1996 - Wildest Dreams
Wildest Dreams is the ninth solo album by Tina Turner, released on Parlophone/Virgin in 1996.
It went double platinum in the UK, France, Germany, and on the European charts.
Review from the Daily Vault:
After a nearly two-year break, Tina Turner was approached to record a Bono/The Edge composition for the theme song of the new James Bond movie Goldeneye. Being unable to resist, it set the wheels in motion for Turner to begin recording her ninth studio album, Wildest Dreams. By the time recording finished, the aforementioned song would be a part of a nearly hour-long, twelve track album of new material, her first since ‘89’s Foreign Affair.
The album starts off well enough with a seriously groovy rocker “Do What You Do," which proves two things right off the bat: one, Tina’s pipes are still in fine form and two, Tina is a rocker through and through. Her vocal delivery here is slightly understated and there’s no shrieking to be heard, which complements the funk inspired arrangement perfectly. Next up is one of Turner’s best vocal performances ever – too bad it’s a dreadful song. “Whatever You Want" is a car crash of styles due to producer Trevor Horn throwing everything he possibly could into the mix.
“Missing You" (the John Waite power ballad) is covered here (rather pointlessly, if you ask me). I understand that Tina loved the song and was eager to perform it on the inevitable tour, but why she had to include it here, I’ll never know. The video, however, served as the soundtrack for the Hanes ads that Turner appeared in (flashing her famous pins, flogging pantyhose) and was paid handsomely for.
“On Silent Wings" is a welcome relief. Co-written by Tony Joe White and Turner’s longtime guitarist James Ralston, it’s a beautiful ballad that gives Tina another chance to show off her stunning soulful voice. Seriously, if any of you doubt her vocal ability, then search this one out and forever hold your peace. It’s simply a beautiful song, and for once, Mr. Horn left well enough alone, giving the song a simple but uplifting arrangement. Sting graces the song with his distinctive voice in the final choruses.
“Thief Of Hearts" is a curious number that just doesn’t hit the spot. Europop arrangement and daft lyrics aside, it’s always fun to listen to, but you’ll soon forget it. “In Your Wildest Dreams" is one of Turner’s sexiest recording to date. A sly R&B groove is given life by Turner purring “Oh baby" twice for maximum effect. The US version of this album featured the track as a duet with love god Barry White (the animated video is a hoot); however, I prefer the solo version released on the European and Australian album. It’s catchy and sexy and builds beautifully into a soulful climax before Antonio Banderas raps a little Spanish.
“Goldeneye" provided one of the highlights of the live show, featuring Turner emerging from a massive golden eye above the stage. It’s not as much of a standout here, but as a Bond song it’s pretty good – not exactly in the Shirley Bassey stakes but nowhere near as vile as Madonna’s effort or the jumpy a-ha song.
“Confidential" was given to Turner years earlier by Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. It finally was given life here with the boys graciously providing backing vocals. This is followed by the album’s highlight, “Something Beautiful Remains." The groove is again R&B and Tina’s singing has never been more soulfully graceful.
Penned by “What’s Love Got To Do With It" authors Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the prolific lyrics seem to give Tina great delight, being that the sentiments are so close to her own beliefs: “We are living in world of stars and dust / Between heaven and all that surrounds us / We are travellers here, spirits passing through / And the love we give, is all that will endure."
“All Kinds Of People" is the most poppy song here, and although it’s not great, it does get the job done nicely. Again, though, it’s utterly forgettable. The album closes with “Dancing In My Dreams," which sounds like the perfect Olympic Games anthem. Another Trevor Horn special, he even brought in The Durham Choir for this one.
So, in closing, I’ll say this: it’s not her best, but it’s far from her worst. It’s a little too slick and cluttered for my taste and there’s not enough rock either. It hasn’t aged all that well due to the production values of the mid-‘90s. Tina handled the vocally demanding arrangements with ease and once and for all proved herself as a tremendous singe, making even horrible songs bearable to hear more than once. When it’s good, though, it’s very good; the problem is, there’s not enough good stuff here to get that excited about. But If you love R&B, you’ll probably enjoy this one more than I do.
In 1997 the album was released as a limited edition special pack in Europe with a bonus disc including remixes, non-album tracks and live recordings from Turner's concert in Amsterdam on the Wildest Dreams Tour.
