Grimes, born Claire Elise Boucher, is a Canadian musician, producer, and visual artist who has captured the attention of audiences around the world with her unique brand of experimental pop. With her bold and unconventional approach to music and art, Grimes has established herself as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing artists of her generation.
Over the course of her career, Grimes has released several critically acclaimed albums and EPs, each one showcasing her distinct creative vision and wide-ranging musical influences. Her sound is characterized by a mix of ethereal vocals, intricate production, and unconventional song structures that blend elements of pop, electronic, and experimental music.
With so many incredible songs to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the best of the best. However, we’ve put together a list of the 20 best Grimes songs, each one representing a unique aspect of her music and showcasing her incredible talent and creativity.
From the haunting and atmospheric “Nightmusic” to the energetic and infectious “Kill V. Maim,” each of these songs is a testament to Grimes’ ability to push boundaries and create music that is both accessible and avant-garde. Whether you’re a die-hard Grimes fan or just discovering her music for the first time, these 20 songs are sure to inspire and captivate you with their raw emotion, boundless creativity, and infectious energy.
1. “Oblivion” by Grimes
“Oblivion” by Grimes is a synth-pop song that features layered vocals and pulsing beats. The lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery and the fear of being vulnerable in social situations. The chorus, “See you on a dark night, see you on a dark night,” repeats throughout the song, creating a hypnotic and dreamy atmosphere. Grimes’ vocals are ethereal and haunting, adding to the overall otherworldly vibe of the track. The production is a mix of futuristic and nostalgic elements, with retro synths and glitchy effects adding a unique edge to the sound. Overall, “Oblivion” is a mesmerizing and introspective track that showcases Grimes’ artistic range.
2. “Scream (Feat. Aristophanes)” by Grimes
“Scream (Feat. Aristophanes)” is a high-energy, electronic-pop collaboration between Canadian singer and producer Grimes and Taiwanese rapper Aristophanes. The song features Grimes’ signature ethereal vocals over a driving beat, layered with intricate synths and glitchy effects. Aristophanes adds a raw, powerful element with her rapid-fire verses in Mandarin, which contrast with the dreamy, otherworldly vibe of the rest of the song. Lyrically, the track explores themes of power and control, with both artists channeling their frustration and anger into an explosive anthem that encourages listeners to speak up and resist oppression. Overall, “Scream” is a bold and dynamic track that showcases the unique styles of both Grimes and Aristophanes.
3. “Genesis” by Grimes
“Genesis” is a dreamy, electro-pop track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features layered synths and ethereal vocals, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. The track’s lyrics reference various mythological and science fiction elements, as well as Grimes’ personal experiences, creating a surreal, dreamlike narrative. “Genesis” also features a pulsing beat that propels the song forward, adding a touch of urgency and energy to the otherwise hazy, dreamy sound. Overall, “Genesis” is a captivating and unique track that showcases Grimes’ innovative production style and eclectic artistic vision.
4. “Kill V. Maim” by Grimes
“Kill V. Maim” is an upbeat and frenetic electronic-pop track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features a driving beat and distorted synths, with Grimes’ vocals shifting between gritty, distorted verses and soaring, melodic choruses. Lyrically, the track is a high-energy anthem about revenge, rebellion, and gender identity, with Grimes exploring themes of power, violence, and transformation. The song’s infectious energy and catchy hooks make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and its brash, unapologetic attitude perfectly captures Grimes’ unique artistic style and fierce individuality. Overall, “Kill V. Maim” is an electrifying and memorable track that showcases Grimes’ ability to blend cutting-edge production with bold and provocative lyrical themes.
5. “Rosa” by Grimes
“Rosa” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features sparse instrumentation, with ethereal synths and delicate piano chords providing the backdrop for Grimes’ soft, breathy vocals. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to the late Mexican artist Rosa Luxemburg, with Grimes drawing inspiration from Luxemburg’s socialist beliefs and her life-long commitment to social justice. The track’s gentle, introspective sound and emotive, heartfelt lyrics make it a standout on Grimes’ catalog, showcasing her ability to create deeply personal and meaningful songs that resonate with listeners on an emotional level.
