← Back

Heartbreaker

by Free

Released: January 05, 1973

Blues rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

The album's lineup may have differed from previous efforts, but it showcased the band's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. "Heartbreaker" stands as the sixth and final studio album by the English rock band Free, marking both the pinnacle of their success and the end of an era. Bassist Andy Fraser had departed the band, while guitarist Paul Kossoff struggled with addiction to Mandrax (Quaalude), resulting in his increasingly erratic behavior.

Inside the Recording

Recorded in late 1972 amidst internal turmoil and lineup changes, the album represents a departure from their earlier works. Co-produced by Andy Johns alongside Free themselves, "Heartbreaker" represents a bittersweet culmination of the band's journey. The recording process for "Heartbreaker" was marked by significant challenges.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

To fill the void, Tetsu Yamauchi was brought…

To fill the void, Tetsu Yamauchi was brought in as Fraser's replacement, and John "Rabbit" Bundrick joined as the band's keyboard player, compensating for Kossoff's unreliability.

Both Yamauchi and Bundrick had previously collaborated with…

Both Yamauchi and Bundrick had previously collaborated with Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke during Free's hiatus in late 1971.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Free - Heartbreaker

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Despite these obstacles, "Heartbreaker" yielded one of Free's most successful singles, "Wishing Well," which resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Now

Legacy

While it marked the end of Free as a collective entity, the album's legacy endures as a testament to their enduring talent and the enduring impact of their music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Heartbreaker" stands as the sixth and final studio album by the English rock band Free, marking both the pinnacle of their success and the end of an era. Recorded in late 1972 amidst internal turmoil and lineup changes, the album represents a departure from their earlier works.

The recording process for "Heartbreaker" was marked by significant challenges. Bassist Andy Fraser had departed the band, while guitarist Paul Kossoff struggled with addiction to Mandrax (Quaalude), resulting in his increasingly erratic behavior. To fill the void, Tetsu Yamauchi was brought in as Fraser's replacement, and John "Rabbit" Bundrick joined as the band's keyboard player, compensating for Kossoff's unreliability. Both Yamauchi and Bundrick had previously collaborated with Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke during Free's hiatus in late 1971.

Despite these obstacles, "Heartbreaker" yielded one of Free's most successful singles, "Wishing Well," which resonated with audiences and critics alike. The album's lineup may have differed from previous efforts, but it showcased the band's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Co-produced by Andy Johns alongside Free themselves, "Heartbreaker" represents a bittersweet culmination of the band's journey. While it marked the end of Free as a collective entity, the album's legacy endures as a testament to their enduring talent and the enduring impact of their music.