Featured Image by Kārlis Dambrāns. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/#. Fair Use.

I recently had the pleasure of being introduced to the music of singer-songwriter MIKA (or Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.). MIKA’s songs are unique and a complete delight to the ear. While he has a number of fantastic tunes for music lovers to enjoy, I am going to share what I consider to be the best MIKA songs so you can get a real feel for his musicality and artistic style.

1. “Lollipop”

“Lollipop” might be one of the most widespread and popular MIKA songs. It was even featured in the hit film Pitch Perfect 2. This is a fun and out-of-the-ordinary tune that lovers of sugar-sweet pop with a bite should appreciate. It makes for a great introduction to MIKA’s music catalog.

2. “Dear Jealousy”

“Dear Jealousy” is a very human, very relatable track that has an irresistible 80’s vibe. If you’ve ever felt jealousy over anyone or anything, this just might be your new anthem. This is one of MIKA’s newest tunes, which is reassuring. It shows that he hasn’t lost his artistry over the years.

3. “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)”

This song predates the “All About That Bass” era of celebrating larger body types, which is impressive in and of itself. However, it’s the tune’s uplifting and irresistibly catchy sound that really makes it stand out as one of the best MIKA songs.

4. “Origin of Love”

“Origin of Love” manages to mix Queen and Enya vibes. I absolutely love it. Its clever lyricism makes excellent use of metaphor and simile to demonstrate the power of love and its many complexities. MIKA explains this track—which I name among the best songs of the 21st century—better than I ever could in the video linked above, so I’ll defer to him on its deeper meaning.

5. “Lola”

This song is more classic and subdued than many of MIKA’s other tunes, but it is very catchy and enjoyable, nonetheless. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys that throwback, Eric Clapton-style sound in music. I typically don’t, but it works here because MIKA is very talented, and I love it. It seems like it was a precursor to the “oldies” sound on his fourth album, No Place In Heaven, which is interesting to think about.

6. “Tomorrow”

“Tomorrow” is romantic, harsh, dance-worthy, and uplifting all in one artistic package. It’s another track with an 80’s-type sensibility that gives me the chills. If you only listen to one of the songs by MIKA on this list today, it should be this one.

7. “Tiny Love”

“Tiny Love” is a beautiful ode to what MIKA would call the “real” kind of love. This song is 100% MIKA with influences from Queen, The Beatles, and other classic, much-loved artists. If you only listen to one track on this list, make it this one.

8. “No Place In Heaven”

MIKA is at his emotional best in this raw piece, which feels as if it is a direct cry from the multitalented singer to God. I also think it perfectly demonstrates how the Catholic religion messes with its believers’ heads, but that’s just my opinion.

9. “Blue Eyes”

This song is great fun with MIKA’s signature dark twist. I haven’t linked the song above; I linked MIKA’s explanation of how it came to be instead so you can fully appreciate and understand its artistry.

10. “Promiseland”

This song was, shockingly, a bonus track on MIKA’s fourth album, No Place in Heaven. It definitely should have been a full-fledged album piece. Nonetheless, it is dark, beautiful, and rockin’ all in one. The haunting version above from MIKA’s I Love Beirut benefit concert features Mashrou Leila and is a fan-favorite. Listen to the original recording to compare the two, as both are standout MIKA songs that can be appreciated in their own right.

Have any favorite MIKA songs that you would like to share with our readers? Let me know in the comments!