Selena Gomez has undeniably left an indelible mark on the music industry, evolving from a Disney Channel darling to a global pop sensation. Her journey through music has been both eclectic and electrifying, with each album and single showcasing her growth as an artist and an individual. From the infectious beats of her early pop anthems to the raw, emotional depth of her latest tracks, Gomez has demonstrated an impressive range that resonates with a diverse audience across the globe. This article aims to celebrate her remarkable career by diving into the Top 10 Best Selena Gomez Songs of All Time. Through a meticulous selection process, we have curated a list that not only highlights her chart-topping hits but also shines a light on those deep cuts that have significantly contributed to her artistic legacy. Each song on this list stands as a testament to Gomez’s versatility, vocal prowess, and ability to connect with listeners through relatable lyrics and captivating melodies. Whether you’ve been a fan since her “Wizards of Waverly Place” days or you’ve recently discovered her music, this countdown promises to take you on a memorable journey through the highs and lows of love, empowerment, and self-discovery, all themes that Gomez navigates with grace and authenticity. Join us as we explore the evolution of Selena Gomez’s sound, from the dance floors of “Love You Like a Love Song” to the introspective silence of “Lose You to Love Me,” and uncover the stories behind the songs that have defined a generation.
1. Back to You
“Back to You” is an emotionally resonant track by Selena Gomez that stands out in her discography for its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody. Released as part of the soundtrack for the second season of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” in 2018, the song immediately captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Its lyrics delve into the complexities of returning to a relationship that’s both irresistible and challenging, reflecting a universal theme of love’s enduring, albeit complicated, pull. Gomez’s delivery of the song is both tender and powerful, conveying a sense of vulnerability and determination that resonates with listeners. The production, blending acoustic elements with electronic flourishes, creates a backdrop that enhances the emotional depth of the song, making it a standout track in Gomez’s career.
Beyond its lyrical and musical composition, “Back to You” has been praised for its relatability and the way it showcases Gomez’s growth as an artist. The song’s success is not just in its chart performance but also in how it has become a fan favorite, often cited as one of her best works. Its music video, which features a cinematic narrative that complements the song’s themes, has amassed millions of views, further cementing its place in pop culture. “Back to You” is a testament to Selena Gomez’s ability to connect with her audience through music that speaks to the heart’s complexities, making it one of her top best songs of all time.
2. Perfect
“Perfect,” a track from Selena Gomez’s 2015 album “Revival,” showcases a different facet of her musical artistry, marked by its intimate lyrics and understated production. The song delves into the complexities of jealousy and self-reflection, with Gomez expressing vulnerability in the face of a lover’s infidelity. Its lyrical depth captures the pain and insecurity one feels when comparing oneself to another, encapsulated in the haunting refrain that echoes the song’s title. The minimalist arrangement—featuring a soft, pulsing beat and ethereal background vocals—creates a somber, introspective atmosphere that allows Gomez’s emotive voice to take center stage, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotional narratives within her music.
“Perfect” stands out in Selena Gomez’s discography as a deeply personal and confessional piece, offering listeners a glimpse into the singer’s innermost thoughts and feelings. Despite not being released as a single, the song has resonated with fans for its raw honesty and the strength of its emotional delivery. Critics have lauded it for its lyrical sophistication and Gomez’s vocal performance, which together create a compelling and relatable narrative about love, loss, and self-acceptance. Through “Perfect,” Gomez demonstrates her versatility as an artist, capable of exploring complex emotional landscapes with sensitivity and grace, making it one of her most memorable tracks.
3. Bad Liar
“Bad Liar” represents a bold and inventive moment in Selena Gomez’s career, showcasing her ability to blend genres and experiment with her sound. Released in 2017, the song immediately stood out for its creative use of sampling and its distinctive lyrical approach. Built around the bassline from Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” “Bad Liar” merges pop sensibilities with an indie rock vibe, creating a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. The track’s lyrics explore the theme of trying to hide one’s feelings for someone, despite the impossibility of doing so. Gomez delivers these lines with a mix of earnestness and playfulness, capturing the tumultuous nature of harboring a secret crush. The song’s innovative structure and engaging storytelling exemplify Gomez’s artistic growth and her willingness to take risks.
Critically acclaimed for its originality and clever use of influences, “Bad Liar” further cemented Selena Gomez’s status as a pop innovator. The song’s music video, which features Gomez in multiple roles, adds layers of visual storytelling to the already vivid lyrics, enhancing the overall impact of the track. Fans and critics alike praised “Bad Liar” for its witty lyricism, infectious rhythm, and Gomez’s charismatic performance, both vocally and visually. This track not only demonstrates her versatility as an artist but also her ability to connect with listeners through relatable themes and inventive musical choices, making “Bad Liar” one of the top best Selena Gomez songs of all time.
