Lorde burst onto the global music scene in 2013, captivating audiences with her unique sound and insightful lyrics. While her official UK chart history showcases a range of successful tracks, a clear hierarchy emerges when examining her biggest hits. Based on official chart sales and streaming data, we delve into Lorde’s top songs that have resonated most strongly with UK listeners.
Royals: The Unprecedented Debut Success
Topping the list is “Royals,” Lorde’s debut single that took the world by storm. Released in 2013, this track not only reached the summit of the UK charts but also accumulated an impressive 1.28 million chart sales, including a massive 80 million streams. Produced with a minimalist approach by Joel Little, “Royals” stood out with its stark production and Lorde’s distinctive vocal delivery and catchy, almost defiant, refrain. Its immediate appeal transcended genres, establishing Lorde as a fresh and significant voice in pop music. Globally, “Royals” achieved phenomenal success, dominating charts in over 12 countries and reportedly selling 10 million copies worldwide, cementing its place as a defining song of the 2010s.
Green Light: Dancing Through Tears on the UK Charts
Securing the second spot is “Green Light,” the lead single from Lorde’s critically acclaimed second album, Melodrama, released in 2017. This electrifying and emotionally charged track captured the hearts of UK listeners, amassing 830,000 chart sales. “Green Light” showcased a different facet of Lorde’s artistry, blending introspective lyrics with an upbeat, danceable tempo. The song’s themes of heartbreak and resilience, combined with its innovative pop production, made it an instant hit and further solidified Lorde’s position as a leading contemporary artist.
Team: Completing the Top 3 Lorde Anthems
Rounding out the top three is “Team,” another standout single from Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine. Released in 2013, “Team” served as the third single from the album and resonated strongly with audiences, achieving 434,000 chart sales in the UK. While perhaps not as globally dominant as “Royals,” “Team” became an anthem in its own right, celebrated for its relatable lyrics about youthful camaraderie and finding strength in unity. Its inclusion in Lorde’s top songs highlights the consistent quality and impact of her early work.
Beyond the Core Hits: Exploring More Lorde Chart Highlights
Lorde’s chart success extends beyond these top three anthems. Her collaboration with Disclosure on “Magnets,” released in 2015 as part of Disclosure’s album Caracal, ranks impressively at sixth place in her overall UK chart performance. “Homemade Dynamite,” another track from Melodrama, lands at seventh, boosted by a popular remix featuring Khalid, Post Malone, and SZA. Further down the list, Lorde’s haunting rendition of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” recorded for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, appears at number eight, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Finally, “Perfect Places,” another single from Melodrama, concludes her top 10 biggest songs, demonstrating the album’s deep impact and enduring appeal with UK audiences.
Lorde’s Official Top 10 Biggest Songs in the UK
TITLE | ARTIST | PEAK | YEAR | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ROYALS | LORDE | 1 | 2013 |
2 | GREEN LIGHT | LORDE | 20 | 2017 |
3 | TEAM | LORDE | 29 | 2013 |
4 | TENNIS COURT | LORDE | 78 | 2013 |
5 | LIABILITY | LORDE | 84 | 2017 |
6 | MAGNETS | DISCLOSURE FT LORDE | 71 | 2015 |
7 | HOMEMADE DYNAMITE | LORDE | 82 | 2017 |
8 | EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD | LORDE | 65 | 2013 |
9 | RIBS | LORDE | N/A | 2013 |
10 | PERFECT PLACES | LORDE | 95 | 2017 |
Source: Official Charts Company