Nina Simone, the legendary singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. With her powerful voice and evocative lyrics, she transcended genres, blending jazz, blues, and soul into a unique sound that continues to resonate today. As we delve into the top 10 most popular Nina Simone songs of all time, prepare to be transported through a tapestry of emotion, passion, and social commentary. Each track offers a glimpse into Simone’s extraordinary life, reflecting her struggles and triumphs, as well as her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
From haunting ballads to spirited anthems, Nina’s music captures the essence of the human experience, making it both timeless and universal. Her ability to convey deep feelings through her art has inspired countless artists and fans alike. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a newcomer to her work, this countdown highlights the songs that not only defined her career but also reshaped the musical landscape. Join us on this journey as we celebrate the genius of Nina Simone and explore the unforgettable tracks that continue to move hearts and minds across generations.
1. “Feeling Good” (1965)
“Feeling Good” is more than just a song—it’s a full-bodied declaration of rebirth and liberation. Recorded by Nina Simone in 1965, the track takes on an almost spiritual quality, with Simone’s commanding voice soaring over lush, dramatic arrangements. The lyrics, celebrating the beauty of the sky, the sun, and the freedom of a new dawn, feel like a personal anthem for anyone longing to shed the weight of the past. What sets Simone’s version apart is the way she injects each line with conviction and depth, transforming the song into something far greater than a performance—it becomes an experience. The slow build crescendos into a powerful swell of sound and emotion, leaving listeners not only inspired but somehow lighter, as though they too are stepping into a fresh chapter. Over the years, “Feeling Good” has been covered countless times, but Simone’s rendition remains the definitive version. Its timeless energy has made it an enduring anthem for empowerment, joy, and the sheer beauty of being alive, echoing through film soundtracks, commercials, and live performances as a reminder that every day is a chance to begin again.
2. “I Put a Spell on You” (1965)
“I Put a Spell on You” is an intoxicating mix of passion and possession, and Nina Simone’s 1965 rendition is arguably the most spellbinding of them all. Originally written and performed by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, the song was already steeped in mystery and theatricality—but Simone takes it somewhere entirely new. Her version is slower, sultrier, and drenched in raw emotion, with every note vibrating with longing and control. You can hear the intensity in her voice, as if she’s not just singing about casting a spell—she’s actually doing it, weaving her power around the listener. The bluesy piano chords and smoldering instrumentation heighten the tension, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that feels both intimate and unshakable. More than a simple love song, “I Put a Spell on You” captures the consuming nature of desire—the kind that borders on obsession. Simone’s interpretation lingers long after it ends, like a phantom touch on the skin, a reminder of love’s darker, more enchanting side.
3. “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” (1968)
“Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is Nina Simone at her most defiant and life-affirming. Released in 1968, the song is built around contrasts—listing all the things she doesn’t have before triumphantly declaring the things that truly matter. With her rich, expressive voice, Simone turns what could have been a simple inventory into a bold proclamation of self-worth and resilience. The arrangement starts off measured but gradually builds, creating a joyful momentum that mirrors the song’s ultimate message: even in the face of loss or lack, there is still beauty, there is still life. The lyrics resonated powerfully during the civil rights movement, becoming an anthem of empowerment and dignity for those fighting for justice and equality. But its message extends beyond any single moment in history—it’s universal, speaking to anyone who has felt stripped down but refuses to be diminished. “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” is a reminder that true wealth isn’t in possessions, but in the simple, unshakable fact of being alive.
4. “Strange Fruit” (1965)
“Strange Fruit” is one of the most haunting songs ever recorded, and Nina Simone’s 1965 version remains chilling in its power. Originally made famous by Billie Holiday in 1939, the song confronts the brutal reality of lynching in America with stark, unforgettable imagery. Simone’s rendition doesn’t just honor the original—it deepens its impact. Her voice is solemn and unflinching, carrying the weight of history in every word. There’s no attempt to soften the horror; instead, she makes you look straight at it. The sparse arrangement leaves space for the lyrics to hang heavy, creating an atmosphere of stillness and unease. When Simone sings “Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze,” it’s not just a line—it’s a reckoning. Even decades later, “Strange Fruit” remains a powerful reminder of the racial violence that scarred America and the ongoing struggle for justice. It’s more than a song—it’s a piece of truth preserved in music, and Simone’s performance ensures that truth cannot be ignored.
