Alone (Heart song)

"Alone" is a song composed by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. It first appeared via Steinberg and Kelly's 1983 pet project, I-Ten, on Taking a Cold Look. It was later recorded by Valerie Stevenson and John Stamos in their roles as Lisa Copley and Gino Minelli, on the original soundtrack of the CBS sitcom Dreams in 1984. American rock band Heart made it a number-one US and Canadian hit in 1987. Twenty years later, Celine Dion recorded it for her album Taking Chances.

Heart version

"Alone"
Single by Heart
from the album Bad Animals
B-side "Barracuda" (live)
Released May 16, 1987
Genre Hard rock, synthrock
Length 3:39
Label Capitol
Writer(s) Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly
Producer(s) Ron Nevison
Heart singles chronology
"If Looks Could Kill"
(1986)		 "Alone"
(1987)		 "Who Will You Run To"
(1987)

Heart released the song as the first single from their ninth studio album, Bad Animals, in May 1987. Their version is a power ballad that begins with a piano line and a subdued vocal from Ann Wilson before exploding into an amplified hard rock and synth-led chorus. The song has been covered numerous times on American Idol. According to a Songfacts interview with Steinberg, Kelly (an experienced session singer) provided the high harmony parts on the record.[1] "Alone" is Heart's biggest hit, spending three weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 that July. It ranked No. 2 on the Billboard Year-End Top Pop Singles of 1987, behind "Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles. It is also their most successful single in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, so far as the band's only ever song to peak inside the UK Top 5; it is also one out of three UK Top 10 singles by the band. The song was also a huge global hit, reaching No. 1 in Canada, the top five in Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland, the top ten in Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands as well as the top twenty in Germany. The song's popular video featured the band in a synched live performance. An "unplugged" version of the song later appeared on Heart's 1995 album The Road Home. An extended version of "Alone" clocking in at 5:30 was released in Japan as the B-side to Heart's third single from Bad Animals, "There's the Girl". This "Long Version" is exclusive to this 3" mini-CD single, and not found on any other release.[2]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (1987) Peak
position
Australia (KMR)[3] 6
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[4] 22
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[5] 8
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[6] 1
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[7] 1
Canada (The Record's Retail Singles Chart)[8] 1
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[9] 9
Germany (Official German Charts)[10] 18
Ireland (IRMA)[11] 3
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[12] 6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[13] 6
Norway (VG-lista)[14] 5
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[15] 4
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[16] 3
US Billboard Hot 100[17] 1
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[18] 2
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[19] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (1987) Position
Australia (KMR)[20] 37
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[21] 62
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[22] 11
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[23] 56
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[24] 52
Norway Summer Period (VG-lista)[25] 9
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[26] 18
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[27] 34
US Billboard Hot 100[28] 2
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[28] 23

Certifications and sales

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
Canada (Music Canada)[29] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[30] Silver 250,000^

^shipments figures based on certification alone

Celine Dion version

"Alone"
Single by Celine Dion
from the album Taking Chances
Released May 5, 2008 (2008-05-05)
Format Music download
Recorded January 2007 Conway Studios, Studio at the Palms
Genre Pop rock
Length 3:24
Label Columbia, Epic
Writer(s) Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly
Producer(s) Ben Moody
Celine Dion singles chronology
"The Prayer"
(2008)		 "Alone"
(2008)		 "My Love"
(2008)
Music video
"Alone" on YouTube

Celine Dion covered "Alone" for her ninth English-language studio album Taking Chances (2007). It was released as the second single in Europe and North America, and third in the United Kingdom, while "Eyes on Me" was released as the second single in the United Kingdom instead. "Alone" was produced by Ben Moody, ex-member of Evanescence. The version received mixed reviews from music critics, who thought that the cover was too similar with the original, considering it a dull and carbon-copy version.

Background and release

Dion covered "Alone" for her tenth English studio album Taking Chances (2007). The version was produced by Ben Moody, former member of rock band Evanescence.[31] Dion's version features tinkling pianos and enveloping strings.[31] It was released as the second single in Europe and North America, and third in the United Kingdom. The digital single release in the UK on May 5, 2008 was coincided with the British leg of the Taking Chances World Tour.[32] In October 2008, "Alone" was included on the European version of My Love: Essential Collection.[33] A live version was included in the Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert CD/DVD.[34]

Critical reception

Music critics were divided on "Alone." Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic picked the song as one of the best tracks on Taking Chances, and wrote that "Celine attempts to snatch Heart's 'Alone' from Carrie Underwood and cribs from Kelly Clarkson's operatic rock, two blatant thieveries that, when combined with the quartet of explicit changeups, gives Taking Chances a vaguely desperate vibe, as if Celine needs to prove that she still reigns supreme among all divas."[35] Sarah Rodman wrote for The Boston Globe that "Enlisting former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody adds little; in fact, the carbon-copy arrangement doesn't pack as much windswept melodramatic punch as Dion's own 'It's All Coming Back to Me Now.' Great vocal, terrific melody, a fine rendition, but 'Alone' is already indelibly stamped by Heart's Ann Wilson."[36] Toronto Star editor Ashante Infantry called this song "sentimental, cringe-worthy diva track." Chuck Taylor of Billboard called it "a rowdy cover."[37] Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone gave the song a negative review, writing: "That's nothing compared to Dion shrieking the ten millionth version of Heart's 'Alone' (mad pitchy, dog!), produced by ex-Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody – Amy Lee, meet the fugliest bullet you ever dodged."[38]

