Heart – If Looks Could Kill - fashion meets rock

80s pop-rock—straight from the heart of the era, 1985. This is the song that introduced me to the band. At the center of it all are two sisters: one sings, the other plays electric guitar. It’s excellent, straightforward rock with a dramatic delivery. The electric guitar is the key instrument, with a strong emphasis on the rhythm section—something I’m a huge fan of.

Great vocals—not operatic, but incredibly powerful, and perhaps with a similar vibe. It sounds direct and mighty. A straight-ahead musical line. Straight from the heart. "You kick me forward, and I don't think twice. It looks like murder. You're in pain. Living on the edge." The vocals are dramatic, while the guitar work channels the best 80s rhythm styles—think Scorpions or Mötley Crüe. Please, oh please! Pain—that’s exactly what an 80s music fan craves. That kind of music. Not the pain itself.

"I was deceived"—it’s an epic, energetic narrative, pulsing with the energy of 80s cinema. Great dynamics. A high-octane drive. A punchy, cool rhythm kicks off the track. The sound comes in like a signal, and the vocal line starts immediately. "I’m not saying I regret it. I was deceived. Everything’s on the edge." It’s a song that lives on the edge. You’re at the very peak—barely able to hold on—but in that moment... It looks like murder. It’s like a movie on VHS.

That’s how to play electric guitar—shredding at full speed. It’s the dream of every 80s fan. It’s the kind of thing that just drives you wild with those rhythms—straight-ahead and catchy. The vocals have a heavy metal vibe, even using a raspy, stylized tone. But it’s pop-rock—a bit lighter. You’re in luck, though; there’s plenty of style here. They look killer on the album cover—like Bon Jovi and Duran Duran rolled into one.

There’s a section with echo and that cool thing called synthesizers. Synths were a fantastic element in the 80s. The echo really expands the scale of the chorus. The guitar adds accents—hitting a chord and strumming it hard, then letting the chord underscore the sound. It creates a beautiful rhythmic flow. The electric guitar plays various parts, followed by a sort of solo—not a "thousand notes a minute" shred-fest, but a sound like a rusty door creaking. It’s very impressive, moving at a slow, deliberate pace.

At times, the synths hit with sharp chords, creating a really punchy sound. Great rhythm section. Vocals front and center. Then another solo—this one a bit faster, in that classic 80s style. It’s a bit of a standard trope, but it marks the end of the track.

The thing that hooks you immediately is the opening rhythm; it keeps you listening. That’s exactly how great 80s pop-rock should be played. The vocals are regal and loud; the echo makes them sound even more powerful, as if reaching out to the audience from on high—like a great bird in flight. I was even reminded a bit of opera; the singer might have some operatic training. And I just love the guitar work—especially here—plus a touch of synth for variety. A fantastic combination.

The opening rhythm is brilliantly conceived. Another video comes to mind—like something from a VHS tape. The Brigade tour, the 90s. That song plays there, too, and it’s great to watch. The sister on electric guitar has such a cool stage presence—lively and fun, in that 80s style with wild, bright hairstyles. It’s so vibrant and captures that 80s rock spirit perfectly; it’s a joy to watch. She jumps around, runs, and does fun moves.

It’s got that fashion-rock vibe—or glam rock, pop-rock. The 1980s: an era of great, driving rock rhythms. The cover art is outstanding—worthy of hanging in an art gallery and displaying with pride; nothing less. You could be truly proud to have this disc in your collection, or just look at the digital cover art while you listen. You can feel the fashion; you can feel the rock. It’s fashion meets rock, and it sounds killer.