Once the central focus of the fastest moving female rock singers as part of "The Ike and Tina Turner Revue," this lady still puts on an electrifying performance after 40 years in the business. Known as "The Rock Goddess" or "The Duchess," Tina Turner opened her "Wildest Dreams Tour" in Houston, TX. Her famous smile, energetic delivery, and trademark mini-dresses that show off what Hanes Pantyhose considers the best legs in the world, rocked the house. Especially for one very happy lady sitting in the third row who was seeing her idol perform live for the first time - Oprah Winfrey.
The story of Tina Turner, that stayed buried for so many years until the release of the movie "What's Love Got To Do With It?," took a turn for the better when she dumped Ike Turner in 1976 and made a life for herself doing housecleaning and using food stamps until her bluesy rasp and kinetic stage energy were discovered by Roger Davies. In 1984, "Private Dacer" skyrocketed her to world-wide stardom, and she's never stopped since. "Wildest Dreams" is her tenth solo album, and Tina seems to be headed to the award stand and platinum album once again.
The opening track, "Missing You," a cover of John Waite's song, done in that voice like no other, gives the tune new meaning. The title track, "Wildest Dreams," featuring Barry White, is a fabulous, sexy number with a great melody line and some really HOT conversation between Tina and Barry. By far, this is one of the best songs on the album. "Whatever You Want" is a more upbeat tune, but continues the theme of sensuality that permeates the whole album. Moving into a more rock sound is "Do What You Do," with a noticeable emphasis on the beat that makes you want to move along with it. Another rocker is "Thief of Hearts," one of those great Tina Turner story songs.
The beautiful ballad "On Silent Wings" features guest artist Sting. This one comes in at a close second for best song on the album. It's followed by "Something Beautiful Remains" a catchy song with a hopeful tone to the lyrics. Moving in a more bluesy, sax direction is "Confidential" about a secret love affair. "All Kinds Of People" is a really upbeat tune, with lyrical emphasis on forgetting the past, trying to get along and remember "There's all kinds of the people in this world." The next track, "Unfinished Sympathy" has a slight disco edge to it and is a real mover. That one is followed by "Goldeneye," the theme song for the James Bond movie of the same name.
The last song on the album, "Dancing In My Dreams," opens with a beat resembling the pulsing of a hearbeat. This is the other really power ballad on the album, and is sung with such feeling it tugs at you. The lyrics here also emphasize the theme of "everyone getting along" and that it's coming soon. There isn't a bad track on this album, and once again Tina Turner proves she's the Rock Diva. The music is great, the lyrics inspiring, and the voice is, well, THE VOICE of Tina Turner. This album is well worth adding to any music collection.
Title:
"Sybil - GREATESTS HITS"
Artist:
"SYBIL"
Label:
Next Plateau
Available:
Any Major Music Stores
Reviewed By:
Donn Jehs
Rating:
$$$$
For ten years Sybil has been making smooth and danceable music, so
it's about time for a collection of the songs that define her. This
collection (her 5th album for the label) includes such classic tunes as
"Don't Make Me Over,'' with it's great dance beat, and a songline that
showcases her ability as soul touching seductress of the stage. Only Sybil
could take a Bacharach tune like this or "Walk On By" and make you look for
the nearest dance floor.
Half the cuts on this album have the word 'love' in the title and
she is a master of the love ballad. Not saccharine renderings but soulful
heartstopping renditions of her hits "You're the Love of My Life" and "Let
It Rain" alone make this an album worth having in your collection.
From her beginnings in the church choir in Paterson, NJ and her
first break with CeCe & Co, Sybil has matured into a dance diva to rival
Donna Summer, Gladys Kight or Dionne Warwick. Songs such as "Oh How I Love
You" and "My Love is Guaranteed" are the kind of songs guys want to put on
the CD player late at night as they dance with the girl of their dreams.
Also on this album is a performance with then labelmates Salt -N - Peppa, "Crazy For You" which is the most hip-hop Sybil may ever get. But
that's not what her fans want, although it shows her musical ability to cross
genre lines.
There is also a new single on the album that hit #2 on the UK
charts, "When I'm Good and Ready." The song should end up a dance hit
here also. This is a definite party platter, and Sybil serves up only
the finest of cuts. It's worth your while to make a trip to the record table.
We're a bit light on music this month for the R&B/Soul/Urban column, but we should have much more next month.