6. “REALiTi” by Grimes
“REALiTi” is a shimmering, synth-heavy track from Canadian musician Grimes. Originally recorded in 2013 during the sessions for her album “Art Angels”, the song was released as a demo version in 2015 and later reworked for the album. The track features Grimes’ distinctive vocals floating over a pulsing beat, with bright, melodic synths creating a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. Lyrically, the song explores themes of isolation, longing, and self-discovery, with Grimes reflecting on her experiences as a musician and an artist. Overall, “REALiTi” is a captivating and introspective track that showcases Grimes’ unique blend of innovative production and heartfelt songwriting.
7. “Weregild” by Grimes
“Weregild” is an atmospheric and introspective track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features ethereal synths and sparse percussion, with Grimes’ vocals weaving in and out of the dreamy sonic landscape. Lyrically, the track explores themes of guilt, loss, and redemption, with Grimes reflecting on her past mistakes and the need to make amends. The song’s haunting sound and emotionally charged lyrics make it a powerful and memorable addition to Grimes’ catalog, showcasing her ability to create deeply personal and introspective music that resonates with listeners on a visceral level. Overall, “Weregild” is a poignant and introspective track that captures the essence of Grimes’ unique artistic vision.
8. “Violence” by Grimes
“Violence” is an intense and powerful track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features a driving beat and distorted synths, with Grimes’ vocals shifting between ethereal, melodic verses and aggressive, gritty choruses. Lyrically, the track explores themes of power, control, and manipulation, with Grimes critiquing the ways in which society normalizes and even glorifies violent behavior. The song’s high-energy sound and provocative lyrics make it a standout on Grimes’ album “Miss Anthropocene”, showcasing her ability to blend cutting-edge production with bold and thought-provoking themes. Overall, “Violence” is a fierce and unapologetic track that captures the raw power of Grimes’ music.
9. “Skin” by Grimes
“Skin” is an atmospheric and haunting track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features a sparse, glitchy production, with Grimes’ delicate vocals floating over atmospheric synths and subtle percussion. Lyrically, the track explores themes of vulnerability and intimacy, with Grimes reflecting on the difficulties of opening up and connecting with others. The song’s introspective sound and emotive, heartfelt lyrics make it a standout on Grimes’ album “Art Angels”, showcasing her ability to create deeply personal and emotionally resonant music. Overall, “Skin” is a beautifully crafted and introspective track that captures the raw, emotive power of Grimes’ music.
10. “Delete Forever” by Grimes
“Delete Forever” is a poignant and emotionally charged track from Canadian musician Grimes. The song features acoustic guitar and sparse, atmospheric production, with Grimes’ vocals conveying a sense of raw vulnerability and heartfelt emotion. Lyrically, the track is a meditation on loss, addiction, and mortality, with Grimes reflecting on the deaths of several friends and artists and the toll that addiction takes on individuals and communities. The song’s stripped-down sound and evocative, heartfelt lyrics make it a powerful and memorable addition to Grimes’ catalog, showcasing her ability to create deeply personal and introspective music that resonates with listeners on a visceral level.
11. “4ÆM” by Grimes
“4ÆM” is a dark, pulsating electronic track by Canadian singer and producer Grimes. The song features heavily distorted vocals and a driving beat, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The lyrics describe the singer’s struggles with insomnia and her need to stay up all night to create music. Grimes’ signature eclectic and experimental style is on full display in “4ÆM,” with a blend of industrial and futuristic sounds that build to a frenzied climax. Overall, “4ÆM” is an immersive and powerful listening experience that showcases Grimes’ innovative approach to electronic music.
12. “Infinite Love Without Fulfillment” by Grimes
“Infinite Love Without Fulfillment” is a dreamy and ethereal track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features haunting vocals that float over a lush and atmospheric electronic arrangement. The lyrics reflect on the idea of love that is unrequited or unfulfilled, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The production is characterized by intricate layers of synth textures and sparkling melodies, creating a dreamlike soundscape. “Infinite Love Without Fulfillment” showcases Grimes’ ability to craft evocative and otherworldly music, and is a standout track on her critically acclaimed album “Miss Anthropocene.”
