Think pop and violin don’t go hand in hand? Think again! From pop-punk to disco to the classics, string-infused pop violin songs aren’t just at the top of our playlists — they’ve also been topping the charts since the inception of pop. While “Elanor Rigby” is one of the most well-known violin chart-toppers, there are hundreds more to explore. From certified rock classics to contemporary EDM hits, these popular tunes are the creme de la creme when it comes to violin in pop music.

Get inspired with our guide to violin pop music as we work backward through the years to list our favorite pop songs with violin from the 2020s to the 1960s. Plus, some famous violinists and groups known for using violin.

The 2020s: Violin in the New Pop Renaissance

We’re not even halfway through the 2020s — yet, anyway — but the 2020s prove that violins are far from outdated in the modern pop landscape. Artists like Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish are weaving strings into their tracks, showcasing the instrument’s timeless ability to elevate music. 

Whether it’s Dua Lipa’s disco-inspired violin arrangements or the dramatic swells in Billie Eilish’s “SKINNY,” this decade is redefining the role of strings in pop. Up-and-coming artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter continue to embrace violins for their emotional depth, making these tracks as inspiring as they are unforgettable.

  • “Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa (2020)
  • “The World’s Smallest Violin” – AJR  (2021)
  • “teenage dream” – Olivia Rodrigo (2023)
  • “vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo (2023) 
  • “Dance the Night” – Dua Lipa (2023) 
  • “intro (end of the world)” – Ariana Grande 
  • “bye” – Ariana Grande 
  • “eternal sunshine” -Ariana Grande 
  • “SKINNY” – Billie Eilish (2024) 
  • “Everything is romantic” – Charli XCX (2024)
  • “Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan (2024)
  • “Picture You” – Chappell Roan (2024)
  • “Please, Please, Please” – Sabrina Carpenter (2024)

The 2010s: Violins Meet Indie Pop, R&B, and Electro Beats

The 2010s brought violins into every corner of the pop music world, showcasing their versatility and providing plenty of inspiration for pop violinists. From alternative ballads to club anthems and even cinematic pop, strings elevated tracks with drama, beauty, and sophistication. 

Whether you’re vibing to the sultry tones of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” or Adele’s emotional powerhouse “Hello,” violins provided a defining layer to some of the decade’s most memorable hits. 

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Get inspired for pop songs for the violin with these iconic 2010s hits:

  • “Enchanted” – Taylor Swift (2010) 
  • “Firework” – Katy Perry (2010) 
  • “Marry You” – Bruno Mars (2010) 
  • “Over” – Drake (2010)
  • “a thousand years” – Christina Perri (2011)
  • “Best Thing You Never Had” – Beyonce (2011)
  • “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen  (2011)
  • “Thinkin’ Bout You” – Frank Ocean (2011) 
  • “B— Don’t Kill My Vibe” – Kendrick Lamar (2012) 
  • “Summertime Sadness” – Lana Del Rey (2012) 
  • “Video Games”  – Lana Del Rey (2012)
  • “Born to Die” – Lana Del Rey (2012) 
  • “Ain’t It Fun” – Paramore (2013)
  • “I See Fire” – Ed Sheeran (2013)
  • “Cigarette Daydream” – Cage the Elephant (2013)
  • “Young And Beautiful” – Lana Del Rey (2013)
  • “Story of My Life” – One Direction (2013)
  • “Rather Be” – Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne (2014)
  • “Wildest Dreams” – Taylor Swift (2014) 
  • “My Tears Are Becoming a Sea” – M83 (2014)
  • “Hello” – J.Cole (2014)
  • “Hello” – Adele (2015)
  • “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” – The Weeknd (2015)
  • “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding (2015)
  • “Thumbs” – Sabrina Carpenter (2016)
  • “Love on the Brain” – Rihanna (2016) 
  • “7 Years” – Lukas Graham (2016)
  • “Burn the Witch” – Radiohead (2016)
  • “As the World Caves In” – Matt Maltese (2017)
  • “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran (2017)
  • “Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers, Coldplay (2017) 
  • “lovely (with khalid)” – Billie Eilish, Khalid (2018)
  • “All The Stars” – Kendrick Lamar, SZA (2018)
  • “Fine Line” – Harry Styles (2019)
  • “Sign of the Times” – Harry Styles (2019)

The 2000s: Strings Meet The New Era of Modern Pop

The early aughts witnessed a dynamic fusion of violins within various music genres, enhancing the emotional depth and complexity of numerous tracks. From the dramatic strings in Britney Spears’s chart-topping “Toxic” to the orchestral elements in Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” violins played a pivotal role in shaping the soundscape of the decade. This era saw artists across pop, rock, R&B, and hip-hop incorporating string arrangements to add sophistication and intensity to their music.

