Ellie Goulding is one of the most celebrated and versatile singers of our time, with a career that spans over a decade. Her unique voice and style have captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world, and she has become an icon in the music industry. Goulding’s discography is filled with hit songs that have become classics, and her live performances are always a treat for her fans. With so many great songs to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the top 20 best Ellie Goulding songs of all time.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Goulding’s discography and select the top 20 songs that have made the biggest impact on her career and on the hearts of her fans. From her early hits like “Lights” and “Starry Eyed” to more recent releases like “Love I’m Given” and “Power,” we will explore the diverse range of Goulding’s music and the messages behind her lyrics. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to showcase the best of Ellie Goulding and leave you with a newfound appreciation for her talent and artistry.
1. “Burn”
“Burn” is an upbeat pop song by Ellie Goulding, released in 2013 as the lead single from her album “Halcyon Days”. The song features pulsating synths, a catchy chorus, and Goulding’s signature ethereal vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of empowerment and liberation after a breakup, as the protagonist declares that she will rise from the ashes and move on with her life. The song’s infectious melody and uplifting message have made it a fan favorite and a staple in Goulding’s live performances. The music video for “Burn” features Goulding dancing and singing in a variety of colorful settings, including a forest, a desert, and a cityscape. Overall, “Burn” is a powerful and inspiring song that showcases Goulding’s talents as both a songwriter and a performer.
2. “Love Me Like You Do“
“Love Me Like You Do” is a romantic ballad by Ellie Goulding, released in 2015 as part of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” soundtrack. The song features a stripped-down, piano-driven melody that allows Goulding’s emotive vocals to take center stage. The lyrics describe the intense desire and passion between two lovers, and the longing to be loved unconditionally. The song’s chorus is particularly catchy and memorable, with Goulding belting out the title phrase in a way that is both vulnerable and powerful. The music video for “Love Me Like You Do” features scenes from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film, interspersed with footage of Goulding singing and dancing. The song’s combination of intimate lyrics and powerful vocals has made it a hit with fans and a staple in Goulding’s live performances. Overall, “Love Me Like You Do” is a beautiful and emotive love song that showcases Goulding’s talent as a singer and songwriter.
3. “On My Mind”
“On My Mind” is an upbeat pop song by Ellie Goulding, released in 2015 as the lead single from her album “Delirium”. The song features a catchy chorus and pulsating beats, with Goulding’s vocals infused with a confident and playful energy. The lyrics describe a complicated romantic relationship, where the protagonist is caught between feelings of attraction and mistrust. The song’s music video features Goulding in a Las Vegas setting, with scenes of her dancing and flirting with a male love interest. The video’s cinematic style and high-energy visuals perfectly complement the song’s infectious rhythm and catchy melody. “On My Mind” has become a fan favorite and a staple in Goulding’s live performances, showcasing her versatility as both a pop singer and a performer. Overall, “On My Mind” is a fun and playful song that captures the ups and downs of modern romance in a way that is both relatable and empowering.
4. “Lights”
“Lights” is an electrifying pop song by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released in 2011. From the first notes of the song, the listener is immediately pulled in by the upbeat tempo and catchy electronic melody. The song’s lyrics, written by Goulding and Richard Stannard, focus on the feeling of being lost in a big city and searching for a guiding light to lead you home.
Goulding’s distinctive and powerful voice soars over the instrumental, adding an element of raw emotion to the song. Her vocals express a sense of yearning, as she sings about feeling like a “lost soul” and seeking a way out of the darkness. The chorus, with its repetitive and infectious melody, is sure to have listeners singing along.
As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with the addition of pounding drums and swirling synths. The climax of the song is a euphoric moment, as the chorus is repeated with even more energy than before, creating a sense of release and catharsis.
“Lights” was a breakthrough hit for Goulding, propelling her to international fame and earning her a spot on the charts in multiple countries. The song has been used in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in pop culture. Its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics make it a perfect addition to any party playlist, or simply as a song to sing along to in the car.
5. “Anything Could Happen”
“Anything Could Happen” is an upbeat and uplifting synthpop song by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released in 2012. The song opens with a pulsing electronic beat and a catchy melody that sets the stage for the inspiring lyrics that follow.
The lyrics, written by Goulding and Jim Eliot, speak to the idea that life is full of surprises and that anything can happen at any moment. Goulding’s soaring vocals bring the message home, expressing a sense of hope and excitement about what the future might hold. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “anything could happen,” is a call to embrace the unknown and take risks.
The song’s instrumentation is a perfect match for its positive message, with layers of synths and drums building to a crescendo in the chorus. The combination of Goulding’s powerful voice and the infectious beat creates a sense of joy and possibility that is impossible to resist.
“Anything Could Happen” was a hit for Goulding, charting in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and inspiring lyrics. Its message of hope and resilience has resonated with listeners all over the world, and it continues to be a favorite of Goulding’s fans. Whether you’re looking for a song to inspire you to take a chance or just to dance along to, “Anything Could Happen” is the perfect choice.
