30 Unmissable Songs by Canadian Artists: The Ultimate Playlist

From the iconic sounds of Joni Mitchell to the modern pop anthems of Justin Bieber, Canada boasts a rich and diverse musical landscape. If you’re a music lover looking to expand your playlist or simply rediscover some hidden gems, then you’ve come to the right place. This list dives deep into the vibrant tapestry of Canadian music, uncovering the definitive answer to the question on many music fans' minds: what are the best songs by Canadian artists? Exploring the best songs by Canadian artists isn't just about enjoying catchy tunes; it's about celebrating a nation's cultural heritage and uncovering the incredible talent that continues to shape the global music scene. Whether you’re a seasoned CanCon aficionado or just starting to explore Canadian music, prepare to be amazed by the breadth and depth of talent on display. Get ready to add some incredible tracks to your listening rotation – let’s explore some truly unforgettable Canadian classics and contemporary hits!

30 Unmissable Songs by Canadian Artists: The Ultimate Playlist
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Closer The Chainsmokers
Halsey
Changes 3B+
2. New Rules Dua Lipa Dua Lipa (Deluxe) 3B+
3. Starboy The Weeknd
Daft Punk
2B+
4. Something Just Like This Coldplay
The Chainsmokers
Memories...Do Not Open 2B+
5. The Hills The Weeknd Beauty Behind The Madness 2B+
6. Hotline Bling Drake Views 2B+
7. Call Me Maybe Carly Rae Jepsen Kiss (Deluxe) 2B+

1. Closer (The Chainsmokers ft Halsey)

Artist Collaboration: Featuring both The Chainsmokers and Halsey, "Closer" benefits from a unique blend of their individual styles, creating a track that is both catchy and emotionally resonant.

Electro-Pop Sound: The song's electro-pop sound is undeniably infectious, making it a standout choice for its genre, despite neither artist being explicitly Canadian.

Closer - The Chainsmokers,Halsey

2. New Rules - Dua Lipa (Deluxe)

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New Rules - Dua Lipa

3. Starboy (The Weeknd ft Daft Punk)

The Weeknd's Vocals: The Weeknd's signature falsetto shines, delivering a performance both vulnerable and commanding, perfectly showcasing his vocal range and emotional depth.

Daft Punk's Production: The iconic Daft Punk production elevates the track with its signature blend of futuristic synth sounds and driving rhythm, creating an instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy sound.

Canadian Influence: "Starboy" exemplifies the international reach of Canadian talent, blending sleek R&B with innovative electronic elements to create a global phenomenon.

Starboy - The Weeknd,Daft Punk

4. Something Just Like This (Coldplay ft The Chainsmokers - 2025)

Sound: While neither artist is Canadian, "Something Just Like This" boasts a globally recognized sound that transcends geographical boundaries, making it a ubiquitous and undeniably catchy tune enjoyed worldwide.

Pop Culture Impact: Its massive popularity and memorable music video cemented its place in popular culture, showcasing a broad appeal that resonates across different demographics, regardless of origin.

Something Just Like This - Coldplay,The Chainsmokers

5. The Hills (The Weeknd - 2025)

Sound: The Weeknd's signature blend of R&B and dark pop creates a haunting yet undeniably catchy soundscape in "The Hills" showcasing his innovative production style that helped define a generation of artists.

Vocals: Abel Tesfaye's distinctive vocals deliver a compelling narrative, conveying both vulnerability and swagger with effortless cool, a characteristic hallmark of his artistry.

Cultural Impact: Its memorable hook and atmospheric production cemented "The Hills" as a defining track of the 2010s, solidifying The Weeknd's status as a major force in contemporary Canadian music and beyond.

The Hills - The Weeknd

6. Hotline Bling (Views)

Sound: Hotline Bling's iconic, sparse yet captivating beat, driven by a memorable 808 and a shimmering synth melody, instantly sets it apart. The track's subtle yet effective use of space contributes to its unique atmosphere.

Vocal Performance: Drake's signature laid-back yet emotionally resonant delivery is perfectly suited to the song's melancholic yet catchy vibe, showcasing his vocal range and control with a raw honesty.

Cultural Impact: The accompanying music video, with its distinctive visuals and choreography, became a viral sensation, solidifying Hotline Bling's place in popular culture and further cementing Drake's status as a global icon.

