We Don't Need Another Hero

I'm not quite sure how I got to Tina Turner's "We Don't Need Another Hero" on YouTube, but it may have been the result of my browsing through Songfacts, looking at titles by year.  This song is the theme to the 1985 movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome -- which, by the way, I never saw.  It's okay, because I was young enough in 1985 that the movie would have scared the daylights out of me.  In fact, the video did at the time, which is why it is so ironic that 28 years later, I can't stop watching it!  Anyway, Tina Turner starred in the movie with Mel Gibson, and wouldn't you know, I never realized that until now.  I just thought the song was all Tina, singing about the movie's plot.  And, might I add, that Ms. Tuner looks fierce in this video.  That's right.  With all due respect, she was fierce long before Beyoncé... 

Taking a closer look at the video and song, they are a perfect match.  The song begins with what sounds like pan flute, accompanied by simple drum and bass guitar lines.  That is really all you need.  It's quite subdued, and as the video begins, we catch a glimpse of Tina Tuner.  I should say THE Tina Tuner.  Her legendary voice begins -- so controlled, focused, and mesmerizingly soulful.  We get through the first verse and onto a chorus which explodes with the power of Ms. Tuner's voice -- but this is only the beginning.  I was sure I heard timpani between her vocal lines in the chorus, too.  The musical fireball builds, and we get to the bridge, where Tina's voice could power an entire village.  "So what do we do with our lives?  We leave only -- a mark.  Will our story shine like a light? Or end in the dark?  Give it all or nothing!"  And boom!  Our of the ruins, a tenor saxophone!!!!!  Tina brings him in, matching his first line - "Doot-do, doot-do, doot-do, doooooo-dooooooo."  One more round of the chorus, and "All the children say -- We don't need another heee-ro."  Harken, there is a chorus of angels.  I mean, it's really the King's House School Choir from South London, but WOW!  Now that is one vocal supernova between the kids and Tina.  And then, the song ends with one last word from Tina, "Thunderdome..."  Well, we don't need another hero.  Nope, it IS Tina Turner!

We Belong

I was listening to Pandora radio this evening, and "We Belong" by Pat Benatar came on.  I had to check my facts, but I was right when I remembered it being from her album Tropico."  That album seemed quite different from her prior edgy, driving, super rock and roll releases.  In fact, when I think of this one, I think of how the album cover had colors and seemed a bit more, well, I'm not sure -- misty.  Not mystical, but just "misty" with the translucent colors and the gauzy, flowing fabric in the video.  It's amazing--everytime I listen to this song, Pat's voice actually cuts my feelings to the bone--but in a poignant way.  The lyrics to this song are really bittersweet and touching, so warning--tear alert!  Do not listen to this song if you are thinking about an ex boyfriend or girlfriend.  It will make you cry.  Luckily, the lyrics do seem to tell the tale of a couple who does stay together, but it can really make you tearful if you listen carefully.  "Don't want to leave you really...I've invested too much time...to give you up that easy...to the doubts that complicate your mind."  Wow.  Even the lyrics tell the tale of the over-thinking that can go on when you pay close attention to the lyrics...

Anyway, the video is pretty different for Pat.  The interesting thing about her music is that it truly is very diverse.  She explored so many different styles on her albums throughout the decades.  I guess we just seem to remember her hard rocking songs the most.  This one, although it is sad, is beautiful vocally and visually as well in regard to the video.  Again, interesting use of color.  Just a bit of green here and there (Pat's gloves, jewels in her earrings).  Her make-up is also very vibrant and typical of the day (1984).  Personally, I think she didn't need as much as she has in the video, but that was probably the call of the stylist and director.  She does look beautiful if  I must say so myself.  Pretty mesmerizing in fact.  She looks straight into the camera, which always amazes me.  I really don't like cameras, so I give her credit. She is one powerful lady.  I do hope you enjoy "We Belong."