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Last updated on October 31, 2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Neil Diamond - Hello AgainWritten by Neil Diamond and Alan Lindgren for the 1980 film "The Jazz Singer," "Hello Again" offers a sleek slice of cinematic sentiment repackaged for the charts. The song climbs to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaches #3 on the Adult Contemporary tally, helping push the soundtrack album to 5x Platinum. Diamond leans into his baritone comfort zone, blending pop and soft rock with just enough drama to make it feel personal—but exportable. Its mix of romantic lyrics and polished melody secures it a recurring role in Diamond’s live repertoire, though it strays little from the safe zone. David Foster revives "Hello Again" in 2014 for Ruben Studdard’s album "Unconditional Love," proving, if nothing else, that the track knows how to hang around. Diamond, born in Brooklyn on January 24, 1941, racks up over 130 million records sold, 32 studio albums, and industry laurels from the Songwriters Hall of Fame to a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The music video is directed by Dwight Hemion. Writer(s) : Neil Leslie Diamond, Alan Edward Lindgren Publisher(s) : Sweet Sixteen Music Inc, Stonebridge Music Inc Featured on the 1980 album The Jazz Singer
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 2 . Bob Seger - Hollywood NightsReleased in 1978, "Hollywood Nights" was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami. Produced by Seger and Punch Andrews, it captures the raw energy of Los Angeles nightlife. The song reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Wayne Isham. Writer(s) : Robert Clark Seger Publisher(s) : Gear Publ
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 3 . Bryan Adams - Here I AmWritten for the animated film "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" in 2002, Bryan Adams collaborated with Hans Zimmer and Gretchen Peters to compose this piece. Recorded in Los Angeles, it was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for Flyte Tyme Productions. The song was well-received, charting in Canada and Europe. The music video is directed by Mike Lipscombe. Writer(s) : John F Adams, Sharon A Bryant Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing International Ltd
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 4 . Cheap Trick - The FlameReleased in 1988, "The Flame" marked a critical turning point for Cheap Trick, a band that had seen their commercial fortunes wane during the mid-'80s slump. This power ballad, crafted by British songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham, deviated from the band’s usual self-written repertoire, a decision born out of an external demand for fresh collaborations on their album "Lap of Luxury." With themes of heartfelt longing, devotion, and vulnerability, the song's shimmering production by Richie Zito elevated its emotional impact without veering into excessive melodrama. Clocking in at just over four minutes, "The Flame" burned brightly on the charts, claiming the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and basking in similar glory internationally, including Canada and parts of Europe. Critics often view it as an unusually polished moment for a band more associated with power-pop grit than soaring earnestness, yet this calculated shift in tone undeniably rekindled Cheap Trick’s mainstream appeal. The accompanying music video, a distinctly '80s concoction of hazy lighting and intense gazes, served as a visual distillation of its aching refrain, securing heavy rotation on MTV during the network's golden days of pop-rock dominance. Despite its success, die-hard fans often argue over its place in the band’s canon, torn between celebrating its chart-topping achievement and lamenting its divergence from their raw, quirky edge. Still, as a staple in their live sets at major venues and festivals around the world, "The Flame" refuses to flicker out, radiating a nostalgic glow for audiences who continue to hum its unforgettable melody decades later. Its ability to evoke a universal yearning while anchoring itself to that uniquely '80s arena-ballad aesthetic remains an enduring draw, a rare instance of calculated commercialism that resulted in a bona fide classic instead of disposable fluff. Featured on the 1988 album Lap of Luxury
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 5 . Bryan Adams - Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?Created for the film "Don Juan DeMarco" starring Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway (1995), this song is penned by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange. It features a recurring melody throughout the movie. Recorded in Jamaica, it includes a guitar performance by Paco de Lucía. The song topped the charts in the US and Canada. "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song but lost to "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas. The corresponding music video was shot by Anton Corbijn in a bar in Marbella, Spain. The music video is directed by Anton Corbijn. Writer(s) : Bryan Adams, Robert John Lange, Michael Arnold Kamen, Rudy Perez Publisher(s) : Out Of Pocket Publishing Co, Badams Music Limited, New Line Music Corp, Rubet Music, K Man Corp
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 6 . Bob Seger - Night MovesWritten in 1976, "Night Moves" captures the nostalgia of adolescence. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, this song marked a turning point in Seger's career, becoming a major hit in the US. Produced by Jack Richardson, who had worked with The Guess Who, it features renowned musicians from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. The official video, released in 1994, features Matt LeBlanc (yes, Joey from Friends) and Daphne Zuniga (yes, Jo from Melrose Place) in a '60s drive-in. The music video is directed by Wayne Isham. Writer(s) : Robert Clark Seger Publisher(s) : Gear Publ Featured on the 1976 album Night Moves
