Demi Lovato’s Anniversary Release, “Heart Attack (Rock Version)” Crushes Us All Over Again
A decade from its original release, Demi Lovato dropped “Heart Attack (Rock Version)” on March 24th, 2023. Following her most recent, punk rock album, HOLY FVCK (2022), releasing the revamped hit struck the perfect chord.
Lovato accounts the combination of “reflection” and “rage” in HOLY FVCK, a duality that colors the both releases of “Heart Attack” in a similar fashion. Together, the versions sound how it feels before versus after being with the song’s subject: the braid of pain of pleasure is the same, but the rock version is amplified, which calls to the emotions of a concrete memory of that touch, that curse of love. It is easier, maybe, to approach something in a softer manner when all it has done is hypothetical. In Demi’s rock version, she’s got good reason to be mad about it.
Growth bleeds from a voice, too. An entire decade of heart attacks for Lovato to feel on top of those they felt then. “Heart Attack” is iconic for the notes Lovato reaches. They are layered and layered upon one another at the song’s climax, ringing out every opinion instead of limiting themselves to one. Whereas the acoustic guitar shines in the chorus of the pop version, the drum kit releases the song into a rock thunderstorm.
Lovato’s experience as a genderqueer artist is vital. “Heart Attack” holds a notable growth in Levato’s punctuality, allowing their experience to be heard full throttle. The single moves quite quickly, yet never loses its footing or path it runs upon. It is sure of itself, confident and comfortable of what the song has been doing, and what newness it introduces now. Having been in the spotlight since teen-hood, Lovato has had to fight for their image and agency, and this tribute to her 2013 hit celebrates how far she’s come yet honors that who she is can never be taken from her.
I’m so happy to be able to give a new life to “Heart Attack” with a sound that reflects where I am with my music. This one is for the fans who have shown so much love to the song over the last decade, thank you for riding with me!
~ Demi Lovato
Listen to “Heart Attack (Rock Version)” and the original below and celebrate Demi Lovato’s musical anniversary by checking out her eight milestone studio albums.
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