Top 20 Greatest Celine Dion Songs
#20: “Ashes”
Deadpool 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2018)
She is a bilingual legend that’s released hit albums and performed on movie soundtracks. In a stellar career that’s reached several peaks, Céline Dion still finds a way to surprise audiences. “Deadpool 2” needed an incredible performer to embody the soaring ballad “Ashes” and the filmmakers found one. The singer delivers with a performance that showcases all of her musical abilities. This might be for a superhero comedy, but the song is completely sincere and heartfelt and beautifully fits Dion’s staggering voice. She can belt out like no other, and if fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds doesn’t like it - too bad.
#19: “Unison”
Unison (1990)
For this cover of a song originally recorded by Junior, Céline Dion makes a dance track all her own. You’ll want to jump up and down within seconds of pressing play. “Unison” comes from her first English-language record, which ushered in a new era for her in the early 1990s. Dion gives an electric performance throughout this lively pop number, which gives you a chance to celebrate that feeling of being together with the one you love. With her incredible high notes, the performer is announcing to a new audience that she is a force to be reckoned with. Though not a major hit, this song never fails to lift our spirits.
#18: “To Love You More”
The Colour of My Love (1993)
In this track, Céline Dion pleads with someone to come back and love her like old times. It’s an emotional journey like few other singers could sing. With an artist at the top of her game, “To Love You More” features everything you want from a classic ballad. It’s heartfelt, sincere, and full of lyrical depth. There’s also more than a few chances for the vocalist to wow listeners. You might even find yourself tearing up at several points, with this overwhelming and magical track taking you to another place. Dion reminds you that each relationship might not last, but the memories of love never fade away. Her performance here is a triumph that is enhanced by the beautiful songwriting.
#17: “How Does a Moment Last Forever”
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
In the 2017 live-action version of the “Beauty and the Beast,” this song is sung by Kevin Kline’s character Maurice. Céline Dion then sang her own version of “How Does a Moment Last Forever” for the soundtrack. No offense to Kline, but most of us prefer the Canadian icon’s gorgeous take on this Alan Menken track. The poetic lyrics by Tim Rice sound even better with Dion’s signature voice. She sings about wanting to hold onto the past, despite it being impossible. The vocalist then makes the listener believe in miracles with her delicate and finely-tuned performance.
#16: “Have You Ever Been in Love”
One Heart (2003)
Every part of this track, from the singing to the arrangement, is infused with hopefulness. We can all relate to the feeling of being in love, but Céline Dion takes the universal theme and breathes life into it once again. She conveys all the sweetness, passion, and power of a great relationship through her sharp vocals. The magnetic performance doesn’t skimp on towering notes either, setting up Dion for some moments of pure skill. Few vocalists can hang on notes quite like her. “Have You Ever Been in Love” finds her asking those kind of simple questions that mean so much, connecting with audiences on a sonic and emotional level.
#15: “Misled”
The Colour of My Love (1993)
While she might be known for her adoring love songs, Céline Dion can also deliver a feisty tune to her ex. The latter seems to be mistaken about the entire affair as the singer tells him off. Dion musters up a fiery vocal, giving lots of attitude in this fun clapback. “Misled” offers up a new jack swing-vibe with its bouncy rhythms. It’s yet another case of the performer pushing the envelope and keeping her listeners guessing. She expands her palette once again with an entertaining track, giving her all to a fully-loaded production from “The Colour of My Love.”
#14: “The Prayer” (with Andrea Bocelli)
These Are Special Times (1998)
Some people may forget that this song was originally attached to an animated film. As part of the soundtrack for “Quest for Camelot,” this moving piece was sung by Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli separately before they teamed up. Their partnership took the song to new heights, delivering something of an iconic duet. Music legends David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager were among the writers of the track, which features a delicate melody and a stirring arrangement. Using this as a firm foundation, Dion glides effortlessly through a showstopping performance. Bocelli is no slouch either as his operatic voice coats you in a warm and cozy feeling. Both singers are on their A-game in a once-in-a-lifetime team-up.
#13: “Tell Him” (with Barbra Streisand)
Let’s Talk About Love (1997)
The only thing better than listening to one diva is listening to a collaboration between two. Crossing generational lines, two legends join forces for a memorable duet. It’s amazing that the strength of one voice doesn’t overpower the other. Céline Dion kicks things off with a stirring introduction, setting the stage for a dynamic ballad. Then Barbra Streisand enters, complementing her song partner with an equal amount of elegance and musical charm. Even with a Grammy nomination and an appearance on the Adult Contemporary Billboard charts, “Tell Him” still feels underrated among Dion’s catalog. It’s undeniably a historic partnership that’s being made one beautiful note at a time.
#12: “Taking Chances”
Taking Chances (2007)
In the 2000s, Céline Dion continued to explore new sounds in and around the pop universe. This soft rock tune finds her taking chances in more ways than one. It allows the singer to embrace a somewhat edgier side, with a more rocking production and fantastic songwriting behind her. It’s also incredibly catchy and features an absolutely electric chorus. The vocalist really lets loose in the second verse, with the song kicking it up a notch. This might just be the best single to convert casual fans back to the artist. “Taking Chances” also features a touching message about hope that everyone can love.
#11: “Think Twice”
The Colour of My Love (1993)
With the moody opening notes, Céline Dion instantly commands the audience with her work on “Think Twice.” The single from “The Colour of My Love” album allows the singer to do what she does best. She lets each and every pause build drama and emotion in the listener, holding back so that when she unleashes her voice later it has greater impact. Dion can sing one word like “serious” with utter conviction. Her hypnotic performance sets up a tense production, with a guitar solo adding to the overall atmosphere. She also throws in a few amazing high notes to remind you of her undeniable power. Despite the title, you definitely don’t need to reconsider anything after hearing this one.
