10 Best Tina Turner Songs of All Time

Tina Turner, the indomitable Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has captivated audiences around the world with her electrifying performances and soul-stirring voice. With a career spanning several decades, Turner has left an indelible mark on the music industry, earning her a rightful place among the greatest artists of all time. In this article, we embark on a musical journey to celebrate the ten best songs by this iconic legend. From her early days as part of the dynamic duo, Ike & Tina Turner, to her explosive solo career, Tina Turner’s catalog boasts an array of timeless hits that have stood the test of time. Each song on this list represents a triumph of Turner’s incredible artistry, showcasing her unmatched vocal prowess and ability to infuse raw emotion into every note. Whether it’s the soulful anthem “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” the empowering and gritty “Proud Mary,” or the unforgettable ballad “Simply the Best,” Turner’s songs have resonated with millions, transcending genres and generations. So, get ready to groove, sing along, and bask in the brilliance of Tina Turner’s music as we count down her top ten unforgettable tracks.

1. “GoldenEye”

Tina Turner's “GoldenEye” shines as an iconic song, ranking at number one on the list of her greatest hits. Released in 1995 as part of the James Bond film GoldenEye, the track is a remarkable collaboration between Turner and songwriter Bono from U2. Its blend of rock, pop, and soul creates a powerful sound that leaves an unforgettable impression. With trademark vocals and edgy guitar riffs, “GoldenEye” showcases Turner's ability to deliver a thrilling performance that captures the essence of a high-action spy movie.

Even if you're not a typical male, you can still dance to this tune and pretend you're Tina Turner herself.

2. “Typical Male”

This track, commonly known as "The Typical Male," is undoubtedly one of Tina Turner's most celebrated hits. Released in 1986, this song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, both of whom also wrote hits for Cliff Richard and Meat Loaf. The song employs a funky guitar riff amid high-energy drums to deliver an accurate account of male/female relationships. Tina delivers the lyrics in her classic soulful style.

What makes "Typical Male" so appealing is that it highlights several issues faced by women at the time of its release. The song touches on men acting superior, men admiring themselves in the mirror, and clinging onto their egos. It takes a humorous approach while highlighting some very pressing problems that women have endured for decades.

While the public loved the notion behind this hit, there were criticisms that “Typical Male” undeservedly trivialized men yet again in popular media.

It is worth noting that prior to composing any tracks on her album "Break Every Rule,” Tina famously went to court against her former husband Ike Turner; she had initially found great success interdependently with him before enduring tremendous abuse from him over many years. This record served as more than creative venting for Turner as she self-discovered her voice after being unreservedly stifled by Ike during their partnership.

Tina’s storyline isn’t lost on fans even today; “Typical Male” remains among her most iconic numbers despite coming out thirty-five years ago.

Tina Turner's 'The Best' proves why she's the Queen of Rock with its powerful vocals and electrifying guitar riffs.

3. “The Best”

Highlighting the Greatest Hits in Tina Turner's career, this section discusses her top-rated and critically acclaimed songs. The chart below exhibits a comprehensive list of the "most exceptional" tracks based on a diverse range of criteria.

Beyond just discussing the hit songs of Tina Turner's music career, this list gives a unique perspective on what makes her most exceptional tracks stand out from others. With an incredible range of genres, themes, moods, and vocal performances across these classic releases, there are many factors to consider when ranking them. While her early work with Ike Turner demonstrated her bold vocals and raw energy on stage and recordings such as “A Fool In Love,” she also pivoted into more cinematic territory with "We Don't Need Another Hero," creating a new sound that reflected the iconic Mad Max film's future dystopian world. Private Dancer solidified her as a bonafide solo artist and was her best-selling album. Beyond just listing these tracks, it is important to recognize how many of them became cultural touchstones for generations of music lovers worldwide. Her songs' themes centering self-love, empowerment, passion, and resilience spoke to everyone regardless of gender, race or class. These Greatest Hits albums show us that appearances and genres can be deceiving – pop songs can still have an edge and songs once rejected become timeless classics like "River Deep Mountain High." As Turner's career continued to evolve and challenge perceptions about what it means to be an artist, many of these pieces' messages are as relevant today as they were then. Get ready to bust a move and break a sweat, because Nutbush City Limits is like a musical treadmill that never stops.

