Powerful
Released

2015
Songwriter(s)
Diplo
Maxime Picard
Clement Picard
Ilsey Juber
Fran Hall
Tarrus Riley
Producer(s)
Major Lazer
Picard Brothers
Major Lazer singles chronology"Lean On"
(2015)"Powerful"
(2015)"Lost"
(2015)Ellie Goulding singles chronology"Love Me like You Do"
(2015)"Powerful"
(2015)"On My Mind"
(2015)Tarrus Riley singles chronology"Powerful"
(2015)Alternative cover
Powerful (Remixes) Cover
CompositionEdit
The song is described as an "EDM power ballad" and its soul, pop and R&B nature led the critics to label it as one of the most accessible and radio friendly songs in the album.[2][3][4] It was written by Thomas Pentz, Maxime Picard, Clement Picard, Ilsey Juber, Fran Hall and reggae musician Tarrus Riley; the latter is also featured on the track along singer Ellie Goulding. The song is a musical departure from Major Lazer's dancehall-inspired signature sound, having this song dubbed as a ballad by many reporters.[5][6] Lyrically, the song talks about the protagonist's significant other having 'power' on them, such when they touch there is electricity. It also hints at sex. The chorus of the song was first used in the Major Lazer TV series on FXX a month before the full song was released in the episode "Vampire Weekend".
Music videoEdit
The music video was released on July 23, 2015. It features both Goulding and Riley performing their parts using telekinetic powers and ruining a small diner. The clip's theme is labeled as "supernatural" and was directed by James Slater.[6][7]
Use in mediaEdit
In 2017, the song was used in an advertisement for Emporio Armani's Stronger With You and Because It's You perfumes.,[8] and in the 2017 advertising campaign for Unilever's Close-Up toothpaste.[9]
On the November 4, 2019, episode of the reality television singing competition show The Voice, Team Gwen (Stefani) member Jacob "Jake" HaldenVang performed a rock arrangement of the song in a Knockout round, opposing fellow Team Gwen member Royce Lovett, who performed Avicii's "Wake Me Up." Coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Blake Shelton all preferred HaldenVang's performance, and Stefani agreed, naming him the winner of the Knockout and advancing him to the Live Playoffs. Meanwhile, Lovett was eliminated when Shelton opted not to steal him onto his team (as Clarkson and Legend had already used their steals by that time).
Track listingEdit
Digital download[10]No.TitleLength1."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley)3:26
Digital download – Remixes - EP[11]No.TitleLength1."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley)3:262."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (With You. x GITCHII Remix)4:033."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (Gregor Salto Remix)4:344."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (Michael Calfan Remix)2:555."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (BOXINBOX & Lionsize Remix)3:486."Powerful" (featuring Ellie Goulding and Tarrus Riley) (G-Buck Remix)4:06
Hitparade)[32]53UK Indie (OCC)[33]3UK Singles (OCC)[34]54US Billboard Hot 100[35]83US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[36]22US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[37]5
Year-end chartsEdit
Chart (2015)PositionAustralia (ARIA)[38]68Poland (ZPAV)[39]43US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[40]21
Certifications
Edit
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[41] 2× Platinum 140,000double-dagger
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[42] Gold 30,000^
Italy (FIMI)[43] Platinum 50,000double-dagger
New Zealand (RMNZ)[44] Gold 7,500*
United Kingdom (BPI)[45] Silver 200,000double-dagger
United States (RIAA)[46] Gold 500,000double-dagger
* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
double-dagger Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
