Ariana Grande, a powerhouse in the pop music scene, has consistently captivated audiences worldwide with her remarkable vocal range, emotive delivery, and dynamic performances. Bursting onto the scene as a young starlet on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” Ariana’s transition to a global music icon was swift and impactful. With a string of chart-topping hits, she has solidified her place in the hearts of millions. Her discography is a testament to her versatility, blending pop, R&B, and soul influences, creating a unique sound that is distinctly her own. From the anthemic empowerment of “Thank U, Next” to the sultry sophistication of “Dangerous Woman,” Ariana Grande’s songs are not just catchy tunes but emotional narratives that resonate with listeners of all ages. This article delves into the top 10 best Ariana Grande songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have defined her career, broken records, and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new listener, join us as we explore the hits that showcase Ariana’s extraordinary talent and her journey to becoming one of the most influential artists of her generation.
1. The Way (Featuring Mac Miller)
“The Way,” featuring Mac Miller, marked Ariana Grande’s debut single in 2013 and quickly became a chart-topping hit. The song’s catchy melody and Grande’s impressive vocal range showcased her talent and set the stage for her future success. The track blends pop and R&B influences, creating a sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Grande’s performance in “The Way” demonstrated her ability to convey both innocence and maturity in her voice, a trait that would define many of her future hits. The song’s romantic lyrics and playful vibe added to its appeal, making it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
“The Way” was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim, with many praising Grande’s vocal delivery and the song’s production. It set the tone for Grande’s career, establishing her as a powerhouse vocalist and a pop sensation.
Even as Grande’s sound evolved over the years, “The Way” remains a standout track in her discography and a fan favorite. Its impact on her career is undeniable, making it one of the top and most popular songs in her impressive repertoire.
2. Bang Bang (Featuring Jessie J and Nicki Minaj)
“Bang Bang,” featuring Jessie J and Nicki Minaj, is a high-energy pop anthem that showcases Ariana Grande’s vocal prowess alongside two other powerhouse artists. Released in 2014, the song was an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and infectious energy.
The collaboration between Grande, Jessie J, and Minaj created a dynamic and unforgettable track that became a staple in pop music. Each artist’s unique style and vocal delivery complemented the others, creating a cohesive and exciting listening experience.
“Bang Bang” features a vibrant production and a memorable chorus that quickly became a fan favorite. Grande’s vocal performance in the song is particularly noteworthy, as she effortlessly navigates the song’s challenging vocal runs and high notes.
The song’s success solidified Grande’s status as a pop superstar and showcased her ability to hold her own alongside other industry giants. “Bang Bang” remains one of Grande’s most popular songs, with its infectious energy and memorable hooks continuing to captivate audiences around the world.
3. Break Free (Featuring Zedd)
“Break Free,” featuring Zedd, is a dance-pop anthem that showcases Ariana Grande’s vocal versatility and Zedd’s production prowess. Released in 2014, the song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning widespread acclaim for its infectious beat and empowering lyrics.
The song’s production is a standout feature, with Zedd’s signature electronic sound creating a vibrant and energetic backdrop for Grande’s vocals. The combination of catchy melodies and pulsating beats makes “Break Free” a dancefloor favorite and a radio staple.
Grande’s vocal performance in “Break Free” is dynamic and powerful, as she effortlessly transitions between the song’s upbeat verses and its soaring chorus. The lyrics, which speak of breaking free from a toxic relationship, resonate with listeners and add depth to the song’s infectious sound.
“Break Free” marked a departure from Grande’s earlier sound, showcasing her growth as an artist and her willingness to experiment with new styles. The song’s success further solidified Grande’s status as a pop superstar and remains one of her most popular songs to date.
Overall, “Break Free” is a testament to Grande’s artistry and ability to deliver memorable pop anthems that resonate with audiences worldwide.
4. Problem (Featuring Iggy Azalea)
“Problem,” featuring Iggy Azalea, was a breakout hit for Ariana Grande, showcasing her powerful vocals and establishing her as a force in the pop music scene. Released in 2014, the song was an instant success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and infectious energy.
The song’s production is a standout feature, with its retro-inspired horn section and upbeat tempo creating a vibrant and memorable sound. Grande’s vocal performance is equally impressive, as she effortlessly navigates the song’s intricate melodies and showcases her impressive vocal range.
The addition of Iggy Azalea’s rap verse adds an extra layer of depth to the song, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The lyrics, which speak of overcoming relationship challenges, resonate with listeners and add a relatable element to the song’s catchy sound.
“Problem” was a commercial success, earning Grande her first top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s success helped solidify Grande’s status as a pop superstar and set the stage for her future success in the music industry.
Overall, “Problem” is a standout track in Grande’s discography, showcasing her talent and versatility as an artist. Its catchy melody and empowering lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple in Grande’s live performances.
5. Dangerous Woman
“Dangerous Woman” is the title track from Ariana Grande’s third studio album, released in 2016. The song showcases Grande’s mature and sultry side, marking a departure from her earlier bubblegum pop sound. “Dangerous Woman” received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its empowering lyrics and Grande’s vocal performance.
