Squashing the antiquated idea that Rock-n-Roll is a man’s genre of music, Tina Turner is a pioneering lady who demands your attention. Singing with such passion and conviction, anytime you hear a song of hers, it is immediately distinguishable. Possessing the sound of Soul and R&B, but with the fire of Rock-n-Roll, there is simply no one quite like Tina Turner. That is why it is justified that she was named Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll in life, and thereafter.
Turner, who had dreams of music at a young age growing up in Tennessee, would find a vehicle for her passion when teaming up with Ike Turner in the late ‘50s. Going on to be the power behind their duo of Ike & Tina Turner, tragically behind the scenes, matters were less than ideal. Subject to awful treatment at the hands of Ike for many years, Tina Turner would eventually rise about it all, leave him, and be reborn.
Showing strength and looking to start the next chapter in her life, Turner would descend on a journey that many thought was impossible. Why? Because at first many shortsightedly looked at her as part of Ike. Proving them all wrong, she would reinvent herself in her own light… on way to becoming a massive Rock-n-Roll star during the ‘80s.
In all, Turner shocked the world, becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time. Selling more than 100 million records worldwide, she would also receive twelve Grammy Awards, which included competitive awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and three Grammy Hall of Fame inductions. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on her own in 2021, her achievements are many, but it is her impact on Rock-n-Roll that really is what rings through eternity. The subject of the exceptional 2021 documentary film Tina, in hindsight, it seemed like a fitting swansong for Turn who sadly passed away in May of 2023. Departing at 83 years of age, her passing has left a hole in the heart of many, but her legacy as a human being and creative juggernaut will reign forever.
Hailing the queen, and celebrating fifty years of her music, Rhino Records fittingly has put together a new collection called Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Released November 24, 2023, the collection compiles 55 tracks of Turner’s solo work. An expansive anthology, it focuses on each of Turner’s singles starting in 1975 with tracks like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Acid Queen,” going on into the 2000s with others such as “Open Arms.” Offered in physical format as 3-CD or 5-LP sets, there is also a digital edition out there as well.
A lot of material to take in, the collection marks the first time ever Turner’s singles are being released in one anthology. That in mind, there are a lot of great features amidst this career encompassing set. Summarizing it, it includes remastered cuts, live ones (such “Tonight” with David Bowie, plus an amazing performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come). Beyond this, there are also duet tracks, such as “In Your Wildest Dreams” with Barry White,” “It’s Only Love” with Bryan Adams, “Tearing Us Apart” with Eric Clapton, and “It Takes Two” with Rod Stewart. Added to this is the 2020 Kygo remix of “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and a newly reworked version of 1996’s “Something Beautiful Remains,” retitled “Something Beautiful.”
Complimenting the context of the music involved, the actual aesthetic look of the CD and vinyl sets are also quite attractive. Particularly looking at the vinyl set, it comes in a lovely solid box with the five individual sleeved LPs within, plus a beautiful magazine-like book. The book, featuring some great photographs, also includes details about each track, and foreword from Bryan Adams. Beyond a collaborator with Turner, Adams was a longtime friend of her, and his written essay reflecting on her is heartfelt and quite touching. And if you are someone who is keen on the detail of the sound quality, the pressing to 180g heavyweight vinyl does wonders for the warmth of each track; all sounding as rich and lively as ever.
Overall, the newly released Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll anthology set is a perfect way to celebrate the life and music of Tina Turner. Still a very fresh loss in the hearts of many, this set will help you reflect on her brilliance and remind you that her soul lives on within the music. That is why Cryptic Rock gives the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll set 5 out of 5 stars.
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