4. “Nutbush City Limits”

This classic Tina Turner hit tune celebrates her roots in rural Tennessee, bringing to life the country's unique spirit and simple living. The song is characterized by a simple yet infectious rhythm, blended with Turner's distinctive vocals that make it an unforgettable piece in her repertoire. As one of her most popular songs, “Nutbush City Limits” is still widely celebrated across various musical genres and continues to inspire music lovers worldwide.

The song “Nutbush City Limits” is known for its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics that showcase Turner's versatility as an artist- from a powerful rock singer to a soulful R&B diva. It explores the challenges faced by people born in small rural towns while emphasizing their strong sense of community and pride of place. This iconic track has become synonymous with Turner's early years touring with her then-husband Ike Turner, showcasing an important chapter in her career.

“Nutbush City Limits” was released in 1973 as a part of the album titled “Nutbush City Limits.” The song charted at number 22 on Billboards Hot Soul Singles chart, making it one of the most successful releases of that year. Due to its popularity, the song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band and Susan Tedeschi.

As one delves deeper into Tina Turner’s discography, this track stands out for its raw energy, simplicity, and ability to stand the test of time. Whether enjoyed at home or played at a party or gathering with friends and family, "Nutbush City Limits" remains one of her best pieces that will continue to excite music lovers for generations to come.

Who needs a hero when you have Tina Turner belting out this electrifying track from the Thunderdome?

5. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”

This Tina Turner classic “Another Hero Not Required (Thunderdome)” from the album Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is a sensational piece. With a powerful and energetic score, the song became an international hit. The lyrics speak volumes about perseverance and determination in life, urging listeners to stay strong through tough times. The synth-pop sound with heavy percussion makes it a must-add to any playlist or collection of heart-throbbing pop-rock ballads.

The track features Tina Turner's unparalleled talent and energy, compelling the audience to join her on this exciting sonic journey. Kicking off with a catchy guitar riff, the song becomes increasingly fast-paced as it progresses, culminating in an electrifying climax.

If you're looking for an upbeat and positive tune that will lift your spirits when you're feeling down and need motivation, this is undoubtedly the song for you. It's an exhilarating ode to resilience that resonates with people of all ages.

Pro Tip: Want to create memorable listening experiences? Pair up songs from different genres but similar themes. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” goes well with "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler. Even if you hate rain, Tina's rendition of 'I Can't Stand the Rain' will make you want to dance in a storm.

6. “I Can’t Stand the Rain”

This soulful and heart-wrenching tune, popularized by Tina Turner, is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with her signature style. With its haunting melody and emotive lyrics, the song chronicles the experience of enduring the unrelenting torment of a broken heart, while the persistent rain symbolizes the shower of tears shed in the aftermath. As Turner's raw vocal delivery escalates to a crescendo, it perfectly captures the anguish of heartbreak. "

"I Can\'t Stand the Rain" has cemented itself as one of Turner's greatest hits and a representation of her unmatched talent.

In addition to its lyrical depth, what sets "I Can\'t Stand the Rain" apart is its catchy sound that combines elements of blues and rock. The instrumentation complements Turner's vocals perfectly, featuring a guitar riff that leads into the chorus while drums and bass provide a steady rhythm throughout. This musical arrangement makes it an unforgettable listening experience for music fans around the world.

While many may attribute this hit to Turner's successful solo career post-Ike Turner, "I Can't Stand The Rain" actually was first recorded by Ann Peebles in 1973. Yet it was Tina Turner's 1984 version that became more widely recognized and is still highly regarded nearly four decades later.

Don't let this iconic tune pass you by; make sure you add "I Can't Stand The Rain" to your playlist ASAP.

Listening to 'River Deep – Mountain High' is like taking a musical journey through Tina Turner's powerhouse vocals and Phil Spector's questionable sanity.

7. “River Deep – Mountain High”

This iconic classic, with its Wall of Sound composition and powerhouse vocals, solidified Tina Turner's status as a music legend. “River Deep – Mountain High” is a timeless piece that showcases Turner's exceptional range and dynamic vocal abilities. The song was produced by Phil Spector, who reportedly stated that it was his best work to date. Its innovative sound and energy have led it to be one of the most celebrated tracks of all time.

Not only did this song receive critical acclaim upon release, but it also paved the way for Turner's future success. Its message about enduring love resonates throughout generations and has made it a staple on many romantic playlists. The lyrics and production are a testament to Spector’s genius and Turner’s incredible talent.

It’s worth noting that despite its initial commercial disappointment in the US, “River Deep – Mountain High” became immensely popular in Europe upon release, cementing its status as an internationally acclaimed hit.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, “River Deep – Mountain High” has been ranked at number 33 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, proving its lasting impact on music history.

