Nina Simone, the iconic High Priestess of Soul, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her unparalleled talent, profound lyrics, and passionate performances. Her powerful voice, coupled with her innate ability to infuse emotion into every note, captivated audiences around the world. From her early jazz and blues roots to her later forays into soul, gospel, and protest music, Simone’s repertoire is a treasure trove of musical gems. In this article, we delve into the realm of nostalgia and celebrate the timeless brilliance of Nina Simone by exploring her top 10 best songs of all time. These selections represent the pinnacle of her artistic prowess, showcasing her unique ability to transcend genres and touch the hearts of listeners across generations. Each song on this list tells a story, carries a message, and showcases Simone’s unwavering commitment to social justice and civil rights. Join us on this melodic journey as we pay homage to the incomparable talent of Nina Simone and discover the songs that solidify her legacy as one of the greatest voices in music history.
1. “Feeling Good”
This iconic Nina Simone track, known as a jazz classic, is widely recognizable for its up-tempo rhythms and positive vibes. It's featured in various films and TV shows due to its popularity and upbeat soulful sound. Simone's husky singing voice beautifully complements the horns and organ accompaniment, guaranteeing that “Feeling Good” remains one of her top songs.
Simone's lyrics offer a hopeful message to listeners. In the verses, she sings about overcoming adversity and choosing to embrace positivity despite difficult circumstances. The chorus emphasizes this with her refrain "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me," making it an incredibly motivating and uplifting song to listen to.
Interestingly enough, Nina Simone didn't write this song herself—it was composed by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical "The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd." Nevertheless, Simone made this track her own with her distinct style ensuring that it has remained timeless decades later.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "Feeling Good" is ranked number five on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time—further proof that Nina Simone was truly one of the greatest artists of all time.
2. I Loves You Porgy – because sometimes love can be as simple and sweet as a lullaby.
2. “I Loves You Porgy”
This Nina Simone classic, with its poignant and emotional lyrics, showcases the singer's unparalleled ability to convey deep-seated emotions through her soulful voice. The melancholic tune has become a signature Simone song and continues to evoke an array of emotions in listeners more than half a century after its release. "I Loves You Porgy" features some of Simone's most stirring vocal performance, further cementing her status as a true musical force.
Simone's unique take on the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess' classic ballad transformed it from a romantic number into a heartbreaking lament that highlights the sacrifices and struggles of those society often overlooks. Her emotionally charged delivery is complemented by the delicate piano strains that dominate the track, making for an unforgettable listening experience.
A testament to Simone's range and versatility as an artist, "I Loves You Porgy" may be one of her slower numbers but remains one of her most captivating. With every note suffused with meaning, it is no wonder that this recording still resonates with fans today.
Listen to "I Loves You Porgy" now and relive the magic of Nina Simone at the height of her powers. Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear one of music's all-time greats at work!
Buckle up, because Nina Simone is about to take you on a powerful journey with 'Mississippi Goddam' – a song that will make you want to simultaneously dance and overthrow the government.
3. “Mississippi Goddam”
This song is a powerful protest anthem written after the 1963 bombing of a church in Birmingham, Alabama, that killed four young African-American girls. It is an outcry against racism and injustice faced by black people in America, and particularly highlights the violence and discrimination prevalent in Mississippi at the time. Simone's haunting vocals and poignant lyrics capture the deep pain and despair felt by black Americans, making it one of her most iconic and impactful songs.
Simone's use of simplistic piano chords paired with stirring lyrics are what make "Mississippi Goddam" a memorable song. The song was banned in several southern states due to its strong anti-racist message. It was also listed on some radio stations as "forbidden" to be played because of its strong language.
"Mississippi Goddam" remains as relevant today as it was over fifty years ago. The song serves as a reminder for us to continue fighting against systemic racism until the day where it no longer exists remains nothing but a memory.
If Nina Simone could put a spell on us with just her voice, imagine what she could do with a wand.