#10: “Where Does My Heart Beat Now”
Unison (1990)
For her first English-language album, Céline wisely selected an emotional power ballad as the lead single. And thanks to her astonishing vocals, well, America quickly took note of the emerging Canadian star. Production-wise, the music design falls in line with the times, but the huge chorus differentiates Céline from more established pop singers of the era. The existential lyrics helped Céline to connect with a mainstream audience and “Where Does My Heart Beat Now” ultimately cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. With this track, Céline became THE breakthrough artist that French-Canadians had been waiting for.
#9: “A New Day Has Come”
A New Day Has Come (2002)
Ethereal and evocative, this track was inspired by the experience of childbirth. And after a few years away, “A New Day Has Come” represented somewhat of a comeback for Céline, with the gentle ballad accentuating the superb vocal control of the new mommy. For the typical pop performer, this song could easily become a filler track for an album, but Céline’s range and connection to the subject matter elevates the song and endears Céline to older demographics, with “A New Day has Come” topping the US Adult Contemporary charts. It’s a mature Céline Dion song, one that showcases her evolution as a woman.
#8: “All by Myself”
Falling into You (1996)
With all due respect to the original recording by Eric Carmen, the Céline version strikes an emotional chord on a completely different level. For one, she holds it down for the ladies, offering a female point of view while slaying the chorus with some serious angst. It’s just one of those guilty pleasure songs that touches on a common feeling, and it’s the ideal track for live performances too, especially for a vocalist like Céline. And like many of her Billboard hits, this one builds and builds to a crazy climax, with that final key change striking the listener right in the feels.
#7: “I’m Alive”
A New Day Has Come (2002)
For her follow-up single to “A New Day Has Come,” Céline continues on with a joyous celebration of life. “I’m Alive” is an upbeat, midtempo number that provides space for Céline to share her passion for life, love and motherhood. And with these themes in the mix, the song seemed a fitting companion to “Stuart Little 2.” Inspiring and joyous, the song went platinum in Belgium and gold in France, and with its central message, “I’m Alive” will have a place in pop culture for a long time.
#6: “That’s the Way It Is”
All the Way… A Decade of Song (1999)
To celebrate her “decade of song,” Céline serves up the truth for her loyal fan base. Across the board, it’s a lively and youthful track, featuring the Canadian’s distinct pronunciation of “love.” All joking inside, the positive vibe works beautifully when paired with the mid-tempo production and Céline’s vocals reinforcing the lyrical content. For this Top 10 Billboard hit, she worked with a team of Swedish producers that collaborated with the likes of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, and the collective vibe certainly feels fresh and timely. So, while many pop stars play it safe with new music on “Greatest Hits” albums, Céline adopted the sound of the time.
#5: “I Drove All Night”
One Heart (2003)
Originally recorded by Roy Orbison, this Céline hit was initially used by Chrysler to sell cars. As a stand-alone song, though, “I Drove All Night” works on a variety of levels. Of course, there’s the unmistakable Euro-sound that gives the track international appeal. Lyrically, Céline soars with her polished vocals, creating somewhat of a hypnotic sound when combined with the house music beat. And so, “I Drove All Night” unsurprisingly became a
#1 hit in both Céline’s native Canada and across the pond in Sweden.
#4: “Because You Loved Me”
Falling into You (1996)
Written by the prolific Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, this track has all the ingredients for mainstream success. As a traditional single, “Because You Loved Me” succeeds with Céline fully exploring her range throughout, lending weight to the lyrical themes. But like many Céline hits, the climactic build-up allows her to show off both her power and the vocal subtleties that make her such a master. And as the theme song for the 1996 film “Up Close & Personal,” this Céline smash not only reached
#1 on the Billboard charts, but also led to some Grammy Awards and even an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
#3: “The Power of Love”
The Colour of My Love (1993)
Ok, so this Céline cover doesn’t waste any time with the drama. And that’s a good thing, as “The Power of Love” emphasizes the mood early on, complete with some soaring vocals from the Canadian star. Of course, the declarative statement within the chorus speaks volumes, and the theatrical quality becomes prominent as Céline ups the ante as the song progresses. It’s a legit power ballad of the early 90s, an extraordinary cover of the original 1985 single by Jennifer Rush. And for the career of Céline, well, this gave her the first of many
#1 US hits, crossing her over into the American mainstream.
#2: “It’s All Coming Back to Me”
Falling into You (1996)
Written by noted music producer Jim Steinman, this song was covered like a boss by Miss Céline. And there’s a poignant romantic quality to the story of lost love, of course, but the depth and drama of Céline’s voice affords it that timeless feel. And though it’s a song in which Céline could maybe push too far, she impressively goes all in by locking into the concept with each lyric. In other words, she doesn’t just “sing,” but rather exemplifies the art of singing. And with such a command of her craft, well, the more challenging vocals sound that much better. This song is a perfect example in which an epic lyrical narrative called for an epic female voice.
#1: “My Heart Will Go On”
Let’s Talk About Love (1997)
Over the course of her sensational career, Céline has recorded a number of sweet and inspirational love songs. And she’s recorded some monster ballads, too. But here’s a track that beats them all, largely based on the story of Jack and Rose. The late James Horner composed the music of “My Heart Will Go On” specifically for the film “Titanic,” and once Céline recorded her demo, well, the rest is history. Musically, the soft composition enhances the tenderness of Céline’s vocals, which are both controlled and sprawling at the same time. And with the song being directly tied to the film, the inherent romance conjures up specific imagery and emotions, making it a classic love song of cinema.
Did we forget one of your favorite gems from Dion’s catalog? Let us know in the comments below.