The two-disc edition was released with the same cover picture as the U.S. album.
More releases you will find at the excellent Discogs website
Formats: LP, CD
Producers: Trevor Horn, Terry Britten
Label: Parlophone, Virgin Records
1.Do what you do
Album: Do what you do - 1996
When you say the things, you say you gotta mean
it
And when you do the things you do, it's gotta come from the heart
Something's gone, I can't explain
The heat is missing from the plain
Can't deny it, there's a link missing from the chain
There's something wrong with you and me
When more than one adds up to three
Don't know the reason, but the fact is plain to see
It's the touch that you lose, and the words you don't say
It's our love you abuse, don't you throw it away
[Chorus:]
When you do what you do like you do to me
Don't you know that it ain't enough
When you do what you do it don't mean a thing
When you do what you do without love, without love
I'm gonna paint a picture of you
The only color I need is blue
You're out of love, baby you know it's true
Tell me why and I'll try to understand
[Chorus]
Cause I could cry when you do what you do to me
Don't you know that it ain't enough
When you do what you do it don't mean a thing
When you do what you do without love
It's the touch that you lose, and the words you don't say
It's the love you refuse, don't you throw it away
[Chorus]
When you do what you do
Don't you know that it ain't enough
When you do what you do it don't mean a thing
Then you know it's a crime that you kill me up
When you do what you do without love, without love
Don't know what you're doing, what you're doing without love
2.Whatever you want
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
Whatever you want me to do
I will do it for you
Whatever you want me to be
I will be what you need
Because it's love that I feel
Whenever you're really near
I'm feeling sensual I can't rely on myself
I'm wanting you and no one else
You've got me wrapped up
Cause times takes what love heals
Wherever you are I know it's for real
[Chorus:]
Whatever you want me to do
I will do it for you
Whatever you want me to be
I will be what you need
Because it's love that I feel
Whenever you're really near
I'm feeling sensual
And I, I know that it's real
I know you've had pains in your heart
That have torn you apart
I know you've been safe on your own
But together we're strong
Because it's love that I feel
Whenever you're holding me
I'm feeling passionate
And I can't deny it in myself
I'm wanting you and no one else
You've got the power
Cause love takes what time steals
And deep in my heart
I know that it's real
[Chorus:]
Whatever you want me to do
I will do it for you
Whatever you want me to be
I will be what you need
Because it's love that I feel
Whenever you're next to me
I'm feeling sensual
I know (I know), I know (I know) that it's real
Cause times takes and love heals
Wherever you are
I know it's for real
I know, I know that it's real
Whatever you want me to do baby, baby, baby
I will do, darling, do it for you
Whatever you want me to be, yeah
I will be everything
Because it's love that I feel
Whenever you're really near
I'm feeling sexual
It's time that I breathe
For the love that pleases me
Too easily, easily, baby
3.Missing you
Album: Wildest Dreams (originally from John Waite) - 1996
Every time I think of you
I always catch my breath
And I'm still standing here
And you're miles away
And I'm wondering why you left
And there's a storm that's raging
Through my frozen heart tonight
I hear your name in certain circles
And it always makes me smile
I spend my time thinking about you
And it's almost driving me wild
And there's a heart that's breaking
Down this long distance line tonight
[Chorus:]
I ain't missing you at all (Missing you)
Since you've been gone away (Missing you)
I ain't missing you (Missing you)
No matter what I might say (Missing you)
There's a message in the wire
And I'm sending you the signal tonight
You don't know how desperate I've become
And it looks like I'm losing this fight
In your world I have no meaning
Though I'm trying hard to understand
And it's my heart that's breaking
Down this long distance line tonight
[Chorus]
And there's a message that I'm sending out
Via telegraph to your soul
And if I can't bridge this distance
Stop this heartbreak overload
[Chorus]
Every time I think of you
I always catch my breath
4.On silent wings
Album: Wildest Dreams - with Sting - 1996
There was a time when I would have followed you
To the end of the earth
I was willing to share it all with you
The love, the hurt
I've seen you when your dreams were falling in the dust
