1984 - Private Dancer
Private Dancer is the fifth solo album by Tina Turner, released on Capitol Records in 1984.
The album was Turner's breakthrough after several challenging years of going solo after divorcing husband and performing partner Ike Turner.
It is her best-selling album both in the U.S. and internationally and was responsible for making her globally famous. It was produced in England with four different production teams including Rupert Hine, and Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of Heaven 17.
The album produced seven singles, including "What's Love Got to Do with It", "Better Be Good To Me, "Private Dancer", and "Let's Stay Together". Positively received by critics on release for Turner's ability to give energy and raw emotion to slickly produced professional pop/rock songs; its long term legacy is that the softening of her raw Southern soul style produced a "landmark" in the "evolution of pop-soul music".
The album was promoted throughout 1985 in a 177 date worldwide tour called the Private Dancer Tour.
Production
The album was produced in England using several different producers.
"Let's Stay Together" was produced by Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of British band Heaven 17.
Terry Britten produced the reggae-tinged "What's Love Got to Do with It".
John Carter produced "Private Dancer", which was written by Mark Knopfler and has a guitar solo by Jeff Beck. Rupert Hine produced "Better Be Good to Me", which had been written by Holly Knight, Mike Chapman, and Nicky Chinn, and most of the other songs.
"Ball of Confusion", a cover of The Temptations song which was Turner's first collaboration with the B.E.F. (British Electric Foundation)/Heaven 17 production team and part of their collaborative 1982 album Music of Quality and Distinction Volume One was not included on the Private Dancer album.
A recording of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" from the same sessions would re-appear in remixed form on B.E.F.'s Music of Quality and Distinction Volume Two in 1991.
"Help" was recorded with The Crusaders.
Release
The album was released at the 29th of May 1984 and became an outstanding commercial success.
Private Dancer has been certified 5 × Platinum (5 million) in the United States and sold around 250,000 each week for 2 months. Worldwide the album has been estimated to have sold over 20 million copies.
The album produced a number of highly successful singles including "What's Love Got to Do with It" which went to number one and stayed there for three weeks. At the 1985 Grammy Awards, Private Dancer won four of the six awards for which it was nominated. No less than seven of the album's ten tracks (nine in the U.S.) were released as singles: "Let's Stay Together", which was a UK Top 10 hit and a US Top 20 hit; "Help"; "What's Love Got to Do with It"; "Better Be Good to Me"; "Private Dancer";, "I Can't Stand the Rain" and "Show Some Respect" (1985).
More releases you will find at the excellent Discogs website
Formats: LP, CD
Producers: Terry Britten, John Carter, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Wilton Felder, Rupert Hine, Joe Sample, Greg Walsh, Martyn Ware
Label: Capitol
1.I might have been queen
Album: Private Dancer - 1984
I'm a new pair of eyes
Every time I am born
An original mind
Because I just died
I'm scanning the horizon
For someone recognizing
That I might of been queen
For every sun that sets
There is a new one dawning
For every empire crushed
There is a brand new nation
Let the waters rise
I have ridden each tide
From the gates of the city
Where the first born died
[Chorus:]
And I might have been queen
I remember the girl in the fields with no name
She had a love
Oh, but the rivers won't stop for me
No, the rivers won't stop for me
I'm a new pair of eyes
An original mind
With my senses of old
And the heart of a giant
And I'm searching through the wreckage
For some great recollection
That I might have been queen
For every sage that falls
There is an ancient child
[Chorus]
I look up to the stars
With my perfect memory
I look through it all
And my future's no shock to me
I look down but I see no tragedy
I look up to my past
A spirit running free
I look down, I look down and I'm there, in history
Oh, I'm a soul survivor
2.What's love got to do with it
Album: Private Dancer - 1984
You must understand
Though the touch of your hand
Makes my pulse react
That it's only the thrill
Of boy meeting girl
Opposites attract
It's physical
Only logical
You must try to ignore
That it means more than that
[Chorus:]
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love, but a second-hand emotion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
It may seem to you
That I'm acting confused
When you're close to me
If I tend to look dazed
I read it some place
I've got cause to be
There's a name for it
There's a phrase fits
But whatever the reason
You do it for me
[Chorus]
I've been taking on a new direction
And I have to say
I've been thinking 'bout my own protection
It scares me to feel this way
[Chorus]
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love, but a sweet old fashioned notion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
3.Show some respect
Album: Private Dancer - 1985
I made a resolution
And I plan to keep my word
But I need you to make it work
You've gotta read the message
Understand what's on my mind
