Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, Almost Paradise | Throwback Vibez

In the 22nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson (of Heart).   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 22^nd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Almost Paradise” performed by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson of Heart.

“Oh / Almost paradise / We’re knocking on heaven’s door / Almost paradise / How could we ask for more?” “Almost Paradise” is the love theme from one of the quintessential movies of the 1980s:  Footloose.  Canadian singer Mike Reno (1955 – ) of Loverboy and Ann Wilson (1950 –  ), of Heart fame join forces for this powerful duet. The third track from Footloose peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Dean Pitchford (1951 – ) and Eric Carmen (1949 – 2024) penned the 80s classic.  Keith Olsen produced it. As big as the song was, Footloose was so stacked, the likes of “Footloose” (Kenny Loggins), “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (Deniece Williams), and “Holding Out for a Hero” (Bonnie Tyler) arguably eclipse it.  

The chorus, excerpted above, is the crowning achievement of “Almost Paradise.” It’s big, instrumentally and vocally, tuneful, and iconic.  The verses are also sweet.  Reno draws first blood during both verses, bringing terrific vocals to the table.  “I thought that dreams belong to other men / Cause each time I got close / They’d fall apart again,” he sings in the first verse. Aww! Wilson enters the mix during the back half of both.  In the first, she responds to Reno, “I feared my heart would beat in secrecy / I faced the nights alone.” They join forces, harmonizing sensationally before the chorus: “Oh, how could I have known / That all my life / I only needed you.”  The vibe is similar in the second verse.  A bridge brings contrast, yet the overarching theme is the same: LOVE.  The outro is sweet, highlighting the keyword: paradise.  Beyond high-flying vocals and love-centric lyrics, the musical accompaniment is gorgeous.  It exemplifies the 80s sound with its warm keys and big, powerful guitars.  Perhaps “Almost Paradise” is eclipsed by other gems from Footloose.  But this powerhouse duet between Mike Reno and Ann Wilson is still an unforgettable classic.

Various Artists // Footloose  // Atlantic // 1984

Mike Reno, Almost Paradise: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 22 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]