Few artists in music history have commanded the stage with as much fire, passion, and raw talent as Tina Turner. Known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, she carved out a legendary career spanning over six decades, delivering anthems of love, resilience, and unstoppable energy. From her early days alongside Ike Turner to her triumphant solo reign, Tina’s electrifying voice and powerhouse performances left an indelible mark on rock, pop, and soul music.
Her songs weren’t just hits—they were moments of pure musical magic, filled with emotion, grit, and that unmistakable raspy roar that could shake stadiums. Whether belting out heart-wrenching ballads or high-energy rock anthems, Tina had a way of making every lyric feel like a personal declaration of strength and survival.
In this countdown, we celebrate the 10 most iconic songs that define her extraordinary career. From Grammy-winning chart-toppers to unforgettable live performances, these tracks showcase why Tina Turner remains one of the most beloved and influential artists of all time. Get ready to turn up the volume and relive the magic of a true music legend! 🎤🔥
Now, let’s dive into the greatest Tina Turner songs ever recorded! 🚀🎶
1. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984)
Tina Turner’s defining solo hit, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” is an unforgettable anthem that explores love from a cynical yet empowering perspective. Released in 1984 as part of her breakthrough album Private Dancer, the song became her first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her comeback as a global superstar. Its smooth yet sultry melody, coupled with poignant lyrics about love as a “second-hand emotion,” struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Turner’s signature raspy vocals added an extra layer of depth and authenticity, making the song both intimate and powerful. The track earned her three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, solidifying her legacy as a music legend.
2. “Proud Mary” (1971)
Originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, “Proud Mary” took on a new life when Tina and Ike Turner infused it with their electrifying energy in 1971. The Turners’ version begins as a slow, sultry ballad before erupting into a high-energy, fast-paced soul explosion that became one of Tina’s most famous performances. Her commanding vocals, full of grit and passion, paired with the song’s irresistible rhythm, turned it into an unforgettable live show staple. The dynamic arrangement showcased Tina’s ability to blend soul, rock, and rhythm & blues seamlessly. Their rendition won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group and remains one of Tina’s most celebrated songs, frequently performed throughout her career.
3. “The Best” (1989)
Few songs embody triumph and resilience like “The Best.” Originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler in 1988, Tina Turner’s version, released in 1989 on her album Foreign Affair, became the definitive take. With her powerful, soaring vocals and the song’s grand, anthemic production, Turner transformed it into an uplifting masterpiece. The song’s message of admiration, strength, and determination made it a go-to track for sports events, celebrations, and motivational moments. Over the years, “The Best” has become synonymous with victory and perseverance, reinforcing Tina’s reputation as an artist who embodied both strength and passion.
4. “Private Dancer” (1984)
The haunting and introspective “Private Dancer” stands as one of Tina Turner’s most evocative songs. Written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, the track tells the story of a dancer caught between dreams of freedom and the harsh reality of her life. The song’s moody, synth-driven arrangement creates an atmosphere of melancholy and longing, which Turner delivers with a blend of vulnerability and power. As a standout from her Private Dancer album, the song further showcased her storytelling ability, proving she could convey deep emotion just as effectively as she could deliver high-energy rock and soul anthems.
5. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” (1985)
This cinematic power ballad served as the theme for Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, the 1985 post-apocalyptic film in which Tina Turner starred alongside Mel Gibson. With dramatic orchestration and Turner’s commanding vocal presence, the song became an instant classic. The lyrics, speaking of resilience and hope in the face of chaos, mirrored both the film’s themes and Tina’s personal journey. It became a global hit, earning a Grammy nomination and further establishing her as a pop and rock icon. The song’s grand, anthemic sound made it one of the most memorable soundtrack songs of the 1980s.
6. “Simply the Best” (1989)
Often mistaken for a separate song, “Simply the Best” is actually just another title by which “The Best” is widely recognized. The track has remained one of Tina Turner’s most enduring hits, associated with triumph, celebration, and empowerment. Its bold, uplifting lyrics and energetic instrumentation have made it a stadium favorite, frequently played at sports events and motivational gatherings. Over time, the song has become more than just a hit—it’s an anthem of resilience and excellence, embodying everything Tina Turner represented as an artist and performer.
7. “River Deep – Mountain High” (1966)
Produced by the legendary Phil Spector, “River Deep – Mountain High” is often hailed as one of the greatest pop recordings ever made. Featuring Spector’s famous Wall of Sound production, the song layers sweeping orchestration with Tina’s explosive, emotionally charged vocals. While the song wasn’t an immediate hit in the U.S., it was critically acclaimed and became a massive success in Europe. Over the years, it has gained recognition as one of Tina’s most powerful performances, often cited as one of the best songs in rock history. The song’s intensity and grand production made it a career-defining moment for Tina, setting the stage for her later solo success.
8. “Better Be Good to Me” (1984)
A fiery rock anthem from Private Dancer, “Better Be Good to Me” is a defiant declaration of self-respect and independence. With a driving beat, sharp guitar riffs, and Tina’s fierce, no-nonsense vocal delivery, the song became an empowering anthem for those refusing to settle for less than they deserve. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance (Female), further cementing her place as a rock powerhouse. The song’s bold lyrics and dynamic energy resonated deeply with fans, reinforcing Tina’s reputation as an artist who championed strength and self-worth through her music.
9. “Nutbush City Limits” (1973)
Written by Tina Turner herself, “Nutbush City Limits” is a semi-autobiographical song that paints a vivid picture of her hometown of Nutbush, Tennessee. Blending elements of funk, soul, and rock, the track features an infectious groove that made it a dancefloor favorite. Originally recorded with Ike Turner, the song later became a staple in Tina’s solo performances, often reworked with a more rock-driven sound. Over the years, “Nutbush City Limits” has remained one of her most recognizable songs, frequently covered and performed worldwide, keeping the spirit of her roots alive in her music.
10. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” (1993)
One of Tina Turner’s most emotionally charged ballads, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” was released as part of the What’s Love Got to Do with It soundtrack, which accompanied the biographical film about her life. The song’s heartfelt lyrics about overcoming pain and struggle resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting Tina’s personal journey of survival and reinvention. Her soaring, expressive vocals carried the song’s themes of letting go and finding peace, making it one of her last major hits. Even decades into her career, Turner proved that her voice could still captivate and move listeners, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, strength, and timeless music.
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.
