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Our Top 10 Illenium Songs list focuses on a phenomenal DJ, musician, songwriter, and producer. If you don’t know his name, chances are his music is in your playlist. Illenium became one of the top DJs in music. His unique mix of melodic dubstep and futuristic bass helped Illenium take the world by storm. Illenium fuses EDM with dubstep and pop, which creates a unique sound. He is one of the fastest-rising producers in the music industry. The producer records albums and remixes songs for other artists. He has become one of the top remixers in music. Illenium’s music reaches listeners with its incredible sound and emotional depth. His music is like Seven Lions. Coincidentally, Illenium got pointers from Seven Lions. You recognize his songs by the production and instrumentation. The hitmaking producer has 57 songs and counting on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs charts. “Good Things Fall Apart” and “Take Away” reached the top five on the charts.
DJ Illenium received accolades for his work in music. Billboard named him one of the top dance/electronic artists of the 2010s. “Forbes” named him one of the 30 under 30 artists in 2020. He won several awards throughout his illustrious career. With his talent, the list of wins could grow. Some of his hits and remixes include “Good Things Fall Apart,” “Takeaway,” “Anti-Hero,” “Nightlight,” “Feel Something,” Sideways,” “Heavenly Side,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “In Your Arms,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” “Say It,” “Silence,” “Shivering,” and “Paper Thin.” Illenium worked with a plethora of artists. Some artists include The Chainsmokers, Avril Lavigne, Travis Barker, Skyler Grey, Taylor Swift, Tori Kelly, Natalie Taylor, Spiritbox, and Teddy Swims.
Let’s get to know the sought-after producer. Nicholas Daniel Miller was born on December 26, 1990. He began producing music in 2008. After he saw Bassnectar perform, he focused on music. Illenium recorded his first self-titled EP in 2013. He added his blend of complex melodies and commanding rhythms with EDM. In 2013, he remixed Florence and the Machine’s song “Over the Love” to create a new version. Illenium released the EP Risen in 2014. The EP features four unique tracks ranging from emotional and heavy dubstep to creative pop. With this EP, he took EDM to the next level. He takes chances with his music, and fans love it. Illenium continued releasing remixes for artists. He remixed Lana Del Ray’s “Flipside” and Odesza’s “Always This Late.”
In 2015, the fantastic DJ released several singles and remixes. He released “Chosen You,” “Painted White,” “I’ll Be Your Reason,” “Gold Dust,” “Operate,” and “Disarm You.” In February 2016, his debut album Ashes dropped. It features the singles “Reverie,” “With You,” and “Fortress.” The album did well enough, which led to a tour. During that year, he worked on the remixes “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers and “Say It” by Flume. “Don’t Let Me Down” achieved over 100 million streams. “Say It” earned Illenium an award for remix of the year. In October 2016, he worked with Said the Sky and Seven Lions on the song “Rush Over Me.” Illenium released Awake in September 2017. It features the tracks “Feel Good,” “Fractures,” and “Crawl Outta Love.” Awake became his first album to appear on the Billboard 200 charts.
He released Ascend in August 2019. The album includes the singles “Take You Down,” “Crashing,” “Pray,” “Good Things Fall Apart,” and “Takeaway.” Ascend was his first album to reach number one on the top Dance/Electronic albums charts. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200. Ascend elevated his songwriting ability. Fallen Embers debuted in July 2021. The album came out after the pandemic. He wanted to give his “Illenials” some hope with incredible music. It features the tunes “Nightlight,” “Paper Thin,” “Sideways,” and “Lay It Down.” He released his self-titled album in April 2023. It includes the songs “Luv Me a Little,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “All That Really Matters,” and “With All My Heart.” He released countless remix albums and non-album singles. We could go on about his catalog, but let’s stop here.
DJ Illenium is one of the most influential producers of music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a casual listener, his music is instantly recognizable. Illenium had a fantastic ride to the top. His creative sound continues to win over the hearts of listeners. Our Top 10 Illenium Songs list puts a spotlight on his best songs.
