Tina Turner - Good Hearted Woman – The Definitive Edition

In 1974, as her successful career as half of Ike and Tina Turner was winding down, Tina went into the studio to record her debut solo album.  Jack Millman came on board as the investor on the album and had the idea for her to record a country album with songs that could be performed on variety shows.  Once the album was finished it was sent to label executives and while United Artists was interested in signing her, they were not interested in the finished album.  Instead of that, they wanted country songs with a slower tempo that would be picked by their A&R staff, and they also wanted a different producer.  Millman reached an agreement with the label that he would keep the rights to the album and Tina could sign with them.  As a result of this, she ended up recording Tina Turns The Country On, which ended up being nominated for a Grammy.  In 1979 Millman released the original album on his Wagner Records label and over the years it has been re-released on CD numerous times under several different titles, but the sound quality on these has tended to be poor.  This newly released “definitive edition” uses a transfer of the master tapes and has been released on both CD and vinyl.  While I haven’t heard any of the earlier releases, so I can’t compare them, this new version sounds great.  As for the music, the album opens strongly with a powerful vocal performance and gorgeous string arrangement on “Lay It Down,” followed by a pure, classic country performance of Kris Kristofferson’s “Lovin’ Him Was Easier.”  Next up is a rollicking, good time take on the title track, which was actually written by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson after Jennings saw a newspaper ad that called Tina a “good hearted woman loving two-timing men.”  Originally a hit for Brenda Lee, “If This Is Our Last Time” is a slower track with a softer vocal performance (except for chorus) and the nice addition of horns.  While her take on “Stand By Your Man” sticks pretty close to the classic arrangement, she makes it her own with her powerhouse, soulful vocals.  Written by Will Hoover and originally recorded by Waylon Jennings, the lesser known “Freedom To Stay” is an absolutely gorgeous tune with a great arrangement and a strong, deeply emotional vocal.  Those gritty, emotional vocals continue on the next track, “We Had It All” and are the perfect complement to the string arrangement.  Her cover of “Soul Deep,” best known from the version from The Box Tops, is a fun take on the tune that walks the line between soul and country.  On “If It’s Alright With You” she adds a a bit of a rock edge, as she also does on the closing track, her take on another classic, Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man” where she gives a spirited performance with a bit of an attitude and a touch of funk.  In addition to songs being remastered, the album cover now features the photograph that Tina personally selected back in 1974, and the booklet has some great insight into the story behind the release.   It should also be noted that this release has now rightfully been added to the discography page of her official website and has support on her social media platforms.  

(Explore Rights Management)