Slizzard's Top 50 Delta Goodrem Songs

[Lozzy]

SLIZZARD'S TOP 50 DELTA GOODREM SONGS

Who is Delta?

She's an Australian pop/HAC singer-songwriter. She released her debut single in 2001, and was marketed as "Australia's answer to Britney Spears". The song completely flopped, but she was noticed by the producers of the soap opera Neighbours and she joined the cast for roughly a year to help launch her career. "Born to Try" was released in late 2002 and it shot to #1 in Australia - and so did her next five singles. Her debut album Innocent Eyes went 15x Platinum and is one of the top 10 best selling albums in Australia ever. The album also experienced noteworthy success in the UK, with a double platinum certification and three top 10 hits. However, further plans were halted after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Iymphoma. After a year of hardship she released her second album in 2004, Mistaken Identity, which showcased darker themes and productions. She never matched the success of her debut era again, but Mistaken Identity sold 5x Platinum in Australia and spawned two #1 hits, including a duet with her future fiancé Brian McFadden. In 2005 she starred in a really s**tty film and did her first headline tour of Australia, The Visualise Tour, which became one of Australia's most successful local tours. The track "Lost Without You", which was originally the follow-up to "Born to Try", was released in North America and her label planned to release a compilation of her first two albums there, but the song flopped with a mediocre peak around #18 on Hot AC, and the album was shelved. She attempted the North American market again with her third album Delta, released in 2007 in Australia, but she flopped again, with the single "In This Life" only becoming a mediocre Hot AC hit again. The album was still successful in Australia though. While starring on The Voice Australia as a coach/judge/mentor/whatever in early 2012, she released her 'comeback' single "Sitting on Top of the World" which went double platinum, and her fourth album Child of the Universe has been certified gold so far. As of last week she's signed with a U.S. manager apparently responsible for Christina Aguilera and some other has-beens ... but still, it looks like she'll be giving the international market another shot this year! Oh, and she also released a Christmas EP last year. It flopped, but still.

That was longer than I was intending. oop. But if any of that sounds interesting, tune in to this thread for more Delta goodness! And of course you can still follow along if you couldn't be bothered to read that. Or even if she sounds s**t to you.

Eligibility:

All her official studio recordings were under consideration for this list. That includes singles, album tracks, b-sides and Christmas songs. Live covers and things like that? No. Remixes and acoustic versions. No (minus one exception). And that's it!

Methodology:

It's all based on my favorite songs from her, period. :)

Album spread:

These are how many songs made the list from each era. :) The first number is songs from the album, the second is b-sides from that album's singles.

11 + 2	10 + 3	10 + 2	7 + 3

You'll have to wait to find out where the other two are from. ;)

[Lozzy]

50	49	48	47	46	45	44

43	42	41	40	39	38

[Lozzy]

I'm going to start this off with five tracks that just missed the cut (in no order)! Sorry if any of these are your faves. :'(

BUBBLING UNDER #1.
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Delta's released many Christmas covers across her career, including several tracks for the annual The Spirit of Christmas compilation, and the bluegrass influenced five-track EP Christmas that she released last year. This song is taken from the latter, and it's by far my favorite Christmas track of Delta's. It took me by surprise when I first heard it because it's really different and nothing like a typical Christmas cover. It's definitely worth a listen, even in February.

BUBBLING UNDER #2.
"Be Strong"

This song is from her Mistaken Identity album, and was released as the fifth single from that album with a strictly limited edition CD single. It has a great inspirational message and it's a pleasant pop ballad, and it also seems to be a universal fan favorite from what I can tell. It's also a strong contrast against the rest of the album, much of which is darker and less mainstream-sounding. The main thing that held it back from the top fifty for me is that it's a bit too cheesy and a little boring. It's still a good song though! The single cover is also pretty good.

