Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, known mononymously as Sia, has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary pop music. The Australian singer-songwriter’s powerful vocals, emotionally raw lyrics, and signature aversion to the spotlight have created a unique artistic identity that resonates with millions worldwide. From her early work as a jazz singer in Adelaide to her status as a global pop phenomenon, Sia’s journey through music has been nothing short of extraordinary, producing anthems that explore themes of resilience, vulnerability, and human strength.
Chandelier
“Chandelier” stands as Sia’s most iconic and commercially successful single, released in 2014 from her sixth studio album “1000 Forms of Fear.” The song’s explosive chorus and visceral lyrics about struggling with alcoholism and party culture resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, propelling it to the top ten in over twenty countries. Sia’s powerhouse vocals soar over a pulsating electropop production, creating an anthemic quality that makes the track instantly recognizable and emotionally compelling.
Elastic Heart
Featured on “1000 Forms of Fear” and released as a single in 2015, “Elastic Heart” showcases Sia’s ability to craft deeply personal narratives within accessible pop frameworks. The song explores themes of resilience and emotional survival, with the metaphor of an elastic heart representing the capacity to endure pain and bounce back from adversity. Co-written with Sia’s frequent collaborator The Weeknd and producer Diplo, the track demonstrates her talent for building tension through verses that explode into cathartic, soaring choruses.
Cheap Thrills
“Cheap Thrills” originally appeared on Sia’s 2016 album “This Is Acting” and became one of her biggest commercial successes, topping charts in over fifteen countries including the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s infectious tropical house production and celebratory lyrics about enjoying life without expensive luxuries struck a chord with audiences seeking feel-good anthems. Sean Paul’s addition to the remix version added a dancehall flavor that further enhanced the track’s club appeal and radio friendliness.
The Greatest
Released in 2016 as the third single from “This Is Acting,” “The Greatest” featuring Kendrick Lamar stands as a powerful tribute to resilience and the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the wake of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. The song’s euphoric production builds from a relatively subdued verse into an explosive, life-affirming chorus that encourages listeners to embrace their strength and live boldly. Sia’s vocals convey both vulnerability and fierce determination, creating an emotional arc that resonates long after the song ends.
Alive
Co-written with Adele and Tobias Jesso Jr., “Alive” serves as the lead single from “This Is Acting” and represents one of Sia’s most emotionally raw vocal performances. The song was originally intended for Adele’s album “25” but ultimately became a Sia recording that showcases her incredible range and emotional depth. The lyrics chronicle survival through hardship, with themes of overcoming adversity and finding strength in vulnerability that resonate deeply with listeners facing their own struggles.
Unstoppable
“Unstoppable,” released in 2016 from “This Is Acting,” has experienced remarkable longevity and continued growth in popularity well beyond its initial release. The empowerment anthem features Sia’s signature powerful vocals over a driving beat and anthemic production that builds to an undeniable climax. The song’s message of inner strength and invincibility has made it a favorite for workout playlists, motivational videos, and anyone seeking an injection of confidence and determination.
Titanium
Originally released in 2011 as a collaboration with French DJ David Guetta for his album “Nothing but the Beat,” “Titanium” became one of the defining dance-pop tracks of the decade. Sia’s soaring vocals over Guetta’s pulsating electronic production created an instant classic that dominated clubs and radio stations worldwide. The song’s lyrics about being bulletproof and resilient like titanium perfectly matched the powerful, anthemic quality of both the production and Sia’s delivery.
Snowman
From her 2017 holiday album “Everyday Is Christmas,” “Snowman” has become an unexpected modern Christmas standard. The song uses the metaphor of a melting snowman to explore themes of temporary love and seasonal romance, bringing emotional complexity to what initially appears to be a simple holiday track. Sia’s tender vocal approach and the song’s melancholic undertones distinguish it from typical cheerful Christmas fare, offering something more sophisticated and emotionally resonant.
