Entertainment

From ‘New Rules’ to ‘Levitating’: Dua Lipa’s Most Popular Songs and Best Lyrics

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Nov 14, 2024 / 9754 Views

Evan Walker

When it comes to modern pop royalty, Dua Lipa is sitting comfortably on the throne — dressed in glitter, armed with bangers, and commanding a loyal army of fans worldwide. Born and raised in London to Albanian parents, Dua grew up surrounded by music and made waves by covering songs on YouTube. Fast forward a few years, and she’s now topping charts, breaking records, and serving non-stop dance-pop hits that have us all singing in front of our mirrors. From Dua Lipa’s most popular songs like “New Rules” to disco-infused mega-hit “Levitating,” she’s got an ear for infectious hooks and a voice that makes you want to dance your heart out.

Dua’s secret sauce? Effortlessly remixing nostalgia and modern beats while sprinkling in lyrics that scream empowerment and sass. Take her album “Future Nostalgia,” which became the ultimate lockdown party starter — it earned her multiple Grammys and over 2 billion streams with tracks like “Don’t Start Now.” She’s not just a chart-topping artist; she’s a cultural icon reshaping pop for millennials and Gen Z alike, complete with killer dance moves and outfits to match.

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And now, the pop queen is bringing her “Radical Optimism” tour to Asia, lighting up stages in Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Seoul this November and December. It’s her first visit to the region since 2018, and you can bet it’s going to be a dazzling, euphoric celebration of the singer’s best song lyrics and unforgettable beats. Ready to dance? Let’s dive in!

Dua Lipa’s meteoric rise to fame

Dua’s rise to fame is nothing short of a modern-day Cinderella story. Born in London in 1995 to Albanian parents who had fled war-torn Kosovo, the artist grew up immersed in her father’s passion for music — he was a musician himself. The young Dua, armed with a powerhouse voice and dreams of pop stardom, turned to YouTube in her teens, posting covers of artists like Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. What could have been another run-of-the-mill internet hobby became the springboard for her ascent, as it attracted the attention of industry insiders who saw her star power.

In 2015, Dua signed with Warner Music Group and got straight to work carving out a place for herself in the crowded pop landscape. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2017, delivered hits like “Be the One” and “IDGAF” — songs that resonated with listeners for their catchy beats and unapologetically bold lyrics. However, it was “New Rules” that catapulted her to international fame. This infectious breakup anthem, with its now-iconic step-by-step guide to moving on from a toxic ex, earned her her first No. 1 single in the UK and became a global phenomenon. The accompanying music video, which showcased a sisterhood of women supporting each other, struck a chord and remains one of the defining moments of her career.

Dua’s appeal lies not only in her vocal prowess but also in her genre-bending approach. She mixes pop, dance, R&B, and even a touch of disco, creating songs that make you want to dance while reflecting on life and relationships. In 2020, she cemented her place in music History with the release of her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia. A shimmering ode to retro-futuristic dance-pop, the album featured massive hits like “Don’t Start Now,” “Levitating,” “Physical,” and “Break My Heart.” Critics and fans praised it as a much-needed burst of joy and escapism, especially during the pandemic. Future Nostalgia earned her six Grammy nominations and a win for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2021, underscoring her staying power and musical brilliance.

Shaping a legacy

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Dua Lipa isn’t just about making hits; she’s about redefining what it means to be a modern pop star. Her music consistently champions themes of empowerment, independence, and confidence. Tracks like “IDGAF” and “Don’t Start Now” have become anthems for moving on from toxic relationships with your head held high, while her lyrics often capture a blend of strength, vulnerability, and wit that resonates deeply with younger audiences. Her iNFLuence extends beyond music: she’s a fashion icon, known for her daring style and ability to mix high fashion with streetwear. Whether she’s walking the red carPet in couture or posting laid-back Instagram selfies, Dua is unapologetically herself.

In 2021, Dua launched Service95, a global culture newsletter that blends Travel tips, food recommendations, and social justice topics. This move showcases her dedication to staying connected with her fans, amplifying diverse voices, and using her platform for more than just music. Beyond this, she’s been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and has lent her voice to numerous charitable causes.

Breaking records

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Dua’s success isn’t just confined to the charts; it’s in the numbers too. She’s the first female artist to have four songs surpass two billion streams on Spotify, and “Levitating” was declared the top Billboard Hot 100 song of 2021. Her global tours are sell-out events, and her performances at festivals like Glastonbury have been lauded for their energy and precision. She’s a multi-Grammy Award winner, Brit Award recipient, and has topped countless “Best Of” lists for her music.

But beyond the accolades and record-breaking hits, Dua Lipa’s legacy is one of resilience, authenticity, and a fearless drive to evolve. She’s taken iNFLuences from past musical greats, modernised them, and created a sound that’s entirely her own. Her commitment to her craft and connection with her audience ensrues she’ll likely be a pop culture mainstay for years to come.

