Few musicians have quite mastered the art of creating engaging hooks and deeply personal, emotionally charged choruses like Rachel Chinouriri. At just 26, this singer-songwriter possesses a unique talent for crafting pop music that's both charming and bold, meticulously exploring every facet of her compelling writing skills.
This year has been exceptionally thrilling for the London native, marked by a North American headline tour and her role opening for Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet arena shows earlier this year. She has continued to build on her success with the recent release of her ethereal single ‘What a Life,’ which came out just a month ago.
The following list is intended to rank the ten best songs from her discography. To maintain fairness, we have chosen to exclude Chinouriri’s previous collaborations and concentrate solely on her solo work, even though her recent collaboration with PinkPantheress on ‘Romeo’ would have comfortably secured a spot in the latter half of the ranking.
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#10: What Have I Ever Done
Released when she was only nineteen, Chinouriri’s debut single often remains unjustly overlooked, yet it is never insignificant.
“We could’ve had more than this / Had a house and a kid,” she sings in the chorus. Little did she know, this very sentiment would resonate seven years later, as it became the central theme of her latest extended play, Little House. Fortunately, this project offers a more optimistic perspective, but more on that later.
‘What Have I Ever Done’ takes listeners on an emotional journey through heartbreak, showcasing raw honesty from a teenager with nothing left to lose, tugging at the heartstrings. Omitting it from this list would be an unforgivable mistake.
#9: Darker Place
A notably underrated gem in the Brit star’s collection, this track explores the ongoing struggle between light and darkness – and how occasionally, the boundary between the two is blurred.
Featured on her electronically atmospheric EP Four° In Winter, the song boasts a dynamic beat that complements her captivating vocals. ‘Darker Place’ has a supernatural alt-pop vibe, almost as if Chinouriri has emerged from the Seelie Court to impart wisdom on fear, self-discovery, and the duality of life.
#8: All I Ever Asked
This song created a significant buzz on social media and laid the groundwork for Chinouriri’s impending global acclaim. ‘All I Ever Asked’ melds catchy pop with subtle hints of indie rock, allowing her talent as a songwriter to shine.
#7: It Is What It Is
Describing ‘It Is What It Is’ as tongue-in-cheek seems obvious; however, it encompasses so much more. Chinouriri embraces the notion of feeling petty in a way that feels genuine and inspired – a trait deeply intertwined with British humor and a rare wit that few, like Lily Allen, have successfully channeled; undoubtedly, Chinouriri belongs in that category as well.
The verses utilize a lively sprechgesang style, reminiscent of lengthy WhatsApp voice notes from friends after a night out, demonstrating that embracing one’s accent can be one of the most endearing qualities in music.
#6: Dumb Bitch Juice
‘Dumb Bitch Juice’ continues right where ‘It Is What It Is’ concluded; it’s no surprise the two are sequential in Chinouriri’s debut album, ‘What a Devastating Turn of Events’. This memorable, easy-going pop track finds the artist grappling with justifying an old flame’s misdeeds, while humorously critiquing both herself and men, all against a backdrop of shimmering electric guitar riffs.
Chinouriri’s vocal delivery commands attention, making listeners truly engage with her words. It’s this genuine bluntness that elevates the song above its predecessor.
#5: The Hills
Named after the famous Hollywood Hills that overlook Los Angeles, where ‘The Hills’ was composed, this pop-rock anthem uses programmed drums to create a startling depiction of feeling out of place. Chinouriri’s resonant soprano voice provides a striking contrast to the bold instrumentation, which draws attention to the subject matter at hand.
A cohesive and skillfully crafted piece that is sure to be remembered as a classic in the years to come.
#4: Garden of Eden
Another notable track from ‘What a Devastating Turn of Events’. ‘Garden of Eden’ beautifully establishes the mood for the project, weaving themes of connection, acceptance, and longing for community into a heartfelt coming-of-age album.
Electric guitar melodies take center stage, capturing fleeting moments of innocence and youth. The instrumental break just before the final chorus stands out as one of the most cathartic sections in Chinouriri’s oeuvre, perfectly embodying a newfound sense of freedom and the urge to let loose, both integral to growing up.
#3: What A Life
The lush, synth-driven ‘What a Life’ perfectly embodies the romantic essence of Chinouriri’s
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Few musicians have honed the skill of creating captivating hooks and heartfelt, emotionally intense choruses as effectively as Rachel Chinouriri.