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Heart Attack by Demi Lovato

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Lovato’s high-voltage electro-pop hit is a state of the art intense and emotional expression of a young woman struggling not to fall in love.

Concept
Devastated by former failed romances, Lovato attempts to promise herself that she won’t fall in love with a new love interest.

Lyric
The lyrics express the plight of a jilted lover’s attempt to get over her intense disappointments and deal with a new prospect. Never put my love out on the line Never said yes to the right guy Never had trouble getting what I want But when it comes to you, I’m never good enough When I don’t care I can play ‘em like a Ken doll Won’t wash my hair Then make 'em bounce like a basketball But you make me wanna act like a girl Paint my nails and wear high heels Yea you, make me so nervous That I just can’t hold your hand You make me glow, but I cover up Won’t let it show, so I’m Puttin’ my defenses up Cause I don’t wanna fall in love If I ever did that I think I’d have a heart attack.

Groove
Set over driving relentless 16ths in the background, the track aims straight for the heart and soul and never lets up.

Melody
The gymnastic melody has a wide range of 12 notes and wildly leaps in a dramatic fashion that showcases Lovato’s vocal ability. The architecture of the lines is vivid and memorable.

Harmony
A textbook example of diatonic minor scale harmony that uses and recycles all of the standard expected chords in unexpected ways. The mixture of triads and 7th chords give the song a sophisticated crossover feel. Unusual phrasing and odd number of bars lend a sense of impulsive unpredictability. iv7 bVII V7 bVImaj7 iv7 V7 i bVI bVII I bVI bVI bVII V i bVI bVII V i (2x) bVI bVII bVI bVII (4x) iv7 bVII V7 bVImaj7 iv7 V7 i bVI bVII I bVI i bIII bVII bVI I bIII V iv7 bVII V7 bVImaj7 iv7 V7 i bVI bVII I bVI

Structure
Solidly structured, with a rare use of five distinct musical sections. Chorus Verse Pre-Chorus 1 Pre- Chorus 2 Chorus Verse Pre-Chorus 1 Pre-Chorus 2 Chorus Bridge Pre-Chorus 2 Chorus Chorus (D A B C D A B C D E C D D)

Signature
A partial chorus serves as an intro.

Production
The hard-edged and disciplined production propels the song with energy and drama that perfectly matches the intensity of the vocal.

Performance
Lovato sings forcefully with intense conviction and nothing held back. Her powerful delivery is reminiscent of rock diva Pat Benatar.

Predicted Longevity
The passion-filled romantic conflict in the lyrics is perfectly matched by a dramatic and memorable melody. This song has the makings of a classic universal recording that could stay around for years. I predict a long life and, at the least, Grammy contention if not more for Lovato and crew.