Two Is a Couple

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1965 single by Ike Turner

"Two Is A Couple" is a song written by Ike Turner. It was recorded and released by R&B duo Ike & Tina Turner in 1965.

Background and release

After three years with Sue Records, Ike & Tina Turner began recording on Ike Turner`s Sonja label in 1963.[1] They released numerous singles on various labels between 1964 and 1965 before re-signing to Sue in 1965.[2] Their first record under the new contract was "Two Is A Couple," released as a non-album track in October 1965. It was written and produced by Ike Turner.[2] The single peaked at No. 15 on the Cash Box R&B chart.[3] Tina Turner performed the song on the TV program Where the Action Is. A different version of "Two Is A Couple" appeared on the album Airwaves (United Artists, 1978). The song later appeared on the compilation album The Ike & Tina Turner Story: 1960–1975 (Time Life, 2007).

Critical reception

The single was chosen as Cash Box`s Pick of the Week.[5]

Cash Box (October 16, 1965): "Ike and Tina Turner return to the home of their original hits with this power-packed Sue release dubbed `Two Is A Couple.` The side is a rollicking, fast-moving pop-r&b handclapper about a somewhat jealous lass who doesn`t want any other female messing around with her fella. `Tin Top House` is a lyrical, lush-sounding blues weeper with a nostalgic years-back sound."[5]

Record World (October 16, 1965): "Couple will escort `Couple` far and Sue folk must be happy to have them back aboard."[4]

Billboard (October 23, 1965): "A blockbuster that rocks from start to finish. Hot chart item that will hit with great impact."[6]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Ike Turner

Chart performance