The Chainsmokers, consisting of producers and musicians Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, have revolutionized electronic pop music since their formation in 2012. Known for their infectious melodies, catchy hooks, and ability to blend electronic production with mainstream pop appeal, the duo has captured the hearts of millions worldwide and dominated chart positions across the globe. Their distinctive sound combines driving electronic beats with emotionally resonant vocal performances and instantly recognizable production signatures. This comprehensive guide explores the 25 best Chainsmokers songs that have defined their career, showcasing their evolution as artists and producers throughout the years. From their breakthrough hits to recent releases, these tracks represent the pinnacle of their artistry and demonstrate why The Chainsmokers remain influential figures in contemporary electronic pop music.
Closer (feat. Halsey)
“Closer” stands as The Chainsmokers’ most iconic and commercially successful track, released in 2016 and becoming a global phenomenon that dominated radio stations and streaming platforms worldwide. This collaboration with vocalist Halsey features a minimalist yet incredibly effective production approach, with subtle synths and a pulsing beat that perfectly complements her ethereal vocals and introspective lyrics. The song’s universal appeal and relatable themes about relationships resonated with audiences across age groups and demographics, cementing The Chainsmokers’ status as major forces in contemporary music.
Dont Let Me Down (feat. Daya)
Released as their debut single that introduced the world to The Chainsmokers’ sound, “Don’t Let Me Down” features rising vocalist Daya and showcases the production prowess that would define their subsequent releases. The track builds gradually, incorporating layers of electronic instrumentation that create tension and release throughout its structure, while Daya’s passionate vocal performance provides emotional weight to the composition. This song established The Chainsmokers as talented producers and paved the way for their future collaborations with prominent vocalists and artists.
Something Just Like This (with Coldplay)
A monumental collaboration between The Chainsmokers and British rock legends Coldplay, “Something Just Like This” merges electronic pop sensibilities with rock elements to create an infectious and universally appealing track. The song features a memorable hook, uplifting production, and the combined vocal talents of Chris Martin alongside Chainsmokers production, resulting in a piece that appeals to fans of both genres. This collaboration demonstrated The Chainsmokers’ ability to work effectively with established artists from different musical backgrounds while maintaining their distinctive sound identity.
Sick Boy
“Sick Boy” showcases The Chainsmokers’ darker, more introspective side, featuring production that emphasizes mood and atmosphere over straightforward dance elements. Released during their creative evolution, this track demonstrates the duo’s willingness to explore experimental production choices and unconventional song structures while maintaining the melodic sensibility their fans love. The intimate nature of the song reveals artistic maturity and a commitment to evolving their sound beyond their early breakthrough hits.
Selfie
An early Chainsmokers track that captures the fun and irreverent spirit of their early career, “Selfie” samples an actual selfie culture exchange and builds an infectious dance track around comedic yet relatable vocal snippets. The production features bouncy synths, energetic beats, and a playful approach to songwriting that demonstrates their understanding of contemporary culture and youth appeal. This song remains a fan favorite and represents the lighter, more humorous side of The Chainsmokers’ artistic personality.
Break Up Every Night
Featured on their debut album, “Break Up Every Night” showcases The Chainsmokers’ ability to craft emotionally nuanced pop productions that work both on dance floors and through headphone listening. The track features driving electronic production layered with introspective lyrics and vocal delivery that reveals emotional vulnerability within the upbeat musical framework. This composition demonstrates their range as producers capable of creating music with depth and artistic substance beyond commercial appeal.
Paris
“Paris” represents The Chainsmokers at their most romantic and cinematic, featuring sweeping production, lush instrumentation, and lyrics exploring themes of escapism and connection. The track builds beautifully, incorporating atmospheric elements and progressively more elaborate arrangements that reward careful listening and repeated exposure. This song exemplifies the duo’s ability to create emotionally resonant music that captures listener imagination and creates vivid sonic landscapes.
Setting Sun (with Andrew Taggart ft. Kygo)
This collaboration demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ capacity to work within tropical house production styles while maintaining their distinctive sonic identity and melodic sensibilities. “Setting Sun” features warm, sunny production elements, infectious hooks, and a relaxed yet engaging energy that transports listeners to exotic locations. The track showcases the duo’s versatility and willingness to explore different production subgenres while staying true to their core artistic vision.
New York City
“New York City” captures the energy and excitement of urban nightlife while showcasing The Chainsmokers’ love for the city that played a crucial role in their musical development and career trajectory. The production features driving beats, atmospheric elements, and the kind of energetic composition that translates effectively to live performance settings and club environments. This song demonstrates their ability to create location-specific music that evokes particular emotions and settings through sound design and arrangement choices.