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 7 . Don Henley - The Boys Of SummerProduced by Henley and Mike Campbell, "The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley was released in 1984. The song emerged from a collaboration between Henley, a former Eagle, and Campbell, guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Campbell initially recorded an instrumental demo, to which Henley added lyrics. The song addresses themes of nostalgia and loss of innocence. "The Boys of Summer" was critically acclaimed, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning the Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1985. Fans of "Friends" will remember "The Boys of Summer" from the episode "The One With Two Parts (2)" in season 1, during a hospital scene with Ross and Marcel. The music video is directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Writer(s) : Donald Hugh Henley, Michael W Campbell Publisher(s) : Wild Gator Music, Woody Creek Music
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 8 . Bryan Adams - Back To YouBryan Adams’ "Back to You," performed live and acoustically, anchors his 1997 album "MTV Unplugged," recorded at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom on September 26, 1997. Released as a single in December 1997, it broke into the Top 40 charts across Canada, the UK, and Europe. Featuring Máire Breatnach on violin and band regulars Keith Scott and Mickey Curry, its stripped-back arrangement became synonymous with the show's appeal. Its live music video earned heavy rotation, while "MTV Unplugged" reached #2 on the Canadian Albums Chart, achieving triple Platinum certification by 1998. The music video is directed by Steve Barron. Writer(s) : Bryan Adams, Eliot Kennedy Publisher(s) : Badams Music Limited, Sony Music Publishing
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 9 . Foreigner - I Don't Want To Live Without You"I Don't Want To Live Without You" is a powerful ballad by Foreigner, released in 1988. Formed in 1976 by Mick Jones and Ian McDonald, Foreigner became famous for their rock ballads and energetic hits. This song, characterized by its deep emotional lyrics and Lou Gramm's distinctive voice, reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's a staple in their live performances, often leaving audiences moved by its heartfelt delivery. Featured on the 1988 album Inside Information
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 10 . Eagles - Hole In The WorldThe Eagles' first track without guitarist Don Felder since 1974, "Hole in the World," was penned by Don Henley and Glenn Frey in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Henley began crafting the song on the evening of the attacks, with the composition evolving amidst American reactions and the onset of the Iraq War. The single peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Produced by the Eagles and Bill Szymczyk, known for his work on classic Eagles albums like "Hotel California," the song received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2004. Writer(s) : Glenn Lewis Frey, Don Henley Publisher(s) : Privet Songs, Red Cloud Music Featured on the 2003 album The Very Best Of Eagles
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 11 . Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love IsReleased in 1984, "I Want To Know What Love Is" was recorded in New York and produced by Mick Jones and Alex Sadkin, known for his work with Grace Jones and Duran Duran. The song features backing vocals from the New Jersey Mass Choir and Jennifer Holliday, with additional keyboard work by Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins. It reached number one in the US and UK. The music video is directed by Brian Gibson. Writer(s) : Michael Jones Publisher(s) : Somerset Songs Publishing Inc Featured on the 1984 album Agent Provocateur
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 12 . Lindsey Buckingham - TroubleLindsey Buckingham’s 1981 single “Trouble,” the flagship track from his debut solo album *Law and Order*, shuffles in with Buckingham handling nearly all instrumentation, save for a minimalistic drum loop courtesy of Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood. With its hypnotic rhythm and understated charm, the track reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, crept to No. 31 in the UK, and broke into the Top 10 in Australia and South Africa. The video, featuring Bob Welch and musicians pantomiming along, mirrors the track’s sly blend of sincerity and detached whimsy. The music video is directed by Jerry Watson. Writer(s) : Lindsey Buckingham Publisher(s) : Kobalt Music Copyrights Sarl, Now Sounds Music Featured on the 1981 album Law and Order
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 13 . The Black Crowes - She Talks To AngelsAn acoustic ballad that stands out from the band's more energetic rock style, "She Talks To Angels" was written by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson and released in 1990. Recorded at Soundscape Studios in Atlanta, it was produced by George Drakoulias, known for his work with Tom Petty. The song is acclaimed for its poignant lyrics about a woman struggling with addiction and reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Matt Mahurin. Writer(s) : Richard Curti S Robinson, Chris Robison Publisher(s) : Enough To Contend With Songs Featured on the 1990 album Shake Your Money Maker
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 14 . Todd Rundgren - Bang The Drum All DayTodd Rundgren’s "Bang The Drum All Day," released in 1983, has become an anthem for anyone preferring fun over work. Rundgren played all the instruments, mainly electronic ones, a novelty at the time. Football fans know it as the celebratory tune for Green Bay Packers' touchdowns at Lambeau Field since 1995. Writer(s) : Todd Harry Rundgren Publisher(s) : Fiction Music Inc Featured on the 1983 album The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect
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 15 . Steve Miller Band - AbracadabraReleased in 1982, "Abracadabra" became one of Steve Miller Band's biggest hits, reaching number one in the US and Australia. Written and produced by Steve Miller, it's known for its catchy synth riff and benefitted from the band's popularity in the '70s and '80s alongside other hits like "The Joker" and "Fly Like an Eagle." The music video is directed by Peter Conn. Writer(s) : Steve Miller Publisher(s) : Sailor Music Featured on the 1982 album Abracadabra
