Selena Gomez, a global sensation with an enchanting voice and magnetic charisma, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. From her early days as a Disney star to evolving into one of the most influential pop artists of her generation, Selena has consistently delivered hits that resonate deeply with her fans. Her music tells stories of love, heartbreak, empowerment, and self-discovery, making her a voice for a generation navigating life’s highs and lows.
With a career spanning over a decade, Selena’s discography is a treasure trove of unforgettable tracks that have dominated the charts, inspired countless TikTok trends, and become anthems for fans everywhere. Whether it’s the sultry beats of her dance tracks, the raw vulnerability of her ballads, or the empowering lyrics of her pop anthems, each song is a testament to her artistry and growth.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through Selena Gomez’s top 10 most popular songs of all time. From early breakout hits to recent chart-toppers, these tracks showcase her unparalleled versatility and enduring appeal. So, put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to relive the magic of Selena’s greatest musical moments!
1. “Lose You to Love Me” (2019)
Released in 2019, “Lose You to Love Me” stands as one of Selena Gomez’s most deeply personal and emotionally charged songs. Stripped down to a haunting piano melody, the track serves as a cathartic reflection on love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The rawness in Gomez’s voice, combined with the song’s introspective lyrics, makes it a powerful ballad about letting go of a toxic relationship to find inner peace.
Co-written by Gomez, Julia Michaels, and Justin Tranter, the song resonates with its audience by capturing the universal pain of saying goodbye to someone you once loved. Lines like “I saw the signs and I ignored it, rose-colored glasses all distorted” reflect the regret and realization that come with hindsight. The minimalist production allows the emotion in her vocals to take center stage, creating an intimate listening experience.
The accompanying black-and-white music video enhances the song’s vulnerability, with Selena baring her emotions in a single-take performance. “Lose You to Love Me” quickly became a career-defining hit, earning her first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and critical acclaim for its honesty. It marked a new chapter in her artistic journey, proving her ability to turn personal pain into something profoundly moving.
2. “Come & Get It” (2013)
“Come & Get It” marked a bold new direction for Selena Gomez when it was released in 2013. Moving away from the bubblegum pop sound of her earlier work, this song introduced a more mature, sultry vibe, blending mainstream pop with Indian-inspired instrumentals and hypnotic beats. The track’s exotic and rhythmic melody, combined with Gomez’s alluring vocal delivery, made it an instant standout.
Lyrically, “Come & Get It” presents a confident take on love and attraction, portraying someone who is self-assured and in control. The song’s chorus, backed by pulsating percussion and soaring vocals, gives it a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic effect. Produced by Stargate and written by Ester Dean, the track takes inspiration from Bollywood sounds, setting it apart from other pop hits at the time.
The song was a major success, peaking in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple award nominations. It also became a staple of her live performances, featuring elaborate choreography and vibrant visuals. “Come & Get It” solidified Selena’s status as a pop star, proving her ability to evolve musically while maintaining her signature charm.
3. “Bad Liar” (2017)
Released in 2017, “Bad Liar” showcases Selena Gomez at her most experimental and innovative. Built around the bassline of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer”, the song takes a minimalist approach, relying on breathy vocals and an unconventional rhythmic structure to create something entirely fresh. Unlike traditional pop tracks, “Bad Liar” thrives on restraint, making every lyric and melody feel more intimate.
The song’s lyrics explore the struggle of trying to hide romantic feelings, with Gomez delivering the verses in a playful, almost spoken-word style. Lines like “I see your face in my mind as I drive away” and “I’m tryin’, I’m tryin’, I’m tryin’, I’m tryin’ not to give in to you” capture the tension between desire and self-control.
Critics praised “Bad Liar” for its originality, with several publications naming it one of the best songs of the year. The music video, in which Selena plays multiple characters in a 1970s high school setting, added another layer of storytelling, making it one of her most creative projects. Though it wasn’t a massive commercial hit, the song cemented her reputation as an artist willing to take risks and push pop music forward.
4. “Hands to Myself” (2015)
Released in 2015 as part of her Revival album, “Hands to Myself” is a sultry, minimalist pop track that perfectly captures the essence of infatuation and desire. With its whispery vocals and hypnotic beat, the song radiates confidence and playful seduction, showing a more mature side of Selena Gomez as an artist.
Lyrically, the song revolves around an uncontrollable attraction, with Gomez teasingly singing about the struggle to resist temptation. The repetitive hook, “I mean, I could, but why would I want to?”, adds a flirtatious, almost rebellious tone that makes the track irresistibly catchy. The production, handled by Mattman & Robin, is stripped down yet effective, relying on a pulsing bassline, rhythmic snaps, and electronic synths that build tension throughout the song.
The music video enhances the song’s sensual energy, featuring Selena in a dramatic storyline where she plays both an obsessed fan and a glamorous fantasy figure. The visual, combined with the song’s alluring sound, helped cement “Hands to Myself” as one of her standout hits. It peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite for its intoxicating blend of intimacy and playfulness.
5. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” (2014)
“The Heart Wants What It Wants” is one of Selena Gomez’s most emotional and deeply personal songs. Released in 2014, this heart-wrenching ballad dives into the pain of an intense yet unhealthy relationship. The song opens with a spoken-word intro where Selena, in a vulnerable tone, confesses the emotional turmoil of being in love with someone who continuously causes heartache.
