Ariana Grande is a global pop sensation whose powerhouse vocals, irresistible charm, and genre-defying artistry have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From her early beginnings as a Nickelodeon star to becoming one of the most influential artists in contemporary pop, Ariana’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, she has released a treasure trove of chart-topping hits that showcase her emotional depth, vocal prowess, and ability to effortlessly blend pop, R&B, and soul.
But which of her tracks have truly stood the test of time, resonating with fans across generations? In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Ariana Grande songs of all time. These iconic hits are more than just catchy tunes—they’re anthems that have defined moments, sparked trends, and solidified Ariana’s place as a music icon. Whether you’re a devoted Arianator or someone just discovering her magic, this list will take you on a nostalgic journey through her most beloved tracks.
Get ready to relive the euphoria of her biggest bangers, belt out the ballads that gave us goosebumps, and rediscover the songs that made Ariana Grande a household name. Let’s count down the ultimate Ariana Grande playlist!
1. “Problem” (2014)
“Problem” was the song that propelled Ariana Grande into full-fledged pop stardom. Released in 2014 as the lead single from her second studio album, My Everything, the track became an instant sensation thanks to its infectious energy and bold attitude. The song blends retro and modern influences, with a brassy saxophone hook that gives it a distinctive edge. It’s a confident breakup anthem, with Ariana declaring independence from a toxic relationship while still grappling with lingering emotions.
Her signature soaring vocals take center stage, delivering a mix of vulnerability and empowerment. The chorus, punctuated by whispery backing vocals from Big Sean, creates a hypnotic contrast that adds to the song’s allure. Meanwhile, Iggy Azalea’s slick rap verse injects a dose of attitude, making the song feel even more fierce. Lyrically, “Problem” taps into a relatable theme—being drawn to someone who isn’t good for you—while turning it into an empowering statement of self-worth.
The song dominated the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the biggest hits of the year. With its high-energy production, catchy hook, and undeniable confidence, “Problem” not only defined Ariana’s career at the time but also helped cement her as one of the leading pop stars of her generation.
2. “Bang Bang” (2014)
A powerhouse collaboration between three of pop and hip-hop’s most dynamic artists, “Bang Bang” is a high-energy explosion of confidence and vocal prowess. Released in 2014, the song brought together Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Nicki Minaj for an unforgettable anthem that dominated the airwaves. From the very first note, “Bang Bang” is electrifying, with a booming brass-heavy beat that blends pop, soul, and hip-hop influences.
Jessie J kicks things off with her powerhouse vocals, setting the stage for Ariana’s smooth yet powerful delivery. The two singers complement each other perfectly, each bringing their own flavor to the track. Then, Nicki Minaj steps in with a fiery rap verse that adds an extra layer of attitude and flair. Lyrically, the song is playful and confident, comparing attraction to an explosive, undeniable force. The chemistry between the three artists is undeniable, making the song feel like a musical showdown of vocal and lyrical skill.
“Bang Bang” quickly became a global hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. It also became a party and club favorite, thanks to its infectious beat and singalong-worthy chorus. More than just a song, “Bang Bang” was a pop culture moment that showcased Ariana’s ability to hold her own among industry giants.
3. “Love Me Harder” (2014)
With “Love Me Harder”, Ariana Grande took a step into a more mature and sultry sound. Released in 2014 as a collaboration with The Weeknd, the song showcased a darker, more sensual side to her music while maintaining her signature vocal elegance. The hauntingly smooth production and seductive lyrics made “Love Me Harder” an instant standout from her My Everything album.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of emotional and physical intensity in a relationship, with Ariana and The Weeknd trading verses about the need for deeper connection and passion. Lines like “If you really need me, you gotta, gotta, gotta love me harder” emphasize a desire for a love that is more than just surface level. The Weeknd’s brooding, velvety vocals contrast beautifully with Ariana’s airy yet commanding delivery, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that enhances the song’s emotional weight.
