Dua Lipa has taken the world by storm, redefining pop music with her infectious beats, sultry vocals, and unstoppable charisma. From her humble beginnings posting covers on YouTube to becoming a Grammy-winning global sensation, Dua Lipa has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and influential artists of her generation. Known for her ability to blend retro disco vibes with modern pop, she’s given us countless anthems that dominate dance floors, playlists, and social media alike.
In this article, we’re diving headfirst into Dua Lipa’s glittering discography to rank her top 10 most popular songs of all time. These tracks aren’t just chart-toppers; they’re cultural moments, soundtracks to our memories, and proof of her unmatched talent. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or discovering her music for the first time, this list promises a thrilling ride through her greatest hits. From empowering breakup ballads to electrifying club bangers, each song showcases why Dua Lipa is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
So, grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to groove as we count down the best of Dua Lipa’s career! Let’s dive in!
1. New Rules (2017)
Released in 2017, “New Rules” became an instant anthem for self-empowerment and emotional clarity. Featured on Dua Lipa’s debut album, this track stands out for its smart, no-nonsense lyrics that outline a set of rules for avoiding the pitfalls of an unhealthy relationship. The song’s tropical house influences and addictive beat made it a club and radio favorite, but it’s the message that truly hit home for listeners worldwide. Lipa sings with both vulnerability and strength, striking a perfect balance between heartbreak and resolve. The clever concept—treating a breakup like a checklist for personal survival—was refreshing and resonated with a generation navigating love in the digital age. The music video, with its slick choreography and striking visuals, only elevated the song’s status, quickly becoming iconic. “New Rules” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment that helped define Dua Lipa’s voice as one of independence and self-worth. It set the tone for her career and proved that pop music can be both danceable and deeply meaningful. With “New Rules,” Dua Lipa didn’t just climb the charts—she laid down the law.
2. Don’t Start Now (2019)
“Don’t Start Now” signaled a bold new era for Dua Lipa when it dropped in 2019. Departing from the moody vibes of her debut album, this song burst onto the scene with glimmering disco flair and unstoppable confidence. Built on a thumping bassline, funky rhythm guitar, and sparkling synths, the track brought 1980s dancefloor energy into the present with a modern twist. It was a refreshing musical shift that helped redefine the pop soundscape of the late 2010s.
Lyrically, the song is a fierce declaration of independence. Dua Lipa addresses a former flame who suddenly wants back in—only now she’s stronger, happier, and completely over it. Her vocals brim with poise, channeling empowerment without bitterness. The chorus invites listeners to dance while reinforcing a message of growth and moving on without regret.
“Don’t Start Now” became a massive hit and proved Dua wasn’t just a rising star—she was here to stay. Its combination of sleek production, retro grooves, and a clear narrative of emotional resilience resonated with fans across the globe. The song is both a breakup anthem and a celebration of self-worth, capturing the essence of what makes Dua Lipa a pop powerhouse.
3. Levitating (2020)
“Levitating” is pure musical joy bottled into three and a half minutes of infectious energy. Released in 2020 as part of Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia album, the song blends disco, funk, and futuristic pop into a single irresistible track. From the moment it begins, with its bouncy rhythm and glittering synth lines, it’s clear that this isn’t just a song—it’s a celebration. Lyrically, “Levitating” is all about the euphoric feeling of falling in love, of being swept off your feet and floating into the stars with someone who lifts you higher.
Dua’s performance is full of charisma and playful charm. Her vocals glide effortlessly over the track, giving off a vibe that’s as light and airy as the title suggests. The chorus, with its unforgettable “I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight,” is tailor-made for singing along at full volume, whether you’re on the dancefloor or in your car. It’s also a track that solidified her mastery of blending retro inspiration with a contemporary edge.
“Levitating” became one of the biggest pop hits of the year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun, flirty, confident, and packed with the kind of energy that feels like a burst of light.
4. Physical (2020)
With “Physical,” Dua Lipa dove headfirst into 1980s pop nostalgia—big synths, pounding drums, and an all-out call to the dancefloor. Released in 2020 as part of Future Nostalgia, this track is a high-octane thrill ride from start to finish. Right out the gate, the beat hits hard, commanding attention with a pulsing rhythm that drives the song forward like a heartbeat in overdrive. Inspired by the era of neon colors and aerobic workouts, “Physical” lives up to its title—it’s made to be felt in the body as much as heard in the ears.
Lyrically, the song is about giving into passion and desire without holding back. Dua’s vocals are assertive and filled with urgency, encouraging listeners to live fully in the moment. The chorus, with its shout-along “Let’s get physical!” refrain, feels like an adrenaline rush, making it one of the most energetic songs in her discography.
Visually, the music video brought even more color and movement to the track, with striking choreography and retro-futuristic aesthetics. Altogether, “Physical” is a bold, electrifying track that shows Dua’s ability to blend past and present while keeping the energy sky-high.
5. IDGAF (2018)
“IDGAF” is Dua Lipa at her boldest and most unapologetic. Released in 2018, this fierce breakup anthem sees her stepping into her power and walking away from someone who doesn’t deserve another second of her time. The title says it all—“I don’t give a f***”—and that energy runs through every beat and lyric of the track. Instead of wallowing in heartbreak, Dua turns the pain into empowerment, making this a go-to song for anyone trying to reclaim their self-worth after a messy ending.
