Heart (Pet Shop Boys song)
Encyclopedia
"Heart" is a song recorded by Pet Shop Boys
which reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart
for three weeks in April 1988 (see 1988 in music
). This is also their last number 1 song to date. The song was included on the group's third studio album, Actually
.
and Neil Tennant
, "Heart" was the fourth and final single from the duo's second 'proper' album Actually
. Remixed as a single and released in March 1988, it rocketed to the top of the charts to become the duo's fourth—and, to date, last—UK number one single. It was also a massive hit across Europe.
The genesis of the song goes back to the sessions for the duo's first album Please in early 1986 with Shep Pettibone
. Originally the duo had planned to offer it to Hi-NRG
singer Hazell Dean
or—more notoriously—Madonna
, but they ultimately kept it for themselves. The duo's version of the song was intended to be used in the Steven Spielberg
-produced film Innerspace
, but the dance sequence it was intended for was at the wrong tempo for the song. The song was originally called "Heartbeat", but was changed after Culture Club
drummer
Jon Moss
announced the formation of a group Heartbeat UK.
The lyrics are noted for being more traditional than most Pet Shop Boys songs, being a straightforward declaration of love—a characteristic common in many pop songs. On the commentary of the live Pet Shop Boys DVD Cubism
, Neil reveals that the "uh uh oh oh uh" refrain which repeats throughout the song features the vocals of Neil, Pavarotti and Wendy Smith (of Prefab Sprout
).
The song was re-recorded for Actually with producer Andy Richards, and was mixed by Julian Mendelsohn
. The single remix is an edit of the Richards' version with the use of wah-wah guitar, giving the song more of a '70s sound.
Despite topping the UK charts for three weeks and being a huge worldwide hit, the duo themselves tend to dismiss it, with Chris Lowe stating in 2001: "It just shows that chart positions aren't the be all and end all. 'Heart' isn't in the same league as 'Being Boring
'." However, many fans regard the song highly and Pet Shop Boys like it enough to have performed the song in both their 1989 tour and also in their Fundamental world tour in 2006 and 2007 as like as on their actual Pandemonium tour in 2009/2010.
, the "Heart" music video
is based on the 1922 film Nosferatu. The video opens with Tennant and his bride (Danijela Čolić) being driven to a castle (Mokrice Castle
) with Lowe as his chauffeur. As he goes to bed with his bride, the Vampire
, played by Ian McKellen
, spies them. Later he seduces the bride and bites her. Finally Lowe drives Nosferatu and his bride away, leaving Tennant to stare bitterly after them from a castle window. The video was shot in Slovenia
, then one of the six republics forming former Yugoslavia
.
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are an English electronic dance music duo, consisting of Neil Tennant, who provides main vocals, keyboards and occasional guitar, and Chris Lowe on keyboards....
which reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
for three weeks in April 1988 (see 1988 in music
1988 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1988.-January-March:* January 1 – André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra plays its first concert....
). This is also their last number 1 song to date. The song was included on the group's third studio album, Actually
Actually (album)
In 2006, Q magazine placed the album at #22 in its list of "40 Best Albums of the '80s".-Track listing:# "One More Chance" – 5:30...
.
Song
Written by Chris LoweChris Lowe
Chris Lowe is an English musician, who, with colleague Neil Tennant, makes up the pop duo Pet Shop Boys.-Childhood:...
and Neil Tennant
Neil Tennant
Neil Francis Tennant is an English musician, singer and songwriter, who, with bandmate Chris Lowe, makes up the successful electronic dance music duo Pet Shop Boys.-Childhood:...
, "Heart" was the fourth and final single from the duo's second 'proper' album Actually
Actually (album)
In 2006, Q magazine placed the album at #22 in its list of "40 Best Albums of the '80s".-Track listing:# "One More Chance" – 5:30...
. Remixed as a single and released in March 1988, it rocketed to the top of the charts to become the duo's fourth—and, to date, last—UK number one single. It was also a massive hit across Europe.
The genesis of the song goes back to the sessions for the duo's first album Please in early 1986 with Shep Pettibone
Shep Pettibone
Robert E. Pettibone, Jr. is a record producer, remixer, songwriter and club DJ, one of the most prolific of the 1980s. His earliest work known to the public was for one of New York City's top disco/dance radio stations, WRKS 98.7 "Kiss" FM, and later as remixer/producer for the disco label Salsoul...
. Originally the duo had planned to offer it to Hi-NRG
Hi-NRG
Hi-NRG describes a form of high-tempo disco music as well as a genre of electronic dance music originating in the United States during the late 1970s...
singer Hazell Dean
Hazell Dean
Hazell Dean is a British dance-pop singer, who achieved her biggest success in the 1980s as a leading Hi-NRG artist. She is best known for the top ten hits "Searchin' ", "Whatever I Do " and "Who's Leaving Who"...
or—more notoriously—Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, but they ultimately kept it for themselves. The duo's version of the song was intended to be used in the Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg
Steven Allan Spielberg KBE is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game designer, and studio entrepreneur. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as an...