Bird Set Free
“Bird Set Free” from “This Is Acting” represents one of Sia’s most vocally demanding and emotionally powerful performances. The song builds from a quiet, introspective opening to an explosive climax that showcases Sia’s incredible range and control. Lyrically, the track explores themes of liberation, self-acceptance, and breaking free from constraints, both external and internal, that prevent personal growth and authentic self-expression.
Dusk Till Dawn
Sia’s 2017 collaboration with Zayn Malik on “Dusk Till Dawn” showcased her ability to adapt her distinctive style to duet formats. The song’s sultry production and romantic lyrics about devotion and commitment offered something different from Sia’s typically empowerment-focused solo work. Her chemistry with Zayn creates a compelling dynamic, with their voices complementing each other beautifully throughout the track’s dreamy, atmospheric production.
Eye of the Needle
From Sia’s 2024 album “Reasonable Woman,” “Eye of the Needle” represents her more recent artistic output and shows her continued evolution as a songwriter. The track features introspective lyrics exploring themes of difficulty, struggle, and the near-impossibility of certain life challenges. Sia’s mature vocal approach and the song’s sophisticated production demonstrate an artist comfortable with complexity and unafraid to create music that demands repeated listens to fully appreciate.
Dance Alone
“Dance Alone” featuring Kylie Minogue, released in 2024 from “Reasonable Woman,” brings together two of pop music’s most distinctive voices. The collaboration creates an infectious dance track that explores themes of independence and self-sufficiency with an upbeat, celebratory energy. Both artists’ vocals shine throughout the production, trading verses and harmonizing in ways that highlight their individual strengths while creating something greater together.
Gimme Love
Another standout from “Reasonable Woman,” “Gimme Love” showcases Sia’s ability to create vulnerable, emotionally direct pop music. The track’s straightforward plea for affection and connection demonstrates that Sia’s songwriting has lost none of its emotional immediacy or relatability. The production balances contemporary pop trends with timeless melodic sensibilities, creating a song that feels both modern and classic.
Soon We’ll Be Found
From her 2008 album “Some People Have Real Problems,” “Soon We’ll Be Found” represents Sia’s earlier work before her massive mainstream breakthrough. The song’s hopeful message and distinctive production showcase the artistic foundation that would later evolve into her signature sound. Sia’s vocals already demonstrate the power and emotional depth that would become her trademark, even within this more subdued, melancholic framework.
Together
“Together” from the 2021 film “Music” (which Sia directed) represents her foray into creating music for visual media. The song’s uplifting message and anthemic production fit perfectly with the film’s themes while standing alone as a powerful track in Sia’s discography. The production incorporates elements of gospel and contemporary pop, creating a sound that feels both inspirational and accessible to mainstream audiences.
Reaper
From “This Is Acting,” “Reaper” addresses dark themes with Sia’s characteristic blend of vulnerability and strength. The song explores the concept of death personified and facing mortality with defiance rather than fear. Sia’s vocals convey both the gravity of the subject matter and an almost playful confrontation with life’s most serious inevitability, creating a unique emotional texture that distinguishes the track from more conventional pop fare.
Rainbow
Featured in the 2017 animated film “My Little Pony: The Movie,” “Rainbow” showcases Sia’s ability to create music for family audiences without sacrificing her artistic integrity. The song’s optimistic message and uplifting melody work perfectly within the film’s context while standing alone as a beautiful piece of songcraft. Sia’s vocal approach brings genuine emotion to what could have been a simple children’s song, elevating the material with her characteristic sincerity and power.
Fire Meet Gasoline
This deeper cut from “1000 Forms of Fear” explores toxic relationships and destructive attraction with brutal honesty and dark imagery. The song’s metaphor of fire meeting gasoline perfectly captures the explosive, dangerous nature of certain romantic connections. Sia’s vocals convey both the allure and the danger of such relationships, creating a compelling tension throughout the track’s runtime.
Saved My Life
“Saved My Life” demonstrates Sia’s ability to create deeply personal music that translates universally. The song’s message of gratitude toward someone or something that provided salvation during dark times resonates with anyone who has experienced redemption or rescue. Sia’s emotional delivery conveys genuine appreciation and relief, making the listener feel the weight of what she’s expressing regardless of their specific circumstances.
