In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few artists have made as significant an impact as Dua Lipa. Bursting onto the scene with her powerful vocals and infectious melodies, she has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. From her debut single “New Rules,” which became an anthem for empowerment, to chart-toppers like “Don’t Start Now” that dominate dance floors, Dua Lipa’s discography is a vibrant tapestry of sound that showcases her evolution as an artist.
With a blend of catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and a modern twist on classic influences, Dua Lipa’s songs resonate deeply with fans. Each track tells a story, whether it’s about love, heartbreak, or self-discovery, making her music both personal and universal. As we dive into the top 10 most popular Dua Lipa songs of all time, prepare to relive the magic that has defined her career. From collaborations that set the charts ablaze to solo hits that highlight her unique style, this countdown promises to celebrate the essence of one of today’s most dynamic pop icons. Get ready to turn up the volume and sing along as we explore the tracks that have solidified Dua Lipa’s place in music history!
1. New Rules
Released in 2017, “New Rules” catapulted Dua Lipa into the spotlight as not just a pop star, but a voice of modern empowerment. With its razor-sharp production, tropical-inspired beat, and unmistakably catchy hook, the song delivers more than a dancefloor anthem—it gives listeners a survival guide for getting over someone who keeps pulling them back in. The lyrics are structured like literal rules, each one a step toward emotional independence: “Don’t pick up the phone,” “Don’t let him in,” “Don’t be his friend.” It’s direct, unapologetic, and deeply relatable. Dua Lipa’s delivery is confident without being cold, and there’s an underlying strength in the way she transforms heartbreak into empowerment. The iconic music video, with its synchronized choreography and color-coded female solidarity, reinforced the song’s message and became a cultural moment in its own right. “New Rules” resonated with people across the globe, particularly young women tired of toxic relationships and emotional loops. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a shift. The song topped charts, flooded playlists, and set the tone for a new era in pop music, where boundaries, self-respect, and empowerment could still make you want to dance.
2. Don’t Start Now
“Don’t Start Now,” released in 2019, is Dua Lipa’s triumphant declaration of moving on—and moving on with style. Opening with a funky, pulsating bassline and strutting straight into disco territory, the song channels ‘70s dancefloor energy while sounding incredibly current. From the very first beat, it dares you to sit still (spoiler: you won’t). Lyrically, it’s a message to a former flame who suddenly regrets letting her go. But Dua isn’t lingering in the past—she’s already out dancing, confident and unfazed. “Don’t show up / Don’t come out,” she sings with a coolness that’s both empowering and infectious. Her vocals ride the groove with precision, striking a perfect balance between vulnerability and resolve. It’s the kind of song that hits just as hard on the radio as it does in a packed club. Critics praised it for its flawless production and undeniable hook, and fans instantly embraced it as a post-breakup anthem. “Don’t Start Now” wasn’t just a hit—it was the blueprint for her future sound, laying the foundation for her wildly successful Future Nostalgia era. It’s a shimmering, confident rebirth set to music—and it dares anyone to keep up.
3. Levitating
“Levitating,” released in 2020, is pop escapism at its most joyous. From its glittering disco beats to its dreamy space-themed lyrics, the song feels like a euphoric lift-off—transporting listeners into a world where love is weightless, thrilling, and out of this world. Dua Lipa’s performance is pure charisma, gliding effortlessly through the verses with a sparkle in her voice. The song’s infectious rhythm and soaring chorus are irresistible, making it one of the most streamed—and danced to—tracks of the year. When DaBaby joins in for the remix version, he adds a playful, unexpected twist that helps elevate the track’s appeal to even wider audiences. “Levitating” feels like a celebration, not just of romantic love, but of freedom and lightness. Its lyrics are filled with images of stars, moonlight, and cosmic chemistry, all wrapped in shiny synths and funky grooves. The music video only adds to the magic, with its surreal visuals and retro-futuristic flair. Whether you’re driving with the windows down, dancing in your room, or letting go of stress, “Levitating” gives you permission to float above it all. It’s pure happiness wrapped in three and a half minutes of pop perfection.
4. Physical
Released in 2020, “Physical” is Dua Lipa’s boldest throwback to date—an adrenaline-fueled homage to the synth-powered workouts of the 1980s, reimagined through a sleek, modern lens. From the pounding beat to the punchy, commanding chorus, everything about this track demands movement. It’s the kind of song that grabs you by the hand and dares you not to dance. “Let’s get physical,” she repeats, turning Olivia Newton-John’s gentle flirtation into something wild, magnetic, and full of urgency. Dua’s vocals are fierce and unrelenting, perfectly matching the song’s driving energy. The production layers synths, drum machines, and even a heart-racing pre-chorus that builds to a euphoric release. The accompanying music video is a kaleidoscope of neon colors, sharp choreography, and surreal visuals, echoing the high-voltage pulse of the song. More than just a throwback, “Physical” is a reawakening—a reminder of the joy of surrendering to rhythm, to emotion, to passion. It’s pop at its most visceral and exhilarating. Whether you’re on the treadmill or just need a motivational boost, “Physical” turns every moment into a dancefloor, proving that Dua Lipa isn’t just borrowing from the past—she’s reinventing it.
5. Break My Heart
“Break My Heart,” released in 2020, is the kind of song that sounds like a party on the outside but hides a real emotional punch underneath. It’s built around an infectious, strutting bassline—one that cheekily nods to INXS’s “Need You Tonight”—and wrapped in glitzy production that practically begs you to dance. But listen closely and you’ll find a different kind of tension brewing. Lyrically, the song captures that vulnerable, terrifying moment when you realize you’ve truly fallen for someone—and now they hold the power to break you. “I would’ve stayed at home / ‘Cause I was doing better alone,” Dua confesses, with just the right mix of sarcasm and sincerity. There’s a self-awareness here that makes the track all the more relatable. It’s not just about fear—it’s about risking your heart anyway. Her vocal performance walks a delicate line between confidence and doubt, perfectly mirroring the emotional push and pull. The music video, with its surreal sets and dreamlike transitions, captures that internal rollercoaster of excitement and anxiety. “Break My Heart” is dance-pop with depth—a reminder that falling in love is thrilling, but it’s also scary, and that’s what makes it real.