# 10 – Paper Thin ft. Tom DeLonge and Angel and the Airwaves
We open our Top 10 Illenium Songs list with the track “Paper Thin.” Illenium recorded “Paper Thin” on his Fallen Embers album in October 2020. The track tells a story about two people who built walls around their hearts. They want to protect themselves from getting hurt again. He knows she experienced pain in the past, but he has too. They have something in common and seek comfort from each other. Things didn’t work out the way they hoped. The couple longs to be with each other but are afraid of repeating the same mistakes.
“Paper Thin” is a captivating story about how past heartbreaks can lead to fear of relationships. The song resonates with people who are afraid to commit. It delves into heartbreak and resilience. “Paper Thin” gives you hope that you can have a relationship despite issues from the past. The lyrics stir up emotions while you listen to it. We like how the lyrics are universal and appeal to listeners of all ages. Illenium’s production makes the song shine. He combines rock and dance music to create the sound. The producer created a sound that feels familiar each time you hear it. Illenium brought out the best in Tom DeLonge. Tom DeLonge steps outside of his vocal comfort zone. The song is a masterpiece. They come from different worlds but came together to record a phenomenal track.
# 9 – Hearts on Fire ft. Dabin and Lights
The ninth track on our Top 10 Illenium Songs list is “Hearts on Fire.” Illenium included the track on his Fallen Embers album. It hit the shelves in December 2020. The song talks about longing for a connection with someone. She misses the way her boyfriend showed affection towards her. They were happy when their relationship started. He doesn’t show affection towards her the way he used to. She realizes he makes empty promises. Despite their problems, she hopes he wants to stay with her. She wants to give him a chance to keep her promises to him. As the song progresses, she pleads with her boyfriend to remember how they feel about each other. She wants to know if he still feels the same way about her.
The tune tells a story about a woman clinging to her relationship. She needs clarity from her boyfriend that they have a future together. We enjoy the spin Illenium, Dabin, and Lights put on the song. They discuss insecurity from a woman’s perspective. We get to hear about her vulnerability. The relatable track hits home for anyone who feels insecure in their relationship. Most of us know how it feels to wonder if your partner loves you. The song encourages listeners to open up to their partners. Illenium chose the perfect sound for this track. The tune got Illenium in touch with his rock side. He included heavier drum beats to match Lights’ haunting tone. Illenium and Dabin fused beautiful bass drops to make the song stand out. She sounds pretty on the track. We feel her pain as she serenades us. Illenium, Dabin, and Lights make an incredible team. It couldn’t work without them.
# 8 – Eyes Wide Shut ft. Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker
“Eyes Wide Shut” is eighth on our Top 10 Illenium Songs list. The song appears on Illenium’s eponymous album. He recorded the track in 2023. It talks about a complex relationship that lost its magic. The couple feels disconnected and believes they outgrew each other. They play the happy couple in front of people, but it’s a lie. She has trouble remembering the last time they were content. In the next verse, she expresses her emotional turmoil. She hides her anger with a smile but despises her boyfriend.
“Eyes Wide Shut” tells a realistic story about a relationship that no longer works. The bitter anthem unveils an angry couple who hide behind fake smiles. They don’t want anyone to know their relationship has run its course. It teaches listeners to lower their masks when it concerns relationships. Staying with someone you don’t love makes you unhappy. Listening to the song makes you realize you are not alone. Illenium, Avril Lavigne, and Travis Barker wrote lyrics that resonate with people dealing with unhappy relationships. Illenium created an enjoyable rock and dubstep beat that invites you to the dance floor. You can dance to it as you reminisce about your relationship. Avril Lavigne’s vocals are fantastic. She showcases emotion with each verse. Travis Barker kills it on the drums. His drumbeat sets the song on fire. Illenium’s breathtaking production blows you away. The song is catchy and stays in your head.
