Selena Gomez is undeniably one of the biggest pop icons of our generation. With her soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unique ability to connect with millions, she has cemented her place in the hearts of fans worldwide. From her early days as a Disney star to her meteoric rise as a solo artist, Selena has consistently delivered chart-topping hits that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. Her music effortlessly blends pop, dance, and R&B influences, making each track a masterpiece of emotion and melody.
But which songs truly define her legacy? In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular Selena Gomez songs of all time—tracks that not only dominated the charts but also became anthems for her devoted fanbase. Whether you’re a long-time Selenator or a casual listener, this curated list will take you on a journey through Selena’s career, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to captivate us with every beat and lyric.
Get ready to relive the magic, as we count down the songs that made us dance, cry, and sing along at the top of our lungs. Let’s celebrate Selena Gomez’s unforgettable musical journey!
1. “Lose You to Love Me” (2019)
Released as the lead single from her album Rare, “Lose You to Love Me” is one of Selena Gomez’s most deeply personal and emotionally raw songs. Dropping in October 2019, the track quickly became an anthem for self-discovery and healing, earning Gomez her first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s stripped-down production, featuring a melancholic piano melody and ethereal harmonies, creates an intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s reflective lyrics.
Gomez doesn’t shy away from vulnerability here, as she candidly addresses the pain of a past relationship and the journey to finding herself again. With lines like “I needed to lose you to find me”, she captures the bittersweet reality of moving on. The song resonated deeply with fans, many of whom saw their own experiences reflected in her words.
The accompanying black-and-white music video further amplifies the song’s raw emotion, with Gomez delivering a deeply expressive performance that feels almost confessional. Critics praised the track for its honesty, maturity, and haunting beauty, solidifying it as one of the standout moments in her career. “Lose You to Love Me” is more than just a breakup song—it’s a powerful statement of self-love and resilience.
2. “Come & Get It” (2013)
With “Come & Get It,” Selena Gomez made a bold transition from teen pop star to a more mature and confident artist. Released in April 2013 as the lead single from her debut solo album Stars Dance, the song marked a significant turning point in her career, proving she could stand on her own after parting ways with her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene.
The track is infused with Bollywood-inspired elements, from its hypnotic tabla beats to its lush, cinematic production. The chorus is instantly addictive, with Gomez’s sultry vocals inviting listeners into a world of passion and surrender. The song’s lyrics, which revolve around the theme of patiently waiting for love, are delivered with a mix of sensuality and strength.
Critics praised the song’s unique sound and Selena’s evolution as a performer. It became a summer anthem, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her a spot among pop’s rising elite. The vibrant and visually stunning music video, featuring mesmerizing dance sequences and lush natural backdrops, added to its appeal. Even years later, “Come & Get It” remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its exotic vibe and Selena’s captivating delivery.
3. “Love You Like a Love Song” (2011)
Few pop songs have the staying power of “Love You Like a Love Song,” a track that became one of Selena Gomez’s most iconic releases. Dropping in June 2011 as part of When the Sun Goes Down, the song quickly became a staple in her discography, celebrated for its irresistible beat and quirky yet romantic lyrics.
From the moment the track opens with its shimmering synths and hypnotic rhythm, it hooks listeners in. The chorus—“I love you like a love song, baby”—is undeniably catchy, making it a go-to track for both radio play and karaoke nights. The song’s electro-pop production, layered with pulsating beats and a futuristic feel, added a fresh twist to a classic love song theme.
The music video, known for its surreal aesthetics and vibrant, dreamlike visuals, further cemented the song’s place in pop culture. Despite its lighthearted nature, the track became one of Selena’s biggest hits, topping dance charts and earning platinum certifications. Even a decade later, “Love You Like a Love Song” remains an earworm, proving that a well-crafted pop track can truly stand the test of time.
4. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” (2014)
Few songs in Selena Gomez’s catalog are as emotionally charged as “The Heart Wants What It Wants.” Released in November 2014, the song served as the lead single from For You and provided an unfiltered glimpse into her personal struggles with love and heartbreak.
The track opens with a spoken-word intro that immediately sets a somber tone, as Selena confesses feelings of pain and uncertainty. The lyrics—“The bed’s getting cold and you’re not here / The future that we hold is so unclear”—are raw and deeply personal, making it clear that this isn’t just another breakup song; it’s a reflection on the emotional turmoil of holding onto something that’s slipping away.
Musically, “The Heart Wants What It Wants” is minimalistic yet powerful, with soft percussion and atmospheric production that allow Gomez’s vocals to take center stage. The black-and-white music video enhances the song’s vulnerability, featuring close-up shots of Selena breaking down in tears, making it one of her most heart-wrenching performances.
The song struck a chord with fans, many of whom related to its themes of love, longing, and letting go. It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Selena’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
5. “Wolves” (2017)
A collaboration with EDM producer Marshmello, “Wolves” took Selena Gomez’s sound in a more electronic direction while maintaining her signature emotional depth. Released in October 2017, the song tells a story of perseverance, longing, and chasing after something—or someone—just out of reach.
Blending haunting melodies with a pulsating beat, “Wolves” creates a sense of urgency and mystery. Selena’s ethereal vocals glide over the track, adding a delicate yet powerful emotional weight to the lyrics: “I’ve been running through the jungle, I’ve been crying with the wolves”. The song’s vivid imagery evokes a sense of struggle and determination, making it one of her more cinematic releases.
Critics and fans praised the track’s unique fusion of EDM and pop, with many appreciating its atmospheric production. It quickly became a dance-floor hit, peaking at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim.
