“It’s a Heartache” was recorded at David Mackay’s then newly built studio ‘The Factory Sound’ in Waldingham, Surrey (south of London).

Helped by his father-in-law, David built the recording studio in his back garden. He actually completed its construction on the morning the band were due to arrive and begin recording “It’s a Heartache”.

The song was recorded with Tyler’s touring band; Kevin Dunne (bass), Mick Gibbins (drums), Peter King (steel & rhythm guitar), Roger Bara (keys), Ray “Taff” Williams (lead guitar). Together, they were named ‘The Bonnie Tyler Band’. Steve Wolfe and John Bryant provide backing vocals.

They recorded two songs that day – “It’s a Heartache” and “Hey Love (It’s a Feelin')”. The band thought the latter would have made for a better single, and felt “It’s a Heartache” was too musically simple. Songwriter Ronnie Scott, who had his finger on the pulse in terms of the business side of music, insisted that “Heartache” was the right choice, saying, “[It’s a Heartache] is the one that people will be whistling on the bus going to work”.

Bonnie Tyler began her recording career in 1976 under RCA Records. Her first hit record was “Lost in France”, written by British songwriting duo Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe.

Her follow-up single “More Than a Lover” (no. 27, UK) stalled in the British charts after an ITV producer banned the track from broadcast, citing sexual innuendos in the lyrics.

Her next single “Heaven” (no. 24, Germany) also struggled to impact the European charts. After the sudden death of Elvis Presley in August 1977, RCA had to divert their promotional efforts away from their artist roster to focus on repressing his back catalogue.

With two consecutive flops, producer David Mackay recalls their relationship with RCA beginning to sour. Mackay claimed that the A&R manager at the label repeatedly delayed the release of “It’s a Heartache”. Mackay, Scott and Wolfe held a meeting with the head of RCA to request the immediate release of Tyler’s next single “It’s a Heatache” or they would challenge their contract.

Bonnie Tyler was the first artist to record “It’s a Heartache” in the summer of 1977. Her version was released on 4 November 1977 in Europe.

After her recording began to appear in the charts around Europe, songwriter Ronnie Scott flew to the United States to commence talks with American record labels about releasing the song in North America.

Elektra rejected the song. Capitol liked the song but said Tyler had little chance of making it a hit in America, and suggested Juice Newton record it instead. Scott declined, but Newton recorded her own version anyway.

Scott finally secured a deal with RCA Victor to release Tyler’s version in the United States and Canada. It was released in the spring of 1978 in the same week as Juice Newton and Ronnie Spector.

On the week of release in late March 1978, Billboard magazine recommended all three versions of the single.