Tina Turner is a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her powerful and soulful voice, electrifying stage presence, and iconic performances. She has been one of the most successful and influential artists in the history of rock and roll, with a career spanning over six decades. Turner has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards and accolades, including 12 Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
With such an impressive career, it’s difficult to narrow down her best songs. However, in this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best Tina Turner songs of all time. From her early hits with Ike Turner to her solo career in the 1980s and beyond, we’ll explore the songs that have made Tina Turner a true musical icon. These songs are not only some of her most popular, but also showcase her incredible vocal range, dynamic stage presence, and unique ability to blend rock, soul, and pop music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering her music for the first time, this list will give you a comprehensive overview of Tina Turner’s most memorable and timeless songs.
1. What’s Love Got To Do With It
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a classic pop song that was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle and recorded by Tina Turner in 1984. The song became a massive hit, topping charts all over the world, and is now considered one of Turner’s signature songs. The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, coupled with Turner’s powerful vocals, made it an instant classic. The lyrics describe a woman who is questioning whether love is necessary in a romantic relationship, and has since become an anthem for those who value independence and self-reliance in love.
2. Let’s Stay Together
“Let’s Stay Together” is a soulful ballad by Tina Turner, originally recorded by Al Green. The song was produced by Roger Davies and released in 1983, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s smooth R&B groove, along with Turner’s powerhouse vocals, make it an iconic love song that continues to be celebrated decades later. The song’s lyrics express the desire to stay together and work through any difficulties that may arise in a relationship. Its soulful melody and Turner’s emotive delivery make it a timeless classic that has been covered by many other artists.
3. The Best
“The Best” is a hit song written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, and performed by Tina Turner. The song was originally released in 1989 as a single from Turner’s album “Foreign Affair” and quickly became one of her signature hits. With its upbeat tempo, powerful vocals, and catchy lyrics, “The Best” is an anthem for self-confidence and empowerment. The song’s chorus, “You’re simply the best, better than all the rest,” has become an iconic phrase associated with Turner’s career. The track was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and earning Turner a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. It has since been covered by various artists and used in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.
4. Typical Male
“Typical Male” is a song performed by Tina Turner and was released in 1986. It was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle and is known for its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm. The song talks about the gender stereotypes surrounding males and females, with the lyrics pointing out that while men are typically known for being strong and dominant, women can be just as capable and powerful. Tina Turner’s powerful vocals and the guitar riffs make the song a classic ’80s hit. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also received a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
5. Private Dancer
“Private Dancer” is a song by Tina Turner, released in 1984. The song was written by Mark Knopfler, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the British rock band Dire Straits. It was the title track of Turner’s fifth studio album, which marked her comeback to the music industry after a brief hiatus. “Private Dancer” showcases Turner’s powerful vocals and distinctive style, and is considered one of her most iconic songs. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who works as a dancer in a club, and is looking for a way out of the profession. The song’s slow and moody melody, combined with Turner’s emotional delivery, captures the sense of isolation and desperation that the protagonist feels. “Private Dancer” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US and UK. It remains one of Turner’s most popular songs and a fan favorite.
6. Better Be Good To Me
“Better Be Good To Me” is a rock song originally written by Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn, and Holly Knight, and made famous by Tina Turner. The song was released in 1984 as a part of her fifth studio album, “Private Dancer”. The song features a powerful and catchy chorus with Turner’s signature raspy vocals and a driving rock rhythm. The lyrics talk about a woman who demands respect and love from her partner, warning him that if he mistreats her, she’ll be gone. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning Tina Turner a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female. The music video for the song was also popular, featuring Turner performing the song with her signature high energy and rockstar attitude. “Better Be Good To Me” has become a classic hit from the 80s and is still widely recognized and enjoyed today.
7. Goldeneye
“Goldeneye” is a song performed by Tina Turner, written by Bono and The Edge of the rock band U2, for the 1995 James Bond film of the same name. The song is notable for its driving rock rhythm and Turner’s powerful vocals, which perfectly match the film’s high-octane action scenes. The lyrics reference the film’s plot and themes, with lines like “You’ll never know how I watched you from the shadows as a child” and “I’ll show you where my love hides.” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK and Germany. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. “Goldeneye” is regarded as one of Turner’s signature songs and is often included in her live performances. The song’s energetic and empowering vibe, along with Turner’s dynamic vocal performance, make it a memorable addition to the James Bond soundtrack and a standout track in Tina Turner’s discography.
8. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)“
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is a powerful and iconic song performed by Tina Turner, written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle. Released in 1985, the song was part of the soundtrack for the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”. The song has an anthemic quality to it and is known for its memorable chorus that urges listeners to not give up and keep fighting. Turner’s powerful vocals are showcased throughout the song, particularly in the soaring chorus. The song also features strong instrumentation, including driving drum beats and electrifying guitar riffs, that add to the overall intensity of the track. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” became one of Turner’s most successful singles, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including the UK, US, and Canada. The song’s message of hope and resilience resonated with audiences and cemented Turner’s status as one of the most iconic singers of her generation.
9. The Bitch Is Back
“The Bitch Is Back” is a high-energy rock song originally written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and covered by Tina Turner for her 1984 album “Private Dancer”. The song’s lyrics exude a sense of confidence and empowerment, as Turner proclaims that she is “back and [she’s] ringin’ the bell” and “the bitch is back to give [her] fans a heart attack”. The driving guitar riffs and strong vocals make it a standout track on the album, and a favorite among Turner’s fans. The song was also featured in the 1993 film “Last Action Hero”, adding to its popularity.
10. The Acid Queen
“The Acid Queen” is a song performed by Tina Turner, originally written by Pete Townshend of The Who. It was featured in the rock opera film “Tommy” (1975) in which Turner starred as the character of the Acid Queen. The song’s heavy rock sound is characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, driving drums, and Turner’s powerful vocals that convey the seductive and dangerous nature of the Acid Queen’s character. The lyrics speak of a mysterious figure who promises to take away pain and give pleasure in exchange for submission, which fits perfectly with the psychedelic theme of the film. Turner’s electrifying performance of the song, combined with her iconic outfit and stage presence, has made it a standout moment in her career and a beloved classic among rock fans. “The Acid Queen” demonstrates Turner’s versatility as an artist and her ability to deliver a raw and intense performance that commands attention.
Erica Henderson 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.