-produced film Innerspace
Innerspace
Innerspace is a 1987 science fiction comedy film directed by Joe Dante and produced by Michael Finnell. Steven Spielberg served as executive producer. The film was inspired by the classic 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage. It stars Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg Ryan, Robert Picardo and...
, but the dance sequence it was intended for was at the wrong tempo for the song. The song was originally called "Heartbeat", but was changed after Culture Club
Culture Club
Culture Club are a British rock band who were part of the 1980s New Romantic movement. The original band consisted of Boy George , Mikey Craig , Roy Hay and Jon Moss...
drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Jon Moss
Jon Moss
Jon Moss is an English drummer best known as a member of the 1980s pop group Culture Club. He has also played with other bands, including London, The Nips and The Damned.-Early life:...
announced the formation of a group Heartbeat UK.
The lyrics are noted for being more traditional than most Pet Shop Boys songs, being a straightforward declaration of love—a characteristic common in many pop songs. On the commentary of the live Pet Shop Boys DVD Cubism
Cubism
Cubism was a 20th century avant-garde art movement, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, that revolutionized European painting and sculpture, and inspired related movements in music, literature and architecture...
, Neil reveals that the "uh uh oh oh uh" refrain which repeats throughout the song features the vocals of Neil, Pavarotti and Wendy Smith (of Prefab Sprout
Prefab Sprout
Prefab Sprout are an alternative English pop rock band from Witton Gilbert, County Durham, England who rose to fame during the 1980s. Eight of their albums have reached the Top 40 in the UK Albums Chart, and one of their singles, "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", peaked at number seven in the UK...
).
The song was re-recorded for Actually with producer Andy Richards, and was mixed by Julian Mendelsohn
Julian Mendelsohn
Julian Mendelsohn is a British record producer, audio engineer and mixer. Records bearing his work have been featured on English top ten charts...
. The single remix is an edit of the Richards' version with the use of wah-wah guitar, giving the song more of a '70s sound.
Despite topping the UK charts for three weeks and being a huge worldwide hit, the duo themselves tend to dismiss it, with Chris Lowe stating in 2001: "It just shows that chart positions aren't the be all and end all. 'Heart' isn't in the same league as 'Being Boring
Being Boring
"Being Boring" is a single by the British pop group Pet Shop Boys.As the second single from the 1990 album Behaviour, after "So Hard" which was released before the album, "Being Boring" was not particularly successful upon release, only reaching number twenty in the UK Singles Chart and being the...
'." However, many fans regard the song highly and Pet Shop Boys like it enough to have performed the song in both their 1989 tour and also in their Fundamental world tour in 2006 and 2007 as like as on their actual Pandemonium tour in 2009/2010.
Music video
Directed by Jack Bond, director of the band's 1987 film It Couldn't Happen HereIt Couldn't Happen Here
It Couldn't Happen Here is a 1988 musical film starring the British pop duo Pet Shop Boys and based around their music. It was originally conceived as an hour-long video based around their album Actually, but it turned into a surreal full-scale feature film directed by Jack Bond and co-starring...
, the "Heart" music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
is based on the 1922 film Nosferatu. The video opens with Tennant and his bride (Danijela Čolić) being driven to a castle (Mokrice Castle
Mokrice Castle
Mokrice Castle is a medieval castle southeast of Brežice, Slovenia, located in the Gorjanci hills in the village of Jesenice, near the Croatian border. First mentioned in 1444, it was rebuilt in the 16th century and in 1941. After World War II it was made into a hotel with restaurants and in 1988 a...
) with Lowe as his chauffeur. As he goes to bed with his bride, the Vampire
Vampire
Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
, played by Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
Sir Ian Murray McKellen, CH, CBE is an English actor. He has received a Tony Award, two Academy Award nominations, and five Emmy Award nominations. His work has spanned genres from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction...
, spies them. Later he seduces the bride and bites her. Finally Lowe drives Nosferatu and his bride away, leaving Tennant to stare bitterly after them from a castle window. The video was shot in Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
, then one of the six republics forming former Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
.
7": Parlophone / R 6177 (UK)
- "Heart" (single version) – 4:16
- "I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)" – 4:53
12": Parlophone / 12 R 6177 (UK)
- "Heart" (disco mix) – 8:27
- "I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)" – 4:53
- "Heart" (dance mix) – 6:08
- also released on MC (TCR 6177) and CD (CDR 6177)
12": Parlophone / 12 RX 6177 (UK)
- "Heart" (12" remix) – 8:55
- "Heart" (dub mix) – 5:15
- "I Get Excited (You Get Excited Too)" – 4:53
Chart performance
| Chart (1988) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK | 1 |
| Australia | 18 |
| Austria | 3 |
| France | 36 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Ireland | 1 |
| Italy | 18 |
| Norway | 6 |
| Sweden | 9 |
| Switzerland | 1 |