4. Hands To Myself
“Hands to Myself” is one of Selena Gomez’s most captivating and successful tracks, highlighting her evolution into a more mature pop sound. Released as part of her 2015 album “Revival,” the song is a sleek, sultry anthem that combines minimalist production with Gomez’s breathy vocals, creating an irresistible allure. Its lyrics express an intense, almost obsessive desire for a lover, blending themes of love and longing with a catchy, repetitive chorus that’s hard to forget. The track’s infectious beat and provocative lyrics were a departure from Gomez’s earlier work, showcasing her willingness to explore more adult themes and sounds. This bold move paid off, as “Hands to Myself” quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of the standout singles from “Revival” and one of her most streamed songs.
The music video for “Hands to Myself” further solidified the song’s impact, featuring Gomez in a narrative that played out like a cinematic thriller, adding depth to the song’s themes of desire and obsession. Critics praised the track for its production quality and Gomez’s vocal delivery, noting how the song balanced pop sensibility with a more sophisticated, edgy approach. Fans were drawn to its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, cementing “Hands to Myself” as a defining moment in Selena Gomez’s career. Its success not only demonstrated her growth as an artist but also her ability to push boundaries and experiment with her music, making it one of the top best Selena Gomez songs of all time.
5. The Heart Wants What it Wants
“The Heart Wants What It Wants” stands out as one of Selena Gomez’s most poignant and personal songs, offering a raw and unguarded look into her emotional world. Released in 2014 as part of her compilation album “For You,” the song marks a significant moment in Gomez’s career, where she openly addresses the complexities of love and heartbreak. The track is built around a moody, atmospheric production that perfectly complements Gomez’s heartfelt vocals. Through its introspective lyrics, Gomez shares the pain and confusion of being in a relationship that is both deeply cherished and deeply troubled, encapsulating the struggle with the adage that the heart has reasons of which reason knows nothing.
Upon its release, “The Heart Wants What It Wants” received widespread acclaim for its honesty and emotional depth. The song’s accompanying music video, which begins with a candid monologue by Gomez, adds to the track’s vulnerability, making it a powerful statement of personal and artistic expression. Critics and fans alike praised Gomez for her bravery in sharing such a personal story, and the song became a commercial success, resonating with a wide audience who found solace in its relatable depiction of love’s complexities. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” is often cited as one of Selena Gomez’s best works, showcasing her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level and solidifying her place as a mature and introspective artist in the pop music landscape.
6. Good for You
“Good for You” marked a transformative moment in Selena Gomez’s musical journey, showcasing a more mature and sultry side of her artistry. Released in 2015 as the lead single from her album “Revival,” the song features a minimalist, R&B-inflected sound that was a departure from her earlier pop hits. With its smooth, seductive beats and Gomez’s breathy vocals, “Good for You” explores themes of self-confidence and the desire to look and feel one’s best for their partner. The addition of rapper A$AP Rocky in a guest verse adds a layer of complexity and edge to the track, further diversifying Gomez’s musical repertoire. The song’s lyrical content, coupled with its down-tempo, atmospheric production, reflects a newfound sophistication and depth in Gomez’s work, resonating with both critics and fans.
“Good for You” achieved commercial success, topping charts and becoming one of Gomez’s fastest songs to reach platinum status. Its music video, which features Gomez in a series of intimate and stylish visuals, complements the song’s theme of self-empowerment and sensuality. Critics praised the song for its lyrical maturity, sleek production, and Gomez’s vocal delivery, highlighting it as a standout track that signified her evolution as an artist. The song’s impact extended beyond its chart performance, earning acclaim for its portrayal of confidence and vulnerability. “Good for You” remains a defining song in Selena Gomez’s career, emblematic of her transition into a more introspective and artistically bold phase, making it one of her top best songs of all time.
7. Fetish
“Fetish” is a bold and enigmatic entry in Selena Gomez’s discography, further showcasing her evolution into a more mature and experimental artist. Released in 2017 as a single featuring rapper Gucci Mane, the song diverges from mainstream pop, delving into a darker, more seductive territory with its themes and sound. “Fetish” captivates with its minimalist, yet haunting production, characterized by a slow, pulsing beat and subtle, atmospheric synths that underscore Gomez’s sultry vocals. The lyrics explore the intensity of desire and obsession, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges conventional notions of love and attraction. Gucci Mane’s verse complements the song’s theme, adding a sharp contrast to Gomez’s softer tone with his distinctive flow.
