I think a lot of people don't realize that "Alone" was covered by Heart back in 1987. The song was composed by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg and originally appeared on I-Ten's Epic release "Taking A Cold Look" back in 1983. It wasn't until sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart recorded "Alone" that everyone took note of the song which went to number one and appeared on Heart's 1987 album "Bad Animals." "Alone" was one of the many songs to fuel the comeback success of Heart in the late '80s.
Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg wrote some alluring songs during the mid to late '80's including Madonna's "Like A Virgin," Whitney Houston's "So Emotional," Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," and Pat Benatar's 1985 hit "Sex As A Weapon." "Alone" was one of my favorite songs to play on the piano. Not only did it sound perfect with just the piano, it was a unique song with five flats. It was also one of the reasons I was delighted when American Idol season four winner Carrie Underwood sang "Alone" on American Idol last year. Her rendition and arrangement was simply stunning. It's the one song that I hoped she would have recorded and included on her debut album, "Some Hearts."
I am equally excited that Kim Sozzi has covered "Alone" and turned the ballad into a gorgeous dance song. I remember when I first heard Kim Sozzi - she sang a song called "Feelin' Me" which came out about the same time as Surreal's "You Take My Breath Away" back in 2000. I was in Chicago and picked up both singles. I remember being in a state of nirvana after hearing "Feelin' Me" for the first time and craving the song.
The next song I recall hearing from Kim was almost two years later and it was titled "We Get Together" and then another two more years before "How Did You Know?" was released under the moniker Mynt with Rich "DJ Riddler" Pangilinan, Albert Castillo (who also have recorded under the moniker "Al B. Rich") and vocalists, Marisol Angelique-Solorzano, and American Idol season four finalist Joe Murena.
D.H.T. also covered "Alone," back in 2002. Their version was more in the flavor of trance. Ergo, it was not heavy on the lyrics - more recently they struck it big with their cover of Roxette's "Listen To Your Heart."
"Alone" is a perfect example of a song that transcends time - it sounds great today as it did twenty-three years ago. The song is a testament to gorgeous music, beautiful lyrics, and a great melody. The promo includes remixes from Johnny Budz and Valentin (of Q.E.D.). The Johnny Budz and Valentin mixes seem very similar to me mainly due to the same tempo (almost 146 BPM on Valentin's mix) and the same basic beat. I'm leaning toward the Valentin mix which seems to have some more appealing synths and some unique repeating of the word "alone" during the mix.
In addition to the remixes by Johnny Budz and Valentin, I would like to see what Mr. Mig could have done with the remix. Mr. Mig is an expert when it comes to turning ballads into astonishing dance songs. He has accomplished many successes including a fierce remake of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" covered by Theresa Owens and Nicole Mirra's cover of En Vogue's "Don't Let Go (Love)."
I'm always impressed when a ballad can be turned into a bona fide dance hit. Also included on the promo are two nondance versions of "Alone." The first is the "Candlelight Mix" which showcases Kim's beautiful vocals with the piano. Guitar and drums appear after the first verse. The "Candlelight Mix" is most closely related to Heart's album version from 1987. The "Power Ballad Mix" is essentially Kim's vocals accompanied by strings and piano. Definitely my favorite nondance version is the "Candlelight Mix."
Heart's version will always have a special place in my heart, but I'm glad that Kim recorded "Alone." I hope a full-length album is coming with all of her hits.
