Tina Turner’s Toughest Question Is Now Her Most Beloved Hit
Tina Turner’s legacy as the undisputed “Queen of Rock & Roll” is built on a foundation of raw talent, breathtaking resilience, and a catalog overflowing with unforgettable hits. Almost all her tracks are anthems that have empowered the music industry. Ranking her best songs can be an impossible task, but we’ve accepted that challenge. Check out our top 15 Tina Turner tracks.
Typical Male
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Released in 1986 as part of “Break Every Rule,” “Typical Male” became one of Tina’s most radio-friendly hits. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus highlighted her versatile vocal range. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its message about relationships and the dynamics between men and women was both empowering and relatable.
What You Get Is What You See
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This standout track features a hard-edged rock sound with Tina’s fierce energy at the forefront. It explores self-assurance and confidence, with her telling listeners she won’t settle for anything less than what she deserves. After charting in multiple countries, it marked the height of her solo success during the 1980s.
I Can’t Stand the Rain
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Originally, this was a song by Ann Peebles. However, Tina Turner’s 1984 cover became one of her major dance hits. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Her rendition was catchy and soulful, which made the track a dance anthem in the club scene during the 1980s.
Two People
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“Two People” showcased Tina’s softer, more romantic side. Its combination of pop and adult contemporary elements, along with its poignant lyrics about love and longing, made it clear that she could navigate different musical styles. It was particularly successful in the UK and Europe.
Better Be Good to Me
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This hit from “Private Dancer” became one of Tina’s most successful songs, peaking at No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track is an anthem of empowerment, with bold vocals demanding respect and loyalty in a relationship. It also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
GoldenEye
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Tina Turner’s powerful rendition of the 1995 James Bond theme was a defining moment in her career. “GoldenEye,” written by Bono and The Edge of U2, was a dramatic shift in her musical repertoire. It topped the U.K. charts and was praised for its cinematic depth. Critics hailed it as one of the best 007 theme songs.
When the Heartache Is Over
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After a brief hiatus, Tina returned to the music scene in 1999 with “When the Heartache Is Over.” It had an infectious groove, which helped it top European charts and reminded listeners of her lasting influence. In the United States, it climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, her biggest hit on that chart since 1984’s “Let’s Stay Together.”
I Don’t Wanna Lose You
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Tina knows how to convey deep emotion through her voice. That’s what powered this ballad of longing and strength to reach the top 10 in both the U.S. and the U.K. in 1989. Fans appreciated its vulnerability, with Tina’s ability to deliver both power and tenderness simultaneously.
Private Dancer
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The title track from the “Private Dancer” album marked a key evolution in Tina’s solo career. Its haunting, introspective
Credit: ebaylyrics about a dancer’s life became a hit, reaching No. 7 on the charts. The track’s success was instrumental in propelling the album to international acclaim.
Steamy Windows
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“Steamy Windows” was an energetic track with a strong rhythm and catchy melody. This blues-rock track explored themes of passionate, clandestine romance that took it to No. 1 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart. It also charted in various other countries. The music video of her performing through misted glass only made the track hotter.
We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
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In 1985, Tina Turner lent her powerful vocals to the theme song of the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.” Co-written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten, the track’s message of resilience and defiance in the face of dystopian challenges mirrored the film’s narrative. It topped charts in multiple countries, including Germany and Spain, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Let’s Stay Together
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Tina’s version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is a beautiful reinterpretation of the soul classic. The smooth, sensual quality of her voice brought fresh life to this timeless love song. Released in 1983, her rendition mixed rock and soul, with the track climbing to No. 6 on the UK charts. It introduced her to a new audience while also honoring her roots.
River Deep – Mountain High
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In 1966, Tina Turner teamed up with Ike Turner and producer Phil Spector to create this ambitious track. Despite its initial commercial underperformance in the U.S., it became a hit in Europe and is now considered a pop music classic. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 33 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Nutbush City Limits
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Written by Tina herself, “Nutbush City Limits” tells the story of her rural Tennessee hometown. When released in 1973, the funk-rock style was a significant shift in her musical direction. It did great in the U.S. and the U.K. and remains a popular sing-along in her live performances.
What’s Love Got to Do with It
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Arguably her most iconic hit, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” catapulted Tina into the global spotlight in 1984. Not only did it sell over 2 million copies worldwide, but it also earned her three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. It is still considered a defining anthem for both Tina and the music industry, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012.