6. One Kiss (with Calvin Harris)
Released in 2018, “One Kiss” is a hypnotic blend of house music cool and pop star polish. Teaming up with producer and DJ Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa delivers sultry, understated vocals that glide over a minimalist, club-ready beat. The magic of this song lies in its restraint—it doesn’t rush to the chorus or rely on flashy production tricks. Instead, it slowly pulls you in, building an intoxicating atmosphere perfect for warm nights and dance floors that blur into sunrise. Lyrically, it captures that electrifying moment when everything between two people changes with just one kiss. It’s flirtatious, mysterious, and endlessly replayable. The repetition in the lyrics works like a trance—you’re not just listening, you’re caught in it. Dua’s voice is cool and composed, playing off Harris’s beat with effortless chemistry. The music video adds a splash of surrealism and fashion-forward aesthetics, matching the song’s sleek, European vibe. “One Kiss” dominated global charts and became an essential part of every DJ set that summer. More than just a hit, it cemented Dua Lipa’s crossover into dance music royalty—and proved that sometimes, less really is more when it comes to crafting the perfect pop banger.
7. IDGAF
“IDGAF,” released in 2018, is a no-apologies anthem for anyone who’s ever had to draw a line in the sand and stand tall after heartbreak. With its sharp title—an acronym for “I Don’t Give A F***”—the song pulls no punches in delivering a message of strength, independence, and moving on. Dua Lipa’s voice is fierce and direct, never wavering as she tells off an ex who’s trying to crawl back into her life. The beat is clean and tight, allowing her vocals to cut through like a knife. There’s a sense of emotional clarity here—she’s not bitter, just done. The genius of “IDGAF” is how it balances hard truth with an irresistibly catchy melody. It’s empowering, but also a blast to sing (and shout) along to. The music video, with its mirror-image choreography and bold visual concept, drives home the message of inner conflict and self-confrontation, eventually showing Dua confronting—and embracing—her stronger self. “IDGAF” is more than just a breakup song. It’s about knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and not apologizing for walking away from what no longer serves you. Bold, punchy, and unforgettable, it became a rallying cry for self-respect in pop form.
8. We’re Good
“We’re Good,” released in 2021 as part of the deluxe edition of Future Nostalgia, reveals a more introspective and laid-back side of Dua Lipa. Departing from her usual high-energy, disco-pop sound, this track settles into a sultry, slow-burning groove that perfectly mirrors the emotional tone of the lyrics. At its heart, “We’re Good” is about mutual release—accepting that two people have grown apart and choosing to part ways with grace, not bitterness. Dua’s voice is smooth and expressive here, gently telling a story of closure without dramatic flare. There’s something incredibly mature about the way she handles the theme: no fights, no blame, just peace. The song’s calm rhythm and breezy guitar loop contrast beautifully with the slightly melancholic message, creating a bittersweet tension that makes it stick. The music video—a surreal tale set on a luxury cruise with a lobster as the unexpected protagonist—adds an extra layer of creativity and metaphor, turning breakup into visual art. “We’re Good” might not shout like some of her bigger hits, but it whispers with honesty and elegance. It’s a breakup song with kindness at its core, and that’s what makes it quietly powerful.
9. Future Nostalgia
As the title track of her 2020 album, “Future Nostalgia” sets the tone for the entire project—a dazzling fusion of retro inspiration and forward-thinking pop. From the opening synth stabs and robotic vocoder tones, you know this isn’t just a throwback—it’s a reimagining. The song struts with confidence, showcasing Dua Lipa’s cheeky, assertive persona as she proclaims, “You want a timeless song, I wanna change the game.” She’s not interested in fitting into the mold—she’s here to flip it upside down. The lyrics blend humor and boldness, creating a vision of a woman in full control of her sound and style. The production is slick and slightly surreal, merging elements of disco, funk, and electronic pop without sounding like a copy of any one era. Instead, it feels like the future we were promised in the past—shiny, bold, and danceable. “Future Nostalgia” isn’t a traditional single, but it’s a mission statement. It declares that Dua Lipa isn’t just influenced by the past—she’s building something new from it. The track is a thrilling reminder that nostalgia doesn’t have to be sentimental; it can be electric, empowering, and forward-looking.
10. Hotter Than Hell
Released in 2016, “Hotter Than Hell” is the track that introduced many listeners to Dua Lipa’s sultry, fearless persona—and it did so with fire. With its simmering beat and pulsing synths, the song walks the line between desire and danger. It’s a bold declaration of self-worth disguised as a seductive pop track. Lyrically, Dua flips the script on the typical love song narrative. Rather than begging for attention or heartbreak, she asserts her power, warning her lover that she’s the one who’ll leave them burning. “You’re my heaven, baby / Heaven’s a lie,” she sings, making it clear this isn’t your average love story. Her vocals are smoky, smoldering with confidence and attitude. The chorus bursts with intensity, driven by hypnotic beats and an underlying sense of control. The music video reinforces the mood, drenched in neon hues and sensual energy that perfectly captures the song’s tone. “Hotter Than Hell” is both a warning and a celebration—of power, of beauty, and of knowing exactly what you bring to the table. It’s the song that signaled Dua Lipa was more than just a newcomer—she was a storm in the making.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