Here is a curated list of notable 2000s songs featuring prominent violin parts:

  • “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” – Train (2001)
  • “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child (2001)
  • “Toxic” – Britney Spears (2003)
  • “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (2003)
  • “Way Away” – Yellowcard (2003)
  • “Ocean Avenue” – Yellowcard (2003)
  • “Overnight Celebrity” – Twista (2004)
  • “The New Workout Plan” – Kanye West (2004)
  • “Remember the Name” – Fort Minor (2005)
  • “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (2002)
  • “Be Mine” – Robyn (2005)
  • “Like a Boy” – Ciara (2006)
  • “Our Song” – Taylor Swift (2006)
  • “Apologize” – Timbaland featuring OneRepublic (2007)
  • “Untouched” – The Veronicas (2007)
  • “Flashing Lights” – Kanye West (2007)
  • “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay (2008)
  • “Halo” – Beyoncé (2008)
  • “LoveGame” – Lady Gaga (2008)
  • “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele (2008)
  • “You’ve Got the Love” – Florence + The Machine (2008)
  • “Cosmic Love” – Florence + The Machine (2009)
  • “Obsessed” – Mariah Carey (2009)
  • “Alejandro” – Lady Gaga (2009)

The 1990s: Violin in Alt-Rock, Pop Ballads, and Hip-Hop

The 1990s brought violins to the forefront of diverse genres, from alternative rock to pop ballads and even hip-hop. String arrangements added depth to grunge anthems, heightened ballad emotion, and brought a cinematic flair to hip-hop tracks. 

The decade saw unforgettable hits like Radiohead’s “Creep” and the bittersweet melodies of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony.” Whether it was the drama of Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” or the nostalgia of “My Heart Will Go On,” violins became a versatile and essential element in shaping the era’s sound.

  • “Creep” -Radiohead (1992)
  • “I Will Always Love You” -Whitney Houston (1992)
  • “Walking on Broken Glass” -Annie Lennox (1992)
  • “Linger” -The Cranberries (1993)
  • “Whatever” -Oasis (1994)
  • “All I Want for Christmas Is You” -Mariah Carey (1994)
  • “Glycerine” -Bush (1994)
  • “Gangsta’s Paradise” -Coolio (1995)
  • “Tonight, Tonight” -The Smashing Pumpkins (1995)
  • “Cotton Eye Joe” -Rednex (1995)
  • “Un-Break My Heart” -Toni Braxton (1996)
  • “Crash Into Me” – Dave Matthews Band (1996)
  • “Hitchin’ a Ride” -Green Day (1997)
  • “Bittersweet Symphony” -The Verve (1997)
  • “My Heart Will Go On” -Celine Dion (1997)
  • “To Love You More” -Celine Dion (1995)
  • “Iris” -Goo Goo Dolls (1998)
  • “Thong Song” -Sisqó (1999)
  • “Cowboy Take Me Away” -The Chicks (1999)

1980s: Strings in Anthemic Rock and Experimental Pop

The 1980s were a groundbreaking decade for violins, as artists across genres experimented with orchestral elements. Rock anthems like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” used strings to amplify their emotional and dramatic impact. 

Meanwhile, Kate Bush pushed creative boundaries with the cinematic violins in “Cloudbusting” and “Running Up That Hill,” solidifying her role as a pop innovator. From Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting “Troy” to Peter Murphy’s gothic “Cuts You Up,” violins lent gravity and texture to some of the decade’s most unforgettable tracks.

  • “Don’t Stop Believin’” -Journey (1981)
  • “Come On Eileen” -Dexys Midnight Runners (1982)
  • “Sunday Bloody Sunday” -U2 (1983)
  • “Hallelujah” -Leonard Cohen (1984)
  • “Cloudbusting” -Kate Bush (1985)
  • “Running Up That Hill” -Kate Bush (1985)
  • “Amarillo by Morning” -George Strait (1985)
  • “Troy” -Sinéad O’Connor (1987)
  • “Cuts You Up” -Peter Murphy (1989)

1970s: Pop Violin Shines in Rock, Disco, and Storytelling

The 1970s embraced violins in new and exciting ways, blending orchestral arrangements with rock, disco, and folk storytelling. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) became pioneers of violin-infused rock with tracks like “Look at Me Now” and “Evil Woman.”

 At the same time, Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” wove Middle Eastern-inspired strings into its epic soundscape. Disco anthems like ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” used violins to add elegance and rhythm. 

Meanwhile, folk and rock icons such as Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and The Eagles brought emotional depth to their music with lush string accompaniments. Whether on the dance floor or in heartfelt ballads, violins defined much of the decade’s musical magic.

