Norman Seeff; Ross HaflinThe title track of Heart‘s upcoming studio album, Beautiful Broken, featuring a duet between Ann Wilson and Metallica frontman James Hetfield, is streaming now on YouTube in the form of a new lyrics video. The hard-driving rock tune tells the story of woman described as “a big star,” “a drama queen” and “a hot mess.”
The song is an updated version of a tune that appeared as a bonus track of Heart’s previous album, 2012’s Fanatic. On the new track, Hetfield harmonizes with Wilson on the verses and also is heard singing solo in spots.
“The neo-punk ‘Beautiful Broken’ is a raw, muscular look at a ripped and torn beauty; a fabulous insanity,” Ann explains to Rolling Stone. “James Hetfield of Metallica makes a surprise appearance uttering the clarifying message, ‘just like you and me,’ just to make sure this girl doesn’t feel special. It’s a ripper from the folks who brought you ‘Break’ and ‘Barracuda.'”
The video features black-and-white footage of Heart performing live, combined with a montage of photos of the band members and of Hetfield. Enhancing the clip is an effect that looks like wisps of smoke swirling across the screen.
As previously reported, Beautiful Broken will be released July 8. The 10-track project features three new songs, along with updated renditions of earlier Heart tunes, most of which date back to the early ’80s.
“Those songs may have fallen through the cracks, in a way, because of where radio was at the time when they were first released,” Ann said in a statement. “Rediscovering those songs, I found ways they emotionally still speak to me.”
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