Today’s classic song that packs an emotional punch is “Hearts of Stone” by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Never released as a single, this song was included on side two of the Jukes’ album of the same name, released in 1978. It’s a killer.
“Hearts of Stone” is a breakup song—actually, a post-breakup song. The singer has moved on but his old girlfriend longs for the way things used to be:
And you cry because things ain’t like before
Well don’t you know they can’t be that way anymore
But don’t worry baby, I know it baby
But I can’t talk now, I’m not alone
So put your ear close to the phone
Baby this is the last chance the last dance
For hearts of stone
This is the last dance, the last chance for heart of stone
That chorus is put to a simple but emotionally moving chord progression: F – Bb – F, then Bb – C – F, then Bb – C – F. That’s nothing more than I, IV, and V chords but, damn, it’s effective in this context.
So what is it that makes “Hearts of Stone” work so well? It’s the combination of killer lyrics, killer melody, killer chords, and a killer, soulful performance by Southside Johnny Lyon. This song represented the Jukes at their best; why they never got any bigger than they did is a mystery to me.
The Hearts of Stone album was produced by Little Steven Van Zandt (of E Street Band fame), who also contributed the bulk of the songs. Mutual pal Bruce Springsteen, however, contributed two songs, including “Hearts of Stone.” The Boss originally intended the song to be included on his Darkness on the Edge of Town album but it really didn’t fit, so he gave it to Southside Johnny.
Bruce not only gave Johnny the song, he also provided the backing instrumental tracks. That’s right, that’s the E Street Band playing behind Johnny’s vocals; they just took the basic tracks originally intended for Darkness on the Edge of Town, wiped Bruce’s vocals and Clarence Clemons’ sax, then added Johnny’s lead vocals and Little Steven’s backup vocals and lead guitar. What you get is a marvelous mix of the best of the E Street Band with Southside Johnny singing lead.
And, on this tune, Johnny sang the song much better than Bruce did. Springsteen can be a soulful singer, but Southside Johnny has better pipes and more soul. That really comes across on “Hearts of Stone,” which needs the deep emotion that Johnny provides. This is, perhaps, Johnny’s best recorded vocal performance, and that’s saying something. The way he sings this one, it just tears at your heart and leaves an aching pain there.
“Hearts of Stone” should have been a top ten single, but it wasn’t. Hearts of Stone, the album, is regarded by many as one of the top albums of the 1970s, even better than most of Springsteen’s efforts (save, perhaps, for Born to Run). I was a huge fan of Johnny and the Jukes back then and can attest that this particular album and this particular song stand the test of time. If you haven’t heard the whole album, seek it out; it is superb, especially if you’re into the whole Jersey sound.
