Tuesday, Australian singer Sia Furler drops her sixth album, “1000 Forms of Fear.” Although her solo career may not ring any bells, you know more of her songs than you think. In the four years since her last album, Furler has made a huge name for herself as a songwriter for the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and many more. These are five examples of her pop magic.
David Guetta feat. Sia, “Titanium” (2011)
Sia was trying to fade away from the public eye (and ear) in 2011 and, originally, the soulful hook she wrote for the EDM track “Titanium” was sung by Mary J. Blige. But DJ David Guetta preferred Sia’s demo vocals and stuck with them without Sia knowing. Initially, the Aussie was annoyed by the decision, but then the money started rolling in . . .
Flo Rida feat. Sia, “Wild Ones” (2011)
Writing great songs is one thing, but Sia’s ability to work fast makes her an even more coveted talent. Flo Rida’s 2011 anthem took her 12 minutes, and she only met the rapper for one day. The result: a top-5 Billboard Chart hit and 6 million copies sold.
Rihanna, “Diamonds” (2012)
When Sia and producer Benny Blanco took a demo version of “Diamonds” to Rihanna, Sia’s rough vocal was so good that RiRi replicated it, right down to the tiny inflections. When Sia heard Rihanna’s finished version, she thought it was still her own voice.
Beyoncé, “Pretty Hurts” (2013)
This became one of the most popular songs on Bey’s 2013 self-titled album — and it was fate. First Sia sent it to Katy Perry, who missed her e-mail. Rihanna’s manager had second dibs, but failed to pay for it. Finally, Queen Bey spotted the potential of the big ballad and, artistically speaking, put a ring on it.
Lea Michele, “If You Say So” (2014)
In 1997, when Sia’s solo career was just starting, her then-boyfriend died in a car accident. It was a personal trauma that informed her writing sessions with Lea Michele and led to this year’s haunting tribute to Michele’s late boyfriend, “Glee” star Cory Monteith, who died of a drug overdose in 2013.