For fans, the Radical Optimism Asia tour is more than just a concert — it’s a celebration of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs, a journey through her best song lyrics, and a reminder that the future of pop is in good hands.

Dua Lipa’s most popular songs

1. “Levitating”

One of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs, “Levitating” is a standout from her 2020 album Future Nostalgia. This disco-pop masterpiece is a feel-good track that took over the world, racking up over 2 billion Spotify streams and becoming one of the most-played songs of 2021. The track’s funky retro beats and catchy melodies made it a viral hit on TikTok, where fans couldn’t resist making dance videos to its infectious rhythms. The addition of a DaBaby feature in a remix version only amplified its global reach and solidified its status as one of her defining hits.

2. “Don’t Start Now”

“Don’t Start Now” is another one of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs and a defining track for her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia. Released in late 2019, the song became a worldwide hit, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its disco-infused beats and message of empowerment, it quickly became a breakup anthem that dominated airwaves and dance floors alike. Critics praised the singer for breathing new life into disco-pop, while fans loved its catchy hooks and powerful energy.

3. “New Rules”

“New Rules” is the track that truly put Dua Lipa on the map, making it one of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs worldwide and a major turning point in her career. Released in 2017 from her debut self-titled album, the song provided a “rulebook” for moving on from a toxic ex, and it resonated globally, topping charts and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The music video, featuring a choreographed “girl squad” supporting Dua, became iconic and inspired countless parodies and tributes online. The song’s success was instrumental in establishing her as a pop powerhouse.

4. “One Kiss” (with Calvin Harris)

The 29-year-old collaborated with producer Calvin Harris for “One Kiss,” which became one of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs and the biggest-selling single of 2018 in the UK. Its catchy house-inspired beat and smooth vocals made it a summer anthem that dominated festivals, clubs, and radio stations. The track stayed at the top of the UK Singles Chart for eight consecutive weeks and showcased her ability to excel in the dance-pop genre.

5. “Physical”

Taking cues from ‘80s pop anthems, “Physical” is a high-energy track that solidified the Grammy winner’s reputation as the queen of modern disco-pop. Featured on Future Nostalgia, the song became one of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs, celebrated for its pulsating beats, powerful vocals, and neon-drenched music video. “Physical” is a staple at her live performances, with fans loving the adrenaline rush it provides.

6. “IDGAF”

Released as a single from her debut album, “IDGAF” quickly became a fan favourite. The song’s bold and unapologetic lyrics about moving on from a toxic relationship resonated with listeners worldwide.

7. “Break My Heart”

“Break My Heart” is one of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs from Future Nostalgia with dance-worthy beats. The track samples INXS’s classic “Need You Tonight” and explores the feeling of falling for someone when you’re afraid of getting hurt. The song’s clever production and honest lyrics made it a hit, resonating with fans who could relate to the mix of excitement and fear in love.

8. “Love Again”

“Love Again” demonstrates the singer’s knack for combining retro and modern elements in her music. Built around a sample from White Town’s “Your Woman,” the track is about rediscovering hope in love when it seems impossible. Featured on Future Nostalgia, it has become one of her standout tracks, praised for its orchestral strings, slick production, and emotional depth.

9. “Be the One”

“Be the One” was one of Dua’s earliest hits, showcasing her potential as a pop star even before she achieved global fame. The song is a passionate plea for love and reconciliation and was a major success across Europe.

10. “Hotter Than Hell”

Released as a single from her debut album, “Hotter Than Hell” helped define Dua’s edgy and confident pop sound.

Dua Lipa’s best song lyrics

Lipa’s music is celebrated for its infectious beats and powerful lyrics that speak to themes of empowerment, love, and self-confidence. Dua Lipa’s best song lyrics capture raw emotions and unforgettable moments, resonating with fans across the globe. Here are 15 of her standout lines that highlight her lyrical prowess.

“Did a full 180, crazy / Thinking ’bout the way I was” – “Don’t Start Now”
“I got you, moonlight / You’re my starlight” – “Levitating”
“And if you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him” – “New Rules”
“I see you tryna’ get to me / I see you beggin’ on your knees” – “IDGAF”
“Show me that heaven’s right here, baby” – “Love Again”
“Am I falling in love with the one that could break my heart?” – “Break My Heart”
“Who needs to go to sleep when I got you next to me?” – “Physical”
“And when you touch me, heaven sighs” – “Hotter Than Hell”
“No matter what you do, I’m gonna get it without ya” – “Future Nostalgia”
“I need your hands on me / Sweet relief” – “Pretty Please”
“Boys will be boys / But girls will be women” – “Boys Will Be Boys”
“Maybe we’re good in bed / But we’re bad for each other” – “Good in Bed”
“I wanna stay right here all night, baby” – “Lost in Your Light”
“I’m losing my mind in a daydream” – “Hallucinate”
“I see the moon, I see the moon / Oh, when you’re looking at the sun” – “Be the One”