Top 10 Best Sia Songs

#10: “Taken For Granted” Healing Is Difficult (2001)

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To kick off our list, we go all the way back to 2001 for Sia’s debut single. The song begins with a sample from Russian classical composer Sergei Prokofiev’s “Montagues and Capulets” before we hear Sia’s vocals. The lyrics cleverly describe a relationship suffering from one person constantly having to wait for the other. This isn’t just a few minutes of waiting, however, but rather one person completely blowing off the other for hours on end. Sia’s vocals are much more subdued on this track, and perfectly match the narrative of the song, as she becomes more and more fed up and decides that she is done waiting.

Sticking to a similar theme as “Taken For Granted”, Sia again calls out a relationship that is on its last legs because of neglect. A little more upbeat than the previous entry on our list, this song captures the highs and lows of Sia’s unique character and her desire for independence. It resonates with the listener as most of us have experienced a relationship that we knew we needed to get out of but found it difficult to leave. At some point, we need to just walk away, a message Sia develops perfectly in this song.

#8: “You’ve Changed” We Are Born (2010)

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While the majority of Sia’s songs revolve around relationships in some way, not all of them are about heartbreak or breakups. “You’ve Changed” actually looks at a different side and focuses on a bad boy gone good thanks to Sia’s influence. The lyrics depict Sia’s involvement with a playboy who essentially used girls before discarding them, only to have been changed for the better by Sia. Taking a disco influence, the single, which was released for free, became Sia’s highest charting single at the time.

#7: “Alive” This Is Acting (2016)

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The lead single from Sia’s seventh studio album, this song was actually originally written for Adele. When she declined, however, Sia decided to record it herself, and absolutely nailed it. The song describes the story of someone overcoming a difficult childhood, and promotes themes of hope and resilience. The slow build combines perfectly with Sia’s powerful vocals, which become more and more raw as the song progresses, leading to a few of her now iconic voice cracks. This is Sia at her very best – raw, emotional, and powerful.

#6: “The Greatest” The Greatest (2016)

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The most recent single release from Sia to make our list, both the song and the music video serve as a tribute to the tragedy in Orlando in June of 2016. The song contains stark emotional peaks and valleys combined with a danceable beat. It can be heard as both an inspirational rallying cry but at the same time a mournful ode to the potential that will never be realized because of the tragedy. Add in a strong verse from Kendrick Lamar on the song’s remix and you have the perfect combination of catchy pop song and powerful ballad.

Speaking about combining pop music and emotional ballads, perhaps no song does this better than “Titanium”. While it is considered a David Guetta track, it is Sia who steals the show with her powerful lyrics and vocals. The song revolves around inner strength and overcoming those who may seek to put you down, which hit a chord with listeners, as the song hit the top 10 on the US Hot 100. This song just shows that when you add Sia to the mix, good things happen.

#4: “Cheap Thrills” This Is Acting (2016)

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With all of the hits Sia has released, it’s hard to believe that it took until 2016 for her to have a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100. “Cheap Thrills” accomplished that feat, however. The second single off her 2016 album This is Acting, it was remixed with Sean Paul and exploded worldwide. The song has been called a bouncy party anthem and revolves around preparing for a weekend of partying. The narrative stresses the importance of the music and relationships over money and wealth. While the song was originally intended for Rihanna, we are sure glad Sia kept it!

#3: “Breathe Me” Colour the Small One (2004)

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One of the reasons that Sia is so popular is because of her ability to produce an upbeat pop song, as demonstrated by our previous entry, but also a powerful, orchestral ballad, as evidenced in this song. Released as the lead single from her third studio album, it was this song that helped her gain attention in the United States. Although the narrative is short, the lyrics are extremely powerful and haunting, and touch on topics such as self-harm, depression, and isolation. The song was also famously used in the series finale of HBO’s “Six Feet Under” in 2005.

Originally released as part of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” soundtrack, Sia re-recorded a solo version to be part of her sixth studio album. While the track may come across as nothing more than a simple pop song, the lyrics contain a powerful message, as Sia describes the overwhelming strength she needed to get through a difficult relationship and breakup. The accompanying music video, starring Shia LaBeouf and Maddie Ziegler, beautifully captures the message of the lyrics and the inner struggle Sia faces. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions: “Dressed in Black” 1000 Forms of Fear (2014) “Big Girls Cry” 1000 Forms of Fear (2014) “Clap Your Hands” We Are Born (2010)

After releasing her fifth studio album in 2010, Sia took a hiatus from performing songs and instead focused on writing for other artists. It was this song, the lead single from her sixth studio album, that announced her return. Similar to several of her other hits, this song perfectly combines an up-tempo beat with powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. The track blends celebration with self-destruction, a recurring theme throughout Sia’s work. “Chandelier” was named the best song of 2014 by Billboard, received several Grammy nominations, and remains one of the best songs of the 21st century. Do you agree with our list? What is your favourite Sia song? For more exciting Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.