The song’s production features a slow-burning, R&B-influenced beat that builds to a powerful chorus. Grande’s vocals are a standout, with her impressive range and emotive delivery shining throughout the track. The lyrics depict Grande embracing her independence and confidence, portraying herself as a “dangerous woman” who is unafraid to take risks.
“Dangerous Woman” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries and earning Platinum certification in the United States. The song’s music video, which features Grande in various glamorous and seductive outfits, further solidified its impact and cemented Grande’s status as a pop icon.
Overall, “Dangerous Woman” is a standout track in Grande’s discography, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her ability to tackle more mature themes in her music. Its empowering message and infectious melody have made it a fan favorite and a defining moment in Grande’s career.
6. Into You
“Into You” is a dance-pop anthem by Ariana Grande, released as the second single from her third studio album, “Dangerous Woman,” in 2016. The song is known for its infectious beat, catchy melody, and Grande’s powerful vocals, which blend seamlessly with the track’s pulsating rhythm.
“Into You” received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its production and Grande’s vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics speak of intense attraction and desire, with Grande singing about wanting to get closer to her love interest.
The song’s music video, which features Grande in various glamorous settings, further enhanced its popularity and helped solidify Grande’s status as a style icon. “Into You” was a commercial success, reaching the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Platinum certification in the United States.
Overall, “Into You” is considered one of Grande’s signature songs, known for its catchy hooks and infectious energy. It showcases Grande’s growth as an artist and her ability to deliver memorable pop anthems that resonate with audiences worldwide.
7. No Tears Left To Cry
“No Tears Left to Cry” is a song by Ariana Grande released in 2018 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “Sweetener.” The song marked Grande’s return to the music scene following a hiatus after the Manchester Arena bombing during her concert in May 2017.
“No Tears Left to Cry” is a dance-pop and disco-inspired track that received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and Grande’s vocal performance. The song’s lyrics are about resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding joy after experiencing hardship.
The music video for “No Tears Left to Cry” was praised for its innovative visuals and was noted for its use of special effects to create a gravity-defying experience. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and earning Platinum certification in several countries, including the United States.
Overall, “No Tears Left to Cry” is considered one of Grande’s standout songs, showcasing her ability to blend catchy pop hooks with meaningful lyrics. The song’s success further solidified Grande’s status as one of the leading pop artists of her generation.
8. God Is A Woman
“God is a Woman” is a song by Ariana Grande from her fourth studio album, “Sweetener,” released in 2018. The song is a sultry and empowering anthem that explores themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and spirituality.
Grande’s vocals in “God is a Woman” are particularly noteworthy, as she effortlessly transitions between soft, breathy verses and powerful, belted choruses. The song’s production features a blend of pop and R&B elements, with a prominent use of vocal harmonies and a trap-influenced beat.
The lyrics of “God is a Woman” contain imagery that compares a woman’s power and sensuality to the divine, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The song’s message of empowerment struck a chord with listeners and earned praise for its boldness and creativity.
The music video for “God is a Woman” further emphasized the song’s themes, featuring Grande in a variety of visually stunning and symbolic scenes. The video received critical acclaim and won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction.
Overall, “God is a Woman” is considered one of Grande’s most iconic songs, showcasing her vocal talent and artistic vision. Its bold lyrics and empowering message have resonated with fans, cementing its place as a standout track in Grande’s discography.
9. Thank U Next
“Thank U, Next” is a song by Ariana Grande released in 2018 as the lead single from her fifth studio album of the same name. The song is a pop and R&B track with empowering lyrics that reflect on Grande’s past relationships and personal growth.
“Thank U, Next” was praised by critics for its catchy melody, honest lyrics, and Grande’s vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics mention several of Grande’s ex-boyfriends by name and express gratitude for the lessons learned from each relationship.
The music video for “Thank U, Next” paid homage to iconic 2000s teen movies such as “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde,” “Bring It On,” and “13 Going on 30,” and featured cameo appearances from actors from these films. The video was praised for its creativity and attention to detail.
“Thank U, Next” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and earning Platinum certification in the United States. The song’s message of self-love and empowerment resonated with listeners and became an anthem for overcoming adversity.
Overall, “Thank U, Next” is considered one of Grande’s most iconic songs, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with her audience through her music.
10. Rain On Me (Collab with Lady Gaga)
“Rain On Me” is a song by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, released in 2020 as a single from Lady Gaga’s album “Chromatica.” The song is a dance-pop and disco track with electronic influences, featuring powerful vocals from both Gaga and Grande.
“Rain On Me” received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, strong vocals, and empowering lyrics. The song’s lyrics speak about resilience and finding strength in difficult times, with the metaphor of rain symbolizing the healing power of tears.
The collaboration between Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande was well-received, with critics praising their vocal chemistry and the song’s production. “Rain On Me” became a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning Platinum certification in several countries, including the United States.
The music video for “Rain On Me” featured Gaga and Grande dancing in a futuristic cityscape, with visuals that complemented the song’s themes of empowerment and liberation. The video was praised for its choreography and visual effects.
Overall, “Rain On Me” is considered one of the standout tracks from “Chromatica,” showcasing Gaga and Grande’s vocal talents and their ability to deliver a powerful message through their music.