8 Ellie Goulding songs that still hit like the first time

A subtle shift has occurred in Ellie Goulding's public persona—quiet at first, but now unmistakably evident. She was once a quiet chart mainstay—her songs dominated radio, even if vocal fanfare wasn't always loud. Now, she's become a cherished figure in pop culture.

For more than ten years, Ellie Goulding has left her mark on the ever-shifting world of pop and electronic tunes. She came into the scene in the late 2000s with a light voice and a mix of indie feel and smooth sound. This made her stand out as a top new artist. Lights, released in 2010, marked a turning point not just for Goulding, but for the direction of mainstream pop itself, not just for her path.

Songs like Starry Eyed and the main album song had a sound that seemed close but big, mixing true feeling with beats to dance to. Ellie Goulding didn't just follow the path; she blended folk, electro-pop, and EDM into a sound that transcended genres and allowed her room to evolve.

As time went on, Ellie Goulding showed she could last. This wasn't just in her top songs, but also by working with some of the big names in making music. Through it all, she kept a sound that was hers.

As her song list grew, so did her sound's range. With her second big work, Halcyon (2012), Ellie Goulding moved into deeper, more feel-rich music and dug into sad and strong topics in songs like Anything Could Happen and Figure 8. This change was from the light feel of Lights to a more feel-deep and sound-rich style.

This growth went on with Delirium (2015), where she took on big pop sounds but kept the light feel of her past work. Hits like Love Me Like You Do and On My Mind showed that she could make big-stage hits and keep her own style.

Ellie Goulding's trajectory wasn't just about commercial growth, it reflected a deliberate effort to stretch her creative boundaries, using each release to test new sounds while keeping her core aesthetic intact.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. The reader's discretion is advised!

Here are the top 8 Ellie Goulding songs of all time

Picking the top eight Ellie Goulding songs isn't easy, with her wide and varied music. Over time, she has put out many hits that show her unique voice, deep lyrics, and mix of music styles. What makes Ellie Goulding's best songs shine isn't just big sales; it's how she uses sound to share feelings, from the soft, deep thoughts of a slow song to the big beat of a dance tune.

These songs mark big moments in her growth as an artist, from the light sound of her early work to the smooth, hit sound of her latest songs. Some songs made her known worldwide, while others showed a more personal, soft side that hit home with many fans.

They both map out the path of an artist who always moves her sound ahead while keeping it close to the deep, emotional vibe that made her stand out at first. Here are the eight songs that show the best of Ellie Goulding's special spot in today's pop music.

1) Love Me Like You Do

Getting picked for the Fifty Shades of Grey music isn't just a chance; it's a test to show deep want, tight spots, and big highs and lows in just some short song bits. Ellie Goulding's music meets this big ask with a movie-like force that seems both soft and strong. Instead of just plain love songs, her lyrics evoke vivid imagery—desire, vulnerability, and surrender—mirroring the film's intense themes, all showing the mess of deep love and giving up.

The sound, made with deep, loud drums, creates a feel of big scare, while Ellie Goulding's voice finds a line between soft hurt and bold will. Ellie Goulding's song doesn't just share a tale, it shows, shakes, and flies with the heavy pull of love deep inside. Commercially, it marked one of the biggest moments in her career, but artistically, it also stands as a defining showcase of her ability to channel raw emotion into a soaring pop anthem.

2) Burn

With Burn, Ellie Goulding makes her mark as a big name in pop and electronic music, not by working with well-known stars, but by letting her voice and vibe take center stage. The song fills the air with lively energy, pushed by bright synths and a beat that's perfect for a happy, hands-up moment.

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It's Ellie Goulding's singing that makes Burn fly high; her voice is soft but steady, rising over the music with a gentle force that grows into a winning sound. An interesting fact is that the song was first made by Greg Kurstin and was thought of for Leona Lewis, but was put aside.

Her voice has a sure sound, one that tells you this isn't just a dance song to make you feel good, it's her way of showing who she is in her art. When the chorus comes in, it's clear Ellie Goulding isn't just going along with the beat, she's firing it up, taking the lead with a joy and control that makes the song a big party of strength, freedom, and being who you are.

3) On My Mind

Ellie Goulding's On My Mind shines as a catchy pop anthem that mixes hooks with emotional depth. The song grabs you from the start with its lively vibe, you can't help but notice, making it a go-to for folks who love to get lost in tunes that are both fun and hit close to home. Producer Max Martin worked his magic to strike a sweet spot between slick production and raw, spontaneous appeal.

