The British reggae ensemble Aswad has attained a significant milestone as their 1988 rendition of ‘Don’t Turn Around’ received gold certification in New Zealand on January 18. This prestigious recognition commemorates the achievement of digital sales and streaming figures equivalent to 15,000 units, underscoring the track’s enduring popularity more than three decades after its initial release.
Originally composed by Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, ‘Don’t Turn Around’ was first recorded by Tina Turner as the B-side to her 1986 single ‘Typical Male.’ The composition has since been reinterpreted by multiple artists throughout the years, with notable versions by Neil Diamond, Ace of Base, and most successfully by Aswad.
Aswad’s interpretation served as the lead single from their twelfth studio album, ‘Distant Thunder,’ and achieved remarkable commercial success upon its 1988 debut. The track dominated charts internationally, securing the number one position on the UK Singles Chart and maintaining the top spot for two consecutive weeks on the New Zealand charts in June 1988. The single further demonstrated its cross-continental appeal by entering the top ten in numerous European markets including Norway, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium. In the United States, the recording reached number 45 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart.
This recent gold certification in New Zealand adds to the song’s previous accolade of silver certification in the United Kingdom, highlighting the continued resonance of Aswad’s reggae-infused interpretation across generations and geographies.