Tina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, who rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. After her tumultuous marriage and subsequent divorce from Ike Turner, Tina embarked on a solo career that established her as one of the greatest performers in rock and roll history. Known for her electrifying stage presence, powerful vocals, and soulful delivery, Tina has sold over 100 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including 12 Grammy Awards.
Tina’s music is characterized by its energetic, soulful sound, blending elements of rock, pop, R&B, and blues. She has released numerous hit songs throughout her career, including “Proud Mary,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and “Simply the Best.”
Tina’s impact on popular culture extends beyond her music, with her fashion sense and stage presence becoming a source of inspiration for generations of performers. In addition to her music career, Tina has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning acclaim for her performances in movies such as “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which earned her a Golden Globe Award.
Tina Turner’s legacy as an icon of music and culture is undeniable, and her powerful voice and indomitable spirit continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
1. Private Dancer (1984)
“Private Dancer” is a song by Tina Turner that was released in 1984 on her album of the same name. The song features Tina’s emotive vocals and a slow, sultry sound, delivering lyrics that reflect on the experience of a woman working as a dancer in a strip club. The song became a massive hit for Tina, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become one of her most iconic and enduring songs. Its emotional resonance, haunting melody, and Tina Turner’s passionate delivery continue to make it a classic of the pop and R&B genres.
2. Nutbush City Limits (1973 and 1991)
“Nutbush City Limits” is a high-energy rock song recorded by Tina Turner in 1973 and later re-recorded in 1991. The song is known for its driving beat and funky guitar riffs, along with Turner’s powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of Turner’s childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, and her longing to leave the small town behind. The song’s catchy chorus and lively instrumentation make it a fan favorite and a staple of Turner’s live shows. It has been covered by several other artists and remains a classic example of Turner’s signature rock sound.
3. I Can’t Stand the Rain (1985)
“I Can’t Stand the Rain” is a song by Tina Turner, originally recorded by Ann Peebles in 1973. The song features Turner’s powerful vocals and a funky rhythm that captures the essence of classic soul music. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lonely and miserable on a rainy day, but Turner’s delivery infuses the song with a sense of defiance and resilience. The song’s popularity was revived in the 1980s when Turner covered it for her album “Private Dancer,” which helped establish her as a solo artist and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
4. Typical Male (1986)
“Typical Male” is a song by Tina Turner that was released in 1986 on her album “Break Every Rule”. The song features Tina’s powerful vocals and an upbeat, guitar-driven sound, delivering lyrics that reflect on the dynamics of power and control in relationships. The song became a hit for Tina, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become one of her most well-known and beloved songs. Its catchy chorus, driving rhythm, and Tina Turner’s fiery delivery continue to make it a classic of the pop and rock genres.
5. The Best (1989)
“The Best” is a hit song by Tina Turner, released in 1989 as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Foreign Affair.” The song is a powerful anthem about love and self-confidence, with Turner’s commanding vocals backed by a driving rock beat and soaring guitar riffs. It became one of her most popular and enduring hits, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. With its uplifting message and memorable chorus, “The Best” remains a fan favorite and an iconic example of Turner’s dynamic and inspiring style.
6. I Don’t Wanna Lose You (1989)
“I Don’t Wanna Lose You” is a power ballad by Tina Turner released in 1989. The song is written by Albert Hammond and Graham Lyle, and produced by Roger Davies. The soulful and emotional lyrics talk about the fear of losing the love of one’s life and the deep desire to hold onto it. The track features Turner’s signature powerhouse vocals, accompanied by a blend of rock and pop elements, including a melodic guitar solo. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in many countries, and has become one of Turner’s most popular and beloved ballads.
7. We Don’t Need Another Hero (1985)
“We Don’t Need Another Hero” is a song by Tina Turner that was released in 1985 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”. The song features Tina’s powerful vocals and a dramatic, orchestral sound, delivering lyrics that reflect on the search for hope and heroism in a post-apocalyptic world. The song became a hit for Tina, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has since become one of her most iconic and enduring songs. Its memorable chorus, soaring melody, and Tina Turner’s passionate delivery continue to make it a classic of the pop and rock genres.
8. Proud Mary (1970 and 1993)
Originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Proud Mary” became a massive hit for Tina Turner when she covered it for her debut solo album “Tina Turns the Country On!” in 1975. Tina’s version features a more uptempo and soulful arrangement, with her powerful vocals driving the song forward. The iconic opening line “Left a good job in the city” is instantly recognizable, and the chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Rollin’ on the river,” is an infectious earworm. Tina’s electrifying performance of the song on her 1988 world tour solidified its place as one of her signature hits.
9. River Deep, Mountain High (1966)
“River Deep, Mountain High” is a classic song by Tina Turner and was produced by Phil Spector in 1966. The song is known for its dynamic and theatrical production, featuring a wall of sound that blends rock, pop, and soul elements. Tina Turner delivers a powerful vocal performance, with lyrics that compare her love to natural wonders like a river and a mountain. The song became a hit in Europe but did not do well in the US, leading to Spector’s retirement from the music industry. However, it has since been recognized as a landmark recording in music history.
10. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1984)
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a song by Tina Turner that became one of her signature hits. Released in 1984, it features a catchy melody and strong vocals that perfectly capture the empowering message of the lyrics. The song’s upbeat rhythm and groovy bassline have made it a classic dance floor favorite, while its universal theme of love and relationships has resonated with listeners for decades. Tina Turner’s raw and emotive delivery, combined with the song’s irresistible pop hooks, helped it achieve both commercial and critical success, earning it a place in the pantheon of classic pop anthems.
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.
