With billions of streams, over 10m albums sold, nine prestigious awards (including a GRAMMY), and a Guinness World Record: there are few artists in the world right now who can hold a candle to Calvin Harris. He’s been on a rollercoaster journey from an electro-loving teenager from a small town in South Scotland, to a superstar DJ with a tidal wave of house, funk and pop mega hits. His new screamer, “Blessings” featuring Clementine Douglas, is No.1 on the Beatport chart and has dropped just in time to become one of the songs of summer 2025.
We could talk all day about his singles, about how his releases continue to expand his legacy, about how he’s stayed at the top of his game for over a decade, and about how his double residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza this summer is going to be truly amazing.
But today we’re here to talk about his production magic behind the scenes. Throughout his illustrious career, his golden touch has blessed records by pop stars, rappers, soul singers and many others. From Kylie Minogue to Lil Wayne, here’s our pick of songs that you might not know Calvin Harris produced.
Kylie Minogue - "In My Arms"
Back in 2007, Calvin got the chance to work with an Australian legend. Pop sensation Kylie Minogue was making her album, X, and a 21-year-old Calvin was invited into the mix. For her synth-pop banger, “In My Arms”, he shared production duties with Biff Stannard, a longtime collaborator with Kylie who wrote songs for the likes of The Spice Girls and 5ive. The song charted all over the world and was loved by fans and critics alike. Speaking to FaceCulture in 2008, Calvin described his first time meeting Kylie to write the song. “She instantly put me at ease. She made it apparent that she was just a nice, normal person, and not some pop behemoth that wasn’t going to speak to me. That was a relief. From then on it was just good fun!”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor - "Off & On"
From one pop diva to another. This time it’s Sophie Ellis Bextor. Calvin Harris produced “Off and On” from her 2011 album, Make A Scene. He was one of an elite squad of DJs and producers who worked across the album, which included Armin van Buuren and Freemasons. The disco-inspired electropop track was originally written and recorded by Irish singer Róisín Murphy for her 2007 album, Overpowered. When it didn’t make the cut, the song was then resurrected for Sophie’s record and Calvin was brought in on production. “Off and On” was never released as a single but it’s easy to see why it’s become a fan favourite over the years.
Flo Rida - "I Cry"
Next on our list is “I Cry” by Flo Rida. The American singer and rapper expressed an interest in working with Calvin Harris back in 2009 but it wasn’t until 2012 that they joined forces. The track features a sample of The Bingo Players’ 2011 house banger “Cry (Just a Little)”, which itself is a reworking of Brenda Russell’s 1988 soul tune “Piano In The Dark”. With Flo Rida’s rap prowess and Calvin’s production chops, “I Cry” ended up being a party anthem with broad appeal.
The Weeknd - "I Heard You're Married" ft. Lil Wayne
You’ll recognise the golden partnership of The Weeknd and Calvin Harris from their huge tune “Over Now” from 2020. However, many don’t know that Calvin also produced “I Heard You’re Married” - an album track from The Weeknd’s Dawn FM. The song features rapper Lil Wayne and is a funky, soulful, ‘80s-inspired gem.
Sam Smith - "I'm Not Here to Make Friends"
Calvin is such a prolific producer that we could easily keep going, but let’s end on one of our favourite queer disco floor fillers: Sam Smith’s “I’m Not Here To Make Friends”. The 2022 single is from Sam’s album, Gloria, which debuted at number one in the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland. Calvin and Sam had worked together on 2018’s “Promises”, and went on to make “Desire” in 2023, which proves their connection is something special. “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” features vocals by Jessie Reyez and a sample from RuPaul’s Drag Race, with Calvin’s production lifting it into mirror ball bliss.
Catch Calvin Harris’ world-first double residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza Kicks off with the Opening Party on 30th May, running every Friday until 12th September. Catch him on Tuesdays from 1st July - 26th August.