Cause not to see would be a crime
And we could lose it anytime
[Chorus:]
We've got to show some respect
We've got to learn to protect
Don't take it for granted I know
That if you want to stay close
We've got to show some respect
But I believe in working
Then I believe in a little help
Cause I'm not a light unto myself
Without a thing of value
Why settle for second best
We don't know what's up ahead
We can't let ourselves forget
[Chorus]
For the things that I love about you
From the woman that you see inside
Don't let it walk out the door
Love follows every time
[Chorus]
4.I can't stand the rain
Album: Private Dancer - 1984 (originally from Ann Peebles)
[Chorus:]
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Bringing back sweet memories
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Because he's not here with me
Hey window pane
Do you remember
How sweet it used to be
When we were together
Everything was so grand
Now that we're parted
There's one sound
That I just can't stand
[Chorus]
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Bringing back sweet memories
I can't stand the rain
5.Private Dancer
Album: Private Dancer - 1984
All the men come in these places
And the men are all the same
You don't look at their faces
And you don't ask their names
You don't think of them as human
You don't think of them at all
You keep your mind on the money
Keeping your eyes on the wall
[Chorus:]
I'm your private dancer
A dancer for money
I'll do what you want me to do
I'm your private dancer
A dancer money
Any old music will do
I wanna make a million dollars
I wanna live out by the sea
Have a husband and some children
Yeah, I guess I want a family
All the men come in these places
And the men are all the same
You don't look at their faces
And you don't ask their names
[Chorus 2x]
Deutschmarks or dollars
American Express will nicely...Thank You!
Let me loosen up your collar
Tell me do you wanna see me do the shimmy again
[Chorus]
6.Let's stay together
Single: Let's stay together (originally from Al Green) - 1983
Let me say that since
Since we've been together
Loving you forever
Is all I need
Let me be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue
Oh baby
[Chorus:]
Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad
Happy or sad
I'm, I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do
Is all right with me
Let me be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue
Oh baby
[Chorus]
Why, oh tell me, why do people break up
And turn around and make up
I just came to see
You'd never do that to me, would ya baby
Being around you is all I see
Oh baby
[Chorus]
7.Better be good to me
Album: Private Dancer - 1984
A prisoner of your love
Entangled in your web
Hot whispers in the night
I’m captured by your spell
Captured
Yes I’m touched by this show of emotion
Should I be fractured by your lack of devotion
Should I
Should I
You better be good to me
That’s how it’s gonna be now
’Cause I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And you better be good to me
Better be good
Come on
Come on
Be good to me
I think it’s also right
That we don’t need to fight
We stand face to face
You present your case
Yes I know
You keep telling me that you love me
And I really do wanna believe
But did you think I’d just accept you
In blind faith
Sure baby
Anything to please you
As you better be good to me
That’s how it’s gonna be now
‘Cause I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
As you better be good to me
You better be good
Good to me
Be good to me
And I really don’t see
Why it’s so hard to be
Good to me
And you know
I don’t understand
What’s your plan
That you can’t be
Good to me
What I can’t feel
I surely cannot see
Why can’t you be
Good to me
And if it’s not real
I do not wish to see
Why don’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Be good
Be good to me
’Cause I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
So you better be good to me
You better be good
Better be good to me
Better be good
‘Cause I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
And I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And you better be good to me
Be good to me
Be good
Be good to me
’Cause I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
You better be good to me
Good to me
Better be
Good to me
Be good
Be good to me
8.Steel Claw
Album: Private Dancer (originally from Paul Brady) - 1984
A night in television wonderland
Just one more
Fairy tale about some rich bitch
Lying by the swimming pool
It's golden school
Living's easy when you make the rules
Last Friday was the first time
It took only about half a minute
On the stairway
It was child's play
The odds turn out even
When you give up believing in the...
[Chorus:]
Cold law, steel claw
Try to get on board you find the lock is on the door
Well I say 'No way
Don't try to keep me out or there'll be hell to pay'
I don't know who's right or who's wrong
But it doesn't really matter when you're lying in the gutter
It's a see-saw
A long hot battle with the cold law
Is what you get for messing with the steel claw
The politicians have forgotten this place
Except for a flying visit in a black Mercedes
No election time
They cross the line
And everybody runs to watch the pantomine
If they could see what's going on around here
So many people hanging on the edge
Crying out for revolution
Retribution
The odds turn out even
When you give up believing in the...