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The beat packs a punch that pulls people to dance, while the melody sticks in your head, playing on repeat even after the song ends. Ellie Goulding's voice draws you in; she moves through the track with range, switching from tight rhythmic parts to airy flowing runs that add depth and feeling. What makes On My Mind stand out is its story about the pull of a wild romance.

The idea of wanting someone when you know it's not smart speaks to how love often doesn't make sense. This song has an influence on listeners, causing a revolution in how pop music can be both catchy and meaningful. To analyze its impact, we need to consider how it blends commercial appeal with artistic integrity.

The track offers a chance to reflect on our own experiences with complicated relationships, allowing us to connect with the music on a personal level.

4) Lights

Ellie Goulding's Lights creates a moment in music that's hard to forget. Her voice grabs attention right away. It mixes gentleness with strength in a way that feels personal yet bold. There's something almost magical about how she sings, like a soft but determined whisper that can calm you while making you listen. The song is a great example of electro-pop done right.

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Its bright synth beats pull you in from the start and keep you hooked. Beyond how it sounds, the song tells a deeper story. It takes the childhood fear of darkness and turns it into a symbol of a woman stepping into the unknown with strength and independence. This shift from fear to confidence hits home in a way many can relate to.

The mix of emotional lyrics and sparkling music creates a powerful message about growth and finding courage. Lights goes beyond just being a fun pop tune. It feels like a reminder to seek inner strength and face challenges, making it both catchy and inspiring.

5) Anything Could Happen

Ellie Goulding's Anything Could Happen, from her second album Halcyon, sends out a strong vibe of hope and endless chances. The song shows how hope can change things; it makes us see the unknown as bright and makes us trust in ourselves. Its lively feel is like a burst of sun, filling the air with warm gold and light.

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The fun changes in her voice during the chorus add an exciting touch, keeping our ears interested. At about three minutes in, when Ellie Goulding keeps saying, "I know it's gonna be," it builds up to an exciting high point. This big rise not only lifts the song up but also marks a top moment that captures the heart of hope and joy.

6) Explosions

Ellie Goulding's song Explosions shows a deep, soft side of her, pulling everything down to the raw feels. With just her strong voice, sad strings, light piano, and big drums, the song makes a deep, moving air that hits hard inside. This is when, at a show, everyone in the crowd takes a deep breath as one, lighting up the room with their phones, all feeling the same deep thing.

It's a true talk about being not perfect and saying it's okay, a sad nod to the hard parts of love and being close, where we see each other's faults but fight with how much to love. The song hits with a truth that pulls at the heart, showing a time of weak, mixed feelings we all get.

7) Something in the Way You Move

Something in the Way You Move shows Ellie Goulding in her bright pop mode. Ellie Goulding brings a light, catchy tune that pulls in fun energy from start to end. Instead of trying new sounds, this song stays true to a smooth, high-energy feel, much like the clean shine of pop in the late 2010s, the sharp sound of 1989-era Taylor Swift, plus a bit of Kylie Minogue's lively spirit.

But what makes it stand out is its simple rhythm; there's an easy, sure sway to the beat that makes the song so catchy. Ellie Goulding's voice dances over the tune with a fun lightness, making it all seem like a sweet burst in song form.

8) Miracle (with Calvin Harris)

Miracle, one of the famous songs by Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris, does not just bring back their charm; it lifts it to a new place that will last. Their past big songs grabbed the feel of their times, but this track goes past all the trends. The Church Version seems almost holy, its high joy beats and light, dreamy singing hit a deep heart note that has made fans cry and keep playing it over and over like it's a need.

It's a big win in their style, but more than this, it's growth. With Miracle now at the top of the UK Singles Chart, Ellie Goulding and Harris show that their joint fire for making music isn't going out, it's growing strong.

What began as a trilogy of hits now feels like the beginning of a legacy, with Miracle standing tall as one of the defining pop anthems of 2023 and arguably one of Ellie Goulding's career bests. This one isn't just a chart-topper, it’s a lifelong replay.

Ellie Goulding's songs show a strong mix of deep feelings, new sounds, and a pop touch. Over time, she has moved with ease between soft indie-pop, strong electronic tunes, and deep, slow songs, all the while keeping a clear voice that marks her out. Her music often sits on the edge of being open and strong, showing both her own growth and a keen ear for new trends.

With many albums and hit songs, Ellie Goulding has shown she can change without giving up her real self, making her one of the most long-lasting and quietly strong names in today's pop.