Ariana Grande, born on June 26, 1993, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. With her powerful vocals, impressive vocal range, and soulful delivery, Grande has become one of the most successful and acclaimed pop stars of her generation.
Grande’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, R&B-infused pop sound, and heartfelt lyrics. Her ability to effortlessly transition between sweet, melodic verses and powerful, soaring choruses has captivated audiences worldwide. Hits such as “Thank U, Next,” “No Tears Left to Cry,” and “Dangerous Woman” have topped charts and garnered critical acclaim.
Grande’s vocal talent and versatility have drawn comparisons to pop divas of the past, while her modern sound and relatable lyrics have helped her carve out her own unique place in the pop music landscape. She has embraced a variety of musical styles, incorporating elements of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and dance into her repertoire.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Grande’s presence extends to the world of acting. She gained recognition for her role as Cat Valentine on the television series “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat.” She has also showcased her talent as a live performer, captivating audiences with her energetic stage presence and elaborate productions.
Grande’s success is evident in her extensive list of accolades, including Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. Her influence on pop culture is undeniable, with her distinctive style and powerful voice inspiring fans and fellow artists alike.
Grande’s philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy, as she has used her platform to support various charitable causes, particularly in the aftermath of tragic events such as the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Ariana Grande’s impact on the music industry is remarkable. Her impressive vocal abilities, memorable hits, and genuine connection with her fans have solidified her as a pop superstar. As she continues to evolve and experiment with her sound, Grande’s talent and artistry remain at the forefront, making her a leading figure in contemporary pop music.
1. “The Way” (Featuring Mac Miller)
This popular pop single featuring rapper Mac Miller brings out the soulful side of Ariana's vocal range. The chorus is infectious, and Miller's verses add an extra layer to the song's charm. “The Way” was a breakout hit for Grande, and it remains one of her most successful collaborations till date.
The track opens with Miller’s verse, a mesmerizing story delivered in his silky smooth voice that sets the stage for Grande to shine. Ariana follows with her trademark velvety vocals delivering catchy lyrics such as "I love the way you make me feel I love it", which have made this track a fan favorite.
Interestingly, "The Way" also marked the beginning of Ariana’s highly-publicized relationship with former flame Mac Miller. The couple continued to work together on several other tracks before their relationship ended in 2018. Nevertheless, “The Way” remains one of the best Ariana Grande songs ever produced.
With more divas than a reality TV show, “Bang Bang” packs a punch that’s hard to resist.
2. “Bang Bang” (Featuring Jessie J and Nicki Minaj)
This collaboration with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj showcases Grande's vocal range and ability to hold her own with other powerful female artists. "Bang Bang" is a high-energy pop song that quickly became a fan favorite for its catchy hooks and strong beats. The empowering lyrics speak to women who are confident in themselves and their abilities. This hit reached the top of the charts within weeks of release, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. Its popularity continues to this day as people can't resist dancing along to this upbeat anthem.
A highlight of Grande's discography, "Bang Bang" boasts production that highlights each artist's strengths while maintaining a cohesive sound. Jessie J opens with an infectious melody before Nicki Minaj jumps in with an electrifying verse. Ariana then takes over, delivering soaring vocals that cap off the track perfectly. This song is an excellent showcase of the three women's incredible talents and chemistry together.
Fun fact: The songwriters behind "Bang Bang" included Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Rickard Göransson, Onika Maraj (Nicki Minaj), Dwayne Carter Jr (Lil Wayne), Kurtis McKenzie, Andre Davidson and Sean Davidson.
Don't miss out on adding this powerhouse track to your playlist – it's sure to get you pumped up for anything! Listening to 'Break Free' makes me feel like I can conquer the world, or at least dance like nobody's watching (which is basically the same thing).
3. “Break Free” (Featuring Zedd)
Ariana Grande's collaborated with Zedd in one of her most popular songs that is “Break Free”. The song was released in 2014 as the second single from her album. Some critics said that “Break Free” was a turning point in Ariana's career since it marked an evolution on her sound, showing a more mature and dance-oriented approach than her previous releases.
The song features EDM-influenced production from Zedd, and is known for its fast-paced beats and soaring vocals from Ariana. The lyrics encourage listeners to break free from negative relationships and embrace their independence.
Interestingly, the music video for “Break Free” features Ariana as a space warrior battling aliens. The video received mixed reviews but was praised for its visuals and creativity.
Overall, “Break Free” showcases Ariana Grande's ability to collaborate with other artists while still maintaining her unique style. It's no wonder why this song continuously tops lists of her best songs of all time.
Give me a 'Problem' like Ariana's any day, because who doesn't love a catchy tune about toxic relationships?
4. “Problem” (Featuring Iggy Azalea)
This Ariana Grande song called for a collaboration with Iggy Azalea. It marked the first time the two artists had worked together, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an instant pop classic.
“Problem” quickly became a chart-topper worldwide, reaching number one in 16 countries. It earned Grande her first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for over six months. The song’s retro-inspired sound and strong vocals make it a fan favorite to this day.
One interesting fact about “Problem” is that it almost didn’t happen. Grande wasn’t initially interested in recording the song, and Azalea was hesitant to collaborate with her because of online rumors about their alleged feud. However, both artists ultimately came together to create this iconic track that cemented their places in pop music history.
Listen to 'Dangerous Woman' and you'll understand why Ariana is wanted by the FBI…for stealing our hearts.
5. “Dangerous Woman”
This iconic track “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande from her third studio album of the same name showcases her vocal range in a sultry and powerful performance. The lyrics explore themes of female empowerment with a touch of rebellion, making this song a fan favorite worldwide.
Grande co-wrote the song along with Johan Carlsson and Ross Golan while Max Martin and Carlsson produced it. It was released on March 11, 2016, as the lead single from the album "Dangerous Woman." The song debuted at number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top ten in several other countries.
The captivating music video featuring Grande wearing a black bunny mask further intensified her mystique and made it an instant hit among fans and critics alike. With over one billion views on YouTube, “Dangerous Woman” remains one of Grande’s most successful releases to date.
Pro Tip: Listen to this track in high-quality headphones to fully appreciate its complex production and impressive vocal range.
Listening to 'Into You' makes me feel like I have the potential to be a hot mess, but in a really stylish way.
6. “Into You”
This track, part of Grande's 2016 album "Dangerous Woman," boasts a sultry beat and smooth vocals that showcase her dynamic range. The song explores a passionate relationship and the desire to be consumed by it, both lyrically and musically. Its catchy chorus and infectious energy have made it a fan favorite and a hit on the charts.
Even if Ariana's tears have run dry, our love for this hit song will never dry up.
7. “No Tears Left To Cry”
This track marked Ariana's spectacular return to music after a tumultuous time in her life, and thus, "No Tears Left To Cry" has become one of the most beloved Ariana Grande tracks of all time. The infectious beat paired with Grande's signature vocal range and powerful lyrics make it an instant classic. The song debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2018 and held a position there for weeks. It was praised for its upbeat yet emotional message, serving as an anthem for anyone struggling to overcome challenges in their life.
In addition to the stunning vocals and catchy melody, "No Tears Left To Cry" also stands out for its impactful music video, which plays with the concept of gravity-defying visuals against a futuristic backdrop. The messages of resilience and self-confidence conveyed through both the audio and visual aspects of this song are what make it so timeless.
If you haven't yet added "No Tears Left To Cry" to your playlist, you're missing out on one of Ariana Grande's greatest hits. Trust us when we say you won't regret giving this track a listen – it has truly earned its spot among her top 10 songs of all time.
Move over Zeus, Ariana just proved that God is a woman and she's slaying the game.
8. “God Is A Woman”
Within Ariana Grande's extensive discography, "God Is A Woman" stands out as a powerful anthem. In this song, the artist showcases her impressive vocal range and emotional depth while exploring themes of female empowerment and sexuality. The track's title serves as a bold declaration of self-worth and spiritual strength, backed by a compelling beat and captivating lyrics. Overall, "God Is A Woman" is a standout addition to Grande's impressive body of work.
Notably, "God Is A Woman" features some of Grande's most confident and experimental vocals to date. From smooth belting to playful runs, she effortlessly navigates the song's dynamic range. Additionally, its accompanying music video features stunning visuals that amplify the message of empowerment presented in the lyrics.
One unique aspect of "God Is A Woman" is its religious undertones, which are utilized in service of celebrating feminine energy and sexuality. By centering a divine figure in the narrative who embodies these qualities, Grande effectively dismantles patriarchal notions that have traditionally been attached to religious teachings.
It's worth noting that Grande herself has cited "God Is A Woman" as one of her favorite songs from her catalog. In an interview with Time Magazine, she highlighted it as an example of how she uses her platform to elevate marginalized voices and promote inclusivity within her artistry.
Who needs a prince charming when you've got a hit song like 'Thank U Next' on repeat?
9. “Thank U Next”
With her iconic hit "Thank U Next," Ariana Grande shows her fans that she has moved on from past relationships and is ready to embrace new beginnings. The upbeat tempo, catchy lyrics, and empowering message of the song have made it a fan favorite. Grande's honesty and vulnerability in this song resonate with listeners who have experienced heartbreak. She takes control of her own narrative and celebrates herself as the main character in her life story. With "Thank U Next," Grande continues to solidify her status as one of the most powerful voices in pop music today.
What sets "Thank U Next" apart from Grande's other hits is its authenticity and relatability. While many of her songs are undeniably catchy, they don't always delve quite so deeply into the emotional complexities that "Thank U Next" does. This song has become a symbol for self-love and personal growth for fans all over the world.
If you haven't listened to "Thank U Next" yet, you're truly missing out on one of the greatest pop anthems of our time. Its infectious energy and inspiring message make it a must-listen for anyone who needs a reminder that they too can overcome heartbreak with grace and resilience.
Ariana and Gaga team up to create a downpour of pop perfection in 'Rain On Me', giving us all a much needed break from our own tears.
10. “Rain On Me” (Collab with Lady Gaga)
This song, featuring the powerful voices of Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, stands out as one of their most successful collaborations. The following points shed light on why it deserves a spot on '10 Best Ariana Grande Songs of All Time':
- The song was released in May 2020 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The lyrics convey the message of resilience and hope, making it relatable to many listeners worldwide.
- The music video features an impressive choreography that adds to the overall appeal of the song.
Furthermore, this upbeat track received critical acclaim for its catchy chorus and unique blend of pop and dance music elements. It demonstrates the excellent teamwork between two prominent female artists.
Interestingly, before collaborating with Lady Gaga, Ariana once tweeted her admiration for her music in 2009. This tweet resurfaced in 2020, proving that dreams do come true.
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.
