Taylor Dayne – Tell It To My Heart: Lyrics and Music Video

"Tell It to My Heart" by Taylor Dayne is an iconic dance-pop anthem that launched her career and became one of the defining hits of the late 1980s. Known for its infectious beat, soaring vocals, and memorable hooks, the song encapsulates the vibrant energy of the era's pop and freestyle scene.

Key Details:

• Release Date: 1987
• Album: Tell It to My Heart (her debut album)
• Artist: Taylor Dayne
• Genre: Dance-Pop, Freestyle, Synth-Pop
• Producer: Ric Wake (among others involved in the production)
• Label: Arista Records

Themes and Meaning:

• Romantic Urgency:
  The lyrics express a strong desire for clear communication and emotional honesty in a budding relationship. The narrator is eager for her love interest to express his feelings openly—“telling it to her heart.”

• Empowerment and Vulnerability:
  While the song is upbeat and danceable, it also captures the vulnerability of putting one’s feelings on the line. The balance of assertiveness and openness is a recurring theme in Dayne’s work.

• Celebration of Love:
  The song celebrates the excitement and exhilaration of young love, capturing the sense of anticipation and joy that comes with a new romantic connection.

Musical Style:

• Energetic Synth-Driven Beat:
  The track is characterized by its pulsating synthesizers, a steady electronic drum beat, and vibrant production that make it a favorite on dance floors.

• Powerful Vocals:
  Taylor Dayne’s dynamic vocal delivery, marked by both strength and emotive expression, is at the forefront. Her performance conveys both the passion and vulnerability of the lyrics.

• 80s Dance-Pop Aesthetic:
  With its glossy production, catchy melody, and rhythmic hooks, "Tell It to My Heart" perfectly embodies the sound of late-80s pop music, blending freestyle influences with mainstream dance-pop.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:
  The single was a significant hit, charting highly on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple on dance and pop radio stations worldwide.

• Breakthrough Hit:
  "Tell It to My Heart" served as Taylor Dayne’s breakthrough single, establishing her as a prominent pop artist and paving the way for subsequent hits throughout her career.

Legacy and Reception:

• Enduring Classic:
  Over the years, the song has remained a favorite on 80s retrospectives and dance-pop compilations, celebrated for its timeless energy and catchy refrain.

• Influence on Pop Music:
  Its blend of freestyle beats and pop sensibilities influenced many emerging artists in the dance-pop and R&B genres.

• Live Performances:
  The track is a highlight at Taylor Dayne’s concerts, where its energetic vibe and sing-along chorus continue to engage audiences.

In Summary:

"Tell It to My Heart" by Taylor Dayne is a definitive late-80s dance-pop track that captures the excitement and vulnerability of young love. With its energetic, synth-driven production and Dayne’s powerful, emotive vocals, the song became a breakthrough hit that still resonates with listeners today. Its blend of catchy hooks, vibrant beat, and relatable lyrics ensures that it remains an enduring classic in the pop music canon.