Tina Turner was one of the most astonishing singers of all time. Her success lasted many decades due to her uniqueness and style. Her music genre was a blend of R&B, soul, pop, and rock music that led her to a remarkable career.
As the singing icon passed away at the age of 83, let us look at some of her classics for a perfect playlist. Though the list is endless, but here are the best 10 of Tina Turner’s most memorable hits.
10. Nutbush City Lights
Tina’s hometown was Nutbush, Tennessee, which inspired her to write a semi-autobiographical song, ”Nutbush City Lights”. It was released shortly before her separation from her ex-husband Ike Turner. This song was the last hit that they produced as a couple.
9. Goldeneye
This was the theme tune to the Pierce Brosnan starring, James Bond movie that was released in 1995. Bono and the Edge from U2 wrote this song, especially for Tina Turner, when they learned that she had been invited to sing the theme.
8. River Deep- Mountain High
Phil Spector produced this song and is considered one of his best songs. The unique ‘Wall of Sound‘ technique made this song very popular. Ike Turner had a controlling attitude in the studio, and Spector was aware of this. So, he came up with an unusual contract. According to it, the album and the single would be credited to Ike and Tina Turner, but Ike was paid $20,000 to stay away from the studio, with only Tina’s vocals being used on the record.
7. Let’s Stay Together
This song gave Tina a much-needed comeback single in 1983. The cover of the Al Green classic was produced by the synthpop group Heaven 17. It became her biggest solo hit at the time. In fact, it was a slightly bigger hit than Green’s original song.
It’s a left-field choice of a cover that reminds everyone of Turner’s multifaceted abilities as an entertainer capable of conjuring tenderness and fire all in one song.
6. Proud Mary
This song was first recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969. But, it is better known for Tina’s cover versions. In 1970, Turner and Ike covered it together, transforming it into a funk soul rocker. Later, she re-recorded it for the 1993 movie ”What’s Love Got to Do With It”. Eventually, this song became one of her well-known songs. This is the music of the Black movement, reinvention, and unstoppable determination.
5. I Don’t Wanna Lose You
This song was taken from her 1989 album Foreign Affair. Tina Turner continued her 80s success with this beautiful ballad. Albert Hammond and Graham Lyle wrote this song. It was among the top 10 hits in the UK.
4. The Best
Certainly, this is a powerful anthem that will make you feel good. Bonnie Tyler recorded the original version, but Tina scored the bigger version with a cover in 1989.
3. Private Dancer
Originally, this song was intended for Dire Straits’ album, Love over Gold. After recording an instrumental track, Mark Knopfler considered the lyrics unsuitable for a male voice. Finally, it was cut and the music video featured a young Arlene Phillips.
The song was a hit for Tina Turner in 1984. Turner delivers some of her finest interpretative work here as an actor, first-person narrator, and vocalist, oscillating between the emptiness of “dancing for money”, and the slip of a confession that her protagonist longs for “a family”.
2. We Don’t Need Another Hero
This mesmerizing song was from the Mad Max sequel in which Tina not only sang but also starred in it. The theme tune for Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome was a big hit, and the power ballad was nominated for a Grammy and Golden Globe.
1. What’s Love Got to Do with It
This song was taken from her 1984 album Private Dancer. It became Tina’s most successful song ever. Later, it was used in the 1993 film of the same name, based on Tina’s life. Surprisingly, this song moved around many singers like Phyllis Hyman, Donna Summer, and Bucks Fizz. In fact, Bucks recorded a version but Tina got hers out first.