But I never stopped believing in you
I always thought our love was strong enough
One you could hold on to
[Chorus:]
You never see it coming
You just let it fly
On silent wings, silent wings
You can't hide what you you feel inside
And the fire has left your eyes
On silent wings
I see us in our dreams and we're dancing
I can almost hear the song
But the prayers, they go unanswered
But we both know, we're just hanging on
I feel ashamed, but I'll never know the reason why
The rug was pulled so gently from under my feet
I only know that something good has died
Between you and me, oh it's just a memory
[Chorus]
You never see it coming
You just go separate ways
On silent wings, silent wings
There's no more promises to break
Or our love has slipped away
On silent wings
You never see it coming
But you know it has to end
On silent wings, silent wings
I will never be the same again
I feel the whisper of the wind
On silent wings
5.Thief of hearts
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
Let me tell you about a man I knew
Yeah, I knew him all too well
My attitude has always been
You can have me for tonight
Not for tomorrow
It's gonna cost you plenty
More than you can afford
More than you can borrow
Well I can make them fall in love
Just as easy as I
Pick their pockets hey
And when I've done the deed
I jump on a freight train
And make my getaway
[Chorus:]
Oh I'm a thief of hearts
A burglar in the night
Before they knew what hit them
I was out of sight
Been a thief of hearts
Now I'm paying for my crimes
Cause now you're gone and stolen mine
I met you on a starry night
Full moon in your eyes
Did something strange to me
I was all prepared to spin my web
Take you for a ride
But there was a fork in the street
Well I didn't mean to fall in love
Didn't practice the rules
That I've been taught
You never get involved
Never drop your defenses
But this time I got caught
[Chorus]
Feels so good, I want more
It should be against the law
6.In your wildest dreams
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
The sun goes down
And the moon comes up
My heart is pumping for you
And a mad thing starts
Never in your wildest dreams
Did you ever get this feeling
Never in your wildest dreams
Never in your wildest dreams
Could it ever be this easy
Never in your wildest dreams
The night is hot outside your window
I hear people walking, people talking
I smell your skin, I feel you breathing
Don't let me go, not yet, not yet, not yet, not yet
Never in your wildest dreams
Did you ever get this feeling
Never in your wildest dreams (No No)
Never in your wildest dreams
Did it ever get this easy
Never in your wildest dreams
The world is slowly turning
As it turns I see your face, touch your eyes, your lips
We've arrived at the place where they open hearts
And fill them up with love, filled with love, filled with love
This heart is pumping for you
As a mad thing starts
Never in your wildest dreams
Did you ever get this feeling
Never in your wildest dreams
Never in your wildest dreams
Did it ever feel this easy
Never in your wildest dreams
As a mad thing starts (Ooh sacrifice)
Oh baby, no baby (Ooh sacrifice)
Never in my wildest dreams (Ooh sacrifice)
7.Goldeneye
Album: Goldeneye - 1995
See reflections on the water
More than darkness in the depths
See him surface and never a shadow
On the wind I feel his breath
Goldeneye, I found his weakness
Goldeneye, he'll do what I please
Goldeneye, no time for sweetness
But a bitter kiss will bring him to his knees
You'll never know how I watched you from the shadows as a child
You'll never know how it feels to be the one who's left behind
You'll never know the days and the nights, the tears, the tears I've cried
But now my time has come and time, time is not on your side
See him move through smoke and mirrors
Feel his presence in the crowd
Other girls they gather around him
If I had him I wouldn't let him out
Goldeneye, not lace or leather
Golden chain take him to the spot
Goldeneye, I'll show him forever
It will take forever to see what I've got
You'll never know how I watched you from the shadows as a child
You'll never know how it feels to get so close and be denied
It's a gold and honey trap I've got for you tonight
Revenge is a kiss
This time I won't miss
Now I've got you in my sight
With a goldeneye
Golden, goldeneye
With a goldeneye, goldeneye
8.Confidential
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
You don’t need to give me reasons
I understand
Some things are best kept secret
And you’ve done all you can
I want
No recompense
Just as much as you can give of yourself
If that makes sense