Footprints
From “Reasonable Woman,” “Footprints” continues Sia’s exploration of legacy, impact, and what we leave behind in the world. The song’s contemplative lyrics and mature perspective reflect an artist thinking about her place in music history and the lasting effect of her work. Sia’s vocals convey both wisdom and continued passion, proving that artistic fire doesn’t diminish with time or success but evolves into something different and equally compelling.
The production incorporates contemporary elements while maintaining the emotional core that has always defined Sia’s best work. “Footprints” represents an artist comfortable with where she’s been and excited about where she’s going, balancing reflection with forward momentum. The song connects with audiences of all ages, offering something to young listeners discovering Sia and longtime fans who have grown alongside her artistic journey.
Sia’s discography represents a remarkable journey through contemporary pop music, from underground acclaim to global superstardom, all while maintaining artistic integrity and emotional authenticity. Her ability to craft songs that work as both personal expressions and universal anthems sets her apart in an increasingly homogenized pop landscape. Whether exploring themes of addiction, resilience, love, or loss, Sia brings an honesty and vocal power that few contemporary artists can match.
These twenty songs barely scratch the surface of Sia’s artistic output, which includes countless songwriting credits for other artists, collaborative work across genres, and experimental projects that push pop music’s boundaries. Her influence extends beyond her own recordings to shape how contemporary pop sounds and what it can express emotionally. For those looking to explore more incredible music, check out our extensive collection of the best songs across all genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sia’s most popular song?
“Chandelier” remains Sia’s most popular and commercially successful song, released in 2014 from her album “1000 Forms of Fear.” The track topped charts worldwide, earned four Grammy nominations, and its music video featuring Maddie Ziegler has garnered over two billion views on YouTube. The song’s powerful vocals, emotionally raw lyrics about struggling with alcoholism, and explosive chorus created an instant classic that introduced millions of listeners to Sia’s distinctive artistry and established her as a global pop phenomenon.
Why does Sia hide her face?
Sia chooses to hide her face and maintain privacy to separate her personal life from her public persona and cope with the pressures of fame. She has explained in interviews that hiding her face allows her to maintain a sense of normalcy, go grocery shopping without being recognized, and focus attention on her music rather than her appearance or celebrity. This decision came after experiencing fame’s negative effects on her mental health and wanting to avoid the invasive scrutiny that typically accompanies pop stardom while still sharing her artistic work with the world.
What are Sia’s latest songs?
Sia’s latest songs come from her 2024 album “Reasonable Woman,” which includes tracks like “Dance Alone” featuring Kylie Minogue, “Gimme Love,” “Eye of the Needle,” and “Footprints.” The album represents her continued evolution as an artist, exploring mature themes with sophisticated production while maintaining the emotional authenticity that defines her work. These recent releases demonstrate that Sia remains creatively vital and continues producing music that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners discovering her artistry for the first time.
Has Sia won any Grammy Awards?
Despite receiving multiple Grammy nominations throughout her career, including four nominations for “Chandelier” alone, Sia has not yet won a Grammy Award. She has been nominated in categories including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video for her work as both a performer and songwriter. However, her influence on contemporary pop music and her commercial success demonstrate that Grammy wins don’t necessarily reflect an artist’s impact, legacy, or importance within the music industry.
Who is the dancer in Sia’s music videos?
Maddie Ziegler, who gained initial fame on the reality show “Dance Moms,” is the primary dancer featured in many of Sia’s most iconic music videos. Their creative partnership began with the “Chandelier” video in 2014 and continued through videos for “Elastic Heart,” “Big Girls Cry,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “The Greatest,” among others. Ziegler’s emotionally expressive interpretive dance became synonymous with Sia’s visual identity, and their collaboration helped both artists reach new creative heights. The partnership extended beyond music videos to include live performances and Sia’s directorial debut film “Music.”