Two Icons. Two Eras. One Timeless Conversation.
Tina Turner was never one to sugarcoat her opinions—on stage or off. Known as much for her powerhouse performances as for her fearless honesty, Turner lived a life marked by both turmoil and triumph. Music was always her sanctuary—a space where she could be fierce, free, and entirely herself. So, when it came to admiring other artists, she didn’t hand out praise lightly.
She respected Rihanna’s talent—but wasn’t sold on the message
In a candid moment, Turner once said:
“I like Rihanna, but her lyrics are a bit… kitsch.”
It wasn’t a putdown—it was Tina being Tina. At home, she preferred New Age music; on the road, she’d tune into Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, or Dido. Her taste skewed introspective, timeless, and lyrically rich.
Two musical philosophies, both valid
For Turner, great music told a story. Tracks like “The Best” weren’t just songs—they were emotional arcs, built like narratives. Rihanna, by contrast, represents a different era—one where mood often outweighs message. A song like “Stay” doesn’t need a literary backstory. It works because of how it makes you feel in the moment.
Is Rihanna’s “kitsch” actually her secret weapon?
What some might dismiss as simplistic, others see as powerful minimalism. Rihanna connects by saying exactly what many are feeling—directly, without pretense. You don’t need poetic metaphors when “I need you” says it all. That immediacy, that emotional accessibility, is part of what makes her so resonant with millions.
Two legends. Two styles. Both real.
This isn’t about who did it better. Tina Turner laid the foundation. Rihanna is building atop it—but with her own blueprints. Turner may not have been moved by modern pop’s lyricism, but there’s no denying that both women have shaped culture in lasting, unmistakable ways.
