From The Vault is back this week with a classic that taught music industry’s tastemakers an important lesson. Notably that when the music is undeniable, age really ain’t nothing but a number.
Today’s pick is Tina Turner’s iconic ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’
Released in 1984 as the third single from comeback album ‘Private Dancer,’ ‘Love’ stands as the artist’s signature song and is among pop culture’s most celebrated tunes.
Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the track was sent to many artists such as Donna Summer and Phyllis Hyman before landing on Turner’s lap.
Exactly 35 years ago, the track hit #1 on the US Hot 100, her first and only chart topper to this day. It also managed to land inside the Top 3 of the Australian, German and British charts.
The song’s equally memorable video was directed by Mark Robinson and follows a striking Tina around New York City as she engages with the various street dancers she meets along the way.
It was also one of the premier outings of her trademark legs and “that” rockstar hair-do.
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RELATED: TGJ Replay – Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’ Era
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With this very song, Turner defied all the odds and became one of Pop’s hottest commodities… aged 44.
Which goes to show: with the right material, the right team, and perhaps the right alignment of luck – mature acts can secure a seat at the Pop table.
Thanks to this song and its parent album, Tina went on to become a legend in her own right.
If there’s a potent take-away for some of the older acts of today it’s that: rebranding is key. Turner managed to update her artistic narrative, making way for a contextually relevant sound – which still felt like “her” – and a more refined look that never saw her lose her flair.
Obviously, a million names pop in our heads when thinking about which veteran artists we’d like to see enjoy a chart resurgence akin to this one, but we’d like to know:
Who do YOU think is more deserving of a comeback like this?
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We only need beyonce and fantasia for this tribute
Ashanti or Nicki. Being black balled from radio etc. We need an isolated female to prove that you can propel in this industry without industry and radio help. It would be good for a male artist to prove this as well but we all know women get the age card played on them way more often.
What’s Love Got To Do With It is Pop music at its best ? That intro tho ? Tina’s perfect vocal performance…and the album…LAWD…who’s even on this level? I’ll wait….
https://tenor.com/view/simply-the-best-tina-turner-gif-12805746
? ??
Was Tina Turner behind the huge single “Game of Love”? Featuring Santana?
A lot of people say it was Michelle Branch
Can someone tell me?
Tina recorded the song first but (I think) the record company didn’t think it was commercial enough so they brought in Michelle Branch. Carlos said he preferred Tina’s version because she sounded like a woman and not a girl. I like both versions!
Oh i see
Thanks Dean
Actually, the record company decided to bring in Michelle Branch only because Tina refused to promote the song as she was preparing for her retirement tour. The record company and Carlos both favored Tina’s version.
Thanks for the clarification!
Game of Love became popular in 2002-2003 era due to Michelle Branch pop rock domination era. If The label go by Tina’s version, sure it will still going to be iconic but it will not be a commercial success as Michelle’s.
I love Tina but with all due respect Michelle Branch version of Game of Love is a mainstream hit
I remember it’s number one in MTV and FM stations
They actually won Grammy for Best Pop Collaborations
Michelle Branch? Is that the cute chick that has a big song in “White Chicks” movie soundtrack? ????
Damn yeah she’s cute
I love Tina’s private dancer album and the What’s Love got to do with it song???
This is my favorite song of hers???
Now that song is what you call classic and timeless. It one of my all time favouriate song and it is actually older than me?