Top 10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written by Sia

Top 10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written by Sia

You may know her raspy voice, but do you recognize her poetic songwriting? Welcome to MsMojo and today we’ll be counting down the Top 10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written by Sia.

For this list we’ve picked the ten best songs that Sia wrote but are performed by other artists, so no songs from her album “This Is Acting” count even though she intended them for other performers as well. Also, this list isn’t restricted to songs that Sia has sole writing credit, which means they could have been co-written with other artists or producers.

#10: “We Are One (Ole Ola)” (2014)
Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte

Sia might be known for her ballads but this song is pure fun. As the official anthem of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, it’s a call for unity. That might reflect the song's creation as well, as Sia is one of nine credited songwriters for the piece. The track is full of life and celebrates our shared humanity, despite coming from different places and backgrounds. Pitbull’s verses pair well with singing done by Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, which helped the song peak at number one in three countries.

#9: “Try Everything” (2016)
Shakira

Can we agree that Sia should write songs for every movie soundtrack? Written for Disney's Zootopia, “Try Everything” is an uplifting song with the message to never give up. The lyrics perfectly match the theme of the movie as the main character gets knocked down and get back up again numerous times. Shakira embodies that spirit of determination and her voice gives listeners hope while still matching the song’s upbeat, fun rhythm. The song was a hit with global audiences and charted all over the world, even reaching number one on the US Kid Digital Song chart.

#8: “Invincible” (2015)
Kelly Clarkson

The creation of this song came after Sia learned Kelly was performing a cover of her song “Breathe Me” while out on tour. A fan of the American Idol artist, Sia reached out to her about writing a song for her and this synthpop anthem was born. The song is the ideal combination of Kelly’s powerhouse vocals with Sia’s inspiring lyrics about self-empowerment and confidence to face anything thrown her way. Kelly owns it and as her voice swells with the instrumentation, anyone listening will feel motivated. In addition to writing on the track, Sia also performed some of the backing vocals.

#7: “You Lost Me” (2010)
Christina Aguilera

Proclaimed the heart of her 2010 album Bionic, this Sia penned-ballad tells the story of a woman who’s cheating ex hurt her and left her world “infected.” Aside from being #1 on the Hot Dance Club chart, the track wasn't exactly a raging smash but it's definitely still well worth a listen for Christina’s ever confident vocals. Starting off gently, her voice becomes more powerful as the song progresses and shows off the singer’s range and the depth of emotion. Sia co-wrote two other tracks for the album but this one is the standout by far.

#6: “Loved Me Back to Life” (2013)
Celine Dion

A big departure for Celine, the power ballad demonstrates that she’s still a musical force to be reckoned with. The title track for 2013's Loved Me Back to Life, it was long-awaited due to the six year gap between it and Celine's last English release. Critics favorably compared the song to Sia’s own songs, and praised the track’s hook for her stuttering vocals. It builds and builds as it progresses, showing off Celine’s powerhouse vocals that are full and emotive.

#5: “Perfume” (2013)
Britney Spears

This song is a definitely an underrated gem for both Britney and Sia. Featured on Britney’s Britney Jean album, this tune is most definitely the stand out track from the release. Critically praised for how personal and raw it felt, Britney sings about wanting her boyfriend’s next girlfriend to be able to smell her perfume on him. The lyrics express a sadness that Spears hadn’t explored in quite a while, while her vocals sound the strongest they’ve ever been. Britney was a major fan of the number, and revealed that is was inspired by her own breakup with ex Jason Trawick.

#4: “Flashlight” (2015)
Jessie J

Written for “Pitch Perfect 2,” this ballad wasn’t the song Sia intended for the film. Initially, she wrote “Bird Set Free” for Hailee Steinfeld’s character to sing, but it's hard to imagine a song fitting the film more perfectly than this one. The Jessie J version appeared on the soundtrack, and was charted as a single as well. It shows a softer side to Jessie J who’s known more for her faster, energetic songs. This one is more emotionally raw, and vulnerable, as she expresses her appreciation for her lover guiding her through darkness.

#3: “Pretty Hurts” (2013)
Beyoncé

Sia actually intended the song for Katy Perry, who somehow overlooked it due to an email snafu, so Sia offered it to Rihanna. When Rihanna didn’t work out, Queen Bey jumped on the opportunity to record it. Sia famously wrote twenty-five other songs for Beyonce’s consideration but only this one made her album. We’re glad it went to her, since her rich vocals pull off the powerful feminist message it sends to women about the double standards of beauty. The song also contains some of Sia's finest lyrics, with lines like “it’s the soul that needs a surgery” to get stuck in your ears for days.

#2: Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself) performed by Ne-Yo
“R.E.D.” (2012)

Ne-Yo isn’t known for his dancefloor tracks but this entry was a pleasant surprise and departure from his usual R&B crooner style. High energy and up-tempo, Sia helped co-write the song alongside the Norwegian producers StarGate, who she would collaborate again with later that year. The lyrics urge Ne-Yo’s unnamed lover to love herself first before they can have a healthy relationship; it’s a pretty deep message for a dance floor tune but somehow, it gels with the intense beat and synthesizers to make you get down with the groove.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Cannonball” (2014)
Lea Michele

“Radioactive” (2013)
Rita Ora

“Double Rainbow” (2013)
Katy Perry

#1: “Diamonds” (2012)
Rihanna

Okay, so you probably knew Sia was behind this one, but like a good diamond, this song is flawless and deserves the top spot. Written in just fourteen minutes, the ballad was a departure from Rihanna’s earlier songs about unhealthy relationships. Instead, this one celebrates love that makes you feel good, secure, and valued. Lyrically, it fits with Sia’s other anthems of empowerment that she’s known to explore in her own work. It was a certified hit for both artists and became Rihanna’s twelfth number one, and Sia’s second song to sell over a million copies.

Do you agree with our list? Which Sia penned song do you love? For more poptastic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.