# 7 – Nothing Ever After ft. Motionless in White
The seventh track on our list is “Nothing Ever After.” Illenium recorded this song on his eponymous album in 2023. The tune is about a breakup. He ignored the warning signs when it concerned his relationship. The singer refused to accept the truth. In the beginning, they did everything together. They realized their relationship didn’t work anymore. The couple refused to see the warning signs that things were over. They tried to make it work, but their attempts failed.
“Nothing Ever After” describes a relationship at the end of its rope. It explores the pain of clinging to a dying relationship. The lyrics encourage listeners to acknowledge the warning signs in your relationship. Illenium and Motionless in White don’t sugarcoat what happens when a relationship fails. If your relationship is over, you know what the artists are discussing. The lyrics hit you like bricks, especially if you relate to it. Illenium created a dark and gothic sound that coincides with the theme. Chris Cerulli’s screamed vocals blow your mind. He starts the song softly and vocally explodes when he gets to the chorus. The song has a vibe that grabs you from the start. It sounds like something Spiritbox would have recorded. Singing along with Chris Cerulli lets you get your frustrations out. The song gives you goosebumps each time you listen to it.
# 6 – Don’t Let Me Down (Remix) The Chainsmokers ft. Daya
The sixth song on our list is “Don’t Let Me Down.” It appears on their Don’t Let Me Down (Remixes) EP. They released it in 2016. The track is about someone seeking support during a crucial time. She needs her partner and begs him not to let her down. It feels like she is losing her mind and needs him to help her. She feels alone, but he is not there for her.
The song depicts a woman leaning on a man who disappoints her. She feels she is at the end of her rope and needs him to help her. The lyrics convey a relatable emotion that most of us experience in life. With everything going on in the world, we need people to lean on. Illenium added his dynamic style to the song. The original version blows your mind, but Illenium breathes new life into the tune. His magic touch takes the track to a new level. The drop on this beat makes it stand out from the original track. Illenium created a beat that matched Daya’s vocals. You feel each word as she takes listeners to a different place. We could listen to the remix forever and never tire of it. The remix brings a fresh version of the song.
# 5 – Anti-Hero (Illenium Remix) Taylor Swift
We have reached the halfway point on our Top 10 Illenium Songs list with “Anti-Hero.” The non-album single premiered in 2022. It tells a story about a woman’s insecurities. She talks about the things she hates about herself. The singer gets judged because of the way she lives her life. Taylor Swift feels misunderstood and yearns for acceptance. She gets depressed because people assume she acts a certain way. As the song progresses, Taylor Swift reminisces about the people cut out of her life. It makes her feel guilty that she cut them out of her life. The singer feels out of place among beautiful women. Despite her insecurities, she remains resilient.
The song tells a story about self-awareness. She yearns for acceptance among her peers. The singer explores accepting responsibility for her actions and flaws. Most people know Taylor Swift gets attention for her personal life. The song depicts how she feels about the attention. Getting judged makes her feel insecure. She feels the way most of us would feel. Illenium remixed the song and made it sound original. He added drops that scream Illenium. There is no mistaking his sound when you listen to the remix. He kept some of the original sound and blended it with his touch. It’s energetic and perfect for the dance floor. The beat matches the true meaning of the lyrics. His creation didn’t take away from her vocals. We enjoy the original, but the remix gives the song an edge.
# 4 – Feel Something ft. Excision and I Prevail
Illenium, Excision, and I Prevail recorded the non-album single in April 2020. The song is about feeling empty and longing for something to hold on to. He wants any emotion, even if it’s sadness. The singer doesn’t pray, but he needs relief from his pain. He feels empty inside. The pain gets intense at times, and he wonders if he should give up. All he wants is to feel something.
