SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TINA TURNER – GOOD HEARTED WOMAN (2025 REMASTER)

TINA TURNER
GOOD HEARTED WOMAN (2025 REMASTER)
CHERRY RED RECORDS

Tina Turner was a worldwide icon best known for her work in two different musical spheres: soul, which provided her debut in the 1960s, and rock ‘n’ roll, which was the soundtrack for her comeback era in the ‘80s and beyond. But in the mid-‘70s, she made a pit stop in the world of country and western, and the result is well worth a listen.

Cherry Records’ recent remastered release, Good Hearted Woman, finally showcases the material that kicked off Turner’s solo career in 1974. Featuring some previously unheard recordings, it’s a must-listen.

From the opening strains of “Lay it Down,” it’s clear Turner’s artistry was so big it threatened to engulf any song she tackled. Her husky voice was well-suited to this gospel-influenced track, capturing the world-weary nature of the lyrics. Similarly, her cover of “We Had It All,” originally written by Willie Nelson and made famous by Waylon Jennings, opens with a mournful harmonica lick and is aided by a choral section that makes it feel like something that could be heard from a church confessional booth.

The whole album features some excellent production, including horn and string sections on “If This is Our Last Time” and “Lovin’ Him Was Easier” that certainly necessitated these meticulously-crafted remasters.

While this collection leans more heavily towards ballads, the title track “Good Hearted Woman” is the honky tonkiest number of the bunch, featuring steel guitar and a country-fried tempo that will make any listener want to pull on a pair of cowboy boots with their red sequin dress.

The only low points are the renditions of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” and Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man.”  Out of respect to Tina, I won’t dwell on the much-publicized details of her marriage to Ike Turner. However, it’s hard to listen to her sing these simpering husband-worshipping lyrics knowing what she was living with behind the scenes. While Turner’s inimitable rasp certainly elevates the sexist material, her powerhouse vocals were better suited to empowering anthems like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Better Be Good to Me.” That said, while Turner will always be known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” this album proves that she could conquer any genre she set her mind to.

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