Ariana Grande, the petite powerhouse with an unparalleled vocal range and an undeniable presence, has established herself as one of the most influential and beloved pop artists of our time. With a discography brimming with hits that transcend boundaries and capture hearts, it becomes an intriguing quest to identify her most captivating musical offerings. In this article, we delve into the enchanting world of Ariana Grande’s discography, seeking to uncover the top 10 best songs that have left an indelible mark on music lovers across the globe.
With each release, Ariana Grande has consistently pushed artistic boundaries, merging genres, and delivering lyrical narratives that resonate deeply with her diverse audience. From her early days as a Nickelodeon star to her evolution into a bona fide pop sensation, Ariana has amassed an impressive repertoire of chart-topping singles and critically acclaimed albums.
In this meticulously curated list, we celebrate Ariana Grande’s extraordinary talent by highlighting the cream of the crop, showcasing the tracks that have catapulted her into stardom and etched her name in the annals of music history. Each song chosen embodies a distinct blend of infectious melodies, empowering lyrics, and Ariana’s signature soulful vocals, which effortlessly oscillate between tender vulnerability and commanding strength.
Whether you’re a devoted Arianator or a casual listener, prepare to embark on a musical journey that traverses her discography, exploring the ten remarkable songs that encapsulate the brilliance of Ariana Grande. Brace yourself for a harmonious expedition that uncovers her multifaceted artistry, as we celebrate the best of the best in the enchanting world of Ariana Grande’s music.
1. “The Way” (Featuring Mac Miller)
Ariana Grande's "The Way" is an evergreen hit featuring the late Mac Miller. The song marked the singer's debut as a lead artist, earning platinum certification within months of release. With its catchy beat and playful lyrics, it remains one of her most celebrated works till date.
The song has been a constant fan-favorite since its release in 2013. It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and even earned a nomination for Favorite Song at the American Music Awards. In addition to the infectious melody, Miller's verse adds a perfect contrast to Grande's high-pitched vocals.
"The Way" paved the way for Grande's mainstream success, setting off a string of hits that would follow in the coming years. Its popularity makes it an essential inclusion in any Ariana Grande playlist.
Pro Tip: Play "The Way" when you need an instant mood lift – it guarantees to put a smile on your face and have you tapping your feet to the beat.
Listen to 'Bang Bang' with caution, as it's been known to cause sudden urges to dance on tables and sing into imaginary microphones.
2. “Bang Bang” (Featuring Jessie J and Nicki Minaj)
This hit song “Bang Bang” is a collaborative effort between three powerhouses of pop music: Jessie J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. The track has an upbeat tempo with catchy pop melodies that stick in one's head for hours on end. Interestingly, the song brought all three singers together for the first time in one project, becoming a pioneer release to their successful careers.
The engaging lyrics and the infectious rhythm of “Bang Bang” ensure it’s a jam-packed party soundtrack. Grande’s excellent vocals mesh perfectly with Jessie J and Minaj's rap verses, making this tune immensely popular. It earned Grammy nominations and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It was Grande's third top ten single from her second studio album “My Everything”. However, it was by far her biggest breakthrough up until that time. The track gained immense popularity among audiences worldwide and amassed over 1 billion streams only six months after its release.
Many say that "Bang Bang" was a career-defining moment for Ariana Grande as she worked alongside two influential women artists who helped elevate her name to another level of stardom. The collaboration is undoubtedly timeless because fans continue to love it years after its release.
Fun fact: When "Bang Bang" gained traction as a single, it wasn't an immediate priority at first due to the three artists’ competing schedules, even though they all agreed on how much potential the track had before its final mix.
Breaking free never sounded so good, especially when Ariana and Zedd team up to create this electro-pop masterpiece.
3. “Break Free” (Featuring Zedd)
Ariana Grande's high-octane collaboration with Zedd, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a perfect mixture of pop and EDM. The enticing beats and upbeat lyrics bring out Grande's vocal prowess while effectively delivering the powerful message of breaking free from someone who holds you back. The dynamic production creates an immersive experience for the listener.
With its catchy chorus and infectious melody, "Break Free" has become one of Ariana's most iconic tracks. This song represents her growth as a versatile artist who can infuse different elements to create remarkable music that resonates with fans worldwide.
Notably, this song was praised for its feminist undertones and empowering themes, which have become a signature aspect of Grande's music. Above all else, "Break Free" stands as a testament to Ariana's artistry, range as a vocalist, and ability to craft timeless hits.
Don't miss out on one of Ariana's finest musical moments – add "Break Free" to your playlist today. Let yourself get lost in the electrifying soundscapes created by this fantastic combination of talents!
Listening to 'Problem' is like having a love-hate relationship with your ex – addictively catchy, but also makes you question your life choices.
4. “Problem” (Featuring Iggy Azalea)
Ariana Grande's duet with Iggy Azalea, an upbeat and catchy track, made it to the fourth spot on our list of her best songs. The song's lyrics communicate a relatable message about relationship struggles but with a fun vibe that keeps listeners hooked. With prominent horns and strong vocals from both artists, “Problem” has become a fan favorite and one of Ariana’s signature hits. This hit song topped charts across the world within its first week of release, solidifying Ariana's status as a pop icon.
Fun fact: The horn riff in the chorus was inspired by Big Sean's "Guap."
She's a dangerous woman, but we all know the real danger is getting her songs stuck in your head.
5. “Dangerous Woman”
With a sultry and soulful persona, Ariana Grande's "Dangerous Woman" showcases the singer's impressive range and vocal control. The track is an empowering anthem celebrating female sexuality and confidence. With intricate instrumentation and a catchy sultry beat, it's no surprise that this song has become a fan favorite.