Musically, “Love Me Harder” balances pop, R&B, and electronic elements, with pulsating beats and atmospheric synths creating a hypnotic effect. The track resonated deeply with fans, proving Ariana’s ability to transition beyond bubblegum pop into more sophisticated territory. It became a commercial success, peaking in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and further establishing her as a versatile artist unafraid to explore new musical landscapes.
4. “Into You” (2016)
“Into You” is one of Ariana Grande’s most electrifying and seductive songs, released in 2016 as part of her Dangerous Woman album. From the very first note, the song creates an atmosphere of tension and excitement, building up into an explosive chorus that perfectly captures the feeling of uncontrollable attraction. The pulsing beat and moody synth production create a hypnotic backdrop for Ariana’s breathy yet commanding vocals, making the track feel both intimate and larger-than-life.
Lyrically, “Into You” plays with themes of longing and desire, with Ariana urging her lover to stop hesitating and fully embrace their connection. Lines like “So, come on, light me up / I just wanna dance with you tonight” make it clear that this is a song about surrendering to passion. The song’s slow build-up keeps listeners hooked, teasing them with controlled restraint before unleashing a massive, anthemic chorus.
Critics and fans alike praised “Into You” for its sleek production, mature lyricism, and Ariana’s captivating vocal delivery. While it peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became one of her most beloved deep cuts, frequently cited as one of her best songs. Over time, “Into You” has grown into a fan-favorite staple in her discography, proving that sometimes, the most irresistible songs are the ones that leave you craving more.
5. “Side to Side” (2016)
“Side to Side” is a playful, flirtatious track that dominated the charts and pop culture in 2016. Featuring a fiery verse from Nicki Minaj, the song blends reggae-infused beats with sultry R&B undertones, creating a danceable yet hypnotic groove. Released as the third single from Dangerous Woman, “Side to Side” became an instant hit, thanks to its addictive melody, cheeky lyrics, and undeniable chemistry between Ariana and Nicki.
The song’s lyrics are dripping with confidence and innuendo, telling the story of a woman who’s completely captivated by her lover. The phrase “walking side to side” cleverly hints at the physical aftermath of a passionate encounter, making the song both suggestive and playful. Ariana’s vocals are smooth and alluring, gliding effortlessly over the Caribbean-inspired production, while Nicki Minaj’s sharp and witty rap verse adds an extra layer of attitude and empowerment.
The song skyrocketed up the charts, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its music video—set in a neon-lit gym—became an iconic pop culture moment. “Side to Side” solidified Ariana’s ability to master genre-blending hits and proved that her collaborations with Nicki Minaj were always a recipe for success.
6. “No Tears Left to Cry” (2018)
Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry” is more than just a song—it’s a statement of resilience and hope. Released in 2018 as the lead single from her Sweetener album, the track marked her return to music following the devastating Manchester Arena bombing. Instead of dwelling in sadness, “No Tears Left to Cry” radiates positivity, blending elements of pop, dance, and R&B into a mesmerizing and uplifting anthem.
The song opens with a gentle, melancholic intro before shifting into an upbeat groove, symbolizing a transition from pain to healing. Ariana’s vocals glide effortlessly over the dreamy production, delivering lyrics that speak to moving forward while honoring the past. The chorus—“Right now, I’m in a state of mind / I wanna be in like all the time”—captures the feeling of choosing joy even in the face of hardship.
Critics praised “No Tears Left to Cry” for its innovative production and emotional depth, calling it one of Ariana’s most mature and artistically ambitious songs. The track became a worldwide hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical acclaim for its message of strength and perseverance. For many fans, “No Tears Left to Cry” remains one of Ariana’s most meaningful and inspiring songs.
7. “God Is a Woman” (2018)
“God Is a Woman” is one of Ariana Grande’s most powerful and bold statements, blending sensuality, spirituality, and empowerment into a mesmerizing anthem. Released in 2018 as part of her Sweetener album, the song fuses pop, R&B, and trap influences, creating an ethereal soundscape that perfectly complements Ariana’s dreamy yet commanding vocals.
