Rock and country sensation Elle King has carved a unique space in the music world since her breakthrough with “Ex’s and Oh’s” eight years ago. Known for her powerhouse vocals and unapologetically bold persona, she resonates with a diverse audience, from college crowds to urban hipsters. Her music is expansive, celebrates female empowerment, and is simply infectious.
To celebrate Elle King’s birthday on July 3rd (turning 34!), let’s dive into a countdown of my top 10 favorite Elle King Songs, showcasing the breadth of her talent and musical evolution.
Elle King performing on stage10. “America’s Sweetheart” (Love Stuff)
Kicking off our list of essential Elle King songs is “America’s Sweetheart” from her debut album, Love Stuff. This track is an anthem of self-acceptance. The playful lyric, “I like the chip I got in my front teeth,” perfectly encapsulates the song’s message: embrace your imperfections and celebrate individuality. It’s a reminder to love yourself, even if you don’t fit the conventional mold, a theme that resonates deeply in many of Elle King’s songs.
9. “Good Girls” (Ghostbusters 2016 Soundtrack)
“Good Girls,” featured on the Ghostbusters 2016 soundtrack, is pure, unadulterated fun. This high-energy track is a sexy and playful romp, perfectly suited for an action-packed movie. The chorus is undeniably catchy and powerful, making it a standout amongst Elle King songs for its sheer exuberance and confident delivery.
8. “Under the Influence” (Love Stuff)
Another gem from Love Stuff, “Under the Influence,” highlights Elle King’s vocal prowess in a more ballad-like setting. As the second single from her debut, this song explores the intoxicating and sometimes addictive nature of love. The chorus, “under the influence/I’ve got no defense/It might be criminal, but still I just can’t quit,” is both vulnerable and powerful, making it a relatable and memorable track among Elle King songs about love and obsession.
Elle King promotional shot in black and white
7. “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” (Come Get Your Wife)
Venturing into country territory, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” a duet with Miranda Lambert, is a highlight from Elle King’s 2023 country album, Come Get Your Wife. This song is the ultimate girls’ weekend anthem, perfect for letting loose and having fun with friends. It showcases Elle King’s versatility and her seamless transition into the country music scene, proving her ability to conquer different genres within her discography of Elle King songs.
6. “Kocaine Karolina” (Love Stuff)
“Kocaine Karolina” is an underrated track from Love Stuff that deserves more attention. This song offers a sweet and slightly melancholic vibe, infused with banjo and southern swamp influences. It reveals a different side of Elle King’s musicality, demonstrating her ability to blend genres and create unique soundscapes within her collection of Elle King songs.
5. “Where the Devil Don’t Go” (Love Stuff)
The opening track of Love Stuff, “Where the Devil Don’t Go,” is a potent blend of rockabilly and psychedelic sounds. This song is raw, energetic, and immediately grabs your attention. It’s a powerful introduction to Elle King’s debut album and a testament to her ability to fuse seemingly disparate genres into a cohesive and compelling sound, solidifying its place among top Elle King songs.
4. “The Let Go” (In Isolation)
From her 2020 EP In Isolation, “The Let Go” is a deeply emotional and resonant track. This EP, created during a time of global isolation, captures the collective yearning for connection. “The Let Go” stands out as a particularly poignant song, reflecting on loss and the struggle to move forward, adding a layer of emotional depth to the list of Elle King songs.
3. “My Neck, My Back” (Single)
“My Neck, My Back” is undeniably the raunchiest song on this list and a departure from her album tracks. This single is unapologetically explicit and incredibly fun. As the author mentions, it’s perfect for solo road trips when you want to crank up the volume and embrace your wild side. It showcases Elle King’s fearless attitude and willingness to push boundaries, even if it’s not safe for family listening, making it a memorable, if risqué, entry in the realm of Elle King songs.
2. “Shame” (Shake the Spirit)
“Shame,” from the album Shake the Spirit, sees Elle King embracing a more mystical and vintage sound. This track has a swampy, almost witchy vibe, with captivating lyrics and a chorus that’s practically begging to be sung along to. It’s a standout example of Elle King’s artistic evolution and her willingness to experiment with different sonic textures, earning its high ranking among Elle King songs.
1. “Ex’s & Oh’s” (Love Stuff)
Topping the list of favorite Elle King songs is the iconic “Ex’s & Oh’s.” This breakthrough hit is a masterclass in storytelling, catchy melodies, and confident delivery. It’s a song that’s both relatable and empowering, detailing the aftermath of relationships with a playful yet assertive tone. “Ex’s & Oh’s” not only launched Elle King into mainstream success but remains a defining track in her discography, showcasing everything that makes her music so compelling.
Elle King’s diverse discography is a testament to her talent and versatility. From rock anthems to country collaborations and soulful ballads, Elle King songs offer something for everyone. Take some time to explore these tracks and discover even more from this incredible artist.