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 16 . Foreigner - Say You Will“Say You Will” is the lead single by British-American rock band Foreigner from their November 1987 album *Inside Information*. Co-written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, it reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 20, 1988 and held the top spot on the Mainstream Rock chart for four weeks starting December 19, 1987. Writer(s) : Louis A Grammatico (An Drew), Michael Jones Publisher(s) : Colgems Emi Music Inc, Somerset Songs Publishing Inc Featured on the 1987 album Inside Information
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 17 . Foreigner - UrgentReleased in 1981, "Urgent" was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, also known for his work with Def Leppard and Shania Twain. Recorded in New York, it is notable for its saxophone solo by Junior Walker. The song reached the top 5 in the US and remains a rock radio staple. Writer(s) : Michael Jones Publisher(s) : Somerset Songs Publishing Inc Featured on the 1981 album 4
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 18 . Little Steven - Bitter FruitIn "Bitter Fruit," Little Steven takes on U.S. intervention in Latin America, drawing inspiration from the book 'Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala'. Released in 1987, the song uses the narrative of a laborer in the fields to highlight the harsh impacts of foreign policy and corporate interests. The consequences for indigenous populations are depicted through oppression and loss of freedom. With direct lyrics and Latin rhythms, guest vocalist Rubén Blades adds a layer of urgency, prompting listeners to question systems of power. Writer(s) : Steven Van Zandt Publisher(s) : Little Steven Music Featured on the 1987 album Freedom – No Compromise
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 19 . America - You Can Do MagicReleased in 1982, "You Can Do Magic" was written by British songwriter Russ Ballard and produced by himself, highlighting '80s keyboard and guitar arrangements. Departing from their usual folk-rock sound for a more pop and contemporary style, "You Can Do Magic" marked a return to success for America, reaching the top 10 in the US. Ballard is also known for his work with Argent and Rainbow. Writer(s) : Russell Glyn Ballard Publisher(s) : Ballard Russell Limited Featured on the 1982 album View from the Ground
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 20 . Bonnie Raitt - Nick Of TimeWritten in 1989, "Nick Of Time" by Bonnie Raitt was produced by Don Was, known for his work with The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, it featured on the eponymous album that won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1990. The song, which addresses themes of aging and redemption, was widely acclaimed upon release. The music video is directed by Tamra Davis. Writer(s) : Bonnie Raitt Publisher(s) : Kokomo Music Featured on the 1989 album Nick of Time
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ABOUT HEARTLAND ROCKWhat is Heartland Rock ?Born from a combination of rock and roll, country, and folk music influences, Heartland Rock blended the raw, driving energy of rock with the storytelling tradition. This fusion transcended into powerful, sing-along choruses designed to resonate with a wide audience. The Sound of Heartland RockThe genre prominently features electric and acoustic guitars, often with memorable riffs and solos. The guitar work is typically straightforward and melodic, supporting the storytelling nature of the songs. In addition to guitars, Heartland Rock commonly incorporates piano, harmonica, and occasionally horns. The instrumentation enhances the narrative and emotional impact of the songs, often creating a rich, layered sound. The production tends to be clean and polished, yet retains a raw, live feel. The most well-known producers of the genre include: – Jimmy Iovine who worked on several Bruce Springsteen albums, including “Born to Run” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town.” – Jon Landau, known for producing and managing Bruce Springsteen, notably on the album “Born in the U.S.A.” – Don Gehman who produced several John Mellencamp albums, including “Scarecrow” and “The Lonesome Jubilee.” – T-Bone Burnett who, although more often associated with Americana, has also worked with Heartland Rock artists. – Bob Clearmountain who collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on “Born in the U.S.A.” and albums by Bryan Adams. The words of Heartland RockThe lyrics are deeply rooted in everyday experiences, simple and honest feelings. They often reflect a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times. The vocal delivery in Heartland Rock is typically direct and unadorned, earnest and unpretentious, aiming to convey sincerity and authenticity.
Further Reading and ViewingBooks: 2. “Born in the U.S.A.: Bruce Springsteen and the American Tradition” by Jim Cullen examines Springsteen’s role in the development of Heartland Rock and how his songs reflect the American experience. 3. “Mellencamp: Paintings and Reflections” John Mellencamp, although it is a mix of music and visual art, provides insights into Mellencamp’s work, including reflections on his recurring themes. Documentaries: 2. “John Mellencamp: Plain Spoken” (2016) on Netflix features John Mellencamp reflecting on his career and work, sharing personal insights on the influences and messages in his songs. 3. “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream” (2007) by Peter Bogdanovich traces Tom Petty‘s career, showing how his work reflects the characteristics of Heartland Rock. Magazines: 2. Uncut, known for its detailed rock music analysis, regularly features articles on Heartland Rock artists. 3. MOJO provides interviews and retrospectives on key figures in Heartland Rock, particularly Springsteen, Mellencamp, and Petty. |
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