Kali Uchis, a gem in the constellation of pop music, has wielded a significant influence over the landscape of the genre in recent years. Embodying an intoxicating blend of authenticity and flair, she has consistently delivered tracks that resonate deeply with listeners. Each song is a testament to Uchis’ exquisite finesse, her ability to weave together compelling melodies, and her knack for storytelling through music. Consider the haunting allure of “la luz(Fín),” the defiant strength in “Dead To Me,” or the irresistible groove of “telepatía.” Each track bears the unique thumbprint of Uchis, showcasing her diverse musical palette.
Her talent for dynamic collaboration is also evident in songs like “Worth the Wait (feat. Omar Apollo)” and “After The Storm (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins).” These tracks highlight her versatility, effortlessly blending her voice with different musical styles and personalities. Despite the depth and diversity of her discography, there’s an unmistakable thread of artistic integrity and musical innovation running through it all.
As difficult as it is to rank Uchis’ songs, given their individual brilliance and distinct identities, this list attempts to do just that. Balancing the infectious hooks, profound lyrics, and immersive atmospheres, it provides a roadmap for navigating the remarkable journey of sonic exploration that Uchis invites us on. However, remember that each ranking is subjective and embedded in individual perception and taste.
So let’s get into it. From “la luz(Fín)” to “Moonlight,” here are the Top 20 Kali Uchis Songs of All Time.
20. la luz(Fín)
The song serves as an enticing opener to her second studio album “Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)”, a vivid and vibrant exploration of Uchis’ own multifaceted identity. True to its name, it beams, it sparkles, it illuminates. The glow of this song comes from its hypnotic blend of reggaetón rhythm and pop sensibilities. It’s a confident love anthem that dwells on the heat of a pulsing, passionate connection. Uchis sings about a burning desire, a magnetic attraction that’s so powerful, it’s almost supernatural. She deliberates whether to succumb to temptation and turn off the lights to explore what’s left of their connection or let it fizz out. It’s a bubbly, infectious number that remains imprinted in your memory long after it ends.
19. La Única – Sprite Limelight
Embedded in the lyrics is Uchis’ refusal to capitulate to societal and personal expectations, instead, she insists on owning her truth and relishing her uniqueness.
It plays out like a scathing rebuke to the dismissive and derogatory perceptions often thrown her way. The repetitive phrase “Única, you know that I’m the only one” turns into a defiant and empowering mantra of self-assertion. Her message to the world is clear: she’s not someone to be underestimated or easily dismissed.
In true Kali Uchis fashion, the song wraps this strident statement in an irresistibly catchy, beat-driven package that’s as danceable as it is defiant. The song not only reflects Uchis’ individualism but also her unique blend of R&B and Latin pop influences that never fail to leave a lingering aftertaste of ‘Sprite Limelight’.
18. Loner
Backed by an ethereal and languid production, Uchis’ soulful voice floats over the track, detailing the duality of longing for connection but ultimately desiring solitude. The lyrics tell a tale of a persona who’s disenchanted with hollow relationships, expressing her desire to return to her solitary existence rather than be used or overlooked. Uchis masterfully infuses the song with a peculiar brand of melancholy, a sort of wistful yearning that strikes a chord with anyone who’s ever felt similarly burned. The song subverts the typically negative stereotype of a ‘loner’, turning it into a symbol of self-preservation and independence. Uchis paints herself as a figure who won’t be trivialized or mistreated, demonstrating her refusal to be someone else’s temporary fix. Kali Uchis’ “Loner” is an anthem for the self-reliant and the heartbroken, and a testament to her nuanced songwriting abilities.
17. Love Between…
Presenting a narrative about the encompassing power of love, touching on the ethereal allure of spending eternity with the object of one’s affection. It’s an invitation for her lover to delve into the depth of her world, a subtle hint to the transformative essence of love. The song encapsulates the absolute vulnerability required to commit to a bond, signifying that love can be as breathtakingly beautiful as it is terrifying.
Simultaneously, Uchis’ lyrics resonate with listeners on a personal level, capturing love’s phenomenological essence. The song’s repetitive refrain underscores the emotive roots of the track. It’s about the bliss that blossoms when someone makes your soul smile, a statement any love-sick romantic can relate to. A refreshing take on the typical love ballad, “Love Between…” positions Kali Uchis as a modern-day bard, spinning tales of love and devotion with an unfiltered honesty that’s as compelling as it is relatable.
