Ike & Tina Turner Soul of Ike & Tina Turner

An excellent compilation of Ike and Tina's earliest work. No credits are given, but with the inclusion of the duo's first hit, "A Fool in Love," (Tina's first recorded solo vocal) and the style of the arrangements, it's safe to assume most of this music dates between 1960 and 1963.

In any case, it's an interesting aural snapshot of the period in which traditional R&B was evolving into what we now recognize as soul music. Highlights include the horn-driven and extremely Ray Charles-ish "If," and the aptly titled "Letter from Tina," in which the chanteuse unburdens herself of various romantic dilemmas in a sort of proto-rap style.