British electronic music duo AlunaGeorge is the dream team of singer-songwriter Aluna Francis and producer George Reid, and while they formed in 2009, it wasn’t until around 2012 that they broke through. Their hit single “You Know You Like It” peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 once it was remixed by DJ Snake, which is probably where you know them from.
However, AlunaGeorge’s work goes well beyond that one hook. Over the years, Francis and Reid have established themselves as practiced songwriters, but even better collaborators. They’ve worked with Flume, ZHU, Popcaan and too many more to count, as well as Avicii, who the band recently paid tribute to in the wake of his heartbreaking death.
“In honor of Avicii’s life and the gift of creativity he shared with with me I have promised to overcome my fear of playing guitar whilst singing onstage so I can perform the song we wrote together,” Francis wrote on Instagram. “‘What would I change it to’ is one of my favorite songs because it marks the start of my journey to stop trying to be anyone else but myself, something we all struggle with and want to overcome.”
As we impatiently await the duo’s next move, Billboard Dance presents AlunaGeorge’s 10 best songs (in no particular order):
10. AlunaGeorge – “Turn Up The Love” [2017]
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AlunaGeorge debuted this song while on tour with Coldplay in 2017, putting some much-needed positivity out into the world. “What’s up on the other side? Is it greener, is it better, are we free?” Aluna asks on the track, questioning whether living on the wealthiest side of the globe is actually where one has the most freedom.
9. AlunaGeorge – “Full Swing” [I Remember, 2016]
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As the opener on AlunaGeorge’s most recent (2016) album I Remember, “Full Swing” is a lilting love song that features New Orleans rapper Pell. It’s also a concept song; it tells the story of a female Olympic-level athlete who’s independent AF, and her partner is there to support and cheer her on.
8. Kaytranada – “TOGETHER” [99.9%, 2016]
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Singer Aluna Francis makes a guest appearance on Canadian electronic/hip-hop producer Kaytranada‘s track. If you’re starting to sense a pattern here, it’s because everything she touches turns to gold, and who would turn down the opportunity to collaborate?
7. Disclosure – “White Noise” [Settle (Deluxe), 2014]
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Despite the title, British electronic music duo Disclosure’s “White Noise” is anything but. It’s got the essential three B’s: beeps, bass and an epic breakdown. Aluna lends her airy vocals, ensuring that you’ll want to bump it everywhere from the library to the club.
6. Avicii – “What Would I Change It To” [Av?ci (01), 2017]
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Francis’ vocals are soft and hopeful on this song, which is one of Avicii’s last collaborations before his tragic death. While “Lonely Together” featuring Rita Ora was the unmistakable hit from this EP, this track is too sweet to overlook. Francis recently vowed to overcome her fear of singing and playing guitar at the same time, so she can perform the song live for fans.
5. Peking Duk – “Fake Magic” [2017]
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AlunaGeorge takes a turn on Peking Duk‘s track, which has groovy, Tove Lo-esque vibes. The hip-house pop song has a dark tone to it to keep everyone awake, and Peking Duk absolutely nails the production.
4. AlunaGeorge – “You Know You Like It” [2014]
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Absolutely inescapable for several months in 2014, just about everyone with two working ears can hum the “bow, bow” part of this track’s chorus. The certified-platinum collaboration is AlunaGeorge’s biggest hit to date, having peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2015. The original song is much slower — and therefore almost impossible to listen to after having heard DJ Snake’s updated version — but it has its own charm.
3. AlunaGeorge – “Not Above Love” [I Remember, 2016]
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This excellent track samples “Plan B” by Slow Motion Centerfold, and the emotional lyrics are relatable for anyone who’s ever felt like the other person in a relationship is stealing your energy. Francis’ vocals operate at full throttle on the verses, standing out against a slightly more stripped-down beat than the duo is known for.
2. Shakka – “Man Down” [2018]
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This collaboration with fellow Brit Shakka is AlunaGeorge’s most recent effort. It’s slowly gathering heat and rightfully so; inspired by Craig David and Usher, Francis and Shakka’s vocals blend nicely on the crossover track.
1. AlunaGeorge – “Mean What I Mean” [I Remember, 2016]
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Francis does not mince words on this track, which is inspired by a situation where she “denied a person’s advances, only to have them try to tell her she was just playing hard to get.” A pulsing chorus paired with bold lyrics and appearances from Leikeli47 and Dreezy makes this song a clear winner.