Santana's "Game of Love" - Michelle Branch or Tina Turner?

[Danny Tse]

The just-released "Ultimate Santana" compilation ($10.00 @ Target this week as of this post) has a previously-unreleased version of the hit with Tina Turner on lead vocal. I remember hearing Santana preferring the Tina Turner version, but after a couple of listens, I actually like the Michelle Branch version much better.

Check it out.

[Jstas]

I like the Michelle Branch version too. The Tina Turner one is ok but I just don't think she has the right voice. There's too much maturity in her voice for the whole feel of the song. Let me explain it better if I can. The "Game of Love" when it first came out, hit me as kind of a "coming of age" song and while it talks about mature topics, it seems to approach them from a naive point of view with a curiosity of what the "game" entails.

To understand what I'm saying, check out the lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/santana/the+game+of+love_20121586.html

Now, Michelle Branch has a young voice with a maturity to it beyond her years. She is extremely talented too. That does not detract in any way from Tina Turner's abilities, talents and accomplishments. I just think the song works better with a 20 year old singing it rather than a woman quickly approaching 70.

Besides, I think the instrumental work on the Michelle Branch version is better because she played on the track and didn't just sing. She's a gifted singer for sure but she's an even more gifted musician.

[hockeyboy]

Branch. Most definitely.