Top 10 The Chainsmokers Songs
#10: “Something Just Like This” feat. Coldplay
Memories…Do Not Open (2017)
While this Chainsmokers track does sound a bit like their 2015 hit “Roses”, the central message most definitely has value. Featuring the vocals of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, “Something Just Like This” stretches the imagination with references to Greek mythology and modern superheroes. But The Chainsmokers then take us back to reality, reminding that one doesn’t need to be perfect or God-like to find a suitable partner. It’s neither a thrasher nor a soft love ballad – just an accessible pop song based on living in the moment and recognizing what’s right in front of you.
#9:“Until You Were Gone” feat. Tritonal and Emily Warren
Bouquet (2015)
Here’s a Chainsmokers song that will make you dance AND feel. Thanks to Emily Warren’s passionate vocals, “Until You Were Gone” feels less like a packaged EDM track and more of soulful take on a lost love. With each verse, Warren shows off her range while emphasizing feelings of uncertainty and regret. On the production side, Tritonal injects some extra attitude, and the final result is something genuinely affecting and fresh. Released as the fourth single from “Bouquet,” “Until You Were Gone” looks backwards, making it a companion piece to the more present “Something Just Like This.”
#8: “Kanye” feat. sirenXX
“Kanye” single (2014)
Dreamy and timely, this Chainsmokers gem celebrates that classic Kanye West bravado. Lyrically, it’s a cleverly written track with an anthemic chorus - perfect for the millennial demographic. But when you step away from the lyrical content and take in the sound, it’s the soft and gentle vocals of sirenXX that give “Kanye” a timeless feel. It’s beautifully melodic, and the lyrics are deceptively insightful, too, focusing on a life concept rather than a commentary on Yeezy himself. And so, it’s a track that will likely be remembered for years to come, both for its pop culture value and catchy hook.
#7: “New York City”
Bouquet (2015)
While Big Apple citizens can relate to this song, it’s also for anybody that struggles with loneliness. Performed and co-written by Brittany Amaradio, “New York City” hits that sweet spot with its hypnotic production and vocals. And so, the transcendental qualities enhance the vulnerable lyrics, in which the narrator is stuck between a rock and a hard place – in this case, New York City. It’s one of those late-night drive songs, a meditation on insecurities and romantic stress. For The Chainsmokers, “New York City” connected them with their native Northeast along with a world of fans.
#6: “Inside Out” feat. Charlee
Collage (2016)
Now here’s a moody Chainsmokers track - a song that’s seriously up close and personal. But given the chilled-out sound design along with Charlee’s vocals, some of the more aggressive lyrics feel poetic and pure, tapping into the feeling of all-consuming love. There’s some erotic qualities to “Inside You,” but it’s also a song with legit commercial appeal, evidenced by its success on the 2016 dance charts. Like our previous entry,“Inside You” succeeds with tight production and enchanting vocals, as this “Future Bass” single further established The Chainsmokers in pop culture.
#5: “Paris”
Memories…Do Not Open (2017)
For this Chainsmokers love song, the boys zero in on social media posturing. With Andrew Taggart providing the main vocals, supported by Emily Warren, “Paris” is both sentimental and snarky; an EDM ballad for ride-or-die couples. “Paris” balances between reality and fantasy, as the City of Lights symbolically represents a place of status. There’s a touch of underlying sorrow to the track, contrasted by the idea that everyone can find his or her own Paris. It’s yet another timely Chainsmokers single, based on concepts of social media validation and romantic co-dependency.
#4: “All We Know” feat. Phoebe Ryan
Collage (2016)
With a central theme of “fading love,” this song ultimately celebrates enduring love. “All We Know” stays relatively balanced across the board with Andrew Taggart and Phoebe Ryan complementing each other via hushed vocals. There’s a rebellious spirit to their words, but like so many Chainsmokers hits, there’s a relaxed vibe, too, insinuating that both subjects will be quite all right as long as they’ve got each other. But in contrast to some of the group’s more meditative tracks, there’s an independent spirit to this one, as the lovers smoke up and hit the road, unsure of the immediate future, but still happy all the same.
#3: “Roses” feat. Rozes
Bouquet (2015)
Featuring the vocals of Elizabeth Mencel, this track isn’t the most complex Chainsmokers track, but that’s what makes it effective. From the mid-tempo beat to the declarative chorus, “Roses” keeps it loose and liberal, with references to dreams, romance and even cinema. Written by Andrew Taggart and Elizabeth – aka Rozes with a Z – this is a Chainsmokers single that connects on a practical level, driven by the mesmerizing tone of the featured guest. When paired with the “Future Bass” production, it makes for a relaxing musical experience, which ultimately led to global success.
#2: “Don’t Let Me Down” feat. Daya
Collage (2016)
With its train-of-thought lyrics and trap-pop vibe, this Chainsmokers song immediately stands out. But it’s the distinct voice of Daya that provides some grit and soul. Of course, there’s the drop, too, which makes “Don’t Let Me Down” both a legit club banger and a commercially viable single. All in all, it feels current and progressive, with its teenaged vocalist sounding old enough to connect with various demographics. The Record Academy ultimately approved, as “Don’t Let Me Down” won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Good Intentions” feat. BullySongs
Bouquet (2015)
“Setting Fires” feat. XYLØ
Collage (2016)
“Let You Go” feat. Great Good Fine Ok
“Let You Go” single (2015)
#1: “Closer” feat. Halsey
Collage (2016)
As The Chainsmokers first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, this duet made them household names all over the world. With Andrew Taggart and Halsey trading conversational verses, “Closer” doesn’t quite take itself too seriously, which is a good thing. Furthermore, even the more suggestive lyrics are relatively innocent, with The Chainsmokers’ production keeping the tone light and upbeat. Most of all, it’s the contagious chorus that makes “Closer” such a dynamic pop song, as there’s a little something for everybody to enjoy. And so, not only is it just a fun pop song, but it’s become a defining single for The Chainsmokers live act, too.
So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite song by The Chainsmokers? For more musical Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.