4. “I Put A Spell on You”
This Nina Simone hit blues song is a haunting melody that grabs listeners with its raw emotion. The lyrics speak of longing and love, while the sultry music adds to the atmosphere. “I Put A Spell On You” has become one of Simone's most iconic songs, showcasing not only her vocal range but also her songwriting ability. The arrangement is simple yet effective, using a piano and organ backed by drums and bass guitar.
Simone's rendition of “I Put A Spell On You” showcases a memorable voice brimming with yearning for an unworthy lover. Its hypnotic effect makes it hard to forget about this classic. The way each verse builds up tension draws listeners to a climactic chorus where Simone unleashes the depth of her pain and passion in singing.
Simone's emotional delivery of this track may be attributed to how personal it felt for her when she performed it, given its dark and emotional themes. This piece is an unforgettable work of musical genius that’s been covered numerous times by other artists such as Annie Lennox, Alice Smith, and Jeff Beck.
Listeners looking for an intense ballad that commands attention should give "I Put A Spell on You" a spin. Besides featuring Simone's signature vocals, the upbeat arrangement conjures waves of emotions that stir up memories from past loves or crushes.
If this song doesn't give you goosebumps, you might want to check if you're actually alive.
5. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black”
This track revolves around the themes of pride and race, uplifting black Americans and signifying a message of solidarity. It was a call to arms for people to celebrate their African American heritage and feel proud about who they are. Simone's soulful voice, paired with her powerful lyrics and soul-stirring orchestration, made this song an anthem for civil rights activists everywhere. With its message of empowerment, "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" became one of Simone's most enduring hits.
Simone wrote this song in memory of her friend Lorraine Hansberry, who died at a young age due to pancreatic cancer. The song is an ode to Hansberry's unrelenting spirit and relentless pursuit of justice for African Americans during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. This track was a response to critics who dismissed black excellence as being unnatural or irregular.
Pro Tip: To fully grasp the weighty themes presented in Simone's music, read up on Black history before listening to her tracks – it will deepen your appreciation and understanding of her artistry.
If you ever need to outrun the devil, just put on Nina Simone's 'Sinnerman' and hope for the best.
6. “Sinnerman”
This Nina Simone classic, recognized for its captivating lyrics and excellent instrumentation, ranks sixth among the best Nina Simone songs curated by experts.
Featuring in her celebrated 1965 record "Pastel Blues", this song symbolizes Simone's growing involvement with activism and civil rights movements of her era.
From its frenzied and unrefined percussions to the spiritual fervor exhibited in Simone's voice, "Sinnerman" remains an emotional anthem whose power resonates until today.
Simone's rendition of this traditional African American spiritual tune is a manifestation of her remarkably versatile range as an artist who dabbled across soul, gospel, jazz, and blues genres throughout her illustrious career. The song's poignant depiction of sinfulness and repentance is brought to life through Simone's hauntingly beautiful voice as she rises from a gentle whisper to an explosive delivery.
Its climactic build-up never fails to stir up emotions among listeners while showcasing Simone's unique ability to exercise restraint in music.
It is remarkable how "Sinnerman," which started as an eight-minute long song, evolved into a near thirteen-minute epic ensemble wherein Simone displays her piano-playing prowess alongside the contributions of various percussion instruments like congas and handclaps.
Composed by traditional contemporaries whom she credited and acknowledged openly throughout her life, including Les Baxter and Maya Angelou, it is no surprise that "Sinnerman" remains as one of Nina Simone’s definitive works whose impact has transcended time.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
Four Women showcases Nina Simone's unmatched ability to tell compelling stories through her music.
7. “Four Women”
This Nina Simone classic delves into the deep struggles and history of Black women, each embodying a different generation's experience with racism and inequality. The lyrics paint vivid portraits of four different women, defined by their skin color, who all experience trauma and oppression in unique ways. Through her hauntingly beautiful voice, Simone masterfully challenges society's ideologies surrounding race and gender. This song stands out as a timeless testament to the resilience and strength of Black women throughout history.