The song’s lyrics center on the idea of divine feminine energy, with Ariana confidently declaring that love, passion, and power are embodied through her. Lines like “You love it how I move you / You love it how I touch you” emphasize the strength and influence of a woman’s presence, turning intimacy into a celestial experience. The production, with its hypnotic beats and layered harmonies, gives the track a transcendent quality that makes it feel almost otherworldly.
One of the most striking aspects of “God Is a Woman” is its iconic music video, which is filled with religious and mythological imagery, including Ariana appearing as a celestial deity. The visuals reinforce the song’s themes of female divinity and dominance, further solidifying its cultural impact.
The track received widespread critical acclaim and became a fan favorite, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its empowering message and mesmerizing production, “God Is a Woman” remains one of Ariana Grande’s most artistically ambitious and celebrated songs.
8. “Thank U, Next” (2018)
Few songs have made as much of a cultural impact as “Thank U, Next” did when it was released in 2018. The lead single from Ariana’s album of the same name, this self-love anthem was an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the defining songs of the late 2010s.
What makes “Thank U, Next” so special is its honest and reflective approach to past relationships. Rather than dwelling on heartbreak, Ariana expresses gratitude for her exes, recognizing how each relationship helped her grow. Lines like “One taught me love, one taught me patience, and one taught me pain” struck a chord with listeners, as they perfectly captured the bittersweet nature of personal growth. The song’s conversational tone and effortlessly catchy melody made it easy for fans to relate to and sing along.
Adding to its massive appeal was the song’s music video, which paid tribute to iconic 2000s movies like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, and Bring It On. Packed with pop culture references and celebrity cameos, the video became an internet sensation, further cementing “Thank U, Next” as a cultural phenomenon.
The song spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Ariana’s ability to turn personal experiences into universally relatable anthems. More than just a breakup song, “Thank U, Next” is a celebration of self-love, growth, and moving forward with confidence.
9. “7 Rings” (2019)
If there’s one song that perfectly encapsulates Ariana Grande’s confidence and success, it’s “7 Rings.” Released in 2019 as a single from Thank U, Next, this track is a luxurious, trap-infused anthem about female friendship, wealth, and self-empowerment. Built around a reimagined melody from The Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things”, “7 Rings” exudes an unapologetic sense of opulence.
The song was inspired by a real shopping spree Ariana went on with six of her friends, where she bought them all matching diamond rings. This lavish moment turned into an anthem of financial and personal independence, with Ariana proudly declaring that she can buy whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Lyrics like “I want it, I got it” emphasize her ability to take control of her life and success, making “7 Rings” one of her most confident and braggadocious songs.
While the track sparked some controversy due to accusations of cultural appropriation and lyrical similarities to other artists’ work, it didn’t stop “7 Rings” from dominating the charts. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Ariana’s biggest commercial successes. Love it or hate it, “7 Rings” remains an undeniable flex and a bold statement of independence.
10. “Positions” (2020)
Ariana Grande took a softer, more intimate approach with “Positions,” the lead single from her 2020 album of the same name. The song blends elements of pop and R&B with a sensual, laid-back vibe, showcasing Ariana’s ability to make even the most intricate vocal runs sound effortless.
Lyrically, “Positions” explores themes of devotion and versatility in a relationship, as Ariana sings about effortlessly shifting roles to please and support her partner. The song’s hook—“Switchin’ the positions for you”—highlights her willingness to be adaptable and all-in for love, while the airy production and smooth instrumentation add to the song’s dreamy, intoxicating quality.
The accompanying music video further enhances the song’s message, portraying Ariana as a modern-day leader who balances romance and responsibility. The visuals depict her as the President of the United States, flipping traditional gender roles and emphasizing her ability to handle multiple aspects of life with confidence and grace.
“Positions” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it another massive hit in Ariana’s career. While it’s more subtle than some of her previous anthems, its sultry, sophisticated charm makes it one of her most refined and memorable singles. With “Positions”, Ariana proved that she doesn’t need high-energy production to create a song that’s just as captivating—sometimes, all it takes is her signature blend of confidence and vulnerability.
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.