Wake Up Alone
A more introspective and vulnerable offering from The Chainsmokers, “Wake Up Alone” explores emotional depths through melancholic production and introspective songwriting that contrasts with their more upbeat material. The track features minimal instrumentation that creates space for emotional resonance, allowing lyrics and vocal delivery to take center stage within the composition. This song reveals the band’s capacity for creating emotionally mature music that addresses complex emotional states and personal struggles.
Bouquet
“Bouquet” showcases The Chainsmokers’ romantic sensibilities combined with polished electronic production and carefully crafted melodic hooks that make the track instantly memorable. The song features lyrical content exploring themes of romantic connection and devotion, paired with production that balances energy with intimacy. This composition demonstrates the duo’s ability to create accessible pop music while incorporating electronic elements that distinguish their work from mainstream pop competitors.
Riptide
A track that captures darker atmospheric qualities while maintaining The Chainsmokers’ signature melodic approach, “Riptide” features production that evokes ocean imagery through sound design and arrangement choices. The song incorporates layered synths, driving rhythms, and vocal delivery that conveys emotional intensity and vulnerability within the electronic framework. This composition represents the duo’s willingness to explore darker emotional territories while maintaining accessibility and commercial viability.
Everybody Hates Me
Released more recently, “Everybody Hates Me” reflects contemporary production trends while maintaining The Chainsmokers’ core artistic identity and melodic sensibilities that have defined their career. The track features introspective lyrics examining social isolation and negative self-perception, paired with production that balances accessibility with artistic credibility. This song demonstrates their continued relevance within evolving musical landscapes and their ability to address modern social concerns through electronic pop compositions.
Honest
“Honest” showcases The Chainsmokers’ gift for creating emotionally transparent music that explores relationship dynamics with lyrical sophistication and musical clarity. The production features warm instrumentation and accessible melodies that create an inviting sonic environment for the vulnerable lyrical content. This track represents the band’s ability to create pop music that doesn’t sacrifice emotional authenticity for commercial accessibility.
The One
A romantic ballad that demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ capacity for creating emotionally meaningful pop compositions, “The One” features rich production, soaring melodies, and lyrical content celebrating romantic connection. The song showcases their ability to balance electronic instrumentation with organic elements that create a full, immersive sonic experience. This composition reveals their understanding that electronic pop need not feel cold or detached, but can convey warmth and genuine human emotion.
Inside Out
“Inside Out” presents an interesting collaboration that showcases The Chainsmokers working with outside vocal talent to explore themes of emotional vulnerability and personal exposure. The track features production that emphasizes emotional content through arrangement choices and sound design, creating a listening experience that rewards attentive engagement. This song demonstrates their ability to create music that functions both as entertaining pop and as emotionally substantial artistic expression.
Bloodhound
A darker, more aggressive track that showcases The Chainsmokers’ ability to incorporate harder electronic elements while maintaining melodic sensibility and commercial appeal. “Bloodhound” features driving production, intense rhythm structures, and production choices that emphasize energy and propulsion. This composition represents the band’s range and willingness to explore different emotional and sonic territories within their established artistic framework.
Nostalgia
As suggested by its title, “Nostalgia” captures reflective, wistful qualities through production and songwriting that explores memories and past experiences with emotional depth. The track features atmospheric production elements, carefully constructed melodies, and lyrical content that invites listener contemplation and personal reflection. This song demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ ability to create music that encourages emotional and psychological engagement beyond surface-level entertainment.
Tangent
“Tangent” showcases The Chainsmokers’ experimental side, featuring unconventional production choices and song structures that challenge listener expectations while remaining fundamentally accessible. The track incorporates interesting sound design, engaging rhythmic elements, and the kind of artistic risk-taking that prevents their catalog from becoming formulaic or predictable. This composition reflects their continued commitment to artistic growth and creative exploration throughout their career.
My Type
A more recent release that demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ evolution and contemporary production approach, “My Type” incorporates modern dance music trends while maintaining their signature melodic identity. The song features infectious hooks, danceable rhythms, and production techniques that appeal to current electronic music audiences while honoring their established sound. This track showcases their ability to remain relevant within rapidly evolving musical landscapes while staying true to core artistic principles.
Kills You Slowly
“Kills You Slowly” captures emotional intensity through production that builds gradually, incorporating layers of electronic instrumentation that create immersive sonic environments. The track explores themes of emotional turmoil and romantic complexity through both lyrical content and musical expression that work together synergistically. This song demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ ability to translate complex emotional experiences into compelling musical compositions that resonate across audiences.
