What makes Change of Heart by Cyndi Lauper notable?

The title track 'Change of Heart' reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Lauper's continued relevance in the pop music scene. The album received mixed reviews but contributed to Lauper's reputation as an artist willing to experiment with different genres beyond her initial dance-pop sound. Released in late 1986, Change of Heart was Cyndi Lauper's third studio album, following her successful debut She's So Unusual and the commercially successful True Colors. At this point in her career, Lauper had established herself as a pop icon, known for her distinctive voice and eclectic style, while also navigating the pressures of maintaining her commercial success.

How many songs are on Change of Heart?

Change of Heart has 4 tracks, running approximately 22 minutes.

Released 40 years ago this November

Change of Heart

Cyndi Lauper · 1986

22 min · 4 tracks · blues

A blend of pop-rock and dance rhythms underpinned by emotional lyrics exploring themes of love and self-discovery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Change of Heart (Ext. version) — This extended version showcases Lauper's vocal prowess and emotional depth, making it a standout that captures the album's thematic essence.
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Heartbeats — The track combines catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about vulnerability and longing, representing Lauper's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper emotional narratives.
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Witness — This song features a more introspective tone, highlighting Lauper's versatility as she explores complex emotional landscapes through her songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks strong cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent synthesizer line that drives the rhythm, while Lauper's vocal delivery shifts between soft verses and powerful choruses.
The second track, 'Heartbeats', employs a steady drum machine beat paired with layered backing vocals that create a rich texture.
The instrumental version of 'Change of Heart' strips away the vocals, highlighting the arrangement and production choices made in the original.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — It solidified Lauper's presence in pop after her debut and successful follow-up.
Themes: emotional storytelling· mid-80s pop evolution· personal growth journey
Career context: Released in late 1986, Change of Heart was Cyndi Lauper's third studio album, following her successful debut She's So Unusual and the commercially successful True Colors. At this point in her career, Lauper had established herself as a pop icon, known for her distinctive voice and eclectic style, while also navigating the pressures of maintaining her commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors: Madonna· Annie Lennox· Debbie Harry

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Change of Heart (Ext. version)

The narrative shifts from reflection on past love to an expression of hope for personal growth and renewal.

This transition underscores the album’s exploration of change not just in relationships but also within oneself, marking a significant moment in Lauper's artistic evolution.