[Chorus]
Sometimes I think I'm going crazy
Sometimes I do a line
Makes me laugh
Makes me want to take a joyride
On the high tide
Sometimes I'm contemplating suicide
Meanwhile Eddy's on the West Coast
He's making out with some sweet senorita
Up in Frisco you and I know
The odds turn out even
When you give up believing...
[Chorus]
9.Help
Album: Private Dancer - 1983 (originally from the Beatles)
When I was younger
So much younger than today
I never needed anybody's
Help in anyway
And now those days are gone
I'm not so self assured
And now I find
I've changed my mind
I've opened up the doors
[Chorus:]
Help me if you can
I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate
You being 'round
Oh, help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me
And now my life has changed
In oh so many ways
My independence seems to
Vanish in the haze
And every now and then
I feel so insecure
And now I just need you like
I never did before
[Chorus]
10.1984
Album: Private Dancer - 1984
Nineteen Eighty Four
Someday they won't let you
Now you must agree
The times they are a telling
And the changing isn't free
You read it in the tea leaves
And the tracks are on TV
Beware the Savage Jaw
In Nineteen Eighty Four
They'll split your pretty cranium
And fill it full of air
They'll tell you that you're eighty
And really you won't care
You'll be shooting up on everything
Tomorrow's never there
Beware the Savage Jaw
In Nineteen Eighty Four
Come see, come see
Remember me
I played in an all night movie role
You said it would last
But I guess we've enrolled
In Nineteen Eighty Four
Who could ask for more
Nineteen Eighty Four
Who could ask for more
I'm looking for a vehicle
I'm looking for a ride
I'm looking for a party
I'm looking for a side
I'm looking for a treason
That I knew in Sixty Five
Beware the savage roar
In Nineteen Eighty Four
Come see, come see
Remember me
I played in an all night movie role
You said it would last
But I guess we've enrolled
In Nineteen Eighty Four
Who could ask for more
Nineteen Eighty Four
Who could ask for more
Nineteen Eighty Four
Length: 44:02 min
Centenary Edition
In 1997, EMI, the parent label of Capitol Records, released a digitally remastered Centenary Edition of the Private Dancer album on CD, then including four additional demo tracks recorded in late 1983 and early 1984 with the producer John Carter, first released as B-sides to some of the Private Dancer singles, as well as three extended 12" remixes.
The album remains the only Tina Turner studio album to have been re-issued in digitally remastered form.
11.I wrote a letter
Album: Private Dancer (originally from Inga Rumpf) - 1997
I wrote a letter to my love today
I wrote it so hard on what I gotta say
I’m down and out to tell you the truth
A man can make the poor girl sing the blues
You know what I couldn’t be with you
When there’s a chance please give me a clue
Until I drown in a sea of booze
A man can make the woman sing the blues
Took my pride and I threw it away
You gotta release me from this suffering
You’ll find me everywhere running around
Until you showed up to find me in the gutter
I wrote a letter to my love today
I wrote it so hard on what I gotta say
All my life is ending up the blues
A man can make the poor girl sing the blues
You can make the white girl sing the blues
I took my pride and I threw it away
You gotta release me from this suffering
You’ll find me everywhere running around
Until you showed up to find me in the gutter
I wrote a letter to my love today
I wrote it so hard on what I gotta say
I’m down and out to tell you the truth
All my life is ending up blues
When there’s a chance please give me a clue
‘Cause you know what I couldn’t be with you
Until I drown in a sea of booze
A man can make the woman sing the blues
A man can make the white girl sing the blues
You got me singing the blues
You got me singing the blues
12.Rock and roll widow
Album: Private Dancer - 1997
I’m sitting at home and the phone doesn’t even ring
I’m all alone again
Not a sound in the house save the radio
Fm dj filling up the emptiness
Baby’s on the road again
Six weeks nationwide opening the show
And I’m making it on my own
Like a rock and roll widow
Get my news from the rolling stone
Wake by the telephone
Wonders if he’s alone
Or is my man on a permanent loan
To rock and roll
Rock and roll
After a concert watching him play for free
I fall in love again
He says his music is everything
Helpless caught by the melody
When he begins to sing
Go on tell me he’s like all the rest
Say I’m making it on my own
Like a rock and roll widow
Get my news from the rolling stone
Wake by the telephone
Wonders if he’s alone
Or is my man on a permanent loan
To rock and roll
Rock and roll
Watching him run
I’ve got the feeling that he’s already
Lost in the life
So I’m making it on my own
Like a rock and roll widow
Get my news from the rolling stone
Wake by the telephone
Wonders if he’s alone
Or is my man on a permanent loan
To rock and roll
To rock and roll
Rock and Roll
13.Don't rush the good things
Album: Private Dancer - 1997
Bought me a bottle of wine
I'm gonna drink it tonight
And you can join me
It's gonna make us feel alright
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
I'm gonna sip it slowly
I'm not gonna rock it back
I am no historier but i
I've learned from my past what I've learned
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
It's a slow job falling in love
It's a slow job
Falling in love it's a slow job
Don't rush good things tonight
You and me baby
No need to rush it tonight
Cause we got all the time in the world