Watermelon Sugar
A lighter, more playful offering that showcases The Chainsmokers’ ability to create fun, summer-appropriate pop music without sacrificing production quality or artistic credibility. The track features upbeat production, positive lyrical themes, and infectious energy that makes it ideal for social gatherings and celebration contexts. This composition represents their understanding that electronic pop can be simultaneously entertaining, commercially viable, and artistically satisfying.
High (feat. Coldplay)
Another collaboration with Coldplay demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ successful formula for working with established artists, creating music that appeals to fans of both parties while maintaining coherent artistic vision. The track features soaring melodies, anthemic production, and the combined vocal talents that create something greater than individual components. This song exemplifies successful musical collaboration and their ability to elevate their work through partnerships with complementary artists.
Takeaway (feat. Illenium)
“Takeaway” showcases The Chainsmokers incorporating melodic dubstep elements through collaboration with producer Illenium, creating a track that bridges electronic subgenres while maintaining mainstream accessibility. The production features heavy bass elements balanced with soaring melodies and emotional vocal delivery, creating dynamic contrast throughout the composition. This track demonstrates their willingness to explore different electronic production approaches while maintaining their pop sensibilities.
Voices (feat. Halsey)
A later collaboration with Halsey reveals how their artistic partnership evolved following the massive success of “Closer,” with both artists bringing matured artistic perspectives to this newer composition. The track features sophisticated production, layered vocal arrangements, and thematic content exploring communication challenges within relationships. This song demonstrates The Chainsmokers’ continued collaboration with successful artists and their ability to create compelling work across different creative periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the members of The Chainsmokers?
The Chainsmokers consist of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, two producers and musicians who met in 2012 and began collaborating on electronic pop music that quickly gained international recognition. Together, they have created some of the most successful electronic pop tracks of the past decade, building a devoted fan base across multiple continents and streaming platforms.
What year did The Chainsmokers form?
The Chainsmokers officially formed in 2012 when Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall began their musical collaboration, quickly releasing tracks that showcased their distinctive approach to electronic pop production. Their early work gained traction through social media and streaming platforms, eventually leading to massive commercial success and mainstream recognition.
Which Chainsmokers song is their biggest hit?
“Closer” featuring Halsey remains The Chainsmokers’ biggest hit, achieving massive chart success, billions of streams across platforms, and becoming a cultural phenomenon that defined the mid-2010s pop music landscape. This track’s universal appeal and relatable lyrical content helped establish The Chainsmokers as major players in contemporary music production and songwriting.
Has The Chainsmokers released new music recently?
Yes, The Chainsmokers continue to release new music regularly, with recent tracks like “Everybody Hates Me” and “My Type” demonstrating their continued evolution and adaptation to contemporary production trends. Their ongoing creative output shows their commitment to remaining relevant within electronic pop music while exploring new sonic territories and artistic directions.
What makes The Chainsmokers’ production style distinctive?
The Chainsmokers’ production style combines infectious melodies with polished electronic production, creating pop music that balances accessibility with artistic credibility. Their use of layered synths, driving beats, and carefully crafted arrangements creates instantly recognizable tracks that function effectively both in club environments and through personal listening devices.
Which artists have The Chainsmokers successfully collaborated with?
The Chainsmokers have collaborated with numerous prominent artists including Halsey, Coldplay, Daya, Kygo, and Illenium, among others, consistently creating successful music through their partnerships. These collaborations showcase their ability to work effectively with artists from different genres while maintaining cohesive artistic vision and commercial viability across diverse projects.
How can I discover more electronic pop music similar to The Chainsmokers?
To discover similar electronic pop music, explore songs collections on streaming platforms featuring electronic pop and dance pop artists with comparable production styles and melodic sensibilities. Listening through curated playlists and exploring related artist recommendations will help you build familiarity with the broader electronic pop landscape while discovering new favorite tracks and producers.
What equipment recommendations exist for enjoying The Chainsmokers’ music?
To fully appreciate The Chainsmokers’ carefully produced music, invest in quality audio equipment such as professional headphones or earbuds that reveal production details and nuances in their mixing and arrangement choices. Quality audio equipment significantly enhances your ability to appreciate the subtle production elements that distinguish their work from standard pop music competitors.
What influenced The Chainsmokers’ musical direction?
The Chainsmokers have cited influences from various electronic music producers, pop artists, and contemporary music trends throughout their career development. Their artistic direction emerged from their deep understanding of electronic music production combined with commercial pop sensibilities, resulting in a distinctive approach that appeals to diverse audiences across demographic categories.
Are The Chainsmokers still actively making music?
Yes, The Chainsmokers remain actively engaged in music production and performance, continually creating new material and performing at major festivals and venues worldwide. Their sustained creative output and ongoing collaborations demonstrate their commitment to remaining at the forefront of contemporary electronic pop music while exploring new artistic directions.