Tina Turner, the undisputed Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has left an indelible mark on the music world with her powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and timeless hits. From her early days with Ike Turner to her monumental solo career, Tina’s journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and unparalleled artistry. With a career spanning over five decades, she has gifted the world with anthems that not only topped the charts but also became the soundtrack to countless lives. Her music transcends genres, blending rock, pop, soul, and R&B into a unique sound that is unmistakably Tina Turner.
In this article, we celebrate Tina Turner’s incredible legacy by counting down the top 10 most popular songs of her career. These tracks showcase the raw emotion, fiery passion, and sheer talent that made Tina a global sensation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, these songs will take you on a journey through the highs and lows of an extraordinary life. Get ready to relive the hits that made the world fall in love with Tina Turner, from the iconic power ballads to the high-energy rock anthems that solidified her status as a true music legend.
1. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1984)
Released in 1984, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” became Tina Turner’s signature song and marked a monumental moment in her career. After years of overcoming personal and professional struggles, this track catapulted her to solo superstardom. The song, with its smooth, mid-tempo beat and Tina’s sultry, yet powerful vocals, explores the complexities of love and relationships, questioning whether love is truly necessary in the face of physical attraction. Its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song went on to win three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and solidified Tina Turner’s comeback as one of the most iconic voices in music history.
2. Proud Mary (1971)
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“Proud Mary,” originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, was given new life when Tina Turner and Ike Turner released their version in 1971. Tina’s explosive vocals and the dynamic arrangement transformed the song into a high-energy anthem that became one of her most enduring hits. The track begins with a slow, soulful introduction before launching into a fast-paced rock and roll groove that showcases Tina’s unmatched energy and charisma. “Proud Mary” became a staple of her live performances, with Tina’s famous dance moves and fiery stage presence making it a fan favorite. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it remains one of the most iconic covers in music history.
3. Private Dancer (1984)
“Private Dancer,” the title track from Tina Turner’s 1984 album, is a haunting ballad that delves into the life of a woman who earns her living as a dancer, reflecting on her choices and the emptiness she feels. Written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, the song features a moody, bluesy arrangement that perfectly complements Tina’s emotional delivery. Her voice conveys a deep sense of longing and resignation, making “Private Dancer” one of her most compelling performances. The song charted in the Top 10 in several countries and helped the album become one of the best-selling records of the 1980s. “Private Dancer” remains a powerful reminder of Tina Turner’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
4. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) (1985)
Released in 1985 as part of the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome soundtrack, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” became one of Tina Turner’s biggest hits of the decade. The song’s epic production, featuring a choir and dramatic orchestration, matched the post-apocalyptic themes of the film. Tina’s commanding vocals deliver a message of resilience and hope, making the track an anthem of survival and strength. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. “We Don’t Need Another Hero” stands out not only as a hit single but also as a defining moment in Tina’s career, showcasing her ability to dominate both the music and film worlds simultaneously.
5. The Best (1989)
“The Best,” released in 1989, is one of Tina Turner’s most iconic songs, often referred to as a pop anthem of empowerment. Originally written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, the song was first recorded by Bonnie Tyler, but it was Tina’s version that became a global hit. With its uplifting lyrics and Tina’s powerhouse vocals, “The Best” is a celebration of excellence and resilience, often associated with sports events and motivational themes. The song’s catchy chorus—”You’re simply the best, better than all the rest”—has become instantly recognizable, making it a favorite for fans around the world. “The Best” reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a staple in Tina’s live performances, encapsulating her triumphant spirit.
6. River Deep – Mountain High (1966)
“River Deep – Mountain High,” released in 1966, is a song that has become legendary in the annals of pop music. Produced by Phil Spector and performed by Tina Turner, the track is a quintessential example of Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production style. Tina’s powerful and passionate vocals soar above the lush orchestration, capturing the intensity and drama of the song’s lyrics, which compare deep love to the natural elements of rivers and mountains. Although it was not a huge hit in the United States initially, it found success in the UK and later gained recognition as one of the greatest songs of all time. “River Deep – Mountain High” is a testament to Tina Turner’s incredible vocal talent and emotional depth.
7. Better Be Good to Me (1984)
“Better Be Good to Me,” released in 1984, is a fiery rock anthem that became one of Tina Turner’s most successful singles. The song is a declaration of self-respect and empowerment, with Tina demanding honesty and loyalty in a relationship. Her powerful delivery, combined with the song’s driving guitar riffs and infectious beat, makes it an unforgettable track. “Better Be Good to Me” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Tina a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The song’s message of strength and independence resonated with listeners, further establishing Tina Turner as a symbol of resilience and empowerment in the music world.
8. Nutbush City Limits (1973)
“Nutbush City Limits,” released in 1973, is a semi-autobiographical song that Tina Turner wrote about her hometown, Nutbush, Tennessee. The song’s funky beat and gritty vocals capture the spirit of the small Southern town where Tina grew up. “Nutbush City Limits” became one of Tina and Ike Turner’s most successful collaborations, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s unique blend of rock, soul, and funk, along with its autobiographical lyrics, make it a standout track in Tina’s discography. Decades later, “Nutbush City Limits” remains a beloved classic, often performed by Tina in her concerts, reminding fans of her roots and the journey she has taken to become a global music icon.
9. I Don’t Wanna Fight (1993)
“I Don’t Wanna Fight,” released in 1993, was a poignant ballad that became one of Tina Turner’s last major hits. Written by Lulu, the song was featured on the soundtrack for What’s Love Got to Do with It, the biographical film about Tina’s life. The song’s lyrics, which speak of the desire to avoid conflict and find peace, resonated deeply with Tina’s own life experiences. Her emotive vocal performance, filled with both strength and vulnerability, made “I Don’t Wanna Fight” a standout track. The song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a testament to Tina Turner’s enduring ability to connect with audiences through her powerful and emotional storytelling.
10. GoldenEye (1995)
“GoldenEye,” released in 1995, was the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, and it became an instant classic. Written by U2’s Bono and The Edge, the song perfectly captures the allure and danger associated with the iconic spy franchise. Tina Turner’s sultry and commanding vocals bring a sense of intrigue and sophistication to the track, making it one of the most memorable Bond themes. “GoldenEye” charted internationally and received critical acclaim for its bold and dramatic sound, further cementing Tina’s status as a music legend. The song’s cinematic quality and Tina’s unforgettable performance make “GoldenEye” a standout in the long line of James Bond theme songs, as well as a highlight in Tina’s illustrious career.