Is Fanatic a good place to start with Heart?

Yes, Fanatic is recommended as a starting point for new Heart listeners. A vibrant blend of classic rock and contemporary energy, merging powerful vocals with intricate guitar work. Released on October 2, 2012, Fanatic is Heart's fourteenth studio album and their first since 2004's Jupiter's Darling. This album came during a resurgence for the band, fueled by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier that year, marking a significant moment in their long career.

Fanatic works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, uplifting anthems for road trips and celebratory vibes with friends.

How many songs are on Fanatic?

Fanatic has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

Fanatic

Heart · 2012

39 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of classic rock and contemporary energy, merging powerful vocals with intricate guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fanatic Start here — The title track captures the band's signature sound with anthemic choruses and driving rhythms, embodying their passionate musical ethos.
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Dear Old America — This song offers a poignant reflection on American life and values, showcasing the band's ability to blend personal narratives with broader societal themes.
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Skin and Bones — With its emotional depth and soaring melodies, this track stands out as a testament to Ann Wilson's vocal prowess and the band's lyrical maturity.
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Rock Deep (Vancouver) — This track pays homage to the band's roots and features a catchy hook that emphasizes their classic rock sensibilities while maintaining a modern edge.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Heart's 'Fanatic' showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing classic rock elements with contemporary flair.

What we noticed

The opening track 'Fanatic' features a driving beat and layered guitar riffs that set an energetic tone for the album.
Several tracks, such as 'Skin and Bones' and 'A Million Miles', incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo, alternating between softer verses and powerful choruses.
The album includes vocal harmonies that are characteristic of Heart's style, particularly evident in 'Dear Old America' and 'Rock Deep (Vancouver)'.
The last two tracks, 'Corduroy Road' and '59 Crunch', maintain a consistent rock energy but introduce more introspective lyrical themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
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 mid-tempo groove throughout
uplifting anthems for road trips
celebratory vibes with friends
reflective moments on life journeys

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and a return to rock sound during a resurgence.
Themes: social commentary· American resilience· personal storytelling
Career context: Released on October 2, 2012, Fanatic is Heart's fourteenth studio album and their first since 2004's Jupiter's Darling. This album came during a resurgence for the band, fueled by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier that year, marking a significant moment in their long career.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Benatar· Fleetwood Mac· Linda Ronstadt