This power ballad from the all-female hard rock band Vixen perfectly encapsulates the spirit and visual flair of late 80s glam metal.
The Song
"Edge of a Broken Heart" is a quintessential power ballad from American hard rock band Vixen. Released in 1988, it was a standout track from their self-titled debut album, Vixen. The song was co-written by keyboardist Gregg Giuffria (of Giuffria and House of Lords) and legendary songwriter Richard Marx, who also contributed backing vocals. Its blend of soaring vocals, melodic guitar riffs, and dramatic keyboards made it an anthem for heartbreak, characteristic of the era's hard rock sound.
The Artist
Vixen formed in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1980, but gained significant traction after relocating to Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. The classic lineup featured Janet Gardner on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jan Kuehnemund on lead guitar, Share Pedersen (later Share Ross) on bass, and Roxy Petrucci on drums. They were one of the few all-female hard rock bands to achieve mainstream success during the male-dominated hair metal scene, often drawing comparisons to bands like Bon Jovi and Def Leppard for their polished sound and visual appeal.
Chart Performance
"Edge of a Broken Heart" was Vixen's most successful single. It peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989. The song also performed well on rock radio, helping to establish the band's presence in the thriving hard rock scene of the late 1980s. This strong chart showing was crucial in launching the band into the national spotlight.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "Edge of a Broken Heart" was instrumental in Vixen's breakthrough, receiving heavy rotation on MTV. It showcased the band's strong stage presence and classic hair metal aesthetics, featuring the members performing with big hair, leather, and dramatic lighting. As an all-female band finding success in a genre often criticized for its misogynistic undertones, Vixen, with songs like "Edge of a Broken Heart," inadvertently became pioneers, paving the way for future female rock musicians. The song remains a beloved classic of the era, frequently featured on 80s hard rock compilations and radio stations.
Fun Facts
- Richard Marx not only co-wrote the song but also provided backing vocals, though he is uncredited in the music video.
- The band initially formed as a quintet in 1980, with Jan Kuehnemund being the constant member throughout their early iterations.
- Vixen's manager, Alan Rich, helped them secure a recording contract with EMI after an appearance on the film Hardbodies (1984), where they were featured as a fictional band.
- The album Vixen (1988) went gold, largely propelled by the success of "Edge of a Broken Heart" and follow-up single "Cryin'".