“Lights” is just a damn good electro-pop song. She’s got this awesome feminine energy, and she’s impossible to forget. It’s somehow disarming even though it’s full of bite. Her voice hit me like a rush of pixie dust. This is one of the first memories I have of Ellie Goulding. The vocal chop at the chorus is super fun, and that breakdown around the three-minute mark when she shouts “I know it’s gonna be” over and over again is one of the best builds in music – period. It’s brimming with yellow sunshine and glittering gold. It’s got all the potential energy in the world. This hit from Goulding’s second album Halcyon is one of the most optimistic tracks in recent memory. If you believe in yourself and keep a smile on your face, all is possible. Optimism is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. “I Need Your Love” helped make Harris the first artist in UK history to have eight top 10 hits from the same album.ĥ. The two are great collaborators, and they also make for one adorable couple – at least in the official music video which got a nomination for British Video f the Year. She takes the reigns and makes the song her own. The drums are massive, and Goulding saddles up to them with an overwhelming amount of confidence. Give it to me solid. Goulding is a club queen over this classic Calvin Harris disco beat. This is all of our collective fragility on display as we turn to each other and say, “I know you are flawed, and I accept you, even if I can’t accept your love right now.” Oof, right in the feels.ĥ. This is the part of the show where you light the stadium with your lighters and phone flashes. All the elements are there for an arresting, tear jerker experience.

It’s just her raw power and emotion up against some strings, piano, and dramatic percussion. Here we get a look at the softer side of Ellie. “Outside” is one of the most memorable tracks off Harris’ Motion LP, and it’s so good, it had to make its way onto Goulding’s Delirium as a bonus.

There are definite moments of tenderness, but there’s also determination. Even as she finds herself confused at her lover’s betrayel, Goulding remains firm and ferocious. In great dance tradition, it’s not the kind of song where the heroine is full of tears and remorse. Goulding and Calvin Harris make a great pair, and “Outside” makes for one helluva great break-up anthem. It’s an Ellie Goulding song that hits deep and sticks to your bones.Ĩ. “Powerful” is a good name for this collaboration. Major Lazer gave Ellie a cool new groove to cozy up to, and her high-pitched rasp is a cool counterpart to Tarrus Riley’s deep-rooted roar. “Powerful” has a touch of that swinging soul, a bit of the delta blues in its rumbling wave. Ooh yeah, give it to me with some grime, Ellie.

Best ellie goulding albums