Clouds are a popular lyrical hook that musicians use when crafting vocals for their songs. Whether it represents gloominess or the feeling of being high in the sky, it’s an effective way to convey emotions.
In this list, we look at some of the best songs that feature clouds in the lyrics and title. From Hip-Hop to Dance and everything in between, the list below is an eclectic selection that will take you on an epic musical journey.
“Clouds” by Zach Sobiech
Album: Single Release Only
Genre: Rock
Released: 2012
The first song on our list of songs about clouds is this release from American singer-songwriter Zach Sobiech. The reason it tops our list isn’t just due to the excellent composition and lyrics but due to the power and message it represents.
Zach was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and this song is about his journey before his death in May 2013. Through the power of music, he helped raise funds and bring awareness to the disease showing that music can make a positive difference in the world.
Similar Playlist: Winter Songs
“Cloudy Day” by Tones And I
Album: Welcome to the Madhouse
Genre: Dance-Pop
Released: 2021
Next on our list is this song from Australian singer Tones and I. It’s a wonderfully fun and anthemic release that features excellent use of clouds within the lyrical story. It brings a message of hope and promise and oozes infectious energy.
The song performed well in the charts reaching number 31 in her home country of Australia and as high as number 31 on the US Adult Top 40. If you are ever feeling down, this is an excellent song to lift your spirits.
Similar Playlist: Best Sunset Songs
“King Of The Clouds” by Panic! At The Disco
Album: Pray for the Wicked
Genre: Alternative/Indie
Released: 2018
Pop rock band Panic! at the Disco has several quality albums and singles in their catalog, but after 2013 the band switched to a solo act after several members left. But the excellent music kept coming despite the switch to solo.
This song from the second solo act album is a highlight, and the relentless drums and engaging lyrics will leave you wanting more. The album Pray for the Wicked also went on to win the Top Rock Album at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Stars In The Lyrics
“Thunderclouds” by LSD (Labrinth, Sia, Diplo)
Album: LSD
Genre: Dance-Pop
Released: 2018
LSD is the combination of three super-talented artists. Sia, Diplo, and Labrinth. Individually they are amazing artists with multiple popular releases, but together they are a creative powerhouse, and this song is a perfect representation of what they can achieve.
The song was the third single from their debut album. It sold 1 million copies in the United States and became a top 10 hit in multiple countries, including Singapore, Ireland, Croatia, and Israel.
Similar Playlist: Best Spring Songs
“Clouds” by BØRNS
Album: Dopamine
Genre: Pop
Released: 2015
Garrett Clark Borns is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has always wanted to perform and create. Even as a kid, he would perform magic shows, create art, and dabble in filmmaking and performing in bands.
This smooth pop song with clouds in the lyrics showcases his skills and comes from his debut album, which reached number 24 on the Billboard 200 charts. If you like relaxed and introspective pop music, this song is worth adding to your playlist.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Sky In The Title
“CLOUDS” by NF
Album: Clouds (The Mixtape)
Genre: Hip-Hop
Released: 2021
NF is a breakthrough American rapper that many consider the next Eminem. While there are similarities, he does have his own style and shouldn’t be put into a stereotypical box.
This song is from his debut mixtape and went on to sell half a million copies and climbed as high as number 53 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Powerful lyrics, smooth rap composition, and a super cool music video. What’s not to like?
“Strange Clouds” by B.O.B Ft. Lil Wayne
Album: Strange Clouds
Genre: Hip-Hop / Dubstep
Released: 2011
Next on our list is another quality Hip-Hop song from B.o.B and Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne’s unique voice is undoubtedly a highlight, but B.o.B also puts in a superb performance in this song that sold 2 million copies in the United States.
The “strange clouds” referenced in the song refer to weed. While it’s nothing new for rappers to sing about drugs, the execution here is unique thanks to the addition of dubstep elements that work perfectly with the underlying Hip-Hop base.
“Smoke Clouds” by James Arthur
Album: James Arthur
Genre: Pop
Released: 2013
James Arthur has been featured on a few of our lists, which is unsurprising considering his impeccable vocal style filled with emotion and passion. The X-Factor winner is at his best in this song with clouds in the lyrics.
Much like the previous song, the lyrics refer to marijuana and reference the sense of feeling better but equally understanding that it’s not the answer to life’s problems. If you like discovering new and unique vocal performers, you should definitely check out this song.
“Clouds” by Chaka Khan
Album: Naughty
Genre: Funk / R&B / Soul
Released: 1980
Let’s change things up a bit from new breakout stars and appreciate one of the superstars that laid the foundations of modern funk, soul, and disco. Chaka Khan’s career spans decades, and she is aptly called the Queen of Funk.
Her second solo album featured this song as the leading single and perfectly showcased her fantastic voice. The whole album is a glorious journey of R&B gems, but this one is also notable for featuring backing vocals from none other than a young 16-year-old Whitney Houston!
“Just A Cloud” by Lusine
Album: Sensorimotor
Genre: Dance / Electronic
Released: 2017
As we get closer to the end of our list of the best songs about clouds, I’d like to highlight this unique song from American ambient/IDM musician Lusine. It’s a downtempo trip with a distinctly retro edge and expertly distorted vocal components.
In an ever-increasingly fast-paced world, it’s great to see songs like this with a laidback and experimental vibe pushing modern electronic music’s boundaries. Not every dance track needs an epic build-up and big drops, and this is an ideal example of that.
“Cloud 9” by Jamiroquai
Album: Automaton
Genre: Nu-Disco / Funk
Released: 2017
The English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, fronted by vocalist Jay Kay, rose to fame in the 90s with a list of notable albums that helped give renewed life to disco music and earned them a legion of loyal fans.
While they might not be as prevalent in the charts as in previous years, they are still making excellent new music. This song comes from their 2017 album Automaton and blends funk elements with Nu-disco to forge a catchy and groovy tune that urges you to get moving.
11 Bonus Songs About Clouds
“Clouds” by Prince
“Heavy Cloud No Rain” by Sting
“Cloud on my Tongue” by Tori Amos
“From The Clouds” by Jack Johnson
“Cloudbusting” by Kate Bush
“On My Cloud” by Olly Murs
“Cloudlifter” by Dirty Heads
“Get Off Of My Cloud” by Rolling Stones
“Clouds” by Imagine Dragons
“Obscured by Clouds” by Pink Floyd
“Cloudy Skies” by Ugly Kid Joe
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
