“Typical Male” is a 1986 hit song by Tina Turner, released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, Break Every Rule. Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the same duo behind her iconic “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” the song features a polished pop-rock sound with elements of R&B. It showcases Turner’s powerful vocals and charismatic delivery, expressing themes of romantic pursuit and playful frustration. The song became a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting well internationally, solidifying Turner’s status as a dominant force in 1980s pop music.
The lyrics of “Typical Male” explore the dynamics of attraction and power in romantic relationships. In the song, Turner portrays a confident and assertive woman who playfully expresses her frustration with a man who is oblivious to her charm. “Typical Male” is a blend of pop, rock, and R&B, characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and polished production. Phil Collins plays drums on the song.
“Typical Male” was a major hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., where it stayed for three weeks behind Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors.” It also topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and Promusicae singles chart in Spain. The B-side of the single was “Don’t Turn Around”, later covered by Bonnie Tyler, Aswad, and Ace of Base.
The music video for “Typical Male** was directed by Brian Grant, known for his work with Turner on previous videos. The video features Turner in a red minidress in a series of playful and glamorous scenes, including a courtroom setting where she flirts with a male lawyer. The video’s lighthearted tone complements the song’s themes and helped it gain heavy rotation on MTV, boosting its popularity.