Selena Gomez has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of vulnerability, empowerment, and sheer talent. From her days as a Disney star to becoming a chart-topping pop sensation, Selena’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a voice that beautifully transcends genres, she has delivered hits that range from heart-wrenching ballads to infectious dance tracks. Whether she’s pouring her soul into an emotional anthem or lighting up the dancefloor with a catchy beat, Selena has proven time and again why she’s one of the most versatile and beloved artists in modern music.
In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular Selena Gomez songs of all time—tracks that have resonated with fans across the globe and left a lasting mark on the charts. From early fan favorites to her more recent smash hits, these songs showcase the evolution of Selena’s artistry and the powerful connection she shares with her audience. So get ready to reminisce, sing along, and rediscover the magic of Selena Gomez’s greatest musical moments! Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her discography, this list is sure to remind you why Selena reigns as one of pop’s brightest stars.
1. “Lose You to Love Me” (2019)
Selena Gomez’s haunting ballad “Lose You to Love Me” marked a significant chapter in her career when it was released in October 2019. This deeply personal track resonated with listeners for its raw emotional vulnerability and became Selena’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song reflects themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and healing after the painful end of a relationship. Selena, who co-wrote the song with Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter, delivered a performance that was at once delicate and powerful, capturing the grief and acceptance that comes with moving on. The sparse piano melody perfectly complements Selena’s clear, soft vocals, adding to the intimate feel of the song. The lyrics, particularly the lines “I gave my all and they all know it,” emphasize the personal nature of the song, making it relatable to anyone who has been through a deep emotional loss. Critics praised Selena for her authenticity, noting how the song served as both a closure to a public chapter in her life and a universal anthem for anyone struggling to move forward. “Lose You to Love Me” was not just a commercial success but also an artistic breakthrough for Selena. It showcased her ability to transform personal pain into powerful music, marking her evolution as an artist who was willing to expose her most vulnerable self. The track was a testament to her growth, with its delicate balance of simplicity and emotional depth, solidifying Selena’s place as a pop artist capable of blending vulnerability with strength.
2. “Come & Get It” (2013)
“Come & Get It,” released in April 2013, was a defining track in Selena Gomez’s transition from her Disney Channel persona to a more mature pop artist. The song, with its Bollywood-inspired melodies and sultry vibes, marked a departure from her previous work and showcased a confident new side of Selena. Produced by Stargate and written by Ester Dean, “Come & Get It” became an instant summer anthem, with its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo taking over the charts. Peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song’s success propelled Selena into the mainstream pop world. The song’s fusion of danceable rhythms with a seductive, confident delivery revealed Selena’s growing artistry and her ability to take risks. The lyrics, with their playful yet assertive undertone, made it clear that Selena was ready to take control of her own narrative. The music video, featuring Selena in vibrant, exotic settings and delivering an enchanting performance, perfectly complemented the song’s energy, creating a visual feast that matched the track’s bold sound. “Come & Get It” was not only a commercial hit but also a turning point in Selena’s career, signaling that she was ready to be taken seriously as a pop star. It showcased her versatility, blending traditional Bollywood influences with modern pop sensibilities in a way that few artists at the time were doing. This track remains a fan favorite, representing the moment when Selena fully stepped into her own as an independent artist.
3. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” (2014)
Selena Gomez’s “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” released in November 2014, is a deeply emotional and raw ballad that exposed her vulnerability like never before. The song reflects on the emotional turmoil of a complicated love, thought to be inspired by her on-again, off-again relationship with Justin Bieber. The track opens with a heart-wrenching monologue, with Selena speaking directly to the listener, conveying the pain and confusion of being in a relationship that is both toxic and irresistible. The song’s stripped-back production allowed Selena’s voice to take center stage, and her delivery was full of raw emotion, as she sings lines like “I’m in love with a love that’s too dangerous.” The haunting, minimalist instrumental arrangement, consisting primarily of piano, added to the song’s emotional weight, drawing listeners into Selena’s world of heartbreak and longing. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” struck a chord with many who have been in a similar situation, making it one of Selena’s most relatable tracks. Critics praised Selena for her emotional openness and bravery in sharing such a personal part of her life. The track became an anthem for those who have been torn between love and self-preservation, offering a cathartic release for anyone who has experienced a toxic relationship. The song not only showcased Selena’s vulnerability but also her maturity as an artist, making it one of her most powerful and enduring hits.
