English singer-songwriting Ellie Goulding has sold three million albums and over ten million singles worldwide since the start of her career in 2009. Goulding burst onto the American radio waves with her single “Lights” in 2011 and climbed the Billboard charts for almost a year and a half before landing on #2 in the Hot 100. With an eclectic blend of electronic and folk influences, her music ranges genres from pop to experimental. Her 2012 album Halycon Days calls to mind the soaring vocals of Florence & The Machine, while still displaying Ellie’s trademark vibrato mixed with synth-infused backing music. Though Goulding’s musical identity is hard to pin down, her albums and singles are an incredible vocal and lyrical force. Ellie Goulding is nominated for two Brit Awards and is slated to perform at the show on February 19th.
In honor of Ellie’s nominations, here are her top 10 songs.
Don’t see your favorite on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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10. Tessellate
“Tessellate” is a cover of an Alt-J song, released as a bonus track on Halycon Days , a rerelease of her 2012 album Halycon . Goulding takes the synth-track to sexy and gorgeous heights in her cover, which was produced by Xaphoon Jones


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9. The Writer
In an interview with the now-defunct Sky Songs, Ellie called the track, “The most personal and emotional song I've written yet. It's about how you'd do anything and change absolutely everything about yourself if necessary, just to be noticed by this one person.” “The Writer” was released as the fourth single from her debut album, and peaked at number 19 on the UK charts.


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8. Lights
“Lights” dominated the radio waves in 2011 and remains her highest-charting US single to date. In the fun and bubbly track, Goulding introduced herself to the worldwide market as a pop star to be reckoned with.
“You show the lights that stop me turn to stone /You shine it when I'm alone /And so I tell myself that I'll be strong/ And dreaming when they're gone”


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7. My Blood
Ellie takes a darker tone on “My Blood”, the second track on Halycon . Chronicling the after-math of a breakup, “My Blood” is haunting and serious while focusing on Ellie’s whispering vocals.
“And God knows, I'm not dying but I breathe now / And God knows, it's the only way to heal now / With all the blood I lost with you / It drowns the love I thought I knew”


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6. Starry-Eyed
”Starry-Eyed” was released as the second single from her first album Lights and has been used in various television shows, commercials, and even as a part of the 2011 Victoria’s Secret fashion show. It’s widespread appeal is mainly due to its folky, yet still pop and dance –based sound.


5. Don’t Say a Word
Released on Halycon , “Don’t Say a Word” amps up the drama with repeating hooks and an echoing sound from Goulding. It’s one of her more experimental tracks that wouldn’t be at home on the top 40 radio stations, but it shows off an artistic side to the singer.


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4. How Long Will I Love You
“How Long Will I Love You” is a cover of a song by 90’s band The Waterboys and was released as part of the soundtrack for the short film Tom & Issy by Roger Michell, which Goulding also starred in. The track is a moving ballad about love that is sure to make an appearance at many weddings in the future. What makes the song so noteworthy is the haunting beauty of Ellie’s voice combined with the sweet lyrics:
“How long will I love you? / As long as stars are above you /And longer, if I can / How long will I need you? / As long as the seasons need to / Follow their plan”


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3. Anything Could Happen
Nestled between a moving ballad and a dance hit, “Anything Could Happen” is a sweet, dreamy track from Goulding. In an interview with MTV News , Goulding said that she hopes the song “inspires people to go out and propose to their girlfriends” and that she believes “it will promote positivity.”


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2. Burn
Chart-topping club hit “Burn” gets the number two spot on our list. The pop track features soaring vocals from Goulding paired with catchy hooks. “Burn” has been a radio favorite and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.


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1. Your Song
Ellie released this cover of Elton John’s classic “Your Song” on the rerelease of her 2011 album Bright Lights . It charted at number 2 on the UK singles chart, her highest charting UK single to date. Goulding makes Elton John’s track her own with her fluttery vocals and a stripped-down instrumental accompaniment.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons