Bébé le Strange is the fifth studio album by American rock band Heart, released on February 13, 1980, by Epic Records. It was the first album without founding member Roger Fisher on lead guitar, who had left the band months prior along with his brother Michael.
The album was a commercial success, peaking at number five on the US Billboard 200 and spending 22 weeks on the chart. On May 5, 1980, it was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Bébé le Strange spawned the singles "Even It Up" (backed by the Tower of Power horn section) and the title track. Some of the backing vocals were provided by Don Wilhelm, who had been in a group called The Army with Steve Fossen and Roger Fisher in the 1960s.
On June 29, 2004, the album was re-released by Epic and Legacy Recordings in a remastered expanded edition, containing two bonus tracks: the studio outtake "Jackleg Man" and a live version of "Break".
Critical reception
Record World wrote of the single "Raised on You" that " lavish lead is enhanced by bold keyboard runs and Nancy's confident guitar."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of Bébé le Strange.
Heart Ann Wilson – lead vocals ; tambourine ; bass ; backup vocals ; drums, alto flute, piano Nancy Wilson – guitars ; backup vocals ; rhythm guitars ; Mellotron ; acoustic guitars ; electric guitar ; lead guitar ; lead vocals, all instruments except drums Howard Leese – guitars ; lead guitar ; synthesizer ; backward solo ; electric guitar ; acoustic guitars ; backup vocals ; rhythm guitars ; keyboards Michael Derosier – drums ; rhythm instruments Steve Fossen – bass
Additional musicians Sue Ennis – guitar ; piano Chrissy Shefts – guitar Connie – acoustic guitars Don Wilhelm – backup vocals Gary Humphreys – backup vocals Tower of Power (Lenny Pickett, Greg Adams, Emilio Castillo, Steve Kupka, Mic Gillette) – horn section
Technical Mike Flicker – production, engineering, mixing Connie – production Howie – production Rob Perkins – engineering Armin Steiner – horn engineering Stewart Whitmore – horn engineering assistance John Golden – mastering at Kendun Recorders (Burbank, California)
Artwork Tony Lane – art direction Tom Girvin – logo graphics Jeff Burger – photography
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Bébé le Strange Chart (1980) Peakposition Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 78Japanese Albums (Oricon) 62
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for Bébé le Strange Chart (1980) Position US Billboard 200 86
Certifications
Notes
References