13. “You’ll miss me when I’m not around” by Grimes
“You’ll miss me when I’m not around” is a melancholic pop song by Canadian artist Grimes. The track features introspective lyrics that explore themes of isolation and loneliness, delivered through a vulnerable and emotive vocal performance. The production is minimalistic, with a simple piano melody and sparse electronic beats, giving the track a raw and intimate feel. The chorus features a soaring vocal hook that is both haunting and beautiful. “You’ll miss me when I’m not around” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Miss Anthropocene,” showcasing her ability to create emotionally resonant and introspective pop music.
14. “Night Music (Feat. Majical Cloudz)” by Grimes
“Nightmusic” is a haunting and atmospheric track by Grimes featuring Canadian artist Majical Cloudz. The song is characterized by brooding synths, heavy bass, and distorted vocal samples that create a dark and mysterious sonic landscape. The lyrics evoke a sense of danger and eroticism, with Grimes and Majical Cloudz’s vocals blending together to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The production is layered and complex, with a sense of tension building throughout the track. “Nightmusic” showcases Grimes’ ability to create experimental and captivating music, and is a standout track on her album “Visions.”
15. “My Name Is Dark” by Grimes
“My Name Is Dark” is a dark and brooding track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features distorted vocals, driving beats, and a haunting piano melody, creating a sense of unease and tension. The lyrics explore themes of power and control, with Grimes adopting a confrontational and defiant tone. The production is dense and complex, with a blend of electronic and acoustic instrumentation that creates a dynamic and atmospheric sound. “My Name Is Dark” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Miss Anthropocene,” showcasing her ability to push boundaries and create music that is both experimental and accessible.
16. “Be A Body (侘寂)” by Grimes
“Be A Body (侘寂)” is an upbeat and dreamy pop track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features lush, layered synths and infectious electronic beats, creating a sense of joy and celebration. The lyrics are sung in a mixture of English and Japanese, with a sense of whimsy and playfulness. The production is characterized by intricate and intricate textures that create a bright and colorful sonic landscape. “Be A Body (侘寂)” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Visions,” showcasing her unique blend of pop sensibility and experimental sound design.
17. “World Princess Part II” by Grimes
“World Princess Part II” is an ethereal and otherworldly track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features a delicate and airy vocal performance, accompanied by a dreamy and atmospheric electronic arrangement. The lyrics are sung in a mix of English and Japanese, with a sense of innocence and wonder. The production is minimalistic, with a simple beat and sparse synth textures that create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. “World Princess Part II” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Visions,” showcasing her ability to create emotionally resonant and immersive music that transports the listener to another world.
18. “California” by Grimes
“California” is a breezy and summery pop track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features a lighthearted and carefree vocal performance, with playful and catchy lyrics that evoke the sunny California lifestyle. The production is characterized by bright and shimmering synths, a simple but infectious beat, and a tropical-inspired melody. The track has a relaxed and upbeat feel, and is perfect for dancing and letting loose. “California” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Art Angels,” showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to create catchy and fun pop music that is still rich with personality and creativity.
19. “Flesh Without Blood” by Grimes
“Flesh Without Blood” is a vibrant and energetic pop track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features a playful and dynamic vocal performance, with infectious and catchy lyrics that are filled with personality. The production is characterized by a driving beat, bright and sparkling synths, and a melodic guitar riff that creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The track has a strong pop sensibility, but still manages to feel fresh and unique, with Grimes’ signature sound design creating a rich and complex sonic landscape. “Flesh Without Blood” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Art Angels,” showcasing her ability to create fun and accessible pop music without sacrificing her experimental and creative edge.
20. “Eight” by Grimes
“Eight” is a dreamy and introspective pop track by Canadian artist Grimes. The song features a delicate and ethereal vocal performance, accompanied by a sparse and atmospheric electronic arrangement. The lyrics explore themes of nostalgia and loss, with Grimes reflecting on the passing of time and the memories of youth. The production is minimalistic, with a simple beat and sparse synths that create a sense of space and intimacy. “Eight” is a standout track on Grimes’ album “Miss Anthropocene,” showcasing her ability to create emotionally resonant and reflective music that speaks to the universal experience of growing up and letting go.
Simon Robinson 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.
