Drum Sheet – Heart – What About Love

“What About Love” by Heart is a power ballad that was released in 1985 as part of their self-titled album Heart. This song marked a significant turning point for the band, revitalizing their career during the mid-80s and introducing them to a new generation of fans. The track became a huge hit, known for its passionate vocals, soaring guitar, and, for fans of the drums, a dynamic rhythm that underscores the emotional intensity of the song.

Originally written by Brian Allen, Sheron Alton, and Jim Vallance for the Canadian band Toronto, “What About Love” found its perfect match when Heart’s members heard a demo and decided to record their own version. The band worked with producer Ron Nevison, who was instrumental in creating the polished, radio-friendly rock sound of the album. Heart‘s version of “What About Love” features Ann Wilson’s powerful lead vocals, complemented by her sister Nancy Wilson’s harmonies and guitar work, making it one of their most memorable performances.

The drumming, performed by Denny Carmassi, is key to the track’s energy and impact. Carmassi’s playing is characterized by a steady backbeat that anchors the song while still leaving room for dramatic fills that elevate the chorus. The verses are relatively restrained, giving space for Ann Wilson’s emotional vocals to shine, but as the song builds towards the chorus, the drums kick in with more force, providing a strong, dramatic pulse. The snare drum hits, in particular, are crisp and punchy, adding a layer of urgency that matches the song’s themes of longing and heartbreak. Carmassi’s careful use of cymbals and toms also contributes to the grandeur of the track, building tension before releasing it in a sweeping, anthemic chorus.

The recording sessions for the Heart album aimed to create a sound that was both commercially appealing and emotionally resonant. Ron Nevison’s production emphasized a clean, powerful mix, and the drums were recorded to sound large and expansive, fitting the song’s dramatic feel. Carmassi’s drumming was captured with a polished yet intense quality, giving the track a powerful rhythmic foundation.

“What About Love” became a staple of Heart‘s live performances and was frequently featured in their concerts throughout the 1980s and beyond. The live versions often highlighted the drumming even more than the studio recording, with Carmassi delivering powerful fills and dynamic shifts that energized the audience. The combination of Ann Wilson’s soaring vocals, Nancy’s guitar, and Carmassi‘s powerful drumming made “What About Love” one of the standout moments in Heart‘s live shows, solidifying its place as a classic in rock music history.