16. Moral Conscience
The song’s lyrics delve headfirst into the drawn-out repercussions of moral mishaps, exploring themes of regret and guilt-streaked solitude. Kali fashions her words into an almost prophetic warning, evoking the spectral presence of karma that lurks in the pitch-black solitude of one’s guilt.
Yet, layered within the broad strokes of remorse and contrition, Uchis interweaves threads of empowerment and self-worth, reinforcing her irreplaceability. The illusion of replacing her unravels in the lonely moments of self-revelation, revealing a prod at the false facades people often adopt. “Moral Conscience” is not just about confronting past mistakes, it’s a call to be genuine, urging the listener to be real, not just with others, but crucially, with oneself.
15. Worth the Wait (feat. Omar Apollo)
This slow-burning cut from Uchis’ album unfolds like a tantalizing confession of desire, with her sultry vocals capturing the ceaseless longing for a lover’s presence. The song explores the paradoxical tension of craving intimacy while confronting the fear of heartbreak and familial dissolution. Uchis’ raw honesty about her deep, all-encompassing affection swerves into a candid rebuke against superficiality in relationships. On “Worth the Wait”, she manages to make this complex emotional entanglement palpable, underlining her knack for turning personal introspection into a universal narrative. Overlaying this evocative lyrical tapestry is a velvety beat that complements the song’s emotional ebb and flow, solidifying its spot as one of Uchis’ most nuanced works.
14. Endlessly
Uchis takes us on an intimate journey of persistent desire and love’s enduring hold. Channeling the intoxicating allure of an insatiable romance, she lays bare the fundamentals of a relationship that’s transcended the ordinary. She lures us in with her depiction of a love that’s neither fleeting, nor casual, but one that’s too addictive to quit, too profound to forget, hitting that love-you-till-death-do-us-part mark.
Embroidered with her sultry vocals and hypnotic rhythm, the narrative reveals a lover who’s not only smitten but also changed by the encounter, making Uchis the first to stir up his romantic side. The lyrics affirm an irresistible attraction that pulsates through every beat, creating a web of enchantment that you cannot get enough of. “Endlessly” is thus, an unflinching testimony of a love robust enough to potentially “save the world.” So buckle up, because once you hit the play button on this one, there’s no turning back!
13. fue mejor (feat. SZA)
Collaborating with SZA, Kali Uchis demonstrates a soulful exploration of self-awareness and reinvention. The song is a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship – it’s the kind of closing chapter that’s filled with pain yet teeming with personal growth. Uchis pens and croons, embodying a strong woman who steps away from a lover that doesn’t deserve her. She’s brutally honest about her emotions, leaving behind worldly possessions, but also relishing the newfound freedom. Her words weave a tale of self-discovery, asserting through her lyrics that her departure was for the best – fue mejor. The SZA inclusion represents a harmonious fusion, adding an extra layer of vulnerability and resilience. The key message? Losing love doesn’t have to translate into loss of one’s self. Instead, Uchis celebrates the inkless tattoo of experience etched permanently in her psyche. This song is laced with a deep personal narrative that resonates with anyone who’s ever danced on the ashes of a relationship gone sour. A true pop powerhouse.
12. Just A Stranger (feat. Steve Lacy)
Exploration of the narrative of a woman who prefers the allure of money to the complexities of love. In the seductive universe of the song, our protagonist is painted as a direct, unapologetic character, unafraid to prioritize her desires above societal pressures and expectations. Even though many would share the critique, she isn’t perturbed; she will ride the storm, exist in this transient world, embracing the fleeting nature of her encounters.
More than just an anthem of independence, “Just A Stranger” is a critique of a society where material wealth often overshadows genuine connection. The song oscillates between being an indulgent celebration of her luxurious lifestyle, and a stark revelation of the emptiness that accompanies it. Uchis pairs these themes with an infectious beat and seductive vocals, creating an irresistible make-you-move-then-make-you-think kind of pop track. Kudos, Kali.
