contemplative song tells the story about a soldier who was wounded in the war. He struggles to find a place in the woods to die. He was dealing with physical and emotional pain because of the war. He doesn’t want to take it any longer. He must do whatever he can to take away the pain. The soldier wants to die because he has done everything he could. He is ready to be in peace. He wants to know what is going to become of his life.

This song is about what goes on in soldiers’ minds during the war. Soldiers go through physical and emotional pain because of everything they have seen. This song is timely because of what is going on today. Soldiers are dealing with physical and emotional scars and this song touches on that eloquently. If you are in the service or have a relative in the service, you know exactly what they are talking about in the song. You don’t have to be in the service to have empathy for the character in the song. You may be dealing with loss the way the character is in the song.

Ann Wilson’s version has a hard rock edge to it. Elton John’s version was soft rock while her version has a harder rock sound. Elton John returns for the remake. The legends take control of this song. Elton John sings this version with more grit than he sang in the original version. Ann Wilson’s sounds raspy and it works with the music. Elton John gets a chance to sing a hard rock song with the rock queen. It was a nice touch that she got the original artist to sing the duet with her. Ann Wilson and Elton John are a match made in heaven in this song. They both win the vocal battle on this one.

# 5 – You Don’t Own Me ft Warren Haynes

The next song on our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list is “You Don’t Own Me” from the Immortal album. “You Don’t Own Me” was released in 2018. This song was originally recorded by Lesley Gore. The anthemic song is about commanding respect. The narrator doesn’t want to be told what to do or how to act by anyone. She doesn’t want to be told what to say or wear. She wants people to know that she is not a possession. The character in the song is involved with someone who gives her orders. He tells her who she can see and what she can do. She has a message for her partner. She lets him know that he will not control her. She refuses to allow him to tie her down. She wants to be free to live her life anyway she wants to do it.

This is the type of track you would shout out so the world could know how you feel about someone giving you orders. The song makes you feel free when you hear it. This song is told from a relationship point of view but anyone can relate to this track. It is also told from a female’s perspective, but men can relate to it. Men want respect as well. Ann Wilson wanted to cover this track because everyone can relate to it. She knows everyone wants to be respected. She wanted to make this a heavy metal version.

This version has a classic rock sound. Ann Wilson sounds sassy and commanding in this song. You believe her when she is demanding respect. Her voice sounds incredible with Warren Haynes’ guitar playing. She sings in time with the guitar beat. Ann Wilson breathes new life into the classic song. She makes the song her own. Ann Wilson is taking empowerment to the next level. You may not forget about Lesley Gore’s version, but Ann Wilson will make you look at the song differently.

# 4 – Forget Her

“Forget Her” is from the Fierce Bliss album. “Forget Her” was released in 2022. This is a cover of Jeff Buckley’s song. The heartbreaking song tells a story about a woman who is watching a man going through a bad relationship. She watches him walk the streets as he tries to forget the love he lost. He can’t get over her as easily as he wants. It is hard because his love for her is too strong. The narrator knew the woman was bad for him, but he dated her anyway. His heart is heavy because he can’t get over her. As the song progresses, he finds a way to move on from her. Her love becomes a dying rose. He cried himself to sleep but realized her love for him was a joke.

This is a song told from an observer’s point of view. It gives a chance to see a relationship from the outside. In this case, the relationship is over. We find out the aftermath of a man who lost the love of his life. He must pick up the pieces and move on with his life. Ann Wilson brought a different perspective to the song. She told the story from a female’s point of view. In Jeff Buckley’s version he is the man who lost the woman he loves while Ann Wilson is watching the man trying to get over the love of his life. It is like two sides of the same coin.

She made the song different because she isn’t singing about her heartache. She is singing about someone else’s heartache. Jeff Buckley’s version is softer than Ann Wilson’s. His version is alternative rock while hers has a rock blues sound. She sings this with raw emotion as if she were the one going through the pain. She starts the song softly and then vocally soars towards the end of the song. It is hard to believe she is a woman a of a particular age singing this song. She sounds much younger than she is. Her vocals are flawless.

# 3 – Greed

Coming in at number three on our list is “Greed” from the Fierce Bliss album. “Greed” was released in 2022. The political song is self-explanatory. The song tells a story about people looking out for themselves. They make decisions based on what benefits them. People crave the things they want but it is never enough. You make decisions because you want more money and power. She talks about people getting caught up in their decisions. She talks about people always taking because of an insatiable need to have more. People even make deals with the devil so they can have more. Greed consumes your heart and takes over your mind. Greed is never satisfied.

This is an eye opening song about greed and what you are willing to do in order to get what you want. Ann Wilson wrote a thought-provoking song about a subject that many people can understand. She hits the nail on the head about the subject of greed. The guitars have a great vibe. The guitar riffs can put you in a hypnotic state. She knows how to build up a song. She keeps the fans on the edge of their seats while she is singing. Ann Wilson has impeccable vocal control. Her vocals soar in this song. She hasn’t lost her power or range and she wants the world to know it. She sounds full of life in this track.

# 2 – Surrender to Me ft Robin Zander

“Surrender to Me” is from the Tequilia Sunrise soundtrack. “Surrender to Me” was released in December 1988. The tender song is about a couple who have been through their share of ups and downs. They are ready to forget about what they have been through so they can be together for one night. They want to give in to the passion. They know when they break up they will regret it so they want to give in to their feelings. The couple is torn because they know they shouldn’t be together, but they still love each other. They want to forget about who was at fault for their problems because they know when they break up, they will want to get back together. They reminisce on how good their relationship used to be. It’s hard to believe that they could ever become strangers. Fate has brought them back together even if it is just for one night.

This song has Richard Marx written all over it. Richard Marx wrote this song. He really knocked it out of the park when he wrote this song. It sounds like a song he would have recorded himself. The music is lush and has a classic 80s soft rock beat. The guitar solo is worth checking out. Ann Wilson and Robin Zander’s voices are magical. They both sing the song with heart and soul. This is a great pair of voices for a duet. The song caters to both of their vocal ranges. They get a chance to shine in this song. Music is missing a rock power ballad like this. You don’t need to watch the movie in order to enjoy the song. The song is so infectious that it will stay in your head long after it is over. This could have easily been number one on our list but something else had to take its place.

# 1 – Almost Paradise – Mike Reno ft Ann Wilson

The number one song on our Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs list is “Almost Paradise” from the Footloose soundtrack. “Almost Paradise” was released in March 1984. This is the love song from the movie Footloose. The song is about a couple in love. They believe they will be together forever. They were alone and didn’t realize they could find love until they found each other. The narrators express how good it feels to be in love. They talk about how hard love is to find. They were ready to give up on love until they found each other. Their love is timeless and it feels like paradise to be with each other.

Anyone who is familiar with the original Footloose should be familiar with the song. This is a classic 80s love ballad. This is a touching song that will make you believe in love. The music is breathtaking. The slow synthesizer intro before they start singing is incredible. You will be hooked to the song instantly once it starts. The song is the perfect song to dance to when you are with the person you love. It will also make the perfect wedding song. Ann Wilson and Mike Reno’s vocals are outstanding. They match each other power for power. They vocally shine equally. The winners of the vocal battle are the fans who get to enjoy their vocals. This song is an earworm that will stay in your head.

Top 10 Ann Wilson Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022

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