"Be Strong" was reviewed by Sean (sthomas90):

What kind of a perfect song?! :’( This is the song of my life right now. So many things have happened in my life throughout the past couple of years and I have no idea how I manage to get by day to day. Some days seriously just suck beyond all belief, but I have great people watching over me and I always find amazing songs to help my through my rough times and right now, this is the song. So f**king good!!!! :’(

BUBBLING UNDER #3.
"Flawed"

I mentioned in the super long paragraph in the OP that "Lost Without You" was released in America in 2005 as part of a planned compilation album featuring songs from Innocent Eyes and Mistaken Identity, but the album was shelved as the song flopped. Well, one thing I left out due to length is that the album was still released in Japan, in 2006, and this was the lead single and one of the two new tracks on it. Wikipedia says that it peaked at #1 on the download chart there, but I'm not sure if that's trustworthy or not. Either way, it seems like it was a hit there! The song itself is a typical Delta track in the vein of many of her earlier singles with a solid, memorable chorus, but it does feel more like a b-side than single material to me.

BUBBLING UNDER #4.
"Hollow No More"
(with Brian McFadden)

This was a b-side to her Brian duet "Almost Here", which was from Mistaken Identity. While "Almost Here" (which is coming up in the top 50) was more of a light AC-pop ballad, "Hollow No More" is heavier and more dramatic, and thus sonically closer to the Mistaken Identity album. I don't have much to say about this one, but it probably would be #51 if I had extended my countdown further down.

BUBBLING UNDER #5.
"Wish You Were Here"

You're probably going to be surprised to see this one here! It was released as the third single from Child of the Universe in October last year, and it reached #5 in Australia and sold platinum. She wrote the song about the death of a close friend of hers, and it goes through her emotions after losing him with some really powerful lyrics. It's definitely a massive fan favorite, but I've never loved it as much as everyone else seems to. I'm hopeless when it comes to making emotional connections to music, so that's probably why. Also, this is one track I've never been able to make sound HQ for me. There are several 'glitches' in the audio of the song that are even present on the official CD, unfortunately. I still enjoy the song, though, and it did make #4 on my personal chart, which just says more about how great the upcoming tracks are.

This track was also reviewed by Sean;

Oh my god. Oh holy mother is this song so f**king good. When I first heard this song, I just broke down and cried. I mean, sure I’ll cry at anything, but this song hit me so f**king hard I could barely breathe. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard and one of my absolute favorites. It’s such a personal song for me and it’s just perfect! :’( <3

Sorry to disappoint you in my ranking. ;_;

But that's the bubblers done. Hope that made a nice read! I'll try to post one or two songs per day, but the commentary takes time so I can't guarantee I'll be as efficient as I was with my last countdown. I'll try though. :) All comments, positive or negative, are welcome!

[Az Paynter]

I'm guessing the one exception to the 'no remixes' rule is the True North mix of Throw It Away? I don't actually have the album version to compare it to, but I think it was a slightly remixed single version, which I think was shelved because of the Hodgkin's Lymphoma thing.

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

Yay! Boo at "Wish You Were Here"'s place, though. :(

[Sean]

Fuck this! Two of mine didn't even make it! :'( I mean "Wish You Were Here" is like 45 spots too low! :'( Oh fine, I forgive you! Super excited that this has finally begun!!! <3

[josh]

So are the two "You'll have to wait to find out where the other two are from." "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Flawed" ? Because if so, that was anti-climactic.

[Lozzy]

Feb 8, 2013 18:19:25 GMT -5 josh said:

So are the two "You'll have to wait to find out where the other two are from." "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Flawed" ? Because if so, that was anti-climactic.

No because they're not on the countdown.

Feb 8, 2013 11:28:21 GMT -5 Az Paynter said:

I'm guessing the one exception to the 'no remixes' rule is the True North mix of Throw It Away?

No because I've never heard of it.

Feb 8, 2013 11:34:34 GMT -5 @dawson said:

[josh]

Feb 8, 2013 21:43:44 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

Feb 8, 2013 18:19:25 GMT -5 josh said:

So are the two "You'll have to wait to find out where the other two are from." "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Flawed" ? Because if so, that was anti-climactic.

