Rough is Tina’s first solo album after her divorce from Ike Turner. It contains almost rock songs, with some influences from the disco genre and her first studio recording of Elton John's „The Bitch Is Back,“ which she used as the opening number in her solo shows. On this track and also on four others, the former Ikette Venetta Fields provided the background vocals. In 1991, Tina re-recorded this song for the Elton John tribute album Two Rooms. The album was an indication of the new direction for Tina’s music - combining rock with some pop and R&B elements. The song „Night Time Is The Right Time“ was already recorded by Ike & Tina, but not released until 1991 on the rarities sampler Good Old Times. The album and it’s four singles didn‘t charted.
Producer: Bob Monaco
Photographer: Claude Mougin
Design: Bill Burks
Release: September 1978 / 1990 (CD)
Label: United Artists (UK, USA) / Ariola (Germany) / EMI (CD)
Format: Vinyl (Gatefold) / Cartridge / Cassette / CD
Billboard - October 07, 1978
A genuinely legendary performer, Turner takes the long awaited solo plunge with an adventurous variety of old and new material which she seeks to make her own in her inimitable pull out the stops fashion. Her delivery has lost none of its snap and crackle, and solid backup support includes Airto Moreiro on percussion, the L.A. Horns, Mary Russell joining a group of fine and funky vocalists and a touch of discofied synthesizer.
Billboard - October 21, 1978
Rough And Ready - Tina Turner Has The Kind Of Audience That’s Always Ready To Explode Into Platinum Sales. And This Is The Music To Do It. Rough - Tina’s Tough New Album.