Heartbeat (Wendy Waldman song)

Last updated
"Heartbeat"
Single by Wendy Waldman
from the album Which Way to Main Street
Released1982
Genre Rock
Length3:30
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Eddie Kramer [1]
Wendy Waldman singles chronology
"Does Anybody Want to Marry Me"
(1982)
"Heartbeat"
(1982)
"Living in Hard Times"
(1987)

"Heartbeat" is a 1982 song written by Eric Kaz and Wendy Waldman. It was first recorded by Waldman and released on her 1982 album Which Way to Main Street. That same year, Australian-American singer Helen Reddy recorded the song for her 1983 album Imagination, the song failed to chart.

Contents

The most famous rendition of the song is a 1986 cover of the song by Don Johnson, which was released as a single and included on Johnson's album Heartbeat. Johnson's cover became an international hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and charting highly in many European countries. The song's popularity led to Johnson being named "the best new vocalist of 1986" in a Rolling Stone readers poll, and he released a music video interpreting the song, filmed with actress Lori Singer. [2]

Helen Reddy version

"Heartbeat"
Song by Helen Reddy
from the album Imagination
ReleasedFebruary 1983
Recorded1982
Studio Hollywood Sound Recorders Inc., Hollywood, California
Genre Pop rock
Label MCA
Songwriter(s) Eric Kaz, Wendy Waldman
Producer(s) Joe Wissert

In 1982, Australian-American singer Helen Reddy, who also has performed other songs from Kaz and Waldman covered the song for her 1983 studio album Imagination . It was recorded at Hollywood Sound Recorders Inc. in Hollywood, California, and was produced by Joe Wissert. This was also one of her final songs on MCA Records Despite Imagination and 1981's Play Me Out failed to chart.

Personnel

Don Johnson version

"Heartbeat"
Don Johnson - Heartbeat single cover.jpg
Single by Don Johnson
from the album Heartbeat
B-side "Can't Take Your Memory"
ReleasedAugust 19, 1986
Recorded1985
Genre Pop rock
Length4:18
Label Epic
Songwriter(s)
  • Eric Kaz
  • Wendy Waldman
Producer(s) Chas Sandford
Don Johnson singles chronology
"Heartbeat"
(1986)
"Heartache Away"
(1986)
Music video
"Heartbeat" on YouTube

In 1986, American actor and singer Don Johnson recorded the song and included it on his debut album of the same name, releasing it as his debut single. It is the most successful version of the song, as well as becoming an international hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and charting highly in many European countries. A music video was released featuring actress Lori Singer interpreting the song. This song was featured in the game "Grand Theft Auto V" on the "Los Santos Rock Radio" station.

Track listings

7" single

  1. "Heartbeat" - 4:18
  2. "Can't Take Your Memory" - 4:30

12" single

  1. "Heartbeat" - 4:18
  2. "Can't Take Your Memory" - 4:30
  3. "Coco Don't" - 3:33

Charts

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