CD Review

Artist: Tina Turner

CD: Tina!

Release Date: September 30^th, 2008

Record Label: (EMI/Capitol Records)  

Reviewed by: Gabor Pertic (Toronto Correspondent – Canada)

It’s not easy making a single-disc compilation that highlights the best of an artist that reigned over the pop charts for over half a century. Tina Turner has a massive collection of landmark songs that range from unforgettably empowering singles (“What’s Love Got To Do With It”, “Better Be Good To Me”), to alluring theme songs (“We Don’t Need Another Hero”, “Goldeneye”), and even covers that are just as good, if not better than, the originals (“Proud Mary”, “Let’s Stay Together”). To promote her 2008 fall tour, the 18-track Tina! hits the shelves, attempting to encapsulate the singer’s lengthy career.

It goes without saying, there is a reason why Turner has lasted this long and can still tour to sell-out crowds, and that reason is simply because she is damn good. That “damn” needs to be emphasized because calling Turner nothing but good does little justice to a woman who, since the early 1960’s, was belting her way to the top. She commands attention and this album is a mere sample of her raw energy and powerful pipes.

Tina! touches on the key hits and, for casual listeners, it is a good starting point. Kicking off with “Steamy Windows”, we are immediately drawn into Turner’s vibe, as her killer voice dares you to keep listening. Going through the album, Turner shines as bold, brave, and undeniably exciting. Tracks like “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “Private Dancer” are fixed into Rock’s highest echelon and are a great one-two hit in the first half of the album.

The one slight drawback is the selection of live tracks on the album. The album is meant to coincide with the tour, but the trio of live selections amidst the other studio tracks on the record stick out a bit awkwardly, making you want to hear the originals. That being said, Turner still sounds fantastic snarling her way through Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love”.

The album also comes with two previously unreleased tracks, “It Would Be a Crime” and “I’m Ready”. The songs are catchy in their own right, and though they don’t match up to the power of some of her former hits, they are a welcome reminder that even after all these years, Turner is still simply the best.

Track Listing:

1) Steamy Windows – 4:05

2) River Deep–Mountain High – 3:40

3) Better Be Good To Me – 5:11

4) The Acid Queen – 5:30

5) What You Get is What You See – 4:28

6) What’s Love Got To Do With It – 3:48

7) Private Dancer – 4:02

8) We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – 4:17

9) I Don’t Wanna Fight – 4:25

10) Goldeneye – 4:43

11) Let’s Stay Together (Live in Amsterdam) – 4:11

12) I Can’t Stand the Rain (Live in Amsterdam) – 3:20

13) Addicted to Love (Live at Camden Palace) – 5:22

14) The Best – 5:30

15) Proud Mary – 5:26

16) Nutbush City Limits – 3:02

17) It Would Be a Crime – 3:28

18) I’m Ready – 3:45