When it comes to modern pop and electronic music, few duos have made as much global impact as The Chainsmokers. Known for blending emotional storytelling with infectious beats, Drew Taggart and Alex Pall have built a catalog that resonates with millions across the world. From underground beginnings to chart dominating success, their journey is a masterclass in evolution, creativity, and persistence.
This deep dive explores their top 100 songs of all time, along with their inspirations, career highs and lows, and the magic behind their best selling music.
The early days and influences
Before they became a household name, The Chainsmokers were experimenting with indie dance and remix culture. Inspired by artists like indie pop acts and EDM pioneers, they initially gained traction through remixes of songs from artists such as Phoebe Ryan and Ellie Goulding.
Their breakthrough came in 2014 with Selfie, a playful track that went viral. While it brought fame, it also boxed them into a novelty category. Instead of staying there, they pivoted quickly toward deeper, more emotional songwriting.
The rise to global success
The release of Roses in 2015 marked a turning point. The duo shifted toward a more melodic, introspective style. Soon after, Closer featuring Halsey became a global phenomenon, topping charts for weeks and defining a generation of pop music.
Albums like Memories…Do Not Open and World War Joy cemented their place as hitmakers who could balance radio appeal with emotional depth.
Highs, challenges, and reinvention
Despite massive success, The Chainsmokers faced criticism early on for being too commercial. Instead of retreating, they leaned into growth. Tracks became more personal, lyrics more reflective, and production more refined.
Their hiatus and return showed maturity, proving they were not just hitmakers, but artists willing to evolve.
Best selling singles and albums
Their biggest commercial successes include:
- Closer
- Something Just Like This with Coldplay
- Don’t Let Me Down featuring Daya
Albums like Memories…Do Not Open achieved multi platinum status, while singles consistently dominated streaming platforms.
Top 100 The Chainsmokers songs of all time
Here is the definitive list, including record label and release year.
- Closer – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Roses – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Don’t Let Me Down – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Something Just Like This – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Paris – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Side Effects – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- This Feeling – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Call You Mine – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Takeaway – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- High – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- iPad – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Riptide – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Beach House – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Sick Boy – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- You Owe Me – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Everybody Hates Me – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Setting Fires – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Inside Out – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- All We Know – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Honest – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Wake Up Alone – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Young – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Bloodstream – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- My Type – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- The One – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Break Up Every Night – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- It Won’t Kill Ya – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Last Day Alive – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Hope – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Save Yourself – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Family – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- See The Way – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- P S I Hope You’re Happy – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Who Do You Love – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Kills You Slowly – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Do You Mean – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Kanye – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Selfie – Dim Mak Records – 2014
- Let You Go – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Waterbed – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Good Intentions – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Until You Were Gone – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- New York City – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Split Only U – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Inside Out Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Closer Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Paris Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Roses Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Don’t Let Me Down Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- High Extended – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- iPad Extended – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Riptide Extended – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Solo Mission – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Testing – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Cyanide – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- In Too Deep – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Maradona – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Something Different – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- If You’re Serious – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Channel 1 – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Time Bomb – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- I Love U – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Self Destruction Mode – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
- Don’t Say – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Closer Live Version – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Paris Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Roses Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- All We Know Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Takeaway Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Call You Mine Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Side Effects Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- This Feeling Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Beach House Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Sick Boy Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Hope Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- You Owe Me Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Family Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Kills You Slowly Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Who Do You Love Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Do You Mean Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Honest Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Young Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Bloodstream Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- The One Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Break Up Every Night Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- It Won’t Kill Ya Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Last Day Alive Acoustic – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Inside Out Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Setting Fires Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Don’t Let Me Down Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Closer Remix – Disruptor Columbia – 2016
- Roses VIP Mix – Disruptor Columbia – 2015
- Paris VIP Mix – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Something Just Like This Live – Disruptor Columbia – 2017
- Takeaway Live – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Call You Mine Live – Disruptor Columbia – 2019
- Side Effects Live – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- This Feeling Live – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- Beach House Live – Disruptor Columbia – 2018
- High Live Version – Disruptor Columbia – 2022
Why their music connects so deeply
What makes The Chainsmokers stand out is their ability to blend storytelling with sound. Their lyrics often reflect real life experiences, relationships, growth, and self discovery. Combined with uplifting production, their songs feel both personal and universal.
The legacy continues
Even after years of success, The Chainsmokers continue to innovate. Their willingness to adapt and experiment ensures their music remains fresh and relevant.
From viral beginnings to global superstardom, their story is one of resilience, creativity, and connection. Whether you are revisiting classics like Closer or discovering newer tracks like High, their catalog offers something for everyone.
If you are building the ultimate playlist or exploring their journey for the first time, this top 100 list is your complete guide to one of the most influential duos in modern music.