The lyrics capture the complexity of love, where logic and emotions are at war. Lines like “There’s a million reasons why I should give you up, but the heart wants what it wants” perfectly encapsulate the struggle of holding onto something that might not be good for you. The track’s moody production, featuring soft percussion and atmospheric synths, heightens the song’s melancholic tone, allowing Gomez’s vocals to take center stage.
The music video further adds to the song’s raw emotion, showing Selena in an intimate, almost documentary-style setting where she breaks down in tears. The song resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, praised for its honesty and vulnerability. It became a defining moment in her career, proving that she could convey deep, heartfelt emotions through her music.
6. “Wolves” (2017)
A collaboration with EDM producer Marshmello, “Wolves” was released in 2017 and became a crossover hit that blended electronic dance elements with raw, emotional storytelling. Unlike traditional dance tracks, “Wolves” carries an ethereal quality, with its soaring chorus and Gomez’s hauntingly beautiful vocals adding depth to the production.
The lyrics tell a metaphorical story of perseverance and longing, with Selena singing about metaphorically traveling through hardships for love. The chorus, “I’ve been running through the jungle, I’ve been crying with the wolves, to get to you”, gives the song a sense of urgency and intensity that resonates emotionally. The pulsing beats and cinematic instrumentals create an atmospheric experience, making it a standout in both her discography and the EDM world.
“Wolves” performed exceptionally well on the charts, becoming a favorite on streaming platforms and radio stations worldwide. The song’s live performances, including one at the American Music Awards where Selena embraced a raw, emotional aesthetic, further emphasized the track’s vulnerability. It remains one of her most unique collaborations, blending electronic production with deeply personal lyrics.
7. “Rare” (2020)
“Rare”, the title track from Selena Gomez’s 2020 album, is a self-empowerment anthem that celebrates individuality and self-worth. The song is a breezy, upbeat pop track that carries an inspiring message about knowing one’s value and refusing to settle for anything less than what one deserves.
With lyrics like “It feels like you don’t care, why don’t you recognize I’m so rare?”, Gomez expresses the frustration of being unappreciated in a relationship, but rather than dwelling on sadness, the song flips the narrative into one of self-acceptance and confidence. The track’s shimmering synths and light, bouncy beat create an uplifting mood, making it an empowering listen.
The song was praised for its positive message and catchy melody, serving as a reflection of Gomez’s personal growth. The music video, featuring dreamy pastel visuals and whimsical imagery, reinforced the theme of embracing uniqueness. “Rare” wasn’t just an album title—it became a statement about self-love and finding joy in being unapologetically yourself.
8. “Love You Like a Love Song” (2011)
Released in 2011, “Love You Like a Love Song” became one of Selena Gomez & The Scene’s most recognizable hits. The track is a dreamy, synth-heavy love anthem with an infectious chorus that makes it instantly memorable. Its playful yet slightly surreal lyrics compare love to a song that’s stuck on repeat, creating a fun, almost hypnotic effect.
The production, featuring pulsing beats and electronic flourishes, gives the song a futuristic feel while maintaining an undeniable pop sensibility. Gomez’s vocals are smooth and effortless, perfectly complementing the track’s glossy production. The repetition of “I, I love you like a love song, baby” in the chorus makes it an earworm that listeners can’t help but sing along to.
The music video, filled with vibrant, surreal imagery—including a karaoke club and fantasy dreamscapes—added to the song’s whimsical charm. “Love You Like a Love Song” became a major commercial success, going multi-platinum and becoming one of Gomez’s signature tracks. Even years after its release, it remains a staple in pop culture, frequently referenced and celebrated for its catchy, feel-good energy.
9. “It Ain’t Me” (2017)
Teaming up with Norwegian DJ Kygo, Selena Gomez delivered “It Ain’t Me”, a bittersweet breakup anthem that blends acoustic folk elements with tropical house beats. Released in 2017, the song tells the story of someone walking away from a toxic relationship, realizing they can no longer be responsible for their partner’s destructive habits.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of nostalgia and heartbreak, referencing moments shared with a former lover before things fell apart. Lines like “We were sipping whiskey neat, highest floor, The Bowery, and I was high enough” create an evocative, cinematic atmosphere. The song gradually builds from a soft acoustic guitar intro into a soaring, dance-infused chorus, showcasing Kygo’s signature production style.
“It Ain’t Me” became a major global hit, topping charts and becoming a club and festival favorite. Selena’s vocal delivery is raw yet powerful, capturing both sadness and empowerment. The song’s success cemented her ability to transition effortlessly into the electronic music scene while maintaining her emotional depth.
10. “Who Says” (2011)
“Who Says” is a timeless self-love anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and reject negativity. Released in 2011, the song was a refreshing departure from the usual love-centric themes of pop music, focusing instead on self-confidence and inner beauty.
With uplifting lyrics like “Who says you’re not perfect? Who says you’re not worth it?”, the track serves as an empowering message to anyone struggling with self-doubt. The acoustic-pop instrumentation gives it a light and airy feel, making it easy to sing along to while absorbing its encouraging message.
The song was widely praised for its positive influence on young audiences, becoming an anthem for self-acceptance. The music video, featuring Selena walking confidently through the city and embracing people from all walks of life, reinforced its inspiring message. “Who Says” remains one of Selena Gomez’s most cherished songs, proving that music has the power to uplift and encourage people to love themselves just the way they are.
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.