I’ll keep it
Confidential
Each secret
Confidential
It may come as some surprise
But I can stay secret from prying eyes
So don’t worry I’ll keep it
Confidential between you and me
Go on tell me that you love me
Show me you dare
We may not venture out in public
At least I know you care
It can’t
Be guaranteed
Just give me what you can of yourself
That’s all I need
I’ll keep it
Confidential
Each secret
Confidential
It may come as some surprise
But I can stay secret from prying eyes
So don’t worry I’ll keep it
Confidential between you and me
No one will know
Who I am
I think it’s possible
Only to love
You play
Such silly games
But if everyone knew about us
I’d feel no shame
But I’ll keep it
Confidential
Each secret
Confidential
It may come as some surprise
But I can stay secret from prying eyes
So don’t worry I’ll keep it
Confidential between you and me
Confidential
Each secret
Confidential
Secret
Each secret
Confidential
Secret
Each secret
Confidential
9.Something beautiful remains
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
Tears will leave no stain
Time will ease the pain
For every light that fades
Something beautiful remains
We're living in a world of stars and dust
Between heaven and all that surrounds us
We're travelers here, spirits passing through
And the love we give, is all that will endure
Hey now, what we had is gone
But I still remember you
Just like a rose after the rain
Something beautiful remains
[Chorus:]
Tears will leave no stain
Time will ease the pain
For every light that fades
Something beautiful remains
Now the darkness falls, the sun's going down
One by one, the stars are coming out
Tide comes in, washes footprints from the sand
As one day ends, a new day must begin
Hey now, though we are apart
You're here forever in my dreams
Hey now, love is lost and gained
(What you gonna do about it, what you gonna say)
Something beautiful remains
[Chorus]
And you wonder sometimes how we carry on
When you've lost the love you knew
But it's alright, it's alright
To your own heart be true
[Chorus]
10.All kinds of people
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
There's a time for love and a time for healing
Can't go back and undo what's been done
The word of mouth, time is revealing
Just how far we've left this kingdom come
Hand in hand we're finding our way
And today is just tomorrow's yesterday
[Chorus:]
Some will die for you, some will lie to you
There's all kinds of people in this world
Turn the world around, tear the borders down
There's all kinds of people in this world
Kiss of life and the hand of fate
Boy grows up into his father's son
And he learns to love, has been taught to hate
To carry on the way it had been done
All our lives, it's debts to repay
Maybe someday we can put the past away
[Chorus]
Some will die for you, some will lie to you
There's all kinds of people in this world
Put your fear away, find a better way
There's all kinds of people in this world
Underneath a broken sky
Love can heal the pain inside
In a moment things can change
One look behind and it's never the same
11.Unfinished Sympathy
Album: Wildest Dreams (originally from Massive Attack) - 1996
I know that I've imagined love before
And how it could be with you
You really hurt me baby
You really cut me baby
How could you have a day without a night
You're the book that I have opened
And now I've got to know much more
The curiousness of your potential kiss
Has got my mind and body aching
You really hurt me baby
You really cut me baby
How could you have a day without a night
You're the book that I have opened
And now I've got to know much more
Like a soul without a mind
And a body without a heart
I'm missing every part
12.Dancing in my dreams
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
I've been running from the truth
I've been running since my youth
Tired of the running
I will stand here till you see
I am you and you are me
Tired of the running
There really is no difference when you look beneath the skin
Someday I know we'll go beyond this world we're living in
[Chorus:]
Now when I lay me down to sleep
I will be dancing in my dreams
Seeing the way it all should be
I will be dancing
Now when I lay me down to sleep
I will be dancing in my dreams
Seeing the way it all should be
I will be dancing
Dancing in my dreams
There's no hiding in the dark
From the beating of my heart
It's getting louder
Just as long as we believe
The truth will set us free
It's getting louder
All that really matters is the light in your face
In you I see the longing of the whole human race
[Chorus]
On and on the story goes
Or it's the passing of the torch
