The Definitive Ranking of Songs Sia Has Written for Other Artists

Sia‘s new album, the stunning 1000 Forms Of Fear, made its official debut in the number one spot on the ARIA charts this week, buoyed by the smashing success of the single ‘Chandelier’. 

Every review of the album mentions Sia’s uncanny knack with a pop hook, and the fact that, in addition to her own hits, she has penned songs for everyone from Rihanna to Beyoncé.
In honour of her success, we decided to take a look back at the best songs Sia wrote but did not perform, ranking the greatest bits of her pop output to date.
For eligibility on this list, the song must be performed by another vocalist – no guest spots, which means no ‘Titanium’ – and must be either written or co-written by Sia. Also, we only had room for 10, so apologies, Celine Dion.


10. ‘You Lost Me’ – Christina Aguilera
(Christina Aguilera, Sia Furler, Samuel Dixon)

This one came from the ballad half of Christina’s underrated Bionic, which also featured the likes of M.I.A. and Peaches.
9. ‘Double Rainbow’ – Katy Perry 
(Katy Perry, Sia Furler, Greg Kurstin)
Another ballad, this one possibly inspired by an internet meme.
8. ‘Breathe’ – Jessie J
(Jessica Cornish, Sia Furler, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Mark Hadfield, Tor Erik Hermansen)
This track caught the normally bombastic Jessie J in one of her quieter moments.
7. ‘Perfume’ – Britney Spears
This sad song about a cheating boyfriend was a high point of the otherwise fairly lackluster Britney Jean.

6. ‘Acid Rain’ – Alexis Jordan
(Paul Baumer, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Sia Furler, Maarten Hoogstraten, Tor E. Hermansen)
Sia doesn’t always write sad ballads – this one is a bit of a banger.
5. ‘Radioactive’ – Rita Ora
(Sia Furler, Greg Kurstin)
She can also write one hell of a stirring hook when she wants.
4. ‘Strange Birds’ – Birdy
(Van den Bogaerde, Sia Furler, Ariel Rechtshaid)
This is not Sia’s best-known co-write, but it nails that very particular kind of sadness she does so well.
3. ‘Pretty Hurts’ – Beyoncé
(Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler, Beyoncé Knowles)
The Aussie song-writer helped the always-powerful Beyoncé channel her more vulnerable side.

2. ‘Let Me Love You’ – Ne-Yo
(Sia Furler, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Mark Hadfield, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mike Di Scala, Shaffer Smith)

An unashamedly emotional and danceable track, anchored by one hell of a chorus.
 
1. ‘Diamonds’ – Rihanna
(Sia Furler, Bejnamin Levin, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen) 
This was always going to be number one, because c’mon. SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND.

Photo: Alberto. E Rodriguez via Getty Images

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