TINA TURNER - I DON’T WANNA LOSE YOU

Released: November 6, 1989

Charts: UK: #8 

“I Don’t Wanna Lose You” is a soulful pop ballad performed by Tina Turner, released as the second single in the UK from her seventh solo studio album, “Foreign Affair”. Written by Albert Hammond and Graham Lyle—the latter also co-wrote Turner’s earlier hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It”—the song became a Top 10 hit in multiple countries, peaking at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Turner’s fifth UK Top 10 single. It also charted well in Belgium and Australia.

The track emerged from a spontaneous collaboration between Hammond and Lyle. As recounted by Hammond, the idea for the chorus came to him in the early morning hours while suffering from jet lag before meeting Lyle for the first time. While casually strumming a guitar in Lyle’s studio, Hammond improvised the melody and lyrics for the chorus. Lyle then contributed a pre-written verse, and the two quickly realized the strength of the combination, developing the song organically on the spot.

Produced by Roger Davies—Turner’s manager and key figure in shaping her sound in the late ’80s and beyond—the song fits within the mature, emotionally resonant style that defined “Foreign Affair”. It is driven by a lush arrangement and Turner’s heartfelt vocal performance, emphasizing vulnerability and emotional sincerity. The lyrics express a desire to hold on to a relationship and an aversion to parting.