Dua Lipa has taken the music world by storm, captivating audiences with her powerful voice, infectious beats, and striking style. Since her debut, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music, blending elements of dance, R&B, and electronic sounds to create chart-topping hits that resonate with fans across the globe. From her early anthems to her latest releases, Dua Lipa’s songs have become synonymous with empowerment, love, and self-expression.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular Dua Lipa songs of all time, showcasing the tracks that have defined her career and shaped the modern music landscape. Each song not only highlights her incredible vocal talent but also tells a story that connects with listeners on a personal level. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her music, this countdown will celebrate the unforgettable melodies and lyrics that have made Dua Lipa a household name. Get ready to relive the moments that made us dance, sing, and feel deeply, as we explore the best of Dua Lipa’s discography and the magic behind her most beloved hits!
1. New Rules (2017)
“New Rules,” released in 2017, became a defining anthem of strength, self-respect, and post-breakup empowerment. The track marked a turning point not just in Dua Lipa’s career, but also in pop music, offering a sharp, catchy manual for avoiding the all-too-common trap of returning to a toxic ex. With its pulsating tropical house beat and minimalist production, the song keeps things sonically light while delivering a serious message about setting firm boundaries in love. Dua’s calm but commanding vocal tone brings an air of authority to every line, making each “rule” feel both relatable and non-negotiable.
The unforgettable chorus—“I got new rules, I count ’em”—quickly became a cultural catchphrase, and the accompanying music video elevated the track even further. With its stylized choreography and emphasis on female solidarity, the video helped cement the song’s message of collective strength and self-worth. “New Rules” didn’t just top charts around the world—it gave listeners, especially young women, a voice for emotional independence. It’s the kind of pop song that’s more than just a bop—it’s advice, it’s empowerment, and it’s a reminder that you deserve better. For Dua Lipa, it was a career-defining moment that turned her into an international pop sensation.
2. Don’t Start Now (2019)
“Don’t Start Now” launched in 2019 like a disco-fueled rocket and signaled Dua Lipa’s bold leap into a funkier, retro-inspired era. From the first note, the track pulses with energy, driven by a groovy bassline and a slick, syncopated rhythm that channels the best of late-70s dance floors. It’s a breakup song at its core, but instead of sadness, it’s bursting with confidence and liberation. “If you don’t wanna see me dancing with somebody…”—the lyrics are clear: the past is the past, and Dua has moved on stronger than ever.
Her vocals are cool and collected, full of attitude without sounding bitter. That vocal control paired with the sharp production creates a sonic experience that’s sleek, vibrant, and impossible to ignore. The music video further amplifies the track’s feel-good vibes with dazzling colors, fierce fashion, and high-energy dancing. It became a staple at clubs and parties while also earning critical praise for its tight songwriting and polished sound.
“Don’t Start Now” is a masterclass in the art of the comeback—an upbeat celebration of growth, self-respect, and unapologetic joy. It reintroduced Dua Lipa with a fresh sound and cemented her as a pop innovator for the modern era.
3. Levitating (2020)
Released in 2020, “Levitating” is pure pop escapism—an effervescent ride through love, space, and sound. With its funky rhythm, shimmering synths, and undeniable groove, the track feels like a time machine to a disco-fueled universe where joy and romance rule the galaxy. It’s one of those rare songs that makes you want to dance from the first beat and keeps the energy high all the way through. Dua Lipa’s vocals are playful and charismatic, lifting the lyrics with a sense of flirtatious wonder: “If you wanna run away with me, I know a galaxy…”
The addition of DaBaby on the remix version brought in an extra jolt of energy, mixing his sharp rhymes with Dua’s melodic flair, giving the song even more mainstream appeal. The music video leans fully into the cosmic theme, blending retro-futuristic visuals, glitzy outfits, and otherworldly vibes to create an audio-visual experience that’s just as fun as the song itself.
