An Enduring Melody of Love and Resilience
Ah, Chris Norman. Just the name itself conjures up a familiar, comforting echo for those of us who grew up with the sounds of the 70s and 80s. Before embarking on his remarkably successful solo journey, Norman was, of course, the distinctive voice of the British soft rock band, Smokie. Their harmonies and melodic sensibilities carved out a special place in the hearts of many, and it was that same soulful timbre that carried over into his individual efforts, promising a continuation of the warmth and sincerity his fans had come to cherish.
One such shimmering gem from his solo discography, one that still resonates with a profound tenderness, is the ballad “Some Hearts Are Diamonds.” Released in 1986, this song wasn’t just a fleeting tune on the radio; it was a deeply felt message that climbed the charts, particularly in Europe. It reached a respectable peak position of number 7 in Austria, number 12 in Switzerland, and number 14 in West Germany. Beyond these chart figures, it found a significant following and became a consistent radio hit, notably in the Philippines, where its gentle melody and poignant lyrics truly struck a chord with listeners. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal that even today, for many, it remains a beloved track, a reminder of simpler times and heartfelt emotions.
The genesis of “Some Hearts Are Diamonds” lies in the creative partnership between Chris Norman and the prolific German musician and producer, Dieter Bohlen. Bohlen, renowned as one half of the hugely successful duo Modern Talking, was instrumental in crafting the sound and lyrics of this particular track, as well as much of the album of the same name. This collaboration brought forth a song that perfectly blended Norman’s characteristic vocal delivery with Bohlen’s knack for crafting memorable, accessible melodies and emotionally resonant narratives. The song itself serves as the title track for Norman’s 1986 album, “Some Hearts Are Diamonds,” a collection that further solidified his standing as a solo artist.
At its core, “Some Hearts Are Diamonds” is a reflection on love, resilience, and the varied nature of human hearts. The lyrics speak to the emotional journey one undertakes when faced with hardship in love – “Open your heart to all of those years / Baby you look through a rainbow of tears / You watched your dreams all fadin’ away.” It acknowledges the pain and the weariness of being alone, a feeling many of us, as we’ve journeyed through life, have surely experienced. Yet, through this vulnerability, there’s a powerful undercurrent of hope and endurance. The recurring line, “Some hearts are diamonds, some hearts are stone,” isn’t merely a contrasting statement; it’s an acceptance of the different ways people experience and express love, and perhaps, a gentle reminder that some hearts, despite trials and tribulations, retain their brilliance and strength, like a diamond, able to withstand immense pressure and emerge even more beautiful.
The song subtly suggests that true love requires a profound connection, “It takes two lovers to be as one,” and that despite “illusions of love they’ll come and they’ll go,” trust in one’s heart can allow love to genuinely grow. It’s a message that resonates deeply with an older audience, for whom love has been a long and winding road, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. We’ve seen dreams fade, we’ve felt the sting of loneliness, but we’ve also understood the profound truth that some bonds, forged in the fires of life, are truly unbreakable. The soft rock arrangement, with its gentle guitar melodies and Chris Norman’s warm, slightly raspy vocals, creates an intimate atmosphere, drawing the listener in as if to share a quiet, profound truth about the human condition. It’s a melody that invites introspection, a comfortable embrace of nostalgia, and a quiet affirmation that, indeed, some hearts, through all of life’s seasons, remain diamonds.