Tina Turner is more than just a name—she’s a force of nature. With a career spanning over five decades, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” blazed a trail like no other, leaving an indelible mark on music, culture, and millions of fans worldwide. From her early days with Ike Turner to her explosive solo career in the ’80s, Tina’s powerhouse voice, electrifying stage presence, and unmatched resilience have made her a timeless icon.
Her music? A masterclass in emotion, energy, and pure soul. Whether she was belting out rock anthems or delivering heartfelt ballads, Tina’s songs have become the soundtrack for generations. With numerous chart-topping hits, Grammy wins, and legendary performances, she turned every track into a story of strength, love, and triumph.
In this list, we revisit ten of Tina Turner’s most popular songs—tracks that not only defined her career but also moved the world. From the fiery energy of “Proud Mary” to the soul-stirring power of “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” these songs remind us why Tina Turner will forever be simply the best. So, turn up the volume and get ready to experience the magic of this musical legend!
1. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984)
Tina Turner’s 1984 hit, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” is undeniably one of her most iconic songs. Released as the third single from her Private Dancer album, this track became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is a brilliant blend of pop and soul, with Tina’s raspy, powerful vocals conveying a sense of both vulnerability and defiance. Lyrically, it questions the role of love in relationships, with a memorable chorus that captures the heartache of emotional detachment. The song’s success helped solidify Tina’s solo career and earned her several Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. It remains a timeless anthem of empowerment and independence.
2. “Proud Mary” (1971)
Tina Turner’s rendition of “Proud Mary,” recorded with Ike Turner, is a blistering tour de force of energy and soul. Released in 1971, this cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic took the original’s swampy, laid-back rock vibe and transformed it into a high-octane soul anthem. Opening with a slow, sultry intro, Tina’s voice teases the audience before exploding into a fast-paced, electrifying performance. The song became one of the duo’s biggest hits, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tina’s dynamic stage performances of “Proud Mary,” complete with her signature dance moves, made this song a concert staple and cemented her reputation as one of the greatest live performers of all time.
3. “Private Dancer” (1984)
The title track of Tina Turner’s 1984 album, “Private Dancer,” is a haunting, introspective ballad that explores themes of loneliness and longing. Written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, the song paints a vivid picture of a dancer disillusioned with the glamorous facade of her profession. Tina’s delivery is raw and soulful, her vocals capturing both the weariness and the quiet strength of the song’s protagonist. The moody, atmospheric production, combined with Tina’s emotive performance, makes “Private Dancer” one of the standout tracks from the album. While not as commercially successful as some of her other hits, it remains a fan favorite and showcases the depth of her artistry.
4. “The Best” (1989)
Released in 1989 as part of her Foreign Affair album, “The Best” is Tina Turner at her most anthemic. Often referred to by fans as “Simply the Best,” this song is a powerful declaration of love and admiration. From its soaring chorus to Tina’s impassioned vocals, “The Best” has become a staple of motivational playlists and victory anthems. The song’s upbeat tempo, combined with its message of unwavering devotion, resonated with audiences worldwide, helping it become one of Tina’s most enduring hits. Its larger-than-life production and Tina’s fiery performance make it an essential part of her catalog and a song that continues to inspire.
5. “River Deep – Mountain High” (1966)
“River Deep – Mountain High” is one of Tina Turner’s earliest masterpieces, produced by the legendary Phil Spector in 1966. Though it was initially a commercial failure in the U.S., the song became a massive hit in the UK and has since been recognized as a classic. The track showcases Spector’s famous “Wall of Sound” production style, with lush orchestration and grandiose arrangements. Tina’s powerhouse vocals cut through the dense instrumentation, conveying a mix of vulnerability and strength. Lyrically, the song compares the depth of love to the towering heights of mountains and the depths of rivers, and Tina’s passionate delivery brings these metaphors to life. It’s a definitive moment in pop history.
6. “Better Be Good to Me” (1984)
Released during the height of her 1980s comeback, “Better Be Good to Me” is one of Tina Turner’s strongest rock anthems. Appearing on her Private Dancer album in 1984, this song is a fiery demand for respect and loyalty in a relationship. With its punchy guitar riffs and Tina’s gritty vocal delivery, the track has an undeniable energy that’s both infectious and empowering. The song’s aggressive tone and defiant lyrics made it resonate with audiences, and it became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a perfect example of how Tina blended rock, pop, and soul to create a sound that was uniquely hers.
7. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” (1985)
As the theme song for Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in 1985, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” showcases Tina Turner’s ability to bring cinematic drama to her music. The song’s sweeping production, with its powerful orchestration and grand chorus, perfectly complements Tina’s commanding voice. Lyrically, the track reflects the dystopian themes of the film, with a message of resilience and self-reliance. The song became a global hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Tina a Grammy nomination. Its epic feel and Tina’s larger-than-life performance make it one of her most memorable songs from the 1980s.
8. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” (1993)
Written for the soundtrack of her biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” was released in 1993 and became an emotional centerpiece of the film. The song’s smooth, soulful sound contrasts with its heartbreaking lyrics about surrendering in the face of a fractured relationship. Tina’s vocals are filled with a mixture of sorrow and strength, making the listener feel the weight of every word. The song was a Top 10 hit in both the U.S. and the UK, and its poignant message of letting go and seeking peace resonated with listeners worldwide. It’s a testament to Tina’s ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
9. “GoldenEye” (1995)
Recorded for the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, this song brought Tina Turner’s unmistakable voice to the iconic Bond theme canon. Written by U2’s Bono and The Edge, “GoldenEye” is a sleek, sultry track that perfectly captures the intrigue and danger associated with the Bond franchise. Tina’s seductive delivery, combined with the song’s orchestral arrangement, creates a sense of suspense and drama. The song was a commercial success and introduced Tina to a new generation of fans, further solidifying her status as a global music icon. It’s a testament to her versatility that she could seamlessly transition into the world of Bond and leave such an indelible mark.
10. “Steamy Windows” (1989)
“Steamy Windows” is a steamy, blues-infused track from Tina Turner’s Foreign Affair album, released in 1989. The song blends rock and soul, with a sultry groove that underscores its sensual lyrics. Tina’s vocals are at their most playful here, as she sings about the passion and heat of a romantic encounter. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy hook made it a hit on both pop and rock charts, showcasing Tina’s ability to cross genres effortlessly. “Steamy Windows” has a raw, gritty feel that perfectly complements Tina’s larger-than-life persona, making it a standout track in her late ’80s catalog.