No because they're not on the countdown.

[Deleted]

You're just so predictable. Jk, I didn't expect the position of WYWH.

[Lozzy]

NUMBER 50.
"Beautiful Madness"



I'm a nervous clock, and you're a suitcase lost in Hong Kong

Beginning the top 50 is one of the two b-sides to her 2004 hit single "Out of the Blue". I originally had this as low as #70-ish when I started ranking her songs for the countdown but kept moving it up because it's so irresistible. It's a light and airy track featuring a prominent guitar, and while it's not her best work in any regard, I just love it because it reminds me of summer and sounds so happy and carefree overall. I also love the lyrics in this song. I'm pretty sure it's just about Delta having fun with her boyfriend, but the lyrics are full of interesting similes and I'd say it's quite well-written for a tried-and-true subject like this.

I'll also throw a shout-out to the other b-side from this single, "Visualise". It didn't come close to the countdown, but it has a great chorus and is in a similar vibe to this song. "Out of the Blue", "Visualise" and "Beautiful Madness" just made a really great set of tracks overall.

[Deleted]

Feb 9, 2013 7:42:26 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

NUMBER 50.
"Beautiful Madness"

I like this, because

Feb 9, 2013 7:42:26 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

It's a light and airy track ... and sounds so happy and carefree overall.

this. Carefree, peaceful, calming.

[Sean]

Great song!!!!!

[Lozzy]

NUMBER 49.
"Angels in the Room"



I feel safe here in your light

"Angels in the Room" is the final track on the standard edition of her 2007 album Delta, and it makes a great album closer in my opinion. It's a calm, soothing track with really beautiful production and Delta sounds great as always. It certainly isn't radio material, but it's a great deviation from her usual styles. It also sounds a little churchy. I also love the lyrics in the chorus: "and I want to stay here, I feel safe here in your light; this must be what heaven's like, must be angels in the room, tonight". Hope you like it!

[Sean]

Feb 9, 2013 23:05:36 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

and it makes a great album closer in my opinion.

Agreed completely! Such an amazing song!

[Deleted]

I love your format.

Feb 9, 2013 23:05:36 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

NUMBER 49.
"Angels in the Room"

Feb 9, 2013 23:05:36 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

Hope you like it!

I do, I do! Underrated, awesome, understated, awesome, etc.

[Lozzy]

Feb 9, 2013 23:12:14 GMT -5 @dawson said:

I love your format.

Thank you!

[Lozzy]

NUMBER 48.
"Nobody Listened"



Invader took the breath from me, healer the angel did I see

This was a hidden track on Mistaken Identity, and it's definitely one of her most 'interesting' tracks! While a lot of the album took her ordeal with cancer and focused it into positive and inspirational songs, this showcases a very different side. I believe the main meaning in the track is Delta's anger at the media claiming that her suffering was a publicity stunt and that she was milking it for all she could, but I think it's also Delta taking a moment away from the mature songs and going into a teenage angst kind of mood as in 'nobody cares', 'what did I do to deserve this?', etc. That's my interpretation, at least, and I think it was definitely a hidden track for a reason, as it's more about her true feelings that she wanted to keep hidden as she wanted people to think of her as a strong figure.

The song itself definitely works along with the lyrics, too. The melody is pretty uneven and fragile-sounding, with numerous build-ups and a key change or two, and Delta going into this bratty, for lack of a better word, kind of voice in the pre-chorus. And the highlight of the song for me is the scream she lets out at 2:15. All that just makes this song unique, and even if you don't like Delta at all I'd really recommend taking a listen.

[Az Paynter]

...why is 'Nobody Listened' so low I cannot even.

[Lozzy]

Feb 10, 2013 10:34:45 GMT -5 Az Paynter said:

...why is 'Nobody Listened' so low I cannot even.

