Tina Turner, the undisputed Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, left an indelible mark on the music world with her powerhouse vocals, electrifying stage presence, and enduring anthems that have transcended generations. From her early career as part of the dynamic Ike & Tina Turner duo to her triumphant solo comeback in the 1980s, Turner’s legacy is filled with groundbreaking hits that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe. Her songs, infused with raw emotion, resilience, and unshakable strength, tell stories of love, empowerment, and survival, making her one of the most beloved and influential artists of all time. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the top 10 most popular Tina Turner songs of all time—tracks that not only defined her incredible career but also left an indelible imprint on pop culture. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her iconic discography, these songs showcase the incomparable talent and spirit that made Tina Turner a living legend. So, turn up the volume and get ready to dive into the timeless hits that made the world fall in love with the one and only Tina Turner!
1. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984)
Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It” became her signature anthem upon its release in 1984, propelling her to superstardom as a solo artist. The song, with its sultry, mid-tempo groove and Turner’s raspy, emotionally charged vocals, explores the complexities of love and relationships, questioning if love is even necessary for romance. Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, it was initially offered to other artists but found its true home with Turner. The track earned her three Grammy Awards and became her first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, firmly establishing her comeback after years of personal and professional struggles. The juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength in the song’s lyrics, paired with Turner’s commanding delivery, made it an instant classic.
2. “Proud Mary” (with Ike Turner) (1971)
Originally written by John Fogerty and performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Proud Mary” took on new life in 1971 when Ike & Tina Turner released their electrifying cover. The song starts slow, with Tina’s husky voice delivering a soulful introduction, before exploding into a fast-paced, high-energy rock and roll anthem. Their version of “Proud Mary” became one of the most iconic covers in music history, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tina’s powerhouse vocals and the energetic arrangement transformed the song into a showcase of their dynamic stage presence, making it a staple of their live performances. To this day, it remains one of Tina’s most beloved tracks and a testament to her unparalleled energy and charisma.
3. “The Best” (1989)
Released in 1989 as part of Tina Turner’s Foreign Affair album, “The Best” is an empowering anthem that has transcended generations. With its driving beat, soaring chorus, and Turner’s fiery delivery, the song celebrates love, admiration, and self-confidence. Originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler in 1988, Turner’s version became the definitive recording, resonating worldwide and climbing the charts. It’s a powerful declaration of unshakable love, often associated with triumph and personal achievement. The song’s anthemic quality makes it a favorite not only in romantic contexts but also as motivational music for sports, events, and celebrations.
4. “Private Dancer” (1984)
Private Dancer is the haunting, introspective title track of Tina Turner’s 1984 album, written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. The song tells the story of a disillusioned woman who dances for money, longing for something more in life. The slow, sultry tempo and melancholy lyrics are brought to life by Turner’s raw, emotive vocals. While the subject matter is dark, Turner’s delivery adds a layer of vulnerability that makes it deeply compelling. The track became a commercial success and solidified Turner’s ability to tackle complex emotional themes in her music. Its brooding atmosphere and mature themes connected with listeners, marking her as a multifaceted artist.
5. “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” quickly became one of Tina Turner’s biggest hits. With its dramatic production and soaring vocals, the song captures the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the film, in which Turner also starred as the fierce Aunty Entity. The track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its cinematic sound, paired with Tina’s commanding performance, made it a global sensation. The song’s lyrics speak to the search for hope and leadership in a broken world, themes that resonated far beyond the movie itself.
6. “River Deep – Mountain High” (with Ike Turner) (1966)
Though not an immediate commercial success in the U.S. upon its release in 1966, “River Deep – Mountain High” has since become one of the most acclaimed songs in rock and roll history. Produced by Phil Spector, the song is a towering example of his Wall of Sound technique, with layers of orchestration and the sheer power of Tina Turner’s voice cutting through the massive arrangement. The song tells the passionate story of a love so deep it’s compared to a river and a mountain. In the U.K., the song was a hit, and over time, its influence grew, earning its place as a classic example of 1960s pop brilliance.
7. “Better Be Good to Me” (1984)
Released as part of Tina Turner’s Private Dancer album in 1984, “Better Be Good to Me” is a fiery rock anthem about self-respect and demanding better treatment in relationships. The song’s punchy guitar riffs and driving rhythm are perfectly complemented by Turner’s assertive, no-nonsense vocal delivery. It became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The song’s message of empowerment and self-worth resonated with audiences, and it remains one of her most celebrated tracks.
8. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” (1993)
Written by Lulu, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” was released in 1993 as part of the What’s Love Got to Do with It film soundtrack, which chronicled Tina Turner’s tumultuous life. The song’s emotional lyrics and smooth, soulful melody reflect Turner’s desire for peace and closure after years of personal struggle. It became a Top 10 hit in both the U.S. and the U.K., showcasing Turner’s ability to convey deep emotion through her voice. The track is a reflection of resilience and the strength it takes to let go of conflict, making it one of her most personal and widely appreciated songs.
9. “Nutbush City Limits” (with Ike Turner) (1973)
Nutbush City Limits is a funky, autobiographical track that Tina Turner co-wrote about her hometown of Nutbush, Tennessee. Released in 1973, the song blends rock, funk, and soul, with Tina’s powerful vocals driving the infectious rhythm. The track became one of Ike & Tina Turner’s most successful hits, climbing the charts in both the U.S. and the U.K. Its unique blend of styles and Turner’s energetic delivery have made it a fan favorite, and it continues to be a highlight in her discography, celebrating her roots and humble beginnings.
10. “GoldenEye” (1995)
GoldenEye was released in 1995 as the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name. Written by Bono and The Edge of U2, the song has a sleek, cinematic quality that perfectly suits both the Bond franchise and Turner’s larger-than-life persona. Her voice slinks through the mysterious verses before exploding in the powerful chorus, embodying the intrigue and danger of the Bond world. The song became an international hit and is often regarded as one of the best Bond themes, with Turner’s commanding performance adding a layer of sophistication and drama to the film’s legacy.