Aswad’s ‘Don’t Turn Around’ is one of reggae’s biggest crossover tunes and rightly so. However, the original version of the Albert Hammond/Dianne Warren penned song came from Tina Turner. (It was the B side to her 1986 single ‘Typical Me). The mellifluous ‘Don’t Turn Around’ has been covered countless times – people like Bonnie Tyler, Luther Ingram and Ace Of Base have all enjoyed success with it. However, Aswad’s treatment remains the definitive version and a favourite of many, including the Prince of Sophisticated Soul, WILL DOWNING.
Will says: ” I remember hearing this song in the late 80’s by the group Aswad. I’ve always loved the lyric and the slick way they tell a story of a relationship gone wrong with one person having this tough exterior but behind closed doors wanting that love back in their life. “Leave and don’t turn around all the while knowing they’d see a emotional wreck if they did”. I’m at a stage in my career where I do things strictly for the Love and I Love this song.”
Will loves the song so much that he’s just recorded it and without too much of a fanfare, he’s released it as a standalone single that’s already scaling the credible soul charts and winning plenty of plays! For reasons explained above, Will sticks very much to the Aswad template but infuses the whole thing with a warm soulfulness. Recommended!!!