With one small voice it all begins
Then there are millions more
Millions more
[Chorus]
13.Love is a beautiful thing
Album: Wildest Dreams - 1996
Also on the album: Diana Princess of Wales Tribute - 1997
Been so long since I left you
Do all the things you used to do
In all this time I can't forget you
Everywhere I turn I think of you
And I, I wanna trust you baby
You, you're all I need
Soul to soul, Fire to fire
Nothing like this man's desire
Love is a beautiful thing
One and one, you and me
Baby it's our destiny
Love is a beautiful thing
It´s a beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful thing
Love is a beautiful thing
Love is such a sweet emotion
I wanna share it all with you
With your trust and endless devotion
There ain't nothing in this world we can't do
Tonight, I wanna thank you baby
You, you make my life complete
Soul to soul, fire to fire
Nothing like this man's desire
Love is a beautiful thing
One and one, you and me
Maybe it's our destiny
Love is a beautiful thing
It´s a beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful
Love is a beautiful thing
Beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful
Love is a beautiful thing
Tonight, I wanna thank you baby
You, you make my soul complete
Soul to soul, fire to fire
Nothing like this man's desire
Love is a beautiful thing
One and one, you and me
Maybe it's our destiny
Love is a beautiful thing
Beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful
Beautiful
Love is a beautiful thing
One and one
Maybe it's our destiny
Love is a beautiful thing
It is just so beautiful
Beautiful
yes it is
Beautiful
Love is a beautiful thing
Beautiful
Beautiful
Love is a beautiful thing
Special Tour Edition bonus disc - 1997
1.In Your Wildest Dreams (with Barry White) (Single edit) - Chapman, Knight - 3:48
2.Something Beautiful Remains (Joe Urban remix edit) - Britten, Lyle - 4:00
3.The Difference Between Us - Nicholas Holland, Camus Mare Celli, Andrés Levin - 4:32
4.River Deep – Mountain High (Live, Amsterdam 1996) - Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich - 3:59
5.We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) (Live, Amsterdam 1996) - Britten, Lyle - 6:04
6.Private Dancer (Live, Amsterdam 1996) - Mark Knopfler - 9:01
7.Steamy Windows (Live, Amsterdam 1996) - Tony Joe White - 3:37
8.The Best (Live, Amsterdam 1996) - Chapman, Knight - 7:13
9.On Silent Wings (Live, Amsterdam 1996) - Ralston, White - 5:27
Length: 58: 05 min.
Singles from Wildest Dreams
GoldenEye - 7 November 1995
Whatever You Want - 23 March 1996
On Silent Wings - 8 June 1996
Missing You - 25 July 1996
Something Beautiful Remains - 19 October 1996
In Your Wildest Dreams - 21 December 1996
Personnel
Tina Turner – lead vocals
Sting – vocals
Barry White – vocals (U.S. edition)
Antonio Banderas – vocals
Anne Dudley – orchestra arrangements
Gavin Wright – orchestra leader
C-n-A – guitar, keyboards
Terry Britten – guitar, bass guitar, background vocals
Trevor Rabin – guitar, background vocals
Tim Pierce – guitar
J.J. Belle – guitar
Dominic Miller – guitar
David Rainger – guitar
Chris "Snake" Davis – horns
John Thirkell – horns
Andy Hamilton – horns
Steve Hamilton – horns
Peter Thoms – horns
Andy Bush – horns
Charles Olins – piano
Neil Tennant – keyboards, background vocals
Chris Lowe – keyboards
Lol Creme – keyboards
Toby Chapman – keyboards
Garry Hughes – keyboards
Jamie Muhoberac – keyboards
Richard Cottle – keyboards
Reggie Hamilton – bass
Andy Hess – bass
Keith Le Blanc – drums
Graham Broad – drums
Eric Ansten – drums
Richie Stevens – drums
Mike Higham – drums
Trevor Horn – background vocals
Tessa Niles – background vocals
Lisa Fischer – background vocals
Miriam Stockley – background vocals
Conner Reeves – background vocals
The Durham Choir – choir
Production
Terry Britten – record producer, tracks 1 and 9
Trevor Horn – producer, tracks 2 to 6, 10, 12
Bono – executive producer, track 7
The Edge – executive producer, track 7
Nellee Hooper – producer, track 7
Chris Porter – producer, track 8
Pet Shop Boys (Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant) – producers, track 8
Garry Hughes – producer, track 11
Andres Levan and Camus Celli – producers on "The Difference Between Us" from an original production by Trevor Horn
Tim Weidner – sound engineer
Brian Tench – sound engineer
Chris Porter – sound engineer
Charts and Certifications
1974 - Tina Turns the Country On!
1975 - Acid Queen
1978 - Rough
1979 - Love Explosion
1984 - Private Dancer
1986 - Break every rule
1989 - Foreign Affair
1993 - What's love got to do with it
1996 - Wildest Dreams
1999 - Twenty Four Seven