11. Your Teeth In My Neck
This track from Kali Uchis’ debut studio album “Isolation” doesn’t need glossy hooks to make its statement. Instead, Uchis dishes out an unabashedly straightforward critique of capitalism, detailing the ongoing exploitation of the many by the few. Her versatile vocals skate over a minimal, hypnotic beat, marking territory on themes of social consciousness. The song is a protest, an underscoring of the unjust dynamics between the rich and the poor. With the metaphor of ‘your teeth in my neck,’ Uchis paints a vivid picture of the parasitic nature of this relationship. This number doesn’t simply delve into social commentary; it also showcases the beauty and depth of Kali’s discography, proving that her lyrical prowess is just as powerful as her aesthetic vision. A potent mix of the socio-political and the sonic, “Your Teeth In My Neck” is a standout in Kali Uchis’ evolving oeuvre.
10. Hasta Cuando
This tune bubbles with a confessional sort of transparency that sets it apart. At its core, it’s a kiss-off anthem dealing with a resentful ex who can’t stop talking about her. The lyrics paint the picture of someone who’s moved on and living her best life, enjoying her success while this person is still caught in his feelings. We see Uchis standing tall, unbothered by the drama. She spins the narrative of a woman who’s not just over her past, but is thriving and refusing to let anyone bring her down. The lyrical quality of her defiance is striking, filled with biting humor and audacity. An example of her defiant spirit rings out as she challenges the idea of her ex’s new girl harboring envy for Uchis. It’s a potent reminder that she’s not one to be trifled with, a force to be reckoned with as she continues to rise.
9. Fantasy (feat. Don Toliver)
A captivating piece that melds pop and R&B in an intoxicating dance floor confession. The song’s lyrics express the longing for an ideal, unrestricted romance where everyone’s focus is solely on their partner. Uchis stands firm in her demand for the full, undivided attention and adoration she deserves, setting the tone with the clear command, “Babe, if you don’t worship me, it just don’t work for me”.
With a chorus that is achingly relatable in its yearning for simplicity and authenticity, Uchis and Toliver delve into the interchange and balance of power in the relationship. The lyrics dance between the lavish (‘Diamonds on my wrist, that’s my love language’) and the tender, emphasizing that the love they crave goes beyond mere possession, but extends towards having their significant other wholly invested in them. This song offers a peek into the complexities of love and affection, combining it with flawlessly delivered vocals, making it a memorable track in Uchis’ catalog.
8. I Wish you Roses
The underlying theme of the song is both an elegy and a benediction. Uchis doesn’t hold back while navigating the complicated landscape of feelings associated with love and loss. She poetically crafts the ebb and flow of emotional tides, from the initial “never thought I would be without you” to a more resolved state of wishing love and wellbeing to the one she has lost.
The rose, a symbol of love but also of transience due to its inevitable wilting, becomes a central motif. Uchis wishes roses for her loved one, urging them to appreciate the beauty and fragrance while they still can — a clear metaphor for cherishing love while it exists. The mention of the bee sting alongside pretty flowers is a striking reminder that love, beautiful as it may be, often comes with its share of pain.
The song closes with a prophetic punctuality, “you’re gonna want me back,” demonstrating the valuable role of self-worth even amid heartbreak. With “I Wish you Roses,” Uchis paints a vivid picture of the fragility, beauty, and resilience of love.
7. Te Mata
She’s not just singing a song – she’s narrating her journey, her redemption from sorrow, and claiming her happiness. Uchis unveils her vulnerability as she excavates past pain and addresses how she was haunted by the cruelty of an unloving figure. The beauty of this track lies in her candid self-revelation and the subsequent evolution into an empowered self.
Lyrically, the song is a statement against those who’ve caused her pain. Uchis is no longer the woman she used to be; she’s stronger, happier, and thriving despite the torment of her past. She’s found her wings and that, she asserts, is her former tormenter’s greatest dread. “Te Mata” is a celebration of her liberation; it’s a ruthless kiss-off to those who attempted to clip her wings, but instead, catalyzed her flight.
6. Dead To Me
The lyrics here are uncompromising, as Uchis boldly declares her ex-partner ‘dead’ to her. It’s a clear and forceful delineation of personal boundaries, making it a powerful anthem of self-respect and defiance.
Uchis communicates a sense of frustration and finality, suggesting a tumultuous, one-sided relationship where she’s been undervalued and disrespected. She brilliantly captures the emotional exhaustion of dealing with an overly persistent ex, relentlessly insisting they’re ‘dead’ to her, simply because they refuse to acknowledge it. Is there a more definitive dismissal than that?
