It’s Only Love (1985)
It’s Only Love is a rock song, taken as the last single from Bryan Adam’s album Reckless. The live version from the maxi single was recorded in Birmingham, England at the N.E.C. on March 23, 1985. Because Bryan was the opening act for Tina’s Private Dancer Tour in Europe, he performed the song at most of the concerts together with Tina as a special guest. At the Break Every Rule Tour in 1987 / '88, Tina performed the song as a duet with John Miles. At the Rainforest Concert in 1993 and once again for Tina’s birthday special Celebrate! in 1999, Tina and Bryan performed it live again. The cover pictures were taken from the music video and as a special bonus, the single was also released with a gatefold cover, including many live pictures from Tina & Bryan. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1986. The track was also included into the „Bryan Adamix,“ released from Bryan Adams on a 3 song EP in 1985.
Photographer: Paul Cox, Mike Putland (live)
Release: November 1985
Label: A&M
Format: 7“ Vinyl (Gatefold) / 12“ Vinyl
Charts: USA: #15 / UK: #29 / Germany: #44 / Europe: #52 / Australia: #57
Grammy: Best Rock Vocals Performance (Nomination 1986)
Album: Reckless
- It’s Only Love 3:15
- It’s Only Love (Live) 3:25
- The Best Was Yet To Come (Bryan Adams) 3:04
The music video shows Tina in a black mini dress and a jeans jacket, introducing Bryan Adams. He then joins her on stage with his guitar for the duet. The clip was taken from the Private Dancer Tour home video and won a MTV Video Music Award in 1986. It’s available on the So Far So Good home video from Bryan Adams.
Director: David Mallet
Release: Private Dancer Tour / So Far So Good
MTV Video Music Award: Best Stage Performance (1986)
Time: 4:13
Jim Vallance
I attended Tina Turner's vocal session for „It's Only Love“. As soon as she started singing, my heart sank. Our track was in the wrong key for Tina's vocal range! I thought we'd blown it, but Tina and Bryan tried a few things. They nudged the melody up a third and suddenly, we were back in business and Tina nailed it! What a thrilling moment that was. It was very exciting to witness.