The song’s music video and live performances further highlighted its dreamlike quality, with Selena often embracing a dark, moody aesthetic. “Wolves” stands out as one of her most intriguing and sonically adventurous songs, proving her ability to push musical boundaries while maintaining an emotional connection with her audience.
6. “Good for You” (2015)
With “Good for You,” Selena Gomez embraced a sultrier, more mature sound, marking a turning point in her career. Released in June 2015 as the lead single from her album Revival, the track showcased a new level of artistry, both musically and lyrically. It was also her first major collaboration with rapper A$AP Rocky, adding a hip-hop influence to her evolving pop sound.
Stripping away the bubblegum pop of her earlier work, “Good for You” is slow, moody, and intimate. The production is minimalistic, featuring soft synths, subtle percussion, and whispered vocals that heighten the song’s sensuality. Selena delivers the lyrics with a delicate vulnerability, singing about wanting to be the best version of herself for a lover. The track’s standout line—“Gonna wear that dress you like, skin-tight”—became one of the most quoted in her discography.
Critics praised the song for its refined and understated approach, highlighting Selena’s growth as an artist. The accompanying music video, featuring close-up shots of Gomez in dimly lit, moody settings, further emphasized the song’s seductive and sophisticated vibe. Peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Good for You” proved that Selena was capable of delivering a more nuanced and grown-up sound.
7. “Rare” (2020)
Serving as the title track of her third studio album, “Rare” is an uplifting anthem about self-worth and individuality. Released in January 2020, the song reinforced the album’s central theme—embracing one’s uniqueness and not settling for less in love or life.
Unlike some of Selena’s more melancholic tracks, “Rare” radiates positivity with its bright, bouncy production and airy vocals. The song’s message is clear: recognizing one’s value and refusing to be treated as anything less than special. The chorus—“It feels like you don’t care / Why don’t you recognize I’m so rare?”—is both empowering and reflective, making it a relatable anthem for anyone seeking self-respect in a relationship.
The song’s tropical-inspired beats and shimmering instrumentation add a feel-good energy, while the music video’s dreamy, pastel visuals enhance its whimsical and self-affirming tone. Fans and critics alike appreciated Selena’s continued exploration of personal themes, with many calling it one of her most inspiring tracks.
Though it didn’t become a massive chart-topper, “Rare” resonated deeply with fans, especially those who had followed Selena’s journey of self-discovery. The song remains a standout in her discography, offering a refreshing reminder to embrace one’s worth.
8. “Hands to Myself” (2015)
Selena Gomez delivered pure pop perfection with “Hands to Myself,” one of the standout singles from her 2015 album Revival. Released in December 2015, the song quickly became a fan favorite due to its flirty energy, infectious beat, and playful lyrics.
Unlike the slow-burning seduction of Good for You, “Hands to Myself” is more upbeat, featuring bouncy synths and a teasing vocal delivery. The lyrics tell the story of someone completely infatuated with their love interest, unable to resist their presence. The chorus—“Can’t keep my hands to myself, I mean, I could, but why would I want to?”—became an instantly quotable line, perfectly capturing the song’s mischievous, intoxicating vibe.
The song’s minimalist production, featuring crisp beats and layered harmonies, allows Selena’s vocals to shine. The accompanying music video, where she plays an obsessed fan sneaking into a celebrity’s house, adds an intriguing twist to the song’s themes of desire and obsession.
Peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Hands to Myself” solidified Selena’s transition into sophisticated, radio-friendly pop. Its irresistible hook and playful energy ensure it remains one of her most enduring hits.
9. “Back to You” (2018)
Released in May 2018 as part of the 13 Reasons Why Season 2 soundtrack, “Back to You” is a heartfelt love song that explores the complexities of an on-again, off-again relationship. With its delicate acoustic guitar and soft electronic beats, the track blends folk influences with modern pop production, creating a nostalgic yet fresh sound.
Lyrically, the song delves into the struggle of moving on from someone who still lingers in your heart. The chorus—“I wanna hold you when I’m not supposed to”—captures the internal conflict of knowing something isn’t right but still feeling drawn to it. Selena’s airy vocals add a sense of longing, making the emotions in the song feel authentic and deeply personal.
The music video, inspired by vintage French films, adds an artistic flair to the song’s themes, featuring Gomez escaping with a lover only to realize she’s trapped in a cycle of repeating the past. Fans speculated about the song’s inspiration, but regardless of its backstory, it resonated with anyone who has struggled with letting go.
“Back to You” became a commercial success, charting in the top 20 worldwide and proving once again that Selena has a gift for turning personal experiences into universally relatable music.
10. “Who Says” (2011)
A song that continues to inspire fans years after its release, “Who Says” is an empowering pop anthem that champions self-love and confidence. Released in March 2011 as a single from When the Sun Goes Down, the track showcased a softer, more uplifting side of Selena Gomez & the Scene.
With its acoustic-driven melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Who Says” offers a reassuring message to anyone struggling with self-doubt. The lyrics—“Who says you’re not perfect? Who says you’re not worth it?”—serve as a direct response to insecurities, making the song a beacon of positivity. Unlike the dance-heavy hits dominating pop at the time, this song stood out for its simplicity and sincerity.
The accompanying music video reinforces the song’s theme, featuring Selena walking through the streets, embracing imperfections, and spreading joy. It became a fan-favorite for its uplifting energy and universal appeal, resonating with listeners of all ages.
Critics and fans praised “Who Says” for its empowering message, with many considering it one of her most important songs. Over a decade later, it remains a go-to anthem for self-acceptance, proving that sometimes, the most powerful songs are the ones that make people feel seen and valued.
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.
