What makes Long Way to Heaven by Helix notable?

The album features the hit single 'The Kids Are All Shakin'', which helped propel Helix into mainstream recognition, reaching notable chart positions in Canada and the United States. Its blend of energetic anthems and radio-friendly hooks contributed to the band's reputation during a peak period for hard rock bands in the mid-80s. Released in 1985, Long Way to Heaven was Helix's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, No Rest for the Wicked. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves within the Canadian rock scene while gaining visibility in the U.S. market, leading to increased media attention and concert tours.

Who is Long Way to Heaven for?

Long Way to Heaven works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, infectious energy for gatherings and short bursts of catchy anthems.

How many songs are on Long Way to Heaven?

Long Way to Heaven has 10 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Long Way to Heaven

Helix · 1985

33 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A high-energy blend of hard rock riffs and catchy choruses fueled by youthful rebellion and the exuberance of 1980s rock culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Kids Are All Shakin' — This track served as a defining anthem for youth culture in the mid-80s, showcasing Helix's ability to craft infectious hooks and relatable lyrics about party life.
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Long Way to Heaven — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of aspiration and desire, featuring a more melodic approach that balances the hard rock sound with emotional depth.
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Deep Cuts the Knife — This song highlights the band's knack for storytelling through music, blending powerful guitar riffs with lyrics that explore themes of heartache and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

Energetic hard rock with catchy hooks, but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a powerful guitar riff and maintains a high-energy tempo throughout the first half of the album.
The final track features a fade-out ending, which contrasts with the more abrupt conclusions of earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
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 mid-tempo sing-alongs
infectious energy for gatherings
short bursts of catchy anthems
feel-good tracks for road trips

Maybe skip if you

slow, introspective listening preference
long, sprawling musical explorations

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1985, Long Way to Heaven was Helix's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, No Rest for the Wicked. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves within the Canadian rock scene while gaining visibility in the U.S. market, leading to increased media attention and concert tours.
Stylistic neighbors: Kix· Ratt· Twisted Sister