4. “Good for You” (featuring A$AP Rocky) (2015)
In June 2015, Selena Gomez released “Good for You,” a sultry, slow-tempo jam that marked a dramatic shift in her musical style. Gone were the upbeat, bubblegum pop tracks of her earlier years, replaced by a more mature and seductive sound. Featuring rapper A$AP Rocky, the song introduced a minimalist, R&B-inspired production that highlighted Selena’s more sophisticated vocal delivery. With its sparse, atmospheric beat and moody lyrics, “Good for You” conveyed a sense of confidence and desire, as Selena sings about wanting to look and feel her best for someone special. The song’s lyrics, combined with Selena’s breathy, understated vocals, created a sense of intimacy and longing that made it stand out from her previous work. The collaboration with A$AP Rocky added an extra layer of coolness to the track, with his rap verse complementing Selena’s sultry chorus. “Good for You” became an instant hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its music video, which featured Selena in a seductive, almost ethereal setting, only enhanced the track’s allure. The release of “Good for You” solidified Selena’s status as a pop star capable of evolving and experimenting with different sounds. It showed that she was no longer just a former child star but a grown-up artist who could hold her own in the competitive world of mainstream pop. The song remains one of Selena’s most iconic tracks, representing her growth and artistic transformation.
5. “Bad Liar” (2017)
“Bad Liar,” released in May 2017, stands out as one of Selena Gomez’s most innovative and experimental tracks. The song’s bassline, which takes inspiration from the Talking Heads’ 1977 classic “Psycho Killer,” gives it a quirky, retro feel that was unlike anything else on the pop charts at the time. With its minimalist production and playful lyrics about trying to conceal romantic feelings, “Bad Liar” was a refreshing departure from the typical pop formula. The song’s unconventional structure, with its unexpected twists and catchy melodies, showcased Selena’s ability to experiment and take risks in her music. Critics and fans alike praised the song for its originality and creativity, making it one of her most critically acclaimed releases. The music video, with its surreal, cinematic style, added an extra layer of intrigue, following Selena as she navigates various characters and settings that reflect the song’s theme of deception and longing. “Bad Liar” marked a new chapter in Selena’s musical evolution, proving that she was no longer confined to the conventions of mainstream pop. Instead, she was carving out a unique space for herself in the industry, blending indie influences with pop sensibilities in a way that few others were doing at the time. The song became a fan favorite and remains one of Selena’s most beloved tracks, remembered for its boldness and its ability to push the boundaries of pop music.
6. “Hands to Myself” (2016)
“Hands to Myself,” released in January 2016, quickly became one of Selena Gomez’s most iconic and beloved songs. The track, produced by Mattman & Robin, is a masterclass in minimalist pop production, featuring a catchy, infectious beat paired with Selena’s breathy, seductive vocals. The song’s lyrics, about the irresistible pull of temptation and desire, are delivered with a playful and confident energy that makes the track stand out in Selena’s catalog. The minimalism of the production, combined with the song’s driving rhythm, allows Selena’s voice to take center stage, drawing listeners in with its subtle yet powerful allure. “Hands to Myself” became an instant hit, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a place in the hearts of fans worldwide. The accompanying music video, which features Selena in a sleek, modern setting, reflects the song’s sleek and sensual vibe. The song’s catchy hook and memorable chorus made it a staple in Selena’s live performances, where fans would eagerly sing along to every word. “Hands to Myself” was a bold step forward in Selena’s musical evolution, showcasing her ability to create pop songs that are both sultry and playful. It was a defining moment in her career, proving that she was capable of pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds while still maintaining her signature style. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of her musical legacy.
7. “Same Old Love” (2015)
“Same Old Love,” released in September 2015, became an anthem for anyone who had ever been frustrated with repetitive, unhealthy relationships. Written by Charli XCX, the song features a punchy piano riff and an infectious chorus that instantly hooked listeners. The track, which addresses the cyclical nature of love and the emotional exhaustion of repeating the same mistakes, resonated deeply with fans who could relate to the frustration of falling into patterns in relationships. Selena’s emotionally charged vocals added an extra layer of depth to the song, with her powerful delivery conveying a sense of defiance and self-awareness. The lyrics, which describe the realization that a relationship is no longer fulfilling, became a rallying cry for anyone who has felt stuck in a toxic situation. “Same Old Love” was a commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it became one of the standout tracks on her Revival album. The song’s catchy beat and universal message made it a staple in Selena’s live performances, where audiences would sing along with passion and energy. “Same Old Love” remains one of Selena’s most beloved songs, a testament to her ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a personal level. It captured the frustration and empowerment that comes with recognizing one’s worth and walking away from a relationship that no longer serves them. The track continues to be a favorite among fans, and its timeless theme makes it a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever been stuck in a cycle of bad love.