  • “Look at Me Now” -Electric Light Orchestra (1971)
  • “Dancing Queen” -ABBA (1976)
  • “Baba O’Riley” -The Who (1971)
  • “Kashmir” -Led Zeppelin (1975)
  • “Dust in the Wind” -Kansas (1977)
  • “Heart of Gold” -Neil Young (1972)
  • “Evil Woman” -Electric Light Orchestra (1975)
  • “Jungleland” -Bruce Springsteen (1975)
  • “Hotel California” -The Eagles (1976)
  • “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” -The Charlie Daniels Band (1973)
  • “Fire and Rain” -James Taylor (1970)
  • “Let It Be” -The Beatles (1970)
  • “How Deep Is Your Love” -Bee Gees (1977)
  • “Joy to the World” -Three Dog Night (1970)
  • “More Than a Woman” -Bee Gees (1977)
  • “Rasputin” -Boney M. (1978)
  • “I Will Survive” -Gloria Gaynor (1978)

The 1960s: Strings Elevate Pop’s Golden Era

The 1960s were a pivotal decade for pop music, with violins making their mark on everything from soul classics to experimental rock. Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” featured lush string accompaniments that amplified its heartfelt message, while The Beatles’ groundbreaking “Eleanor Rigby” used a string quartet to redefine pop music.

Louis Armstrong’s timeless “What a Wonderful World” and The Beach Boys’ tender “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)” showcased violins as tools for emotional resonance. Meanwhile, The Velvet Underground’s avant-garde “Venus in Furs” pushed boundaries with eerie, experimental string arrangements. The 1960s firmly established violins as a versatile force in modern music.

  • “Stand By Me” -Ben E. King (1961)
  • “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)” -The Beach Boys (1966)
  • “Eleanor Rigby” -The Beatles (1966)
  • “What a Wonderful World” -Louis Armstrong (1968)
  • “Venus in Furs” -The Velvet Underground (1967)

Famous Pop Violinists & Groups Known for Using Violin

Lindsey Stirling

A trailblazer in the world of violin-infused pop, Lindsey Stirling has captivated audiences with her unique blend of classical violin, electronic beats, and dynamic stage performances. Known for tracks like “Crystallize” and “Shatter Me,” Stirling has brought the violin to the forefront of contemporary music.

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

ELO is legendary for incorporating violins and other orchestral elements into their rock sound. With hits like “Evil Woman” and “Mr. Blue Sky,” the group showcased how violins can seamlessly merge with rock, creating a timeless, symphonic sound

Dave Matthews Band

With Boyd Tinsley as their violinist for many years, the Dave Matthews Band brought the violin into the realm of jam band rock. Tracks like “Ants Marching” and “Crash Into Me” highlight how violins can add warmth and complexity to pop-rock compositions.

The Verve

Known for their iconic hit “Bittersweet Symphony,” The Verve used violins to create one of the most recognizable string arrangements in modern music. This track’s unforgettable riff has become a hallmark of violin-infused pop.

Yellowcard

Pop-punk band Yellowcard made the violin a key part of their sound, setting them apart from their genre peers. Tracks like “Ocean Avenue” and “Way Away” feature driving violin melodies that add emotional depth and energy to their anthems.

Coldplay

While not centered around violins, Coldplay often incorporates string arrangements into their music, most notably in songs like “Viva La Vida” and “Fix You.” These tracks showcase how violins can elevate a pop song to a grand, orchestral experience.

The Corrs

This Irish family band is renowned for their fusion of pop, rock, and traditional Celtic music. Violinist Sharon Corr often takes center stage with melodic violin lines in hits like “Breathless” and “Runaway.”

Jean-Luc Ponty

A jazz fusion violinist who brought the violin into experimental and progressive pop contexts. While rooted in jazz, Ponty’s work influenced many modern genres, showcasing the versatility of the instrument.

Arcade Fire

This indie rock band frequently uses violins to add richness to their layered soundscapes. Tracks like “Rebellion (Lies)” and “The Suburbs” feature violins that contribute to their dramatic and cinematic feel.

Florence + The Machine

Strings, including violins, are central to the dramatic and ethereal sound of Florence + The Machine. Tracks like “Cosmic Love” and “You’ve Got the Love” highlight how violins can enhance emotional storytelling in pop.

Vanessa-Mae

A classical crossover violinist, Vanessa-Mae gained fame for blending classical violin techniques with pop and techno elements. Her album The Violin Player became a global sensation, showing how violins can transcend traditional genres.

Sigur Rós

Known for their ethereal and ambient sound, Sigur Rós often incorporates violin-like bowing techniques on electric guitars and lush string arrangements in their compositions.

Kansas

This classic rock band famously used violins to create some of their most iconic hits, like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son,” seamlessly blending strings with progressive rock.

Andrew Bird

A master of the violin loop pedal, Andrew Bird is an indie-folk artist who uses his violin as a lead instrument. His tracks, such as “Pulaski at Night” and “Fake Palindromes,” highlight his innovative approach to violin in modern music.

Apocalyptica

This Finnish group made a name for themselves with their cello-driven covers of Metallica songs. While primarily cellists, their work inspired a surge in string-focused pop and rock arrangements.

Clean Bandit

Known for hits like “Rather Be” and “Symphony,” Clean Bandit consistently incorporates violins and classical string arrangements into their electronic pop tracks, creating a unique, genre-blending sound.

Joshua Bell

While primarily a classical violinist, Joshua Bell has ventured into pop collaborations, including work with artists like Josh Groban. His ability to merge classical techniques with pop sensibilities makes him a standout.

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