The production is clean and punchy, built around a minimalist beat that gives Dua’s voice room to command attention. She delivers every line with attitude, especially the unforgettable chorus that dares anyone to try and shake her confidence. There’s also a clever duality in the music video, where two versions of Dua face off—symbolizing the emotional push and pull that comes with trying to move on.
What makes “IDGAF” stand out isn’t just the catchy hook or the slick production—it’s the message. It’s a musical middle finger to toxic exes, a reminder that strength can be found in walking away with your head held high.
6. Be the One (2015)
“Be the One” is one of Dua Lipa’s earliest hits, and even now, it stands as a beautiful showcase of her emotional depth and vocal power. Released in 2015, this synth-pop ballad is both intimate and anthemic, capturing the ache of wanting a second chance with someone you love. It’s about being vulnerable—admitting your faults and asking someone to see the real you, flaws and all.
The song builds slowly, with dreamy synth textures that gradually swell into a soaring chorus. Dua’s vocals are heartfelt and full of longing as she sings, “I could be the one.” There’s a quiet desperation in her delivery, but also hope—hope that love can still be salvaged. The balance between vulnerability and strength is what gives the song its emotional punch.
“Be the One” helped put Dua on the map. It wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was a sign that she had something deeper to offer, something more than just radio-ready hooks. This track laid the groundwork for the kind of artist she would become: honest, bold, and unafraid to express exactly how she feels.
7. Break My Heart (2020)
“Break My Heart” is a disco-infused confession about the fear of falling for someone who might hurt you. Released in 2020 as part of the Future Nostalgia album, the song dives into the emotional contradiction of wanting love but being terrified of its consequences. The lyrics ask the question many people secretly think: “Am I about to get my heart broken all over again?”
Musically, the track blends funky basslines, retro beats, and a confident groove that’s impossible not to move to. There’s a cheeky swagger in the production, which echoes the lyrical theme—being caught between desire and doubt. Dua’s voice is full of charm, but there’s an edge of caution in her tone that keeps things grounded.
What makes “Break My Heart” so compelling is how relatable it is. It perfectly captures that internal debate so many go through when starting something new—hoping for the best, but bracing for the worst. The chorus is catchy and dramatic, giving listeners the freedom to dance through their anxiety.
With this song, Dua once again proves her ability to make thoughtful, emotionally layered pop that still absolutely slaps on the dancefloor.
8. Hotter Than Hell (2016)
“Hotter Than Hell” was one of Dua Lipa’s early songs that made people sit up and take notice. Released in 2016, the track is fiery, confident, and dripping with attitude. It tells the story of someone who knows their worth and isn’t afraid to make it known—even if it means burning a little along the way. It’s a revenge-fueled anthem dressed in pulsing beats and red-hot energy, where Dua flips the script and becomes the one in control after being hurt.
The production is intense and hypnotic, mixing dark synths with a tropical edge that gives the track an exotic, almost dangerous vibe. Lipa’s vocal performance is striking—she switches effortlessly between smooth, sultry verses and explosive choruses, showing off the full range of her emotion and power.
Lyrically, the song plays with the idea of being both tempting and untouchable. It’s not about begging someone to stay—it’s about making them regret they ever left. “Hotter Than Hell” was a turning point for Dua, signaling her potential as a global pop star who could serve both style and substance. It’s a bold, fearless track that still hits just as hard years later.
9. Love Again (2020)
“Love Again,” from Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia album, is the kind of song that feels like it was plucked from a different era but still fits perfectly in today’s pop world. Released in 2020, it’s a glittering disco-pop track built on sweeping strings, funky beats, and a playful yet reflective mood. At its heart, the song is about the surprise and beauty of rediscovering love when you thought you were done with it.
The emotional depth of the song lies in its contrast—Dua sounds both skeptical and enchanted, singing about someone who managed to break through her guarded heart. The orchestral sample that underpins the track (taken from a 1930s classic and famously used in White Town’s “Your Woman”) adds a nostalgic charm that perfectly complements the modern production.
Dua’s vocal performance is dynamic and expressive—she captures that thrilling moment of emotional whiplash when you realize your heart’s opened up again. “Love Again” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a full-circle moment of healing, vulnerability, and hope. With its cinematic sound and emotional honesty, the song stands as one of the most memorable and sophisticated entries in her discography.
10. Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) (2021)
“Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” is a unique collaboration that brings together pop royalty from two different generations: Elton John and Dua Lipa. Released in 2021, the track reimagines several Elton John classics—most notably “Rocket Man” and “Sacrifice”—by weaving them together with a fresh, danceable beat, thanks to the electronic group PNAU. It’s nostalgic and modern all at once, a rare remix that pays tribute to the past while feeling completely of the moment.
Dua Lipa’s smooth, silky vocals breathe new life into Elton’s lyrics, offering a contemporary perspective without losing the emotional core of the originals. The beat is mellow but steady, giving the song a laid-back, hypnotic groove that makes it ideal for both easy listening and the dancefloor.
What makes “Cold Heart” so special is the chemistry between Elton and Dua. There’s a mutual respect that shines through in every verse and chorus, and it’s clear they’re having fun with the collaboration. The song quickly became a global hit, and for good reason—it bridges eras, genres, and fan bases effortlessly. It’s a celebration of timeless music, reinvented with style and sincerity.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