“Levitating” isn’t just a hit—it’s an instant mood booster. It reminds us that love can feel light, carefree, and exhilarating. It became one of the most played and streamed tracks of its time, showcasing Dua’s unique ability to blend nostalgia with something entirely fresh and modern.
4. IDGAF (2018)
“IDGAF,” released in 2018, is Dua Lipa’s unapologetic clapback to heartbreak, delivered with a cool, composed intensity. This isn’t a song about revenge or bitterness—it’s about clarity. With sharp lyrics and a mid-tempo groove, Dua lays out exactly how she feels: she’s done, she’s moved on, and she’s not looking back. Her vocals strike the perfect balance between calm detachment and subtle defiance, giving the song a powerful emotional weight without ever losing its catchy, anthemic quality.
The production keeps things sleek and minimalist, allowing the message to stand front and center. Lines like “You say you’re sorry, but it’s too late now” cut with precision, offering a relatable reminder to anyone who’s ever walked away from someone who didn’t treat them right.
The music video is equally compelling, featuring two versions of Dua in a symbolic standoff between emotional vulnerability and inner strength. Through stunning visuals and choreographed battles, the video illustrates the internal tug-of-war that comes with moving on.
“IDGAF” is more than just a breakup anthem—it’s a declaration of independence. It empowers listeners to stand firm in their boundaries and embrace their worth. For many, it’s become a personal mantra set to a beat.
5. Physical (2020)
“Physical,” dropped in 2020, is Dua Lipa’s electrifying homage to the boldness of 80s pop—and it hits like a bolt of neon lightning. From the very first synth stab, the song is pure adrenaline, channeling the high-energy aesthetic of retro workout anthems with a modern edge. It’s fast, intense, and impossible to resist. Lyrically, it celebrates raw, passionate connection: “So let’s get physical,” Dua urges, with a playful yet commanding tone that perfectly matches the song’s pounding beat.
Her vocal delivery is charged with urgency, propelling the listener into a world where movement, touch, and desire reign supreme. The chorus explodes with momentum, making it the kind of track that demands to be blasted through speakers or danced to in the middle of a living room.
The music video takes the energy even further with colorful visuals, animated sequences, and athletic choreography that match the song’s explosive tone. It’s a visual and sonic thrill ride—stylish, fierce, and totally unapologetic.
“Physical” isn’t just a nod to the past—it redefines it. By infusing retro influences with cutting-edge pop sensibilities, Dua Lipa crafted a song that’s as invigorating as a full-body workout and twice as fun.
6. One Kiss (with Calvin Harris) (2018)
Released in 2018, “One Kiss” is a hypnotic collaboration between Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris that quickly became one of the year’s biggest dance anthems. The track blends Harris’s signature house beats with Dua’s sultry, understated vocal delivery, creating a minimalist groove that builds into an infectious rhythm. It’s the kind of song that slowly draws you in, wrapping you in its subtle energy and sleek production. The lyrics are simple but effective, capturing the heady rush of a romantic spark with the repeated refrain: “One kiss is all it takes / Falling in love with me.”
Rather than overwhelming the listener with big drops or flashy effects, “One Kiss” thrives on restraint and repetition, making it ideal for both clubs and chill playlists. Dua’s cool, almost detached tone adds a touch of mystery, giving the track a sophisticated edge that sets it apart from typical summer bangers.
The music video leans into surrealism, featuring trippy visuals, playful costumes, and unexpected scenes that match the dreamlike quality of the music. “One Kiss” solidified Dua’s status as a pop chameleon—able to move effortlessly between styles—and gave her a major hit that resonated across continents and dance floors alike.
7. Break My Heart (2020)
“Break My Heart,” released in 2020, is a dazzling collision of vulnerability and confidence wrapped in a funky pop groove. It’s the kind of song that takes you through the emotional rollercoaster of falling for someone while knowing the risks that come with it. Built around a bass-heavy beat and a slick interpolation of INXS’s “Need You Tonight,” the track delivers an irresistible sound that’s both nostalgic and modern. Dua Lipa’s vocal performance is packed with emotion, capturing the push-pull of desire and fear: “Am I falling in love with the one that could break my heart?”
