Broken Heart (Thirteen Valleys)
"Broken Heart (Thirteen Valleys)" is a song by Scottish rock band Big Country, which was released in 1988 as the second single from their fourth studio album "Peace in Our Time". It was written by Stuart Adamson and produced by Peter Wolf. "Broken Heart (Thirteen Valleys)" reached No. 47 in the UK and remained in the charts for four weeks. A music video was filmed to promote the single. It was directed by Richard Lowenstein and shot near Wittenoom, Western Australia. Background. "Broken Heart" originated as a track called "The Longest Day" which Big Country recorded  around 1985. The song's chorus and melody was later incorporated into "Broken Heart". "The Longest Day" was included on the 1989 single release of "Peace in Our Time". In a 1988 radio interview, Adamson picked "Broken Heart" as one of his favourites from "Peace in Our Time". He recalled of the song to "Sounds" in 1990: "I think it's the best song I've ever written. It works great on acoustic or electric. "Thirteen Valleys" is the one that got away. I'll play that song, always. I'd put it up against any song." Reception. Upon release , Alex Kadis of "Smash Hits" commented: "Though at first this sounds shockingly like "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain", it soon takes a turn for the better and becomes one of those superbly atmospheric songs that Big Country have become so famous for." In a review of "Peace in Our Time", Steve Metsch of the "Herald & Review" described the song as "thoughtful" and one that is "deserving of more air play". Alice Rudolph of the "Altoona Mirror" noted the album's "unique rhythms", including "what could be described as high-tech cowboy" in "Broken Heart". Jim Bohen of the  Daily Record commented: "They've found new delicacy in instrumental touches like the interplay of mandolin and synthesizer that closes "Broken Heart"." Peter Tesch of "The Signpost" described the song as "beautiful semi-ballad", as well as being "strong and passionate". William Ruhlmann of AllMusic recommended the song by labelling it an AMG Pick Track. James Masterton, in his book "Chart Watch UK - Hits of 1989", considered the song "capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with past classics such as "One Great Thing" and "Fields of Fire"." Personnel. Big Country Additional musicians Production