"Rough" is the third solo album released by R&B/pop musician Tina Turner. It was released in September 1978 and serves as the artist's first official solo album without her former husband Ike Turner. The album represents a crucial turning point in Tina Turner's career, marking a departure from her older R&B roots and moving towards more eclectic musical influences.
The album includes an extensive mix of different styles ranging from pop, rock, to disco. It consists of a mixture of originals and covers, notably including Turner’s unique versions of famous songs such as "The Bitch is Back" by Elton John and "Viva La Money" by Allen Toussaint. Two singles were released from this album, "Viva La Money" and "Root, Toot Undisputable Rock 'n Roller."
Despite the seminal importance of the album in Turner's career, it failed to achieve commercial success. However, it is critically acknowledged for setting the stage for her future musical explorations and ultimate success. As a pioneering female artist in the music industry, Turner's "Rough" album stands as a powerful testament to her resilience and creative evolving talent.
The songs in the album showcase the powerful, raspy, and soulful vocals which are characteristic of Tina Turner, and the entire album, true to its name, has a rawness that reflects her personal and professional struggles and triumphs around the time of its release.
