I knew there was a reason I started thinking of an old friend from my teen years. Tina Turner. In 1984 Turner released her greatest solo album Private Dancer. She became a superstar around the world. This was a success story for a woman over 40 years old in the music industry to make such a huge comeback. Turner was free from Ike Turner and she stood tall above all the pop tarts at the time.
As for the friend I mentioned, it was one of three Powell brothers I knew. My life was intertwined in theirs for different reasons. The eldest brother, Tim was the one I hung out with the most in the early days of knowing them. Tim and I were always together when we were not working. We would ride around town in his crappy car while listening to music. One of those artist was Tina Turner. Tim knew I liked her a lot. I could not explain it, but I think I can now. Tina Turner escaped from an abusive marriage and made a better life for herself. I had always hoped as a kid that my mother would too. She did not so I left a few years after Private Dancer was released and did not look back. I saw my mother once after I left home for good and I realised that I would never go back again. She died about 10 years ago this past September. I never saw Tim again either. We had grown apart, but not in a bad way. I was a gypsy so it was hard to keep friends long. Also, I became close to his brother Steve. I recently found out he died a few years after I left. I think about Steve a lot lately. But it is hard to tell a ghost sorry.
I look back at all the people I cared about and I never really said goodbye to most of them. I just left. I am at that place now. I want to leave my current life and not say goodbye. I want to start over. I want to be a different version of myself.
In 1983, Turner released the first single from the album, a remake of Al Green‘s hit “Let’s Stay Together“. I was in love. I could listen to either version of this song all day, but Tina Tuner’s voice grabs me. She really wants to stay together. I have never really loved that way, but I have had friends that I wanted to be with forever.
I’m so in love with you
Whatever you want to do
Is alright with me
You make me feel so brand new
I want to spend my whole life with you
Although all of the songs are great, I would suggest trying “What’s Love Got to Do with It“, “Better Be Good to Me“, “I Can’t Stand the Rain”, and “Private Dancer” if you want a small taste.
Overall, what do expect me to say? This album is her magnum opus. She was so incredible. I wish she had not retired, but I understand it. 10/10.
an ocean roars 