It’s Only Love (featuring Tina Turner)

The song "It's Only Love," a duet by Bryan Adams featuring Tina Turner, is a rock anthem from the album So Far So Good, which compiles hits from Adams' earlier works, including the 1984 album Reckless. One fascinating story about the song’s creation comes from Adams himself, who shared in an interview with Everything Zoomer that he was contacted by Turner’s producer during the making of her comeback album Private Dancer. Initially, Adams didn’t have a song to offer, but as Turner was set to perform in Vancouver, he sent her a demo of "It's Only Love." After her concert, Turner met Adams backstage, enthusiastically declaring, “I love it! I love the song!” She recorded her vocals the next day, and Adams described the session as a “tornado” sweeping through the studio, with engineers stunned by her powerful performance. This whirlwind collaboration, captured in a single day, became one of Adams’ most memorable, as he told Songfacts, especially since he was only 24 and already a huge fan of Turner from her club performances he attended in his late teens.

Another layer of trivia surrounds the song’s music video, which won the 1986 MTV Video Music Award for Best Stage Performance. Filmed during Turner’s 1985 Private Dancer Tour, the video features live footage from a Birmingham, UK, show, where Turner, in her iconic black leather minidress, introduces Adams before their electrifying duet. This was a landmark moment, as the video was the first to use Skycam technology, adding dynamic angles to the performance. Adams has often paid tribute to Turner, especially after her passing in 2023, noting on X that he fakes introducing her during live performances of the song, only to remind audiences, “she’s not here,” as a heartfelt nod to her impact. The song also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and a new version, the Midnight Mix, was released for Record Store Day 2025, using archived Turner vocals found in the Warner Brothers vault, as Adams shared on Instagram.

Bryan Adams began his musical journey in Kingston, Ontario, born on November 5, 1959. His early exposure to music came from his parents’ eclectic record collection, ranging from classical to rock, which sparked his interest in songwriting. By his teens, Adams was playing in local bands in Vancouver, honing his gritty vocal style and guitar skills. At 15, he dropped out of school to pursue music full-time, joining the band Sweeney Todd as a vocalist. His big break came when he met songwriter Jim Vallance in 1978, forming a partnership that produced hits like "It's Only Love." Adams’ first album, Bryan Adams, released in 1980, gained modest attention, but his 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife broke him into the U.S. market, followed by the massively successful Reckless in 1984. His relentless touring and raw, relatable songwriting cemented his status as a global rock star, with over 75 million albums sold, as noted by GRAMMY.com.

Fans can connect with Bryan Adams through his official website, where they’ll find tour dates, merchandise, and news about releases like the 2025 Record Store Day single. His social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates, throwback photos, and tributes to collaborators like Tina Turner. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities thrive online, including the Bryan Adams Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate his legacy. Another fan site, Bryan Adams Fan, offers detailed discographies, tour archives, and fan stories, keeping the spirit of Adams’ music alive for the Zoo Crew and beyond.