I assume everyone has a list of songs they enjoy breaking out into in the middle of the office, a crowded street, or a shopping mall.
No? Just me?
Anyway, very close to the top of said list is “If I Could Turn Back Time.” I spontaenously start singing it at rehearsal, between meetings, and while just walking around.
With her half-century-spanning history of charted singles, it’s strange that Cher is an artist more known for her image than her songs, yet I’d wager the average person around my age would likely only be able to sing along to the following trio:
Oh, and the song from Mermaids!
Even forgetting about the video of Cher, her ass, and a ship full of actual sea men that was briefly banned by MTV, the Diane Warren-penned “Turn Back Time” might be her best tune. It very carefully straddles the line of pop and rock – splitting the difference between synthesizers and a banshee howl that splits Cher’s voice at the back of her throat.
(Also, I’ve always loved how it starts with a tease of the chorus before those almost vestigial verses. Clearly it’s all about the chorus!)
Plus that awesome key change!
I’m sure you’ll be singing it in your head tomorrow. I dare you to sing it out loud!