6. “The Writer”
“The Writer” is a haunting and introspective ballad by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released in 2010. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting of acoustic guitar and strings, sets the stage for Goulding’s delicate and emotional vocals.
The lyrics, written by Goulding and Fin Dow-Smith, explore the difficulty of putting one’s emotions into words and the frustration of feeling like a “writer in a tangled mess.” Goulding’s voice conveys a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, making the listener feel as though they are right there with her in her struggles.
As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with the addition of percussion and a haunting choir. The climax of the song is a moment of release, as Goulding sings, “Don’t hold me down/I think my braces are breaking, and it’s more than I can take.” The sense of catharsis in this moment is palpable and powerful.
“The Writer” was a critical and commercial success, earning Goulding a place on the charts in multiple countries and cementing her status as a rising star in the music industry. Its message of emotional honesty and vulnerability has resonated with listeners around the world, and it continues to be a favorite of Goulding’s fans. If you’re looking for a song that captures the pain and beauty of the human experience, “The Writer” is a perfect choice.
7. “Something In The Way You Move”
“Something In The Way You Move” is an infectious and upbeat pop song by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released in 2015. The song’s driving beat and catchy melody immediately grab the listener’s attention, while Goulding’s energetic vocals convey a sense of excitement and anticipation.
The lyrics, written by Goulding and Greg Kurstin, describe the overwhelming feeling of attraction and infatuation that comes with meeting someone new. Goulding’s voice is filled with wonder and delight as she sings about the “rush” of being near the person she’s drawn to. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “something in the way you move,” is a perfect encapsulation of the song’s message of irresistible attraction.
The song’s instrumentation is equally infectious, with a driving beat and layers of synths and percussion that build to a climax in the chorus. The combination of Goulding’s powerful voice and the irresistible melody make “Something In The Way You Move” a song that’s impossible to resist dancing along to.
“Something In The Way You Move” was a hit for Goulding, charting in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and infectious energy. Its message of infatuation and attraction has resonated with listeners around the world, and it continues to be a favorite of Goulding’s fans. If you’re looking for a song that captures the thrill of falling in love, “Something In The Way You Move” is the perfect choice.
8. “Dead In the Water”
“Dead in the Water” is a haunting and melancholic ballad by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released in 2012. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting of piano and strings, sets the stage for Goulding’s delicate and emotional vocals.
The lyrics, written by Goulding and Jim Eliot, express a sense of heartbreak and despair. Goulding’s voice conveys a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion as she sings about feeling lost and alone. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m dead in the water,” is a powerful expression of hopelessness and despair.
As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with the addition of percussion and a soaring choir. The climax of the song is a moment of catharsis, as Goulding sings, “I don’t know what to do, I’m still in love with you.” The sense of raw emotion in this moment is palpable and powerful.
“Dead in the Water” was a critical and commercial success, earning Goulding praise for her emotional honesty and vulnerability. Its message of heartbreak and despair has resonated with listeners around the world, and it continues to be a favorite of Goulding’s fans. If you’re looking for a song that captures the pain and beauty of the human experience, “Dead in the Water” is a perfect choice.
9. “Guns and Horses“
“Guns and Horses” is a catchy and upbeat pop song by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, released in 2010. The song’s driving beat and energetic vocals immediately grab the listener’s attention, while the lyrics, written by Goulding and Starsmith, describe the feeling of being trapped in a relationship that’s going nowhere.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “you’re holding back, she’s holding on,” is a powerful expression of frustration and disappointment. Goulding’s voice is filled with emotion and energy as she sings about the sense of being trapped in a cycle of hope and disappointment.
The song’s instrumentation is equally energetic, with a driving beat and layers of synths and percussion that build to a climax in the chorus. The combination of Goulding’s powerful voice and the infectious melody make “Guns and Horses” a song that’s impossible to resist dancing along to.
“Guns and Horses” was a hit for Goulding, charting in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and infectious energy. Its message of frustration and disappointment has resonated with listeners around the world, and it continues to be a favorite of Goulding’s fans. If you’re looking for a song that captures the energy and frustration of a failing relationship, “Guns and Horses” is the perfect choice.
10. “Your Song”
“Your Song” is a beautiful love ballad that was originally written and performed by the legendary singer-songwriter Elton John. The song was released in 1970 and has since become a timeless classic, beloved by generations of music lovers.
The song starts off with a gentle and melodic piano introduction, which sets the mood for the heartfelt lyrics to come. Elton John’s iconic voice then kicks in, singing about how he wants to write a song for his lover that will express his feelings for her.
The lyrics are simple yet poignant, with lines like “I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” The song is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the special connection that can exist between two people.
As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds and Elton’s vocals become more powerful, culminating in a soaring chorus that is impossible not to sing along with. The combination of Elton’s emotive vocals and the beautiful piano melody make “Your Song” a true masterpiece of songwriting.
Despite being over 50 years old, “Your Song” remains just as popular today as it was when it was first released. Its timeless message of love and devotion continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a true classic in every sense of the word.
Erica Henderson 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.