5. “My Baby Just Cares for Me” (1958)
“My Baby Just Cares for Me” is one of Nina Simone’s most charming and joyful songs—a delightful slice of jazz perfection. Recorded in 1958, early in Simone’s career, the song radiates warmth and playfulness. With a breezy piano line and an upbeat tempo, it has a lightness that instantly lifts your mood. But it’s Simone’s voice that makes the track unforgettable: she sings with a wink, a knowing smile in her tone, as she tells the story of a love that values who she is, not what she has. The lyrics are simple but irresistible, celebrating the kind of relationship built on genuine affection rather than shallow material desires. Over time, the song became one of Simone’s signature pieces, and its revival in the 1980s thanks to a cosmetics ad only cemented its place as a timeless classic. “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is pure happiness distilled into song, a reminder of the sweet, uncomplicated joy of being loved for yourself.
6. “Sinner Man” (1965)
“Sinner Man” is a tour de force of rhythm, spirit, and raw power. Recorded by Nina Simone in 1965, this traditional spiritual is transformed into an epic, nearly 10-minute-long journey of urgency and redemption. The track starts with a driving, insistent rhythm that feels like a heartbeat racing, and Simone’s voice enters like a force of nature—pleading, demanding, and commanding all at once. As the song builds, it becomes almost trance-like, a relentless chase between the sinner and salvation. Simone’s piano playing is fierce and percussive, locking in with the drums to create a pulse that never lets up. The repetition of the lyrics—“Sinner man, where you gonna run to?”—turns the song into something more than music; it becomes a call-and-response with the soul, an inescapable confrontation. By the end, you feel wrung out, transformed, as though you’ve been through the storm with her. “Sinner Man” is Nina Simone at her boldest—a staggering performance that leaves no one untouched.
7. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” (1970)
“To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is one of Nina Simone’s most important and enduring contributions to music and culture. Written in 1970 with lyricist Weldon Irvine, the song was inspired by playwright Lorraine Hansberry, a close friend of Simone’s, and it quickly became an anthem for the civil rights and Black pride movements. Its lyrics are a celebration, a message of affirmation to young Black people everywhere: you are valuable, you are powerful, you are enough. Simone’s delivery is heartfelt and warm, her voice a mixture of comfort and conviction. The melody has a hopeful lilt, making the song not just a declaration but an embrace. Over the years, it has been covered by countless artists, but Simone’s original remains unmatched in its sincerity and impact. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is more than music—it’s a promise and a prayer, a song that continues to inspire new generations to embrace their identity with pride.
8. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” (1963)
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” is a song of yearning, hope, and unbreakable spirit. Originally written by Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas, Nina Simone recorded her iconic version in 1963, giving it a powerful emotional core. The song’s lyrics speak of a deep desire for freedom—not just physical freedom, but the ability to speak, live, and love openly without restraint. Simone’s voice carries both longing and strength, as if she’s reaching for that freedom with every note. The arrangement is deceptively light and jazzy, but the message is profound, making the song an unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement. Listening to it today, it’s impossible not to feel its relevance—its reminder that freedom, in all its forms, is still something many are reaching for. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” is both a question and an answer, a dream and a demand, and Simone delivers it with unmatched grace.
9. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (1964)
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is one of Nina Simone’s most vulnerable and deeply human songs. Recorded in 1964, it’s a plea for compassion and understanding, sung with a mixture of strength and fragility. The lyrics are simple but striking—Simone admits to her flaws, her mistakes, but asks, almost begs, for others to see her heart beyond them. Musically, the track blends jazz, blues, and a touch of pop, creating a sound that feels intimate yet universal. Simone’s voice is the centerpiece, full of texture and emotion, making every word feel personal. Though many artists have covered this song—most famously The Animals—it’s Simone’s original that cuts the deepest. It feels like she’s speaking directly to you, reminding us all of our shared humanity, of the need to see each other with kindness. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is a timeless song for anyone who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or unfairly judged.
10. “The Other Woman” (1959)
“The Other Woman” is a masterclass in subtle storytelling and emotional nuance. Released in 1959, the song captures the quiet ache of a love triangle, telling the story not from the perspective of the wife or the man, but from the woman on the outside looking in. Nina Simone’s delivery is devastatingly restrained—she doesn’t belt or wail; she lets the sadness seep through like a slow leak. The lyrics are sparse but vivid, painting an image of fleeting happiness overshadowed by inevitable loneliness. Musically, the arrangement is understated, with soft piano and delicate instrumentation allowing Simone’s voice to take center stage. What makes “The Other Woman” so powerful is its refusal to cast judgment—it simply presents the pain, the longing, the resigned reality. Simone turns the song into a portrait of love’s most complicated corners, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy and empathy. It’s a song that whispers rather than shouts, but its echo stays with you long after it ends.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