Chart performance

The song debuted on November 24, 2007 at No. 85 on the UK Singles Chart.[39] It spent two weeks on the chart.[39] After selling 12,535 copies, it entered the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles at No. 24 and Canadian Hot 100 at No. 57. It entered the Swedish Singles Chart, due to strong digital sales, and peaked at No. 52.[40]

Music video and live performances

The music video was taken from Dion's CBS TV special That's Just the Woman in Me and released on March 8, 2008.[41] Dion promoted "Alone" at that time in France, performing it on Star Academy. On November 23, 2007, she went to the American talkshow The View to perform "Taking Chances" as well as "Alone."[42] Dion performed the song during most dates of her Taking Chances World Tour; the performance was included in the Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert CD/DVD.[34]

Formats and track listings

UK digital single

  1. "Alone" – 3:23

Charts

Chart (2007–08) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[43] 57
Canada AC (Billboard)[44] 7
Norway (VG-lista Airplay)[45] 37
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[46] 52
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[47] 85
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[48] 24
US Digital Songs (Billboard)[49] 81
US Pop 100 (Billboard)[50] 86

Other notable versions

References

  1. ↑ "Alone". Songfacts.com. Retrieved October 5, 2009.
  2. ↑ "Japan 3" CD single". Discogs. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  3. ↑ David Kent (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970-1992. Australia: St Ives, N.S.W. : Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  4. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Heart – Alone" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  5. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Heart – Alone" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  6. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0844." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  7. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 8062." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  8. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. August 29, 1987. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. August 15, 1987. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Heart - Alone" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  11. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Hearts". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  12. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 31, 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  13. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Heart – Alone" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  14. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Heart – Alone". VG-lista. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  15. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Heart – Alone". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  16. ↑ "Heart: Artist Chart History" Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  17. ↑ "Heart – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Heart. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  18. ↑ "Heart – Chart history" Billboard Adult Contemporary for Heart. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  19. ↑ "Heart – Chart history" Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs for Heart. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  20. ↑ "KMR Top Singles of 1987". KMR. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1987" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Top 100 Singles of '87". RPM. December 26, 1987. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Single Top 100 Van 1987" (PDF) (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten - single 1987". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Topp 20 Single Sommer 1987" (in Norwegian). VG-lista. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Swiss Year-end Charts 1987". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Gallup Year End Charts 1987: Singles". Record Mirror. London, England: Spotlight Publications. August 23, 2016. p. 36.
  28. 1 2 "The Year in Music" (PDF). Billboard. December 26, 1987. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Heart – Alone". Music Canada.
  30. ↑ "British single certifications – Heart – Alone". British Phonographic Industry. Enter Alone in the field Keywords. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Select Silver in the field By Award. Click Search
  31. 1 2 "Celine Dion / Ben Moody Collaboration". Idolator. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  32. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Alone - Single by Céline Dion". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  33. ↑ "The Essential" (in German). Exlibris.ch. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
  34. 1 2 Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert : AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  35. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen (November 17, 2007) Taking Chances - Review | Allmusic Allmusic - Rovi Corporation Retrieved February 28, 2011.
  36. ↑ Rodman, Sarah (November 13, 2007) Dion takes few risks on 'Chances' The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 28, 2011.
  37. ↑ Taylor, Chuck. "Taking Chances - Billboard Review". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 11, 2007. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  38. ↑ Sheffield, Rob (December 13, 2007). "Celine Dion: Taking Chances : Music Reviews". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 1, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  39. 1 2 "ChartArchive - Celine Dion - Alone". Chart Archive. Retrieved September 16, 2012.
  40. ↑ Steffen Hung. "Swedish Singles Chart". Swedishcharts.com. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
  41. ↑ Celine's "Alone" Music Video - Now Inside TeamCeline!. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
  42. ↑ "Celine Performing on The View!". Celine Dion Web. November 22, 2007. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
  43. ↑ "Celine Dion – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Celine Dion. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  44. ↑ "Celine Dion – Chart history" Billboard Canada AC for Celine Dion. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  45. ↑ "Norwegian Airplay Chart". VG-lista. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
  46. ↑ "Céline Dion - Alone (Song)". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  47. ↑ "Celine Dion: Artist Chart History" Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 September 2014.
  48. ↑ "Celine Dion – Chart history" Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 for Celine Dion. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  49. ↑ "Celine Dion – Chart history" Billboard Digital Songs for Celine Dion. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  50. ↑ "Celine Dion Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  51. ↑ "The Game by Alyssa Reid on Apple Music". itunes.apple.com. Retrieved November 9, 2016.

External links

Preceded by
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston		 US Billboard Hot 100 number-one single
July 11, 1987 – July 25, 1987 		Succeeded by
"Shakedown" by Bob Seger
Preceded by
"Shakedown" by Bob Seger		 Canadian RPM 100 number-one single
August 8, 1987 		Succeeded by
"Funkytown" by Pseudo Echo
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