Hotline Bling - Drake

7. Call Me Maybe - Kiss (Deluxe)

Catchy Hook: "Call Me Maybe" boasts an undeniably catchy chorus that's instantly memorable and perfect for singalongs, solidifying its place in pop culture history.

Upbeat Tempo: The song's upbeat tempo and playful energy make it an infectious and feel-good anthem, a testament to Jepsen's knack for crafting irresistible pop tunes.

Canadian Pride: As a quintessential example of Canadian pop music, "Call Me Maybe" showcases the talent emerging from the country's vibrant music scene and its global impact.

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

8. Stitches (2015)

Heart-wrenching Vocals: Shawn Mendes' emotive vocals in "Stitches" are raw and vulnerable, perfectly conveying the pain of heartbreak, a hallmark of his early work.

Catchy Melody: The song's memorable melody and relatable lyrics about heartbreak make it instantly appealing and easily stick in your head, solidifying its place as a pop classic.

Canadian Pop Prowess: "Stitches" showcases Mendes' talent as a young Canadian artist, demonstrating his songwriting and vocal capabilities which helped launch his international career.

Stitches - Shawn Mendes

9. Let Me Love You (2023)

Artist Collaboration: Justin Bieber's pop sensibilities blend seamlessly with DJ Snake's signature electronic production, creating a unique sound that exemplifies the best of both worlds.

Catchy Melody: The instantly recognizable hook and infectious beat make "Let Me Love You" incredibly memorable and perfect for any playlist celebrating Canadian musical talent.

Global Appeal: This track transcended borders, showcasing Bieber's international reach and adding to the legacy of Canadian artists on the global stage.

Let Me Love You - Justin Bieber,DJ Snake

10. Love Me Again (John Newman - 2025)

Genre and Sound: While not a Canadian artist, John Newman's "Love Me Again" possesses a soulful, retro-influenced sound that transcends geographical boundaries and easily fits alongside many great Canadian artists known for their soulful and emotive music.

Vocal Performance: Newman's powerful and emotive vocals are a highlight, showcasing a vocal range and delivery that resonate deeply with listeners, making it a compelling addition to any playlist focused on great vocals.

Emotional Resonance: The song's themes of longing and reconciliation possess a universal appeal, making it a relatable and moving listen for a broad audience, further enhancing its cross-cultural appeal.

Love Me Again - John Newman
  • Complicated
    11

    Complicated

    Avril Lavigne

    2002

    Let Go

  • Man! I Feel Like A Woman!
    12

    Man! I Feel Like A Woman!

    Shania Twain

    1997

    Come On Over

  • Rockstar
    13

    Rockstar

    Nickelback

    2007

    All The Right Reasons (15th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

  • Summer Of '69
    14

    Summer Of '69

    Bryan Adams

    1985

    Reckless (30th Anniversary / Deluxe Edition)

  • Ironic
    15

    Ironic

    Alanis Morissette

    1995

    Jagged Little Pill (2015 Remaster)

  • Hallelujah
    16

    Hallelujah

    Leonard Cohen

    1984

    Various Positions

  • greedy
    17

    greedy

    Tate McRae

    2023

    SOS

  • One Dance
    18

    One Dance

    Drake,Wizkid,Kyla

    2016

    Views

  • WAIT FOR U
    19

    WAIT FOR U

    Drake,Future,Tems

    2022

    I NEVER LIKED YOU

  • SPIT IN MY FACE!
    20

    SPIT IN MY FACE!

    ThxSoMch

    2023

    The Beginning

  • 10:35
    21

    10:35

    Tiësto,Tate McRae

    2022

    Paradise Again

  • Angel
    22

    Angel

    Sarah McLachlan

    1997

  • Informer
    23

    Informer

    Snow

    1993

  • Die For You
    24

    Die For You

    The Weeknd

    2023

    Starboy

  • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
    25

    Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

    Michael Bublé

    2011

  • Spin Bout U
    26

    Spin Bout U

    21 Savage,Drake

    2023

  • Sundown
    27

    Sundown

    Gordon Lightfoot

    1974

    Sundown

  • The Weight
    28

    The Weight

    The Band

    1968

    Music From Big Pink (Remastered)

  • My Heart Will Go On
    29

    My Heart Will Go On

    Céline Dion

    1997

    Let's Talk About Love

  • Lottery
    30

    Lottery

    Latto,LU KALA

    2023

    RENAISSANCE