Colbie Caillat is a singer/songwriter at heart. Since we heard her gently sing about feeling “Bubbly” and building a following in the early days of MySpace, to becoming a multi-platinum singer with multiple hit singles, Caillat has built quite a career through the power of her words.
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As the daughter of revered producer Ken Caillat, the heartfelt singer is a quintessential lyricist trademarked by her breezy pop sound. Check out 10 of her best songs below.
1. “Battle”
Though Caillat typically turns her sights toward the sun in her songwriting, she delivered a stark message through “Battle.” Though it may sound like she’s singing about a flawed relationship, the singer told MTV in 2008 that she actually wrote the song in response to the Iraq war.
“I wrote ‘Battle’ about my frustration with our government and politics, my opinion on the war, and about people and the hurt and harm they can cause when they get too wrapped up in their own agenda,” she shared. The result is a beautiful ballad that showcases a longing in her voice not heard in other songs. “Battle” stands out for many reasons, making it one of her best songs ever.
2. “Try”
“Try” strikes a different chord from the many breezy songs that make up Caillat’s catalog. The singer offers a poignant perspective on what it’s like to be a woman and the societal pressures they often endure in search of acceptance. The uplifting lyrics find Caillat giving listeners permission to let go of the pressure, softly encouraging, Why should you care, what they think of you/When you’re all alone, by yourself/Do you like you?/You don’t have to try so hard. “Try” is certainly one of her finest offerings.
3. “Bubbly”
“Bubbly” is the song that made Caillat a household name, and for good reason. From the opening guitar strums and the way she endearingly says, “Will you count me in?” Caillat sets up a sweet and simple song that captured hearts with imagery-based lyrics like, They start in my toes/Make me crinkle my nose. Right off the bat, Caillat proved herself to be a compelling lyricist that continues to catch people’s attention.
4. “Worth It”
The California native goes back to her roots with her 2023 song, “Worth It.” Here, she looks back on lost love with eyes of admiration for all the joy and happiness they shared. As opposed to feeling bitter at the relationship’s end, the singer still keeps the fond memories in her heart singing, I wouldn’t change a thing/I know it wasn’t perfect/But loving you was worth it.
5. “Realize”
Caillat kept her momentum going strong when she released “Realize” after her debut hit, “Bubbly.” Co-written by Caillat and her frequent songwriting collaborator Jason Reeves, the song came from a true story of how Reeves’ roommate had a crush on Caillat, yet didn’t vocalize his feelings for her. When she learned of his affection, she was inspired to write the song where Reeves took on the perspective of his friend. The dreamy, acoustic guitar-driven ballad is certainly one of Caillat’s most well-known and best songs.
6. “Brighter Than the Sun”
It’s nearly impossible not to be in a good mood when “Brighter Than the Sun” comes on. The summery melody and spirited hand claps accompany effervescent lyrics about blissful love as she sings, We could be the stars, falling from the sky/Shining how we want, brighter than the sun. If you need a shot of cheerful energy, “Brighter Than the Sun” will do the trick.
7. “Lucky”
Caillat knows how to write a love song, and she proved it with “Lucky.” This 2009 duet by Caillat and Jason Mraz became a worldwide hit with its romantic lyrics like, Boy, I hear you in my dreams/I feel your whisper across the sea/I keep you with me in my heart/You make it easier when life gets hard. The beloved storyline about falling in love with one’s best friend has become a staple wedding song and took them to the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
8. “Begin Again”
There’s a summery spirit Caillat channels into her music, and that’s captured in “Begin Again.” It’s hard not to feel happy listening to the second track off her sophomore album, Breakthrough, as she sings of taking the temperature down in a relationship that’s running on passion. I know we’ve said a lot of things/That we probably didn’t mean/But it’s not too late to take them back, she sings with upbeat conviction, making for one of the best songs on Breakthrough and across her catalog.
9. “The Little Things”
Caillat established herself as a poetic songwriter with her debut album, Coco. One of its shining jewels is “The Little Things.” Like “Bubbly,” “Little Things” is an acoustic pop ditty that focuses on the simple, yet pure details of love like a nervous heart beating fast and exchanging sweet nothings. It’s definitely worth a listen.
10. “Droplets” ft. Jason Reeves
Caillat and Jason Reeves took their songwriting partnership in front of the microphone on “Droplets.” The song features a lovely melody accompanied by gorgeous lyrics that capture the pain of moving on from someone you love, comparing their memory to the raindrops falling down on one’s skin. This deep cut off Breakthrough is definitely worth a listen.
Photo Credit: Brenton Giesey/The Oriel Co.