Get it back, get it back
Get it back, get it back
Get it, get it, get it, get it
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
It's a slow job falling in love
It's a slow job tonight
It's a slow job falling in love
It's a slow job tonight
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
Get it back, get it back
Get it back, get it back
Get it, get it, get it, get it
Don't rush the good things
Don't rush the good things in life
14.When I was young
Album: Private Dancer (originally from Eric Burdon and the Animals) - 1997
The rooms were so much colder then
My father was a soldier then
The times were very hard
When I was young
When I was young
I smoked my first cigarette at ten
And for boy I had a bad yen
I had quite a ball
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young it was more important
Pain more painful
The laughter much louder
When I was young
When I was young
I met my first love at thirteen
He was brown and I was pretty green
I learned quite a lot
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
It was more important
Pain more painful
The laughter much louder
When I was young
My faith was so much stronger then
I believed in fellow men
And I was so much older then
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young
15.What's love got to do with it (Extended 12 Remix)
Album: Private Dancer - 1997
You must understand
Though the touch of your hand
Makes my pulse react
That it's only the thrill
Of boy meeting girl
Opposites attract
It's physical
Only logical
You must try to ignore
That it means more than that
[Chorus:]
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love, but a second-hand emotion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
It may seem to you
That I'm acting confused
When you're close to me
If I tend to look dazed
I read it some place
I've got cause to be
There's a name for it
There's a phrase that fits
But whatever the reason
You do it for me
[Chorus]
I've been taking on a new direction
And I have to say
I've been thinking 'bout my own protection
It scares me to feel this way
[Chorus]
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love, but a sweet old fashioned notion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
What's love got to do
What's love but a second hand emotion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart
I've been taking on a new direction
And I have to say
I've been thinking 'bout my own protection
It scares me to feel this way
[Chorus]
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love, but a sweet old fashioned notion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
16.Better be good to me - (Extended 12 Remix) (edit)
Album: Private Dancer - 1997
why can't you be good to me
why can't you be good to me
why can't you be good to me
why can't you be good to me
why can't you be
Come on
A prisoner of your love
Entangled in your web
Hot whispers in the night
I’m captured by your spell
Captured
Yes I’m touched by this show of emotion
Should I be fractured by your lack of devotion
Should I
Should I
You better be good to me
That’s how it’s gonna be now
’Cause I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And you better be good to me
Better be good
Come on
Come on
Be good to me
I think it’s also right
That we don’t need to fight
We stand face to face
You present your case
Yes I know
You keep telling me that you love me
And I really do wanna believe
But did you think I’d just accept you
In blind faith
Sure baby
Anything to please you
As you better be good to me
That’s how it’s gonna be now
‘Cause I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
As you better be good to me
You better be good
Come on
Be good to me
And I really don’t see
Why it’s so hard to be
Good to me
And you know
I don’t understand
What’s your plan
That you can’t be
Good to me
What I can’t feel
I surely cannot see
Why can’t you be
Good to me
And if it’s not real
I do not wish to see
Why don’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Why can’t you be
Good to me
Be good
Be good to me
’Cause I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
So you better be good to me
‘Cause I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
And I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And you better be good to me
Be good to me
Be good
Be good to me
’Cause I don’t have no use
For what you usually call the truth
And I don’t have the time
For your over loaded lines
You better be good to me
Come on
Be good to me
17.I can't stand the rain - Extended 12 Remix)
Album: Private Dancer - 1997 (originally from Ann Peebles)
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Bringing back sweet memories
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Because he's not here with me
Hey window pane
Tell me do you remember
How sweet it used to be
When we were together
Everything was so grand
Now that we're parted
There's one sound
That I just can't stand
[Chorus]
When we were together
Everything was so grand
Now that we're parted
There's one sound
That I just can't stand
I can't stand the rain
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Bringing back sweet memories
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Because he's not here with me
When we were together
Everything was so grand
Now you give me sweet memories
There's one sound
That I just can't stand
Can't stand the rain
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Just be so lonely
Hey hey pain get off of my window
'Cause he ain't here with me
I can't stand the rain
Against my window
Bringing back sweet memories
Length: 44:02 min.
