Selena Gomez, a global pop sensation and multi-talented artist, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From her Disney Channel days to dominating the charts as a solo artist, Selena’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. With her soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and effortless charm, she’s captured the hearts of millions around the world. Whether she’s delivering empowering anthems, heart-wrenching ballads, or infectious dance tracks, Selena’s music has an uncanny ability to resonate with fans of all ages.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Selena Gomez songs of all time—the tracks that have defined her career and cemented her status as a pop icon. These hits have topped charts, broken records, and become staples in playlists everywhere. From the sultry beats of “Good for You” to the emotional depth of “Lose You to Love Me,” Selena has consistently pushed boundaries with her artistry.
So, whether you’re a longtime Selenator or a casual listener, get ready to rediscover her most iconic tracks. Turn up the volume, sing along, and dive into this celebration of Selena Gomez’s musical legacy! Which of your favorites made the list? Let’s find out!
1. “Lose You to Love Me” (2019)
Selena Gomez’s “Lose You to Love Me,” released in October 2019, is a deeply emotional ballad that beautifully captures the complexities of heartbreak and self-discovery. The track opens with a simple, piano-driven melody that sets a reflective tone, giving space for Selena’s hauntingly raw vocals to take center stage. As she sings about the pain of losing someone and the eventual growth that comes with it, lines like “I needed to lose you to find me” hit with an emotional punch, resonating deeply with listeners who have gone through similar experiences. The vulnerability she expresses in her delivery allows the song to transcend beyond personal experience, making it a universal anthem for anyone navigating the painful process of letting go. The restrained yet powerful production allows the lyrics to shine, with every note and every word carrying the weight of the emotions behind it. “Lose You to Love Me” became a defining moment in Selena’s career, marking her first single to top the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s blend of vulnerability, empowerment, and musical simplicity makes it one of her most striking and beloved hits, as it speaks to the strength found through overcoming the hardest of moments.
2. “Bad Liar” (2017)
“Bad Liar,” released in May 2017, showcased a bold new direction for Selena Gomez, blending quirky pop with minimalist production in a way that was both unique and innovative. Sampling the bassline from Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” the track immediately stands out with its sparse, stripped-back arrangement that puts the focus squarely on Selena’s breathy, conversational vocals. The song is a playful exploration of trying—and failing—to hide romantic feelings, and the lyrics cleverly capture the internal struggle of keeping one’s emotions under wraps. Selena’s soft, almost whispered delivery gives the song an intimate feel, making listeners feel like they’re hearing a secret confession. The minimalist production, with its understated beats and delicate melodies, creates a sense of tension that mirrors the song’s theme of concealed emotions. Critics praised Selena for taking a risk with this style, noting how “Bad Liar” represents a significant shift in her musical evolution. The track quickly became one of her most creative and celebrated songs, establishing her as an artist unafraid to experiment with unconventional sounds. Its infectious hook and unconventional approach helped it stand out as a pop gem, earning a lasting spot in Selena’s diverse catalog of hits.
3. “Come & Get It” (2013)
Selena Gomez’s “Come & Get It,” released in April 2013, marked a pivotal moment in her music career, showcasing a new sound that blended Bollywood-inspired rhythms with catchy, modern pop sensibilities. The song’s infectious tribal beats and sultry vocals immediately captured attention, making it an irresistible anthem for the dance floor. With its bold, seductive lyrics like “When you’re ready, come and get it,” the song exudes confidence and empowerment, embodying the essence of modern romance in a way that is both playful and commanding. The production, with its hypnotic percussion and sweeping melodies, provides the perfect backdrop for Selena’s sultry vocal performance, which strikes a balance between vulnerability and strength. “Come & Get It” was not just a commercial success; it also represented a departure from Selena’s earlier, more innocent pop style, establishing her as an artist willing to experiment with diverse musical influences. The song quickly became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and its international success proved that Selena had the ability to cross cultural boundaries with her music. The infectious energy and empowering message of “Come & Get It” made it a standout track in her career, earning it a lasting place in pop music history.
4. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” (2014)
In November 2014, Selena Gomez released “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” a deeply personal ballad that marked a defining moment in her career. The song opens with a vulnerable, spoken-word monologue, immediately drawing listeners in with its raw emotion and setting the tone for the introspective lyrics to follow. Selena’s voice, fragile yet powerful, carries the weight of the song’s themes—heartbreak, confusion, and the complicated nature of love. The haunting melody complements her vocal performance, creating an intimate, almost confessional atmosphere that makes listeners feel as though they are privy to her most private emotions. The lyrics delve into the internal conflict of loving someone who might not be right for you, yet being unable to let go. Lines like “The heart wants what it wants” resonate deeply, capturing the essence of the emotional turmoil that often accompanies love. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” was not just a hit song; it was an emotional release for Selena, marking a moment of personal growth and artistic maturity. The track became one of her most critically acclaimed songs, showcasing her ability to translate real-life experiences into music that resonates with people on a profound level.
5. “Hands to Myself” (2015)
With “Hands to Myself,” released in December 2015, Selena Gomez embraced a sultry and playful side of her artistry that was both bold and captivating. The song’s minimalist production, which features pulsating beats and whispery vocals, creates an intoxicating energy that draws listeners in from the very first note. The track’s seductive lyrics, including the infectious line “I can’t keep my hands to myself,” reflect a sense of desire and temptation that feels both confident and self-assured. Selena’s voice, with its breathy quality, adds to the allure of the song, creating a sense of intimacy that makes the listener feel like they’re hearing a secret. The production, stripped down to its core, allows Selena’s vocals to shine and brings out the song’s sensual atmosphere. “Hands to Myself” quickly became a fan favorite, earning praise for its boldness and sophistication, and its catchy chorus made it a staple on pop radio. The song is a perfect example of Selena’s versatility, as she seamlessly transitions from pop princess to sultry diva, proving she’s more than capable of owning a more mature sound. The track became one of her most memorable hits, solidifying her place in the music industry as an artist with a unique and evolving style.