The song perfectly mirrors that internal conflict—equal parts excitement and dread—with lyrics that are introspective yet accessible. The production is polished and dynamic, blending disco, funk, and pop into a track that demands movement but also invites reflection.
The music video is a vibrant, cinematic experience with surreal transitions, bold colors, and fashion-forward visuals that mirror the shifting moods of the song. “Break My Heart” was a standout from her Future Nostalgia album and proved that pop can be both danceable and emotionally honest. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever dared to love, even with the fear of being hurt.
8. We’re Good (2021)
“We’re Good,” released in 2021, is a softer, more introspective side of Dua Lipa that explores the idea of parting ways with grace. The track slows down the tempo and takes a more relaxed, tropical-inspired approach, showcasing a mellow, melodic groove beneath the lyrics of acceptance and emotional maturity. Dua’s vocals are smooth and nuanced as she delivers the bittersweet message: “We’re not meant to be like sleeping and cocaine,” a metaphor that cleverly expresses the misalignment in a fading relationship.
Unlike many breakup songs filled with drama or resentment, “We’re Good” embraces the idea that sometimes, the kindest thing to do is let go. It’s about wishing someone well while choosing peace over conflict, and it resonates with anyone who’s tried to walk away from a relationship with dignity intact.
The quirky music video adds an unexpected layer to the song’s message. Set on a luxury ocean liner with lobsters as the central metaphor, it tells a tongue-in-cheek story about survival, freedom, and letting go. “We’re Good” might not be the loudest song in Dua’s catalog, but it’s one of her most emotionally intelligent—proving that strength also lies in gentleness and self-respect.
9. Hotter Than Hell (2016)
“Hotter Than Hell,” released in 2016, was one of the first songs to establish Dua Lipa as a pop force with attitude and depth. With its dark, fiery energy and seductive beat, the track is a fierce declaration of power in the face of rejection. The lyrics play with the tension between vulnerability and control—Dua flips the script by making herself the irresistible force that someone else can’t handle. “You’re my heaven, baby / Hell awaits,” she sings with a cool intensity that draws you in.
The production is a blend of moody synths, pulsing basslines, and dramatic flourishes that make it feel both edgy and danceable. It’s a song that simmers rather than explodes, building a sense of heat and danger with every verse. Dua’s voice commands attention throughout—confident, smoky, and full of nuance.
The music video matches the song’s energy with a mix of striking visuals, glowing reds, and stylish, post-apocalyptic imagery. “Hotter Than Hell” showed early on that Dua Lipa wasn’t just another pop singer—she had something different, something bold. This song helped lay the foundation for the fearless, genre-blending artist we know today.
10. Be the One (2015)
“Be the One” is the track that introduced many listeners to Dua Lipa back in 2015—and it remains one of her most emotionally resonant songs. With its dreamy synth-pop sound and heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the vulnerability of wanting to be loved and accepted by someone who might not see you the same way. It’s a delicate balance of hope and desperation, delivered through Dua’s rich, expressive vocals that plead, “I could be the one.”
Musically, the song is both atmospheric and accessible, with shimmering synth layers, a steady beat, and an addictive chorus that sticks with you long after it ends. It feels personal, yet universal—an anthem for anyone who’s ever hoped to be someone’s everything despite the odds.
The music video adds to the emotional weight, depicting a tense relationship full of longing and missed connections. Through intimate cinematography and emotional storytelling, it underscores the song’s themes of yearning and miscommunication.
“Be the One” may not have been a massive commercial hit at first, but it was the spark that lit Dua Lipa’s rise to stardom. It’s a beautiful reminder of where she started and how far she’s come—an emotional cornerstone in her evolving soundscape.
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.
