Rocktrospectiva: The Oversees Succesful "Foreign Affair" Turns 35

Released on 13 September 1989, "Foreing Affair" was the seventh solo studio album by Tina Turner, it was the predecessor of her huge massive "Private Dancer" released five years ealier, and just like the title of the album, this was basically a huge massive foreign affair indeed, because it wasn't a major success in her native United States but a huge international hit, especially in Europe, the album reached No. 1 on the UK albums chart, and spawned six singles, the hit "The Best", "I Don't Wanna Lose You", "Steamy Windows", "Look Me In The Heart", "Foreign Affair", & "Be Tender With Me Baby". 

 

Focused under the adult contemporary genre, the album features a diverse range of musical styles, from pop-rock anthems: "The Best", "I Don't Wanna Lose You", to bluesy tracks: "Undercover Agent for the Blues") and of course the power ballads such as "Be Tender With Me Baby". The album features collaborations with prominent musicians, including saxophone solos by Gary Barnacle on at least three tracks and guitar work by  Mark Knopfler. 

 

Although "Foreing Affair" did not perform well as "Private Dancer" did, the album couldn't reach the top 30 in the Billboard 200, in the rest of the world, it was a major huge hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK and several other countries such a Germany and Sweden.  "Steamy Windows" is the epitome of the true Turner style, incorporates elements of the blues and a whole lot of rock. also delivers some solid club tracks such like "I Don't Wanna Lose You" and the beautifully uplifting love song "Falling Like Rain".

 

Nice ballads like "Ask Me How I Feel" and "Be Tender With Me Baby" boosted the the incredible production value on this album from the late and legendary musician and record producer, Dan Hartman. Hartman not only produced most of the entire 12-track album but he also played various instruments on many of the tracks and even provided backing vocals on "The Best" and "Look Me In The Heart". 

 

Finally the bluesy and sensual "Undercover Agent For The Blues". A song that not only showcases Turner’s Tennessee roots, but reminds the listener that for all the soft rock adult contemporary that mostly fills this album, Turner was essentially at her core, pure rock & soul. The album succesful were propelled by the success of its several singles, especially the huge hit "The Best" reached No. 15 in the US but peaked at No. 5 in the UK, and this was the only thing the album need to boosted the saled in Europe, the other singles "I Don't Wanna Lose You" peaked No.8 in the UK, "Steamy Windows" No. 39 in the US but No. 13 in the UK although this single earned Turner's a Grammy nomination back then, other three singles were released in several territories were the title track "Foreign Affair" (Continental Europe only), the ballad "Look Me in the Heart" No. 8 on the US Adult Contemporary chart; UK No. 31) and finally, the rock ballad "Be Tender With Me Baby" (UK No. 28). 

 

Although "Foreign Affair" failed to enter the top 30 in the U.S, it was a worldwide hit, especially in Europe where the album spawned five singles and entered numerous charts at the #1 position. Allowing Turner to realize that her music was and is not limited to the US market. Finally, this was Tina Turner's last album with Capitol.  

 

Foreign Affair Track List: 

 

1. Steamy Windows

2. The Best

3. You Know Who (Is Doing You Know What)

4. Undervoer Agent For The Blues 

5. Look Me In The Heart

6. Be Tender With Me Baby

7. You Can't Stop Me Loving You

8. Ask Me How I Feel

9. Falling Like Rain

10. I Don't Wanna Lose You

11. Not Enough Romance

12. Foreign Affair