Nina Simone’s Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Four WomenNina Simone15rank/position

Four Women

This song, written by pianist and jazz singer Nina Simone and released in 1966, features four African American women in its lyrics, just as the title suggests.

By singing about these four women, she powerfully speaks to the circumstances they face in this world.

When discussing Black music, isn’t it both important and essential to understand the history and social position of African Americans in the United States?

I Can’t See NobodyNina Simone16rank/position

Nina Simone-I Can’t See Nobody

Originally a track by the Bee Gees, released in 1967.

This cover version by the American singer-songwriter and pianist Nina Simone was released in 1969.

It was also covered by the British rock duo The Marbles.

I Was Just A Stupid Dog To ThemNina Simone17rank/position

Nina Simone – I Was Just A Stupid Dog To Them (Audio)

Nina Simone, one of the greatest singer-songwriters in history.

In her later years, she distanced herself from America’s sales-driven music scene and thrived around the world—especially in Europe, where merit is prized.

For that reason, she’s often called “the greatest singer the US let slip away.” One of her hidden gems is I Was Just A Stupid Dog To Them.

While it contains many jazz elements, it isn’t simply jazz; it weaves them into a sophisticated, complex melody with an Afro-Cuban flair.

Ne Me Quitte PasNina Simone18rank/position

Nina Simone – Ne Me Quitte Pas

Nina Simone, the legendary artist from the United States.

After making her mark in America, she set off around the world in search of greater heights.

She later settled fully in France, where she spent the rest of her life.

She is sometimes called the greatest artist America let slip away.

She likely couldn’t tolerate the decline in musical standards brought on by the commercialization of the scene.

This track, “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” is a cover of a song by Jacques Brel—a French-language piece listened to all over the world.

SinnermanNina Simone19rank/position

Nina Simone – Sinnerman

Nina Simone is an American jazz singer known for her distinctive voice and her unique style of wearing turbans.

That said, she worked beyond the boundaries of the jazz genre.

Her song “Sinnerman” was used as the commercial song for Apple’s Apple Watch Series 2 “Go Time” ad.

To Love SomebodyNina Simone20rank/position

Nina Simone – To Love Somebody (Audio)

Nina Simone was one of the most talented artists in American music history.

In her later years, she left the United States and was active in various countries, primarily in France.

Because of that, she’s sometimes called “the greatest singer the U.

S.

let slip away” in American music history.

Her song To Love Somebody is known as one of her hidden gems—a love song that exudes a mature atmosphere rather than following the classic, straightforward style.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Work SongNina Simone21rank/position

Nina Simone- “Work Song” Live (Merv Griffin Show 1966)

It’s a song that feels distinctly American, and you can sense the era, the city, and the movement of its people.

Things don’t go the way you want, but there’s a toughness that says you’ll climb back up someday.

The powerful vocals never turn dark or give in; it’s too polished to be called a dream, yet it still comes across as forward-looking.

It’s what I want to listen to when I need a boost.