The Blondie song that Debbie Harry says “really stands up”
Even the queen of punk-rock, Debbie Harry, struggles to pick favourites. As the frontwoman of the pioneering outfit Blondie, Harry is well-versed in rock ‘n’ roll. Effectively reinventing what it means to be a woman at the front of the rock scene may have been regarded by some as a burden, but Harry did so with style, grace, and endearing nonchalance.
During the peak of Blondie’s reign, Harry appeared as the ultimate icon. Though many women in the punk scene at the time celebrated challenging the problematic nature of long-standing conventional norms about female ideals, Harry arrived as something else. Her mantra, whether explicit or not, told women that they could essentially be whatever they wanted to be and present however they wanted to present.
Coupled with her undeniable talent, Harry showed that even under the spotlight of the male gaze, a woman could have all of the control. “Right from the beginning, I definitely wanted to take a position of strength and not vulnerability,” Harry said in 2017. “Philosophically, that was always my stance and I was quite stubborn about it.”
Her songs, often addressing themes of female rage, oppression, and breaking societal barriers, and her indifferent stance toward others’ opinions, showcased that femininity can coexist with strength. Harry imparted a crucial lesson to those grappling with self-image, emphasising that presenting oneself confidently overrides those who aimlessly critique or objectify others’ images.
Using ‘Heart of Glass’ as an example, the song explored ideas of love in a way different from many fellow musicians at the time. It also marked the band’s evolution from the punk scene to becoming prominent figures in the new wave movement and beyond. It propelled them up the charts and solidified their position in the annals of rock and roll history, albeit causing some discord among friends.
When asked about her favourite Blondie songs and albums, it’s no surprise that Harry mentions ‘Heart of Glass’ despite finding it difficult to name those that she cherishes the most. “I don’t know if I ever have a particular favourite on any of the albums; it sort of changes for me because of performing them live for so many years,” she explained in 2017 on Johnnie Walker meets… Blondie for BBC Radio 2. “‘Heart of Glass’ really stands up.”
Although the song seemed to anger some fans because it deviated from the band’s signature rock sound, Chris Stein remains proud of the track, remembering it as a time when they dared to step away from what they knew best. “It was kind of us being punk in the face of punk,” he said. “I’m kind of pleased that people were complaining about it, actually.”