She has too many perfect songs. :(

[Deleted]

Feb 10, 2013 10:00:28 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

NUMBER 48.
"Nobody Listened"

Love blasting "Nobody Listened" when annoyed!

Feb 10, 2013 10:00:28 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

And the highlight of the song for me is the scream she lets out at 2:15.

Yes. The best part!

[Sean]

Definitely one of the best songs from Mistaken Identity!!! <3

[Lozzy]

NUMBER 47.
"Dancing with a Broken Heart"



What doesn't kill you makes you so much stronger, stronger

"Dancing with a Broken Heart" was released in August 2012 as the second single from Child of the Universe. Despite being repressed and having considerable radio promo, it only reached #15 in Australia (and #30 on airplay), becoming her lowest peaking single in eleven years. I guess the song just didn't connect, probably to do with it being very different from her usual style. It's a dance-pop track with a bit of a dreamy vibe, and while she's had a few dancey songs before, this song was her first one to become a single. As you can probably tell from the Kelly quote lyric above, it's another 'inspirational' track, and it was produced by John Shanks. In retrospect it wasn't the right choice for the second single, but I don't blame them for releasing it since it seemed good at the time, and I still think it's a great song.

The music video (click the banner above) is also one of my favorite Delta videos. She's never been a great video artist (though most Australian videos aren't that great anyway), but this one looks slightly less low-budget than usual! I think the video is supposed to be about Delta healing people's heartbreak through her art or something, but really I'm only here for the parts with Delta looking flawless in front of various backdrops.

"Dancing" was remixed for the album (nobody knows why, but I'm guessing they were too ashamed to include her biggest flop on an album or something). The main single/radio version is my favorite version, but I do like the album remix too. There's also an official acoustic version, which was included on the single and Child of the Universe - The Acoustic Sessions. I don't mind it but I think the song works much better as an upbeat pop track.

Also, this track was nominated by josh, and reviewed by Nightfire:

I know this peaked relatively low by Delta's standards, but I don't know why. The instrumental for it is so extremely infectious, and the verses are just incredible. Sure, the chorus doesn't, in my opinion, meet the standards that the verses set, but it's a dance-pop song that showcases why her voice is better than almost any contemporary artist in the world.

[Deleted]

Feb 11, 2013 7:54:36 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

NUMBER 47.
"Dancing with a Broken Heart"

Infectious. I wanna dance whenever I play this. Must have been too good for Australia.

Feb 11, 2013 7:54:36 GMT -5 @nightfire said:

it's a dance-pop song that showcases why her voice is better than almost any contemporary artist in the world.

Exactly.

[Lozzy]

^ I love how you changed the name on the quote from Slizzard to Nightfire for his bit. Great thinking! :)

[Deleted]

"Dancing With a Broken Heart" is so low for one of my favorite songs. :( But I was wondering why the version on the album was different than the single version I downloaded! I love the single version so much more. The version on the album seems a little busy to me, and the single version just has more oomph.

[Lozzy]

NUMBER 46.
"War on Love"



Broken hearts scattered on this battlefield, holding out for something real

Taken from her latest album Child of the Universe, "War on Love" is an upbeat track with a really strong chorus. I think it's pretty radio-friendly and could have made a good single, but there are much worse why-wasn't-this-released situations ahead. "War on Love" also has one of the best melodies on the album too, in my opinion, and while I can't really figure out what the song is about, the lyrics are still fun and catchy. There's also an acoustic version from Child of the Universe - The Acoustic Sessions, which is one of my favorite remakes on the disc. It's not always easy to translate an upbeat pop song to an acoustic setting, but she definitely pulled it off!

[Deleted]

Feb 12, 2013 2:15:38 GMT -5 Lozzy said:

NUMBER 46.
"War on Love"

I may like this one, yep. However, I would never rank this this high. Not bad, but not anything amazing.

[Sean]

Love "Dancing With A Broken Heart" and "War On Love"!! Great songs and I like their positions on the chart! :)