Cher has recorded across decades and genres, and her catalog reflects a long evolution from early pop and folk experiments to disco anthems, rock collaborations, and later-day ballads. This guide presents Cher songs in order of release, highlighting landmark singles, album tracks, and shifts in style. Each entry notes the year or album context and why it matters, giving you a practical reference whether you are revisiting classic hits or exploring deeper cuts. Use this chronological overview to follow Cher’s artistic path from her earliest releases to later work.
How to use this list
The following songs are arranged mainly by original release date. Early tracks focus on folk and pop, while mid era entries capture disco and rock experimentation, and later songs reflect a more theatrical and mature sound. You can follow the list from top to bottom to see Cher’s career unfold in sequence, or jump to a specific period that interests you. For best clarity, the entries are grouped by era and include key album context, format, and chart relevance.
1960s: Beginnings and folk-pop era
Baby I'm Yours
Released in 1965 as a single, this early Cher track showcases her folk-pop direction before the big production turn. It reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and appears on the album With Love, Cher. Her voice here is gentle and understated compared with later power performances.
All I Really Want to Do
Appearing in 1966, this Bob Dylan cover from the album All I Really Want to Do highlights Cher's early acoustic leanings. Though it did not chart highly, it remains a notable album track that reflects the folk revival of the era and Cher's willingness to experiment alongside Sonny Bono.
The Beat Goes On
Issued in 1967, this upbeat pop single reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Cher's signature early hits. It appears on the album The Sonny Side of Chér and captures the breezy California pop sound of the late 1960s.
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
Released in 1966 and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966, this dramatic single became a global hit and one of Cher's most enduring songs. It appears on the album Bang Bang and remains a key early milestone in her catalog.
1970s: Transition, disco, and rock collaborations
Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves
This 1971 single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is featured on the album of the same name. It marked a commercial peak for Cher and showcased a more country-tinged pop sound, broadening her audience beyond folk and soft pop fans.
Half-Breed
Released in 1973, this reflective single from Half-Breed won a Grammy Award and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The track addresses identity and belonging, supported by orchestral arrangements that signaled Cher's move toward more serious thematic material.
Dark Lady
Also issued in 1974, this story-song from the album Dark Lady climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. With its narrative style and dramatic production, it reinforced Cher's versatility and willingness to embrace character-driven songs.
I Got You Babe
Though performed as a duo with Sonny Bono, this 1965 recording remained influential throughout the 1970s and is often associated with Cher's early hits catalog. It appears on the album The Sonny Side of Chér and remains a cultural touchstone of 1960s pop duets.
Take Me Home
Released in 1979 as the title track from the Take Me Home album, this song helped define late-1970s disco for Cher. The album and single marked her transition toward dance-oriented production and paved the way for her 1980s reinventions.
1980s: Reinvention and mainstream resurgence
Believe
Released in 1998 but rooted in late-1980s studio work, this global phenomenon became the best-selling single of her career. Though often associated with late-era Cher, its production roots trace back to collaborations that began in the late 1980s and established her as a dance-pop icon.
After All
With Peter Cetera in 1989, this duet reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and appeared on the soundtrack to Chances Are. It remains a staple of adult contemporary radio and reflects Cher's success in the adult pop duet format.
Heart of Stone
Issued in 1989 as a single from the album Heart of Stone, this track reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Cher's commanding vocal presence in a rock-tinged pop setting.
Just Like Jesse James
Released in 1989, this single from Heart of Stone blends country storytelling with pop sensibility and highlights Cher's narrative songwriting alongside her vocal performance.
1990s to 2000s: Mature pop and club reinvention
The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)
Popularized when released as a single in 1990, this cover became a global hit and appears on the album Heart of Stone. Its playful rhythm and memorable hook made it one of Cher's most recognizable tracks of the 1990s.
Love and Understanding
Released in 1991 as a single from the album Love Hurts, this track reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and emphasized themes of empathy and reconciliation, resonating with adult audiences.
Many Rivers to Cross
A cover of the Jimmy Cliff classic recorded for the 1996 album It's a Man's World, this selection reflects Cher's interest in diverse genre interpretations and her willingness to revisit classic songs.
Believe
Though released in 1998, this single dominated charts worldwide and became Cher's signature late-era anthem. Its innovative use of Auto-Tune set production trends and remains a benchmark in modern pop.
Strong Enough
Also from 1998, this anthem of resilience reached the top 10 across multiple territories and reinforced Cher's presence in dance and pop clubs well into a new millennium.
2010s to present: Later singles and legacy
Woman's World
Released in 2013 as a dance-pop single, this track marked Cher's first solo release in over a decade and reaffirmed her status as a club and culture icon.
Sister Descending
Included on the 2018 album Dancing Queen, this reflective song highlights Cher's continued interest in storytelling and more intimate vocal delivery in later years.
Finale
Appearing on the 2018 album Dancing Queen, this closing track functions as a summation of Cher's career and legacy, celebrating perseverance and reinvention.
Quick reference: key Cher songs by era
The table below summarizes notable Cher songs, their release years, associated albums, and primary formats, giving you a high-level overview at a glance.
| Song | Year | Album | Primary format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) | 1966 | Bang Bang | Single |
| Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves | 1971 | Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves | Single |
| Half-Breed | 1973 | Half-Breed | Single |
| Believe | 1998 | Believe | Single |
| Heart of Stone | 1989 | Heart of Stone | Single |
Wrap-up
Following Cher songs in order of release reveals a career marked by constant evolution, from folk-pop beginnings to disco innovation and later dance-pop reinvention. Each era brought distinct sounds, collaborations, and thematic shifts, making her catalog a rewarding journey across genres and decades. Use this chronological guide as a practical reference to explore, compare, and appreciate the breadth of Cher’s enduring musical legacy.