Sweet Rhode Island Red
Ike & Tina Turner · 1974
33 min · 10 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of funk and soul, layered with Ike Turner's guitar and Tina's powerful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Living for the City — This track stands out for its poignant social commentary about urban life and racial inequality, set against a backdrop of infectious grooves.
-
→
Sweet Rhode Island Red — The title track is emblematic of the album's blend of personal and political themes, with Tina's emotive delivery making it a memorable anthem.
-
→
Higher Ground — Ike & Tina's rendition transforms Stevie Wonder's classic into a high-energy funk rock performance that highlights their vocal chemistry and musical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with notable shifts in tempo and theme throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a groove, followed by the more rhythmically complex 'Living for the City' which features layered instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, allowing Tina's voice to interact dynamically with the backing vocals.
- The last three tracks shift towards slower tempos and more introspective themes, creating a contrast with the earlier upbeat songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove
- for lively gatherings
- invigorating sing-along moments
- uplifting energy throughout
- short bursts of excitement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seek lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — This album features cultural commentary and showcases their signature sound, loved by dedicated fans.
- Themes
- socially conscious funk· Rhode Island pride
- Career context
- Released in 1974, Sweet Rhode Island Red was a significant moment in Ike & Tina Turner's career, coming after their commercial success with the hit album Live! The duo had established themselves as a powerful force in music, blending rock and soul influences, but this album marked a shift towards more socially aware themes in their lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Brown· Aretha Franklin· Sly and the Family Stone
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Let Me Be There 3:22
- 2 Living for the City 3:40
- 3 I Know 3:17
- 4 Mississippi Rolling Stone 3:02
- 5 Sugar Hill 3:07
- 6 Sweet Rhode Island Red 3:08
- 7 Ready for You Baby 3:11
- 8 Smooth Out the Wrinkles 3:45
- 9 Doozie 2:50
- 10 Higher Ground 3:40
What to play next
The Gospel According To Ike And Tina
1974
Continues the vibrant energy with a blend of gospel and soul influences.
Nutbush City Limits
1973
Sets the stage with strong funk and narrative themes leading into the current album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.