In 2015 the Warner Music Company released the 30th Anniversary Edition of Private Dancer.
Here are some covers from that release.
Tracklist
CD1. PRIVATE DANCER
I Might Have Been Queen
What’s Love Got To Do With It
Show Some Respect
I Can’t Stand The Rain
Private Dancer
Let’s Stay Together
Better Be Good To Me
Steel Claw
Help!
1984
Length: 44.23 min.
CD2. BONUS DISC
Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) (with B.E.F.)
I Wrote A Letter
Rock ‘n Roll Widow
Don’t Rush The Good Things
When I Was Young
Keep Your Hands Off My Baby
Tonight (Live with David Bowie)
Let’s Pretend We’re Married
What’s Love Got To Do With It (Extended 12” Remix)
Better Be Good To Me (Extended 12” Remix)
I Can’t Stand The Rain (Extended 12” Remix)
Show Some Respect (Extended Mix)
We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
One Of The Living
It’s Only Love (with Bryan Adams)
Length: 1.07.14 min
Singles from Private Dancer
Let's Stay Together - 19 November 1983
Help - 25 February 1984
What's Love Got to Do with It - 16 June 1984
Better Be Good to Me - 15 September 1984
Private Dancer - 17 February 1985
I Can't Stand the Rain - 2 March 1985
Show Some Respect - 4 May 1985
Personnel
Musicians
Tina Turner – vocals, background vocals
Gary Barnacle – saxophone
Jeff Beck – guitar
Terry Britten – guitar, vocals, background vocals
Graham Broad – drums
Alan Clark – percussion, keyboards
Mel Collins – saxophone
Cy Curnin – vocals, background vocals
David Ervin – synthesizer
Wilton Felder – bass, saxophone
Nick Glennie-Smith – keyboards
Glenn Gregory – vocals, background vocals
Rupert Hine – bass, percussion, keyboards, vocals, background vocals
John Illsley – bass
Hal Lindes – guitar
Billy Livsey – keyboards
Tessa Niles – vocals, background vocals
Frank Ricotti – percussion
Joe Sample – synthesizer, piano
David T. Walker – guitar
Martyn Ware – synthesizer, vocals, background vocals
Terry Williams – drums
Production
Producers: Terry Britten, John Carter, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Wilton Felder, Rupert Hine, Joe Sample, Greg Walsh, Martyn Ware
Engineers: F. Byron Clark, John Hudson, Walter Samuel, Greg Walsh, Stephen W Tayler
Mixing: John Hudson, Stephen W Tayler
Remixing: Humberto Gatica
Mastering: Alan Yoshida
Programming: David Ervin, Rupert Hine, Greg Walsh
Drum programming: Martyn Ware
String arrangements: David Cullen
Arrangers: Greg Walsh, Martyn Ware
Compilation producer: Akira Taguchi
Creative director: Sam Gay
Art direction: Roy Kohara
Design: John O'Brien
Photography: Pete Ashworth
Don’t Judge a Dancer by Her Past
By Gabe Crawford
This may be a vinyl collector sin, but I generally don’t look through the dollar record bins. I often get tired of how unorganized they are and I figure there is a reason those records are there.
As I was walking by the dollar bin the other day, I decided to give it a quick flip through. I found a few albums I thought were worth a dollar. I was not expecting much, but instead of buying a few scratched records, I found my new obsession.
Now I already had a few Ike and Tina Turner albums. I think every lover of soul and rock is beholden to "Proud Mary" and "Nutbush City Limits," but I had never researched her career post Ike. I only knew a few songs. The album I picked up in that dusty dollar bin was Private Dancer. Many critics claim this album to be the comeback of the 1980’s. I was immediately hooked on not only this records hits, but every song on the album.