Even if you've never been to a riverboat casino, you'll feel like a high roller after listening to 'Proud Mary'.

8. “Proud Mary”

Tina Turner's iconic hit track 'Proud Mary' is a timeless classic that never fails to deliver unlimited energy and soulful vibes. Its catchy chorus and funky rhythm make it a crowd-pleaser at any event or party. Tina's vocals seamlessly blend with the backing band's harmonies, creating a powerful and captivating sound that takes over the listener's senses. This song has become an essential part of Tina's legacy and showcases her unparalleled talent and creativity in full force.

In this track, Tina tells the story of a woman who travels through life with restless energy and hopes for something better. The song combines elements of rock, blues, and gospel, reflecting the diverse musical influences that shaped Tina's sensational career. Released in 1971, 'Proud Mary' marked a turning point for Tina as she began her journey towards becoming one of the world's biggest music icons.

One fascinating feature of 'Proud Mary' is its ability to engage listeners regardless of their age or cultural background. The song has been covered numerous times by an array of artists from different genres, proving its enduring appeal across generations. From Creedence Clearwater Revival's original version to Ike & Tina Turner's electrifying live performances, many renditions have kept this track alive throughout history.

Pro Tip: If you're looking for an upbeat tune that will lift your spirits and get you grooving, 'Proud Mary' is undoubtedly the best choice! Get ready to switch on your bedroom eyes for this sultry tune that'll have you feeling like Tina's personal pole dancer.

9. “Private Dancer”

This iconic song, performed by Tina Turner, is one of her most memorable hits. It tells the story of a woman who has been forced to become a private dancer to survive in a cruel and unforgiving world. The song's haunting melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite among fans for decades.

As Tina's comeback single, "Private Dancer" helped launch her into superstardom after many years away from the limelight. The song was co-written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and producer John Carter and was released in 1984 as part of the album with the same name. The tune features hard-hitting rock guitars mixed with subtle jazz elements that perfectly complement Tina's powerful voice.

Interestingly, Tina wasn't initially enthusiastic about recording the song but was convinced by her manager Roger Davies to give it a try. Her vocal performance turned out to be nothing short of amazing, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

According to an interview with Mark Knopfler on VH1's Classic Albums series, the inspiration for "Private Dancer" came from seeing male customers in strip clubs getting too emotionally invested in their favorite dancers. It struck him as a sad yet fascinating phenomenon that he wanted to explore in his writing.

Overall, "Private Dancer" remains one of Tina Turner's most loved songs and continues to captivate audiences with its raw emotion and incredible storytelling ability.

Even if you don't have the answer to the age-old question of 'what's love got to do with it', you can still enjoy this classic Tina Turner hit.

10. “What’s Love Got to Do with It”

This iconic song stands out as an artistic masterpiece full of deeper meanings and metaphors about love. Tina Turner entices us with her vocal prowess, powerful lyrics, and upbeat tempo that highlights the feelings of loneliness and longing for companionship. The song portrays the many facets of love, including its complexities and uncertainties. Its cultural importance stems from its unifying message that elicits emotions among listeners worldwide, regardless of their age or culture.

Continuing the legacy started in the previous paragraph, “What's Love Got To Do With It,” celebrates love as it illuminates its intricate-yet-relatable nature. Combining R&B's classic beats with sultry lyrics, this song creates explosive chemistry that is equally enjoyable with every listen. Deeper than just a look at relationships themselves – this hit transcends to self-love: sometimes you've just got to do you! Not only is it a record cherished by many fans of Tina Turner and soul music in general, but it also affirms again the artist's resilience in the industry by winning three prestigious Grammy Awards.

It's worth noting how "What’s Love Got to Do with It" expounds on Turner’s poetic communication skills. She breaks down this concept into its core essential – putting in words what most find difficult to articulate or simply describe as unexplainable– "what's love got to do with it?". The profound yet simple question asked in this famous chorus illustrates how love can be challenging to understand sometimes. Above all else, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” emphasizes how music itself can facilitate emotional healing or bring comfort amid tough times.

Undoubtedly one of the most beloved ballads of all time, Tina Turner leaves a legacy that will forever remain untainted no matter how much time passes by. At 45 years old, she once remarked jokingly on tour back in 1987 when first performing "the best song I ever had," but "What's Love Got to Do with It" remains powerful, timeless music that leaves a sense of awe in whoever comes across it.

Samuel Moore

Samuel Moore 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.