Yet, underneath the starkness of the phrase ‘you’re dead to me’, there’s a quiet strength in her words. Uchis isn’t just closing a chapter; she’s asserting her worth, her autonomy, her power. Despite the biting dismissal, this isn’t a song of bitterness; it’s a song of empowerment and reclamation—a testament to Uchis’s ability to turn personal adversity into a potent narrative of resilience and independence.
5. Muñekita (with El Alfa & JT)
Overflowing with Colombian flair, it’s a testament to Uchi’s diversity and creativity as an artist. The track veers towards reggaeton, folding in Latin Trap with a dash of dembow rhythm, underscoring Uchi’s versatility in effortlessly traversing genres. The lyrics, a mesh of sultry metaphors and assertive assertions, are delivered with a devil-may-care attitude that’s become synonymous with Uchis. She isn’t shy about her confidence or sexuality, and nor should she be. After all, this song is a battle cry for women everywhere to stand their ground and own who they are. It’s cheeky, it’s raw, and it’s unapologetically Kali Uchis. Whether you’re in for the catchy beat or the empowering narrative, “Muñekita” delivers on all fronts.
4. After The Storm (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)
Embracing the notion that the hardest trials come before the most stunning victories, capturing the essence of resilience in its lyrics. It paints a vivid picture of navigating life’s tempests, armed with nothing more than your wits and a spark of hope, always mindful that clear skies always follow the storm. The introspective lyrics weave a storyline of struggle, introspection and triumph, anchored in Uchis’ buttery vocals. Tyler’s verse, drenched with self-assured swagger, mirrors the song’s overall theme of not only surviving but thriving in the face of adversity. Soaked in a funky groove and topped off with Uchis’ unique vocal styling, “After The Storm” is an endearing hymn of survival clothed in pop music attire.
3. Melting
Succinctly capturing Uchis’s ability to be resonantly emotive, while maintaining a particular pop sensibility. The lyrics serve up a palpable portrayal of enchantment and passion, conveying the intoxicating feeling of being so enamored that one’s composure simply melts away. Uchis employs vivid imagery, equating her lover to a religious sanctuary, a judicial verdict, and a powerful narcotic, indicators of the intensity of her infatuation. There’s a dash of vulnerability too, as Uchis confesses her attempts to adopt humor just to make her lover smile. The recurring metaphor of ‘melting like an ice cream’ when her lover smiles encapsulates this overwhelming influence. It’s a beautifully delicate, sincere ballad that showcases Uchis’s uncanny ability to blend vintage vibes with modern pop, resulting in a uniquely soft, yet powerful, musical experience.
2. telepatía
An intoxicating blend of R&B, reggaeton, and dream pop, slinking through your speakers with a sultry Latin swagger that’s hard to resist. But let’s dive into these lyrics, my friends. They’re a heady cocktail of longing, desire, and psychic connections; love, lust, and loneliness all tangled up in an astral dance.
In the song, Kali paints a vivid picture of a relationship that exists more in the realm of the mind than the physical world. She talks about making love through telepathy, highlighting the distance between her and her lover. Despite the miles that separate them, their connection is potent; it transcends time, space, and the constraints of the physical world. They’re tethered by their thoughts, by their desire for each other, by the dulcet tones of Kali’s voice serenading them over the phone. It’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of modern love and longing in an increasingly disconnected world.
1. Moonlight
A veritable tribute to love and liberation, unfolding under the glow of the ethereal moonlight. Uchis is baring her soul, seeking solace with her lover and boldly expressing her eagerness to escape the mundane, to just “ride and get high.” She’s not gunning for small talk or superficial connections – she’s on a quest for a peace of mind, showcasing her penchant for deep, soulful connections.
The lyrics speak of self-perception and empowerment (“veo una muñeca cuando miro en el espejo”), Uchis embracing her inner ‘dolly’ while also acknowledging the need for a break, for freedom, for levity. The chorus is an unapologetic confession, a fervent desire to rise above the ordinary and bask in the sublime euphoria that comes from being in love and being loved in return. And in her quest for this love-induced high, she beautifully intertwines English and Spanish, capturing her bilingual background and artistic versatility. In “Moonlight”, Kali Uchis is creating an alternative universe, a softer world shrouded in love and moonlight, where you can lose and find yourself all at the same time.
