What makes Change of Heart by Eric Carmen notable?

The album features the hit single 'Hey Deanie', which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Carmen's continued success as a solo artist. Additionally, its blend of pop rock and power pop elements helped define the genre during the late '70s, influencing subsequent artists in the power pop scene. When 'Change of Heart' was released in September 1978, Eric Carmen was transitioning from his successful stint with The Raspberries to a solo career. This album, his second solo effort, followed the commercial success of his self-titled debut which featured the hit 'All By Myself'. At this point, Carmen was solidifying his identity as a solo artist while exploring deeper lyrical themes in his songwriting.

Who is Change of Heart for?

Change of Heart works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, introspective listening moments and short, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Change of Heart?

Change of Heart has 9 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Change of Heart

Eric Carmen · 1978

29 min · 9 tracks · pop rock

A blend of melodic pop rock and introspective lyrics that captures the emotional nuances of love and relationships.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hey Deanie — This track showcases Carmen's knack for catchy melodies and relatable lyrics about youthful romance, making it one of his signature songs.
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Change of Heart — The title track reflects a more mature perspective on love and longing, encapsulating the album’s emotional core.
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Haven’t We Come a Long Way — This song's upbeat tempo paired with reflective lyrics illustrates Carmen's ability to merge personal insight with infectious pop hooks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

The album opens with a theatrical overture that sets a dramatic tone, followed by tracks that maintain a mid-tempo pace.
Several songs feature layered harmonies and prominent piano arrangements, creating a lush soundscape.
The last two tracks slow down significantly, with 'Desperate Fools' closing the album on a reflective note.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
introspective listening moments
short, immersive listening sessions
melodic emotional reflections

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Change of Heart' was released in September 1978, Eric Carmen was transitioning from his successful stint with The Raspberries to a solo career. This album, his second solo effort, followed the commercial success of his self-titled debut which featured the hit 'All By Myself'. At this point, Carmen was solidifying his identity as a solo artist while exploring deeper lyrical themes in his songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Raspberries· Todd Rundgren· The Cars