Here is my track by track breakdown of the album Private Dancer:
"I Might Have Been Queen:" This album starts out with a bang, showcasing Turner’s sultry, yet raspy vocals. It’s a song you find yourself quickly wanting to get up and shake your hair to. This song is reflective of what Turner’s life was previously. From what I’ve read, this song was given to Turner to review with that exact pretense in mind. She even shed a tear reading the lyrics. Although those previous years had been rough, she was ready to move forward. She declares she is a soul survivor, and that it is time to start where she is now.
"What’s Love Got To Do With It:" Here we have the smash number one hit that propelled Turner’s name back into everyone’s household. It’s a soft rock tune, but with a distinct message. This song could have easily been forgotten, but Turner’s vocals add depth that I am still trying to understand. This song clearly shows her disdain for love and what she had experienced. Her vocals show a vulnerable and struggling woman, yet she sings the song with a confidence in who she is. A perfect companion to her life and sequel to "I Might Have Been Queen," this song clearly paid off in topping the charts and garnering a few Grammys.
"Show Some Respect:" This is another song you just can’t help but move to. It’s a jammer and Turner declares respect for a love she has to protect.
"I Can’t Stand The Rain:" This is the ballad of the whole album by an 80’s definition. Her vocals sound effortless on this track. They are both a gravel road and a velvet lining. She sings of love lost with a slight yearning for it to return, yet her vocals show a strength that she would also be just fine without it.
"Better Be Good To Me:" This song is a plain statement of how any man was to treat Turner after what she had been through. Some of her "calmest" vocals, without her typical growls, are heard on this piece. She wanted to make sure she got her emotions across, while proving she doesn’t always have to be a vocal acrobat to make her point. She was ready to start from where she was. She didn’t want to forget the past, but she is clearly done dwelling.
"Let’s Stay Together:" We can’t expect Tina to leave all the soul behind. Although she is known as a rocker, Tina has never denied the soul that resonates in her voice. Her vocals bring something completely new to the song. I think she is both wanting to stay together with her man, but she gives off the persona of a very independent woman. He better be good to Turner if he wants to stay together.
"1984:" This is a quick ode to David Bowie who helped Tina secure a contract with Capitol Records. This is another great dance tune that you can see her immaculate legs moving to.
"Steel Claw:" This song is clearly where Turner’s vocals return to their roots. It is easily the most rock orientated song on the album. Her stylings channel those of "Proud Mary" and "River Deep, Mountain High." Her vocals are suburb on this track, reminding all listeners that although it was time for a new Tina, it was still the same Tina.
"Private Dancer:" On the surface this song seems to be about a stripper or a call girl, but for Turner it is much more. The subdue tone of the song sets the stage for one of Turner’s most memorable performances. She takes us inside the empty eyes she had lived with for many years, both as a performer and partner. For the longest time Turner was used for her vocal agility and magnetic stage performance, while she was also being used in relationships for pure business benefits. She shows how it is absurd to be a performer if you can’t be true to yourself. She loves her audience, but she is more. It was time for Turner to take Tina by the reigns and declare her own prerogative.
Any old music for Turner would not do anymore.
Since listening to this album, I have scoured every record store in the vicinity for anything by Turner. I want to know where she has been and I want to know where she went and is still going. Her career is a metamorphosis. She transformed from a young lady with every move being directed to an independent songstress that didn’t need supervision. She was the same Tina Turner everyone knew, yet in name only, for now she was a new creature.
I don’t think it surprises anyone how powerful Turner’s vocals are. In this album, she proves again and again that a singer’s vocal interpretation can make the slightest and most extreme difference in the finesse of a song. Every emotion was expressed to its furthest extreme in this album. The genius of this record is that it can easily be listened to during a relaxing jam session, or it can be heard as a thoroughly articulated journey.
Nevertheless, Turner clearly made a comeback with this album. She was performing in Vegas without a record deal prior to this release. Some might have said she was washed up, while others may have thought she had hit her plateau, but she proved that not all of her struggles were in vain.
With this album, she cemented herself as a legend, firmly replacing the "Ike and" before her name with a "The."
Charts and Certifications - Album
1974 - Tina Turns the Country On!
1975 - Acid Queen
1978 - Rough
1979 - Love Explosion
1984 - Private Dancer
1986 - Break every rule
1989 - Foreign Affair
1993 - What's love got to do with it
1996 - Wildest Dreams
1999 - Twenty Four Seven
