Ann Peebles vs. Tina Turner | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 43^rd edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2022), Ann Peebles and Tina Turner contend for the best rendition of “I Can’t Stand The Rain.” 

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 43^rd edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2022), 🎙 Ann Peebles and 🎙 Tina Turner contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “I Can’t Stand The Rain”.  So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”

💿 I Can’t Stand The Rain • 🏷 Hi / Fat Possum • 📅 1974

Eight words: “I can’t stand the rain against my window.”  In soul music circles, those lyrics are immortal.  🎙 Ann Peebles famously performed 🎵 “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, which was released in 1973.  Fittingly, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” appeared on Peebles’ album – wait for it – also titled, 💿 I Can’t Stand The Rain, which arrived in 1974.  As you’d expect, this marked the biggest hit of Peebles’ career, peaking at no. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.  As is the case with many soul classics, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” performed stronger within its own genre chart, peaking at no. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (also Peebles’ highest charting song on that chart).

Unfortunately, I Can’t Stand The Rain (the album) wasn’t a success, settling for a tepid peak at no. 155 on the Billboard 200.  Ouch! Despite this, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” (the song) is a triumph. It is a prime example of the Memphis soul sound, cultivated by the late, great producer, 🎛 Willie Mitchell, who was famous for collaborating with soul icon, 🎙 Al Green.  Peebles penned this classic alongside 🎼 ✍ Bernard Miller and 🎼 ✍ Don Bryant. It’s safe to say the songwriting is elite, as Peebles expresses heartbreak: “Hey windowpane, do you remember / How sweet it used to be? / … Now that we’ve parted / There’s just one sound / That I just can’t stand.” Rain often receives a negative connotation and in the case of this ended union, the rain gets a bad name once more.  Also, the empty pillow in verse two isn’t Peebles’ friend either because that’s “Where his head used to lay.” Sigh.  The best moment, of course, is none other than that beloved chorus.

“I can’t stand the rain against my window

Bringing back sweet memories

I can’t stand the rain against my window

‘Cause he’s not here with me.” 

Appears in 🔻:

• Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 99 (2022)
• 11 Marvelous Songs T˚hat Stand Tall

2. Tina Turner, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”

💿 Private Dancer • 🏷 Parlophone • 📅 1984

“I can’t stand the rain against my window / Bringing back sweet memories.” 🎙 Ann Peebles could NOT stand the rain – WOO! Even though she’s responsible for the original version of the soul classic,  🎵 “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, many others have followed in her footsteps.  🏆 Grammy winner, 🎙 Missy Elliott sampled the classic for her own renowned joint, 🎵 “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”. Later, 🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Seal also made it clear that the rain was B-A-D.  Perhaps the most famous cover arrives courtesy of 🏆 Grammy-winning icon, 🎙 Tina Turner.  She would record “I Can’t Stand The Rain” on her critically acclaimed, 1984 album, 💿 Private Dancer.

It’s worth noting that when Private Dancer arrived, Turner was no spring chicken – she was 45 years old! That makes the multiplatinum certification of the album more impressive (it’s been certified quintuple platinum).  In Tina’s hands, “I Can’t Stand the Rain” gets a 1980s, pop/rock makeover.  The Turner version retains the distinct rhythm, melody, and sanctity of the original.  That said, it moves beyond the soul stylings of Peebles’ version. Instead, this mid-80s interpretation opts for drum programming (gotta love those boxy, sometimes primitive-sounding 80s drums) and keys/synths as opposed to a live horn section.  This backdrop works perfectly for Turner and is idiomatic of the time.  Her playful, powerful vocals are backed by production that matches.  She has plenty of bite and grit, while also impressing with her upper register.  Commanding with her distinct voice, she easily makes “I Can’t Stand the Rain” her own song.  No, it doesn’t usurp 🎵 “What’s Love Got to Do with It” but what could?

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

🎙 Ann Peebles or 🎙 Tina Turner?  Both versions of “I Can’t Stand The Rain” are totally worthwhile.  Peebles earns the award for the more soulful version.  Turner delivers an ear catching update that’s both respectable and highly and enjoyable, even if it’s not the crowning achievement of Private Dancer.  When it’s all said and done, however, it’s Ann Peebles who edges out in this Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️.  Her version is the definitive take.

Ann Peebles vs. Tina Turner: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 43 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Fat Possum, Hi, Kool Shooters, Layers, Mario Aranda, The Musical Hype, Parlophone, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Valentin Tikhonov]