Sacred Heart Songs Ranked

Sacred Heart is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Dio. It was released on August 13, 1985 on Warner Bros. Records in North America, and Vertigo elsewhere. The record peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 chart. It includes the singles “Sacred Heart”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Children” and “Hungry for Heaven”. This was the last Dio album to include guitarist Vivian Campbell, who was fired midway through the album’s tour. Campbell went on to join several other bands, most notably Def Leppard, Riverdogs, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy. A rift occurred during the recording of this album between Dio and the guitarist, with a fellow band-member stating “…for me, he (Viv) wasn’t even there for this record.” The album, along with Holy Diver and The Last in Line, was released in a new 2-CD Deluxe Edition on March 19, 2012 through Universal for worldwide distribution outside the U.S. Here are all of Sacred Heart songs ranked.

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9. Just Another Day

“With “Just Another Day” a sharp wind sweeps through the ear canals again. The guitarist shuffles, the bassist plays along and provides a great background. Paired with the great drums a really great and also too short rocker.”

8. Shoot Shoot

“The end of the disc is then initiated with “Shoot Shoot”. The last song is probably the worst. Here you get the impression that everything is a little boggy. The topic doesn’t fit. But once again the string wizard saves it. Despite everything too smooth ironed, subject to the hope of creating something suitable for radio. It disappears in the controls and leaves no echo.”

7. Fallen Angels

“Fallen Angels” can’t quite keep up. In terms of structure, it is kept rather simple and appears a little bland. It falls off a bit compared to the song before. Here Vivian saves the song. The great bass line cannot be ignored either.”

See more: Dio Albums Ranked

6. Another Lie

“Another Lie”, on the other hand, seems a little livelier and cooler than the slower song before it. Again, a catchy melody carries the action. Here there are tough announcements and no more lies. Mr. Campbell plays like a really cool little solo here.”

5. Like the Beat of a Heart

“The term power ballad should have been invented by Ronnie. “Like The Beat Of A Heart” is exactly that. Sung with a lot of pathos and great ideas in the middle part, it’s a simply strong song. The little big man with the powerful voice could do something like that.”

4. King of Rock and Roll

“With “Rock ‘N’ Roll Children” a classic is born. As a single, it topped the charts. Even later, this song found its way onto the stage again and again. The album kicks off with “King of Rock and Roll” which brings the energy and drive that starts everything off perfectly.”

See more: Dio Songs Ranked

3. Hungry for Heaven

“The first thing to be heard on the back of the disc is “Hungry For Heaven”. If the song wasn’t as successful as a single, I think it’s at least equal. In the rhythm just as powerful, he drives forward. Ronny sings his way into the song epic. Vivian shows here how good he was. A real highlight of the recording. The melody sticks in your head.”

2. Rock ‘N’ Roll Children

“With “Rock ‘N’ Roll Children” a classic is born. As a single, it topped the charts. Even later, this song found its way onto the stage again and again. The video clip for “Rock ‘n’ Roll Children”, showing Dio in an old magical shop where the two star-crossed lovers enter and are transported to another reality is just fantastic, but even without it the song itself still speaks to the young and young at heart.”

1. Sacred Heart

“With a Claude Schnell introduces the song briefly. “Sacred Heart” then drags itself along heavily on the concise riff. Ronnie dominates the part and he literally hovers over the piece. The dynamics with the subtle key accompaniment is pretty.”