6. “Good for You” (2015)
Released in June 2015, “Good for You” marked a pivotal moment in Selena Gomez’s musical journey, showcasing a more mature, sensual side of the artist. The track, which features a smooth, minimalist production, emphasizes Selena’s sultry, understated vocals. With lyrics like “I’m good for you,” the song is both confident and intimate, exuding a sense of quiet power and self-assurance. The stripped-down instrumentation—featuring delicate beats and soft, atmospheric synths—highlights Selena’s voice, allowing her to deliver the song’s message with both vulnerability and strength. The track’s seductive vibe was a departure from the more carefree pop anthems Selena was known for, and it earned her widespread acclaim for showcasing her versatility and growth as an artist. The minimalistic approach to the production created an almost haunting atmosphere, making the song feel personal and introspective, yet undeniably catchy. “Good for You” quickly became a commercial success, earning significant radio play and solidifying Selena’s position as a force in pop music. The track’s subtle elegance and sensuality allowed it to stand out in a crowded musical landscape, making it one of her defining moments in her career, while proving that Selena was capable of crafting complex, emotionally rich pop songs.
7. “Love You Like a Love Song” (2011)
“Love You Like a Love Song,” released in June 2011, quickly became a defining track in Selena Gomez’s career, cementing her place in pop music. The song’s irresistible synth-heavy production, combined with its catchy and playful lyrics, made it a standout hit. With the hook “I love you like a love song, baby,” the song became an anthem for youthful romance, capturing the excitement and intensity of love in a way that felt both lighthearted and timeless. The infectious melody, combined with Selena’s sweet, yet confident delivery, made the track a perfect pop classic. The song’s repetition, a key feature in its production, made it both catchy and memorable, ensuring that it would stay stuck in the minds of listeners long after it ended. “Love You Like a Love Song” resonated deeply with fans, especially young people experiencing the joys of love for the first time. It became a karaoke favorite and a go-to song for romantic playlists, solidifying its place as one of Selena’s most beloved tracks. The song’s ability to blend playful, youthful energy with the universal theme of love made it a timeless anthem that continues to be a staple of Selena’s music catalog.
8. “Wolves” (2017)
In October 2017, Selena Gomez teamed up with Marshmello to release “Wolves,” a captivating blend of EDM and pop that immediately captured listeners’ attention with its haunting melody and Selena’s ethereal vocals. The track combines introspective lyrics with an exhilarating beat, creating a unique contrast between the vulnerability of the message and the high-energy production. Inspired by Selena’s personal experiences, the song speaks to themes of love, vulnerability, and self-reflection, with Selena singing about the feeling of being pulled in different directions and trying to find balance in the midst of chaos. The collaboration with Marshmello gave the song an otherworldly, almost cinematic quality, with the production adding layers of emotion and depth to the track. Selena’s performance, full of both tenderness and strength, perfectly complements the song’s atmospheric sound, making “Wolves” a standout hit in her discography. The song’s haunting nature, paired with its irresistible electronic beat, made it both introspective and anthemic, appealing to fans who were drawn to its emotional depth and infectious energy. “Wolves” became one of Selena’s most memorable collaborations, demonstrating her ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres and create something truly special.
9. “Rare” (2020)
“Rare,” the title track of Selena Gomez’s 2020 album, is an empowering anthem that celebrates individuality and self-worth. Released in January 2020, the song features a breezy, synth-heavy production that perfectly complements its uplifting message. Selena’s vocals are full of confidence and self-assurance, singing lyrics like “I’m not gonna beg for you, I’m not gonna let you make me cry,” which convey a sense of independence and self-respect. The track’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus make it an immediate standout, while its message of self-love and empowerment resonates deeply with listeners of all ages. “Rare” is a declaration of personal strength and the realization that we are all unique and valuable, no matter what others may say or do. The song’s upbeat energy and feel-good vibes make it an anthem for anyone learning to embrace their true self and reject toxic influences. “Rare” quickly became one of Selena’s most beloved tracks, solidifying her position as an artist who can create music that is both catchy and meaningful. The song’s empowering message and infectious beat made it a perfect addition to her catalog, proving that self-love is the most important form of love.
10. “Who Says” (2011)
Released in March 2011, “Who Says” is an empowering anthem of self-love and confidence that resonated deeply with fans around the world. The acoustic guitar-driven melody gives the song a relaxed, feel-good vibe, while the uplifting lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and reject society’s standards of beauty. Selena’s vocal performance is both warm and encouraging, delivering a message of self-acceptance that inspired millions of people, especially young women, to believe in their own worth. The song’s central message—”Who says you’re not perfect?”—became a rallying cry for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or body image issues. “Who Says” became an instant hit, gaining widespread praise for its positive, body-positive message, and its ability to make people feel empowered and confident in their own skin. The song’s success helped solidify Selena Gomez as not just a pop star but a role model for millions. With its catchy melody and motivational lyrics, “Who Says” continues to be a timeless anthem for self-love and personal empowerment, proving that confidence starts with embracing who you truly 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.