The track embodies raw emotions about losing faith. It captures the struggle to find meaning during hard times. The touching lyrics depict a story about someone feeling emotionally numb. People deal with depression every day and need to know they’re not alone. We applaud Illenium and Excision for bringing attention to mental health. People experience mental health issues, so they understand the meaning behind the song. The song takes you on a journey of emotions. You might feel like they followed you around to tell your story. The song opens with melancholic guitar chords and somber vocals to match the message. Once you hear Brian Burkheiser sing the chorus, you get hooked instantly. Illenium’s haunting melody and Excision’s bass-heavy production makes the song soar.
# 3 – Nightlight ft. Annika Wells
Coming in at number three on our Top 10 Illenium Songs list is “Nightlight.” Illenium recorded the song for his album Falling Embers. He released the single in August 2020. The track is about having someone by your side during hard times. She realizes she can’t do everything on her own. The singer needs someone to help her get through life. Her partner represents a nightlight. He offers security and comfort during her time of need. She promises to stay by his side during his time of need.
The metaphorical song discusses a woman going through dark times. Your nightlight provides the light at the end of the tunnel. Illenium and Annika Wells devised a creative way to ask for support from a partner. Anyone who seeks support from their partner understands the importance of the track. Illenium’s music has a strong presence on the tune. It is more than a rock song. The music tells a story that you never want to end. He combines rock with synths to create an infectious beat. The pulsating beat hits you emotionally. Illenium created a sound you don’t hear often. Annika Wells sounds angelic as she sings the song. Her vocals touch your soul. We added this song to our list because of the haunting melody and powerful lyrics.
# 2 – Takeaway ft. The Chainsmokers and Lennon Stella
In second place is “Takeaway.” Illenium recorded the song for his Ascend album. He released the song in July 2019. The duet is about a couple who hesitates to fall in love because of fear of getting hurt. They decide to break up instead. She wants to leave before she falls in love. The singer warns him that she will break his heart so he won’t do the same to her. He doesn’t want her to break his heart. Getting out of a relationship keeps him from getting hurt. They refuse to get their hearts broken.
The song is about a tug-of-war relationship. They love each other but refuse to get hurt. The message behind the song deals with building up a wall to keep your heart protected. It resonates with people who refuse to get hurt. The track reminds listeners to let the walls down if they want happiness. Illenium and The Chainsmokers wrote lyrics that helped listeners connect to it on a personal level. Listeners enjoy the emotional depth of the tune. Lennon Stella and Andrew Taggart do a magnificent job with their vocals. They have a sizzling chemistry with each other. Illenium, The Chainsmokers, and Lennon Stella are a red-hot combination. Illenium fuses dubstep with trap music effortlessly. He features his classic drops during the bridge. The drops never fail to hook listeners.
# 1 – Good Things Fall Apart ft. Jon Bellion
The number one track on our Top 10 Illenium Songs list is “Good Things Fall Apart.” Illenium recorded the song for the Ascend album in May 2019. The track discusses the pain that occurs when relationships end. It talks about the aftermath of a breakup. He wants to know what went wrong between them. The singer wants to understand why she broke up with him. It opens with him wondering if he said something wrong. Did he make her walk away? He questioned if he shared too much with her. Did she find another man who treats her better?
“Good Things Fall Apart” explores a complicated relationship. It describes a man who wonders what caused the end of his romance. He reflects on what he did to make her leave. The song speaks to anyone dealing with a breakup and wondering what caused it. The tune discusses self-doubt and heartbreak. It features poetic lyrics that remind you breakups are out of your control. Illenium penned an anthem for heartbreak that listeners relate to. You feel the lyrics if you experience heartbreak. It starts with acoustic guitar riffs. When the chorus begins, the song picks up. It becomes an upbeat track. We feel Illenium’s presence once the chorus starts. His drops sound perfect with the pulsating beat. Jon Bellion vocally soars when the music gets louder. He stays in character throughout the song. Jon Bellion has exceptional control over his voice. He knows when to hold back and when to let go. The song is one of Illenium’s biggest hits. We couldn’t compile our list without adding it.