8. “Wolves” (with Marshmello) (2017)
In October 2017, Selena Gomez teamed up with EDM producer Marshmello to release “Wolves,” a pulsating track that blended electronic dance beats with Selena’s pop sensibilities. The song’s lyrics, which explore the lengths one would go to for love, perfectly capture a sense of emotional urgency and longing. With its infectious drop and captivating beat, “Wolves” quickly became a global hit, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries. Selena’s haunting, ethereal vocals added a sense of mystery to the track, making it a standout in both her catalog and in the EDM scene. The collaboration with Marshmello demonstrated Selena’s versatility as an artist, proving she could seamlessly transition into the world of electronic music while still maintaining her signature sound. The song’s production, which combines atmospheric synths with a catchy rhythm, created a sense of both intensity and intimacy. “Wolves” was praised for its emotionally charged lyrics and its ability to blend pop and electronic elements in a fresh and exciting way. The track’s success helped Selena expand her reach into new musical territories, allowing her to connect with a broader audience. “Wolves” became a fan favorite, particularly for its infectious beat and emotional depth, and remains one of Selena’s most successful collaborations to date. It was a testament to her ability to experiment with new sounds while staying true to the themes of love and vulnerability that have always been central to her music.
9. “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo) (2017)
In February 2017, Selena Gomez teamed up with Norwegian DJ Kygo to release “It Ain’t Me,” a tropical house-infused track that became one of the year’s biggest hits. The song tells the story of a love lost to addiction, with Selena’s soulful vocals delivering an emotional punch. The tropical house production, which combines warm, island-inspired beats with introspective lyrics, struck a chord with listeners and helped the song climb to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “It Ain’t Me” became an instant favorite for its mature themes, catchy melody, and emotional depth, showcasing Selena’s ability to handle serious subject matter with grace and subtlety. The song’s lyrics, which convey a sense of regret and heartache, are perfectly complemented by Kygo’s uplifting yet melancholic production, creating a contrast that makes the song feel both bittersweet and infectious. “It Ain’t Me” was praised for its fresh take on the tropical house genre and for Selena’s mature vocal performance, which highlighted her ability to tackle more complex themes while still crafting a catchy and radio-friendly song. The track became a staple on summer playlists and solidified Selena’s place in the evolving pop landscape. It marked a shift in her career, showing that she was ready to take on more sophisticated material while still delivering songs that resonated with her audience. “It Ain’t Me” remains a beloved collaboration, remembered for its perfect blend of pop, electronic, and heartfelt lyricism.
10. “Back to You” (2018)
“Back to You,” released in May 2018 as part of the 13 Reasons Why Season 2 soundtrack, captured the emotional complexity of rekindling a past romance. The song’s wistful tone and nostalgic production perfectly complemented the themes of longing and emotional conflict portrayed in the TV series. Selena’s emotive vocals, coupled with the ethereal instrumental arrangement, created a sense of bittersweet yearning that resonated with anyone who has found themselves drawn back to someone despite the complications of the past. The song’s lyrics, which reflect the push-and-pull nature of wanting to return to an ex, made it a relatable anthem for anyone who has struggled with the idea of revisiting a relationship that has already ended. “Back to You” quickly climbed the charts and became a fan favorite, with its infectious chorus and emotionally charged verses striking a chord with listeners. The song’s success was a reminder of Selena’s ability to create music that touches on universal emotions, particularly the complexities of love and heartbreak. Its inclusion on the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack made it even more poignant, as it tied into the show’s themes of personal growth, loss, and healing. “Back to You” remains a standout in Selena’s discography, remembered for its haunting melody and its exploration of love’s emotional complexities. It is a song that captures the tension of wanting someone who feels familiar yet distant, making it a timeless anthem for those caught in the whirlwind of love and longing.
Edward Tomlin 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.
