Tina Turner isn’t just a name; she’s a force of nature. Known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Tina’s extraordinary career spans decades, leaving an indelible mark on music, pop culture, and the hearts of millions. With her unmistakable raspy voice, magnetic stage presence, and sheer resilience, she rose from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to become one of the most celebrated and influential artists of all time. Her songs are more than just hits—they’re anthems of empowerment, survival, and unstoppable energy. From soulful ballads to explosive rock-and-roll classics, Tina’s music transcends genres and generations.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 most popular Tina Turner songs of all time—a collection of tracks that define not only her career but also the spirit of perseverance and passion she embodied. Whether it’s the electrifying power of “Proud Mary,” the heart-wrenching vulnerability of “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” or the anthemic triumph of “The Best,” each song tells a story of grit and glory. So, let’s turn up the volume and celebrate the music of a legend who taught us all to keep rolling—because Tina Turner is simply the best!
1. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984)
Tina Turner’s 1984 smash hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is more than just a song—it’s an anthem of resilience, independence, and reinvention. With its sleek, synth-driven production and Tina’s signature sultry yet powerful vocals, the track presents love as a fleeting, almost inconvenient emotion. This song marked a major turning point in her career, solidifying her place as a solo superstar after years in the music industry. It became her first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her three Grammy Awards, including the coveted Record of the Year. Its empowering message, combined with Tina’s commanding delivery, resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of her most enduring classics. Decades later, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” remains a defining moment in pop history, a song that turned Tina into a global icon and cemented her legacy as one of music’s greatest voices.
2. “Proud Mary” (1971)
Tina Turner’s electrifying rendition of “Proud Mary,” released in 1971 with Ike Turner, transformed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s hit into a full-blown rock-and-soul spectacle. The song’s iconic structure—starting slow and sultry before erupting into a high-energy frenzy—became a signature element of her live performances. Tina’s raw, powerhouse vocals and boundless stage energy turned “Proud Mary” into an unstoppable force, captivating audiences and earning a Grammy nomination. This song became one of the defining hits of her career, showcasing her ability to fuse rock, soul, and blues into something truly unique. Even after parting ways with Ike, Tina continued to perform the song in her solo career, often turning it into a show-stopping moment in her concerts. Her legendary live renditions, full of passion and energy, have ensured that “Proud Mary” remains one of the most iconic songs associated with her name.
3. “The Best” (1989)
Few songs capture sheer admiration and celebration quite like “The Best.” Released in 1989, this anthemic pop-rock hit showcases Tina Turner’s husky, commanding vocals in a song that has become synonymous with triumph, devotion, and excellence. Originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler, Tina’s version infused it with a powerful intensity that made it an instant classic. The soaring chorus, infectious melody, and uplifting lyrics turned it into a favorite at sporting events, ceremonies, and personal tributes around the world. Though it wasn’t a chart-topping hit upon release, it has since grown into one of Tina’s most enduring songs, embodying her unstoppable spirit and larger-than-life presence. “The Best” isn’t just a love song—it’s a declaration of greatness, and no one could deliver it with more passion than Tina Turner.
4. “Private Dancer” (1984)
The haunting title track of Tina Turner’s 1984 comeback album, “Private Dancer” is a mesmerizing exploration of longing and disillusionment. Written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, the song tells the story of a weary dancer reflecting on her life, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences. Tina’s raw, emotive delivery perfectly captures the melancholy and vulnerability embedded in the lyrics. The sparse, jazz-inflected production allows her voice to take center stage, adding to the song’s poignancy. “Private Dancer” became one of the defining songs of her career, proving that she was not only a powerhouse vocalist but also a masterful storyteller. It remains a standout in her discography, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion through music.
5. “River Deep – Mountain High” (1966)
Produced by Phil Spector in 1966, “River Deep – Mountain High” is a larger-than-life masterpiece that perfectly showcases Tina Turner’s incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Built upon Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production, the song swells with orchestral grandeur while Tina delivers a performance so fiery and impassioned that it remains breathtaking to this day. Despite its initial underperformance in the U.S., the song became a massive hit in Europe and has since been recognized as one of the greatest pop recordings of all time. Over the years, “River Deep – Mountain High” has gained legendary status, standing as a testament to Tina’s vocal power and her ability to infuse every song with raw emotion.
6. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” (1985)
Featured in the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” is an epic power ballad that seamlessly blends cinematic grandeur with Tina Turner’s commanding vocals. The song’s sweeping production, dramatic orchestration, and anthemic chorus made it a global hit, earning both Grammy and Golden Globe nominations. Its themes of resilience and hope fit perfectly within the dystopian world of the film, while Tina’s powerhouse delivery elevated it to another level. Not only did she dominate the song, but she also starred in the movie as the formidable Aunty Entity, further cementing her status as a cultural force. Today, the song remains one of her most recognizable anthems, capturing the essence of her fearless artistry.
7. “Nutbush City Limits” (1973)
Written by Tina Turner herself, “Nutbush City Limits” is a gritty, autobiographical tribute to her small hometown of Nutbush, Tennessee. Released in 1973, the song blends rock, funk, and soul into an irresistible groove that became a dancefloor favorite. Its driving rhythm, punchy guitar riff, and Tina’s electrifying vocals make it an undeniable classic. The song not only became a hit worldwide but also highlighted Tina’s skills as a songwriter, offering fans a personal glimpse into her roots. Even decades later, “Nutbush City Limits” remains a fan favorite, regularly performed in her concerts and celebrated as one of the defining tracks of her career.
8. “Better Be Good to Me” (1984)
“Better Be Good to Me” is pure Tina Turner—bold, passionate, and full of attitude. Released in 1984 as part of her Private Dancer album, this fiery rock anthem demands respect and independence, mirroring Tina’s own personal journey. The song’s edgy guitar riffs and driving beat perfectly complement her raw, impassioned vocals, making it a standout track. It went on to win a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, further proving that Tina was a force to be reckoned with in multiple genres. With its powerful message and infectious energy, “Better Be Good to Me” remains one of her most unforgettable songs.
9. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” (1993)
Released in 1993 as part of the soundtrack for the biographical film What’s Love Got to Do with It, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a deeply emotional ballad that showcases Tina Turner’s softer, more introspective side. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics speak of weariness and a desire for peace, themes that resonated with both her personal life and the film’s narrative. Tina’s rich, expressive voice gives the song a soul-stirring quality, making it one of her most moving performances. The song became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, further demonstrating her ability to connect with audiences through pure emotion.
10. “GoldenEye” (1995)
Few artists could capture the mystery and sophistication of James Bond like Tina Turner, and her 1995 theme song for GoldenEye is proof of that. Written by Bono and The Edge of U2, the track features a sultry, slow-burning melody that perfectly complements Tina’s commanding and seductive vocal performance. With its dramatic instrumentation and spy-thriller ambiance, “GoldenEye” added yet another unforgettable moment to her illustrious career. The song helped introduce her to a new generation of fans and proved that even in the ‘90s, Tina Turner was still a force to be reckoned with.