As one of Simone's most poignant works, "Four Women" showcases her incredible ability to tell stories through music. With deeply personal lyrics and soulful melodies that leave a lasting impact on listeners, it has become an enduring anthem for marginalized voices everywhere.
Listeners can't help but be moved by the raw emotion evident in every note of this song. By weaving together such vivid characters with social commentary on race and class issues in America, Simone created a work that transcends time and place to remain relevant today.
If you haven't already given this masterpiece a listen, don't miss out on the chance to experience it for yourself. Simone's powerful vocals demand attention — and offer an unforgettable musical journey unlike any other.
If you're feeling down about life, just listen to Nina Simone and remember that technically, 'I Ain't Got No' is a double negative, making you the ultimate optimist.
8. “I Ain’t Got No, I Got Life”
This Nina Simone classic is a powerful and uplifting anthem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. The soulful vocals and upbeat tempo combine to create a feeling of strength and determination. With lyrics like "I ain't got no money, I ain't got no class" followed by "But I've got my life, and I'm gonna keep it", Simone reminds us all to stay focused on what truly matters in life.
The song was written by Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni and James Rado for the musical "Hair" in 1967. It became a hit when Nina Simone released her version in 1968 as a single.
Simone's passionate delivery of the lyrics has been credited with making this song an unforgettable classic. It continues to inspire people across generations with its message of hope and positivity.
Overall, "I Ain't Got No, I Got Life" stands out as one of Nina Simone's greatest songs, showcasing her powerful voice and her ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
Listening to Nina Simone's 'I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free' makes me feel freer than a seagull who just discovered a landfill.
9. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free”
This soulful and uplifting melody is one of Nina Simone's most celebrated songs, recognisable for its stirring lyrics that express the yearning for freedom. It is a testament to her powerful vocals and her dedication to the civil rights movement, with the song often being identified as an anthem of positivity and hope. This masterpiece captures the emotions of people fighting against systemic oppression, lending support to their cause by offering words of encouragement through song.
In addition to its popularity during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, "I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free" has also been covered by numerous artists over the years since its release in 1967. Its timeless message holds relevance even today, inspiring generations of people in their pursuit of freedom from societal inequalities.
One interesting fact about this iconic song is that it was co-written by Billy Taylor, a jazz pianist who achieved success in his own right and was a regular collaborator with Simone on several occasions. Together they created what would become one of Nina Simone's most beloved songs – an enduring reminder of the struggles faced by many and the hope that remains as long as we continue to fight for justice and equality.
Nina's voice in 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' is so smooth, it could probably butter your toast.
10. “My Baby Just Cares for Me”
One of Nina Simone's most popular songs is a fantastic rendition of "My Baby Just Cares for Me." The song's captivating melody and Simone's distinctive vocals make it an indispensable addition to any jazz lover's playlist. As the 10th entry on our list of the best Nina Simone songs, it stands out as a timeless classic that has managed to captivate people over the years.
This song was recorded in 1958 by Simone and has since been covered by several artists. The song's primary message speaks to how deep affection can transform one's view of life and how love is an essential aspect of human existence. It is a masterpiece that showcases Simone's talent as both a pianist and singer. Through her impeccable delivery, she effortlessly conveys emotions while delivering the lyrics flawlessly.
Simone's version features her signature soulful voice accented by her compelling piano playing, bringing out all the nuances of the song perfectly. It is easy to get lost in this elegant tune, which manages to lift your mood instantly. This song remains a fan favourite due to its versatility, fitting for different occasions, from coffee shops to cocktail bars.
To fully experience and appreciate "My Baby Just Cares For Me," we recommend listening carefully to the song regularly while paying attention to various details such as vocal layers, instrumentation, and overall production quality. You can also try out live performances from Nina Simone or other artists who have covered the tune for a more intimate experience.
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.