Building on its seductive playfulness in the chorus, “Dangerous Woman” features Grande's signature soaring vocals and deep lyrics. The song successfully blends R&B pop with heavier guitar riffs to create a unique sound that sets it apart from her previous work.
In addition to its chart-topping status, “Dangerous Woman” has been praised by critics for its bold message and innovative sound. With over 1 billion streams on Spotify alone, it's clear that this track has become an instant classic in Grande's discography.
According to Billboard, "Dangerous Woman" debuted at No. 10 on the Hot 100 following its release in March 2016.
Listening to 'Into You' is like a rollercoaster ride – full of ups, downs, and a sudden urge to scream 'ARIANA, TAKE MY MONEY!'
6. “Into You”
This track, mesmerizingly soulful and heart-wrenching, captivates the listener with its raw emotion and subtle beats. Grande's power-packed vocals hit all the right notes as she sings about being into her lover. The spellbinding electronic production gives it an otherworldly feel that's hard to resist. "Into You" is a standout song from Grande’s album "Dangerous Woman."
In this electrifying pop anthem, Grande sings about falling deeply in love with her partner. With a pulsating bassline and high-energy synths, "Into You" takes you on a thrilling ride of lust and passion. Its seductive lyrics and addictive melody make it an irresistible listen for any music lover.
Grande's effortless vocal delivery on this track is praiseworthy. She manages to infuse a sense of vulnerability while belting out high notes flawlessly. The way she effortlessly floats through the heartbreaking verses before exploding into an explosive chorus shows her exceptional vocal range.
Pro Tip: Amplify your listening experience by using noise-cancellation headphones when consuming this hit single.
Even after crying a river over her ex, Ariana Grande shows us how to dance our pain away with "No Tears Left To Cry".
7. “No Tears Left To Cry”
This particular song of Ariana Grande is undoubtedly an all-time hit. The lyrics are catchy, and the music is incredibly engaging. It touches on an emotional aspect of healing from trauma that most individuals can relate to. The sophisticated wordplay and musical complexity make it stand out not only among her other songs but also in pop culture.
Moreover, the song is well-produced and has a perfect balance of bass-heavy techno-pop with electronic beats and Grande's soulful voice. A unique fact about this song is how Ariana adds her personal touch to it by referencing Manchester bombing, expressing her strength after a tragedy.
Overall, “No Tears Left To Cry” is a must-listen for any fan or non-fan of Grande's music.
Don't miss out on being swept away by the soulful beats and powerful lyrics of “No Tears Left To Cry”. Allow yourself to immerse in an emotional journey filled with hope and positivity with Ariana Grande's music. Make sure to listen to her all-time hits that have earned admiration across generations.
Move over Zeus, Ariana's got a new deity to worship and her name is 'God Is A Woman'.
8. “God Is A Woman”
This popular Ariana Grande song 'God Is A Woman' showcases her powerhouse vocals and bold lyrics. It speaks of female empowerment and sexuality with lines like "And I can be all the things you told me not to be/When you try to come for me, I keep on flourishing." The sultry music video, directed by Dave Meyers, features Grande as a goddess figure surrounded by powerful imagery. The song reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and has been praised for its unique sound and message.
A standout moment in the track is when Grande hits the high note in the bridge, which shows off her impressive range. The use of religious imagery mixed with sexual themes creates a powerful contrast that has resonated with listeners. This song has become an anthem for women everywhere, inspiring them to embrace their strength and independence.
One interesting detail about the production of this song is that it was produced by Max Martin, who has worked on some of biggest pop hits in recent memory including Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" and Katy Perry's "Dark Horse." With his expertise combined with Grande's talent and vision, they created an unforgettable track that has earned its place among her best works.
(Source: Billboard)
Who needs a therapist when you have Ariana Grande's 'Thank U Next' to teach us the art of moving on and shading exes.
9. “Thank U Next”
Ariana Grande's hit song, 9th on our list, is an ode to personal growth and strength. 'Thank U Next' celebrates the lessons learned from past relationships and convoluted experiences, encapsulating it in a rousing pop anthem. The song's catchy chorus, memorable lyrics, and empowering message have solidified its place in pop culture history as one of her most iconic tracks.
In 'Thank U Next', Ariana pays tribute to her ex-lovers with gratitude for the lessons they taught her. As she croons "One taught me love / One taught me patience / And one taught me pain," listeners are invited into her personal journey of self-discovery and resilience. The accompanying music video also went viral for its playful nods to classic rom-coms like Mean Girls and Legally Blonde.
What sets 'Thank U Next' apart from other breakup ballads is its message of positivity and growth. Instead of wallowing in heartache or bitterness towards former flames, Ariana chooses to focus on self-love and healing. This approach resonated with fans around the world who praised the song's uplifting spirit and relatable lyrics.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for a confidence boost or need a reminder that you're capable of moving on from past disappointments, add 'Thank U Next' to your playlist ASAP.
Looks like Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga's collab got them soaked in more than just rain.
10. “Rain On Me” (Collab with Lady Gaga)
This popular collaboration between Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga titled "Rain On Me" showcases both artists' vocal abilities and strong production value. The song has a catchy beat and powerful lyrics that resonate with listeners. It quickly became a fan favorite, reaching number one on the charts in multiple countries.
What sets "Rain On Me" apart from other songs on this list is its combination of both artists' unique sounds. The dynamic duo's chemistry is evident throughout the track, creating a cohesive blend of pop perfection.
It's worth mentioning that the music video for "Rain On Me" perfectly captures the energy of the song with mesmerizing visuals and choreography. Both Gaga and Grande are seen showcasing their dance skills, which adds another layer to an already impressive collab.
Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of "Rain On Me." Stream it now and join the millions of fans who have fallen in love with this standout track.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