The music video for “Fetish” is a visual extension of the song’s provocative nature, featuring Gomez in a series of striking, sometimes surreal scenes that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. This artistic choice amplifies the song’s exploration of desire, showcasing Gomez’s willingness to push creative boundaries. Critics lauded “Fetish” for its daring approach and Gomez’s ability to convey complex emotions through both her music and visuals. The track stands out not only for its chart performance but also for how it represents Gomez’s artistic growth, demonstrating her capacity to explore deeper, more nuanced themes. “Fetish” remains a testament to Selena Gomez’s versatility as an artist, solidifying its place as one of her top best songs for its innovative sound and compelling lyrical content.
8. Slow Down
“Slow Down” is a vibrant and energetic track that showcases Selena Gomez’s ability to create infectious dance-pop anthems. Released in 2013 as part of her debut solo studio album “Stars Dance,” the song is a testament to Gomez’s versatility as an artist, blending electronic beats with catchy melodies to craft a track that’s both club-ready and radio-friendly. The song’s production features pulsating synths and a driving beat, creating an upbeat tempo that encourages listeners to hit the dance floor. Lyrically, “Slow Down” speaks to living in the moment and enjoying life’s thrills, embodying a carefree and adventurous spirit that resonated with fans worldwide.
Upon its release, “Slow Down” received positive reviews for its energetic production and Gomez’s confident vocal delivery. The music video, which showcases Gomez dancing and having fun in various glamorous locations, further captures the song’s essence of youthful exuberance and the desire to embrace life’s fleeting moments. It became a commercial success, charting in several countries and becoming a staple in Gomez’s live performances, where its high energy and catchy chorus made it a crowd favorite. “Slow Down” exemplifies Selena Gomez’s pop sensibilities and her ability to create music that’s both fun and reflective of her growth as an artist, making it one of her top best songs of all time.
9. Kill Em with Kindness
“Kill Em With Kindness” marks a significant moment in Selena Gomez’s career, serving as a powerful anthem for positivity and compassion. Released in 2015 as the final single from her album “Revival,” this track stands out for its uplifting message and its departure from the themes of heartbreak and desire that characterize much of Gomez’s earlier work. The song combines a catchy, upbeat tempo with Gomez’s smooth vocals to deliver a message about overcoming negativity and conflict through kindness and empathy. Its minimalist production, featuring a whistling motif and a steady beat, underscores the song’s simplicity and universal appeal.
The music video for “Kill Em With Kindness” reinforces the song’s message through striking black-and-white visuals, showcasing Gomez in a series of elegant and powerful poses. The video’s aesthetic complements the song’s theme of finding strength in grace and compassion, making a strong statement about the importance of positivity in the face of adversity. Critics praised “Kill Em With Kindness” for its positive message and catchy melody, noting it as a highlight of Gomez’s “Revival” era and a testament to her growth as an artist and individual. The song not only charted successfully but also became an anthem for anti-bullying campaigns and a reminder of the power of kindness in today’s world. “Kill Em With Kindness” encapsulates Selena Gomez’s ability to inspire and connect with her audience through music that promotes understanding and love, securing its place as one of her top best songs.
10. Come and Get It
“Come & Get It” is a pivotal track in Selena Gomez’s music career, serving as a bold declaration of her emergence as a solo artist. Released in 2013 as the lead single from her album “Stars Dance,” the song marked a significant stylistic shift for Gomez, embracing a more mature sound infused with elements of electropop and world music. The track features a memorable chorus, underpinned by a catchy Indian music-inspired beat, and showcases Gomez’s vocals in a new light, blending pop sensibilities with a hint of tribal and electronic influences. The song’s lyrics speak to an unwavering devotion and the intensity of a magnetic, albeit complex, love affair, resonating with listeners for its emotional depth and infectious rhythm.
“Come & Get It” was a commercial success, receiving critical acclaim for its production quality and for showcasing a different facet of Gomez’s musical talent. The music video further amplified the song’s appeal, featuring visually stunning scenes that highlighted its ethereal and somewhat mystical quality, alongside Gomez’s captivating performance. The track not only solidified Gomez’s status as a pop icon but also demonstrated her ability to experiment with diverse sounds and themes. Its success on the charts and positive reception from fans and critics alike affirmed “Come & Get It” as a defining moment in Gomez’s career, cementing its status as one of her top best songs. Through this song, Selena Gomez proved her versatility and established a foundation for her future musical explorations, making it a landmark track in her discography.
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.
