Camila Cabello has taken the music world by storm, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Since her breakout from Fifth Harmony, Cabello has emerged as a solo powerhouse, blending pop, Latin, and R&B influences into a unique sound that resonates with fans around the globe. Her journey has been a whirlwind of chart-topping hits, unforgettable performances, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular songs that define Camila Cabello’s illustrious career. From the infectious rhythms of “Havana” to the emotional depth of “Never Be the Same,” each track showcases her evolution as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. With her distinctive style and authenticity, Cabello has not only made a mark in the music scene but has also inspired a generation.
Join us as we celebrate the hits that have solidified Camila Cabello’s place in pop music history, exploring the stories behind these chart-toppers and what makes them resonate so deeply with fans worldwide. Get ready to relive the magic of her most iconic songs!
1. Havana (2017)
“Havana” marked a defining moment in Camila Cabello’s career, officially establishing her as a formidable solo artist after her departure from Fifth Harmony. Released in 2017, the track is a sultry, irresistible blend of Latin rhythms and pop sensibilities. The hypnotic chorus—“Havana, ooh na-na”—quickly became a global earworm, drawing listeners into a tale of love, nostalgia, and cultural pride. Featuring rapper Young Thug, the song balances breezy romance with a confident swagger, resulting in a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. What makes “Havana” truly stand out is how it embraces Cabello’s Cuban heritage. The song’s vibrant energy is matched by its cinematic music video, which showcases Cabello in multiple roles, adding charm and humor to the storytelling. “Havana” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in multiple countries and earning multi-platinum certifications. Its success wasn’t just a commercial win—it was a creative breakthrough. The track proved that Cabello could not only carry a hit on her own but do so with personality, authenticity, and style. “Havana” remains one of her most iconic songs, an anthem that celebrates her roots while also catapulting her to international pop stardom.
2. Señorita (2019)
“Señorita,” released in 2019, is a steamy duet that captures the magnetic chemistry between Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes. The track radiates flirtation and romantic tension, weaving a narrative of two people irresistibly drawn to each other despite knowing better. With its sensual guitar riffs and Latin-pop beat, the song creates a dreamy atmosphere that feels both youthful and intoxicating. Cabello and Mendes trade verses with a playful yet passionate energy, and their real-life connection only amplifies the authenticity of their performance. The chorus, with its lingering “I love it when you call me señorita,” became instantly iconic, helping the song dominate radio waves and summer playlists around the globe. The music video—set in a hazy, tropical backdrop—adds to the allure, portraying a story of longing and forbidden attraction. “Señorita” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered massive streaming numbers, solidifying the duo as a pop power couple. It’s more than just a catchy song; it’s a mood, a moment, and a masterclass in pop chemistry. With its sultry tone and infectious melody, “Señorita” remains one of the most memorable collaborations of the late 2010s.
3. Never Be the Same (2018)
“Never Be the Same,” released in 2018, revealed a more emotional and vulnerable side of Camila Cabello. The track explores the powerful, sometimes toxic pull of love and addiction, with lyrics that liken romantic obsession to a drug. It’s a soaring power ballad that blends pop, rock, and R&B elements, creating an atmospheric soundscape that mirrors the intensity of the feelings Cabello sings about. Her vocal performance is raw and emotive—she stretches each note with a trembling urgency, making the listener feel every ounce of heartache and longing. The song builds from a delicate intro to a sweeping chorus that’s impossible not to sing along to. “Never Be the Same” resonated with audiences for its honesty and intensity, peaking high on the charts and becoming a fan favorite. It proved that Cabello could go beyond catchy singles and deliver deeply felt, personal music. The emotional depth and polished production of the song showcased her growth as a solo artist and her ability to tell stories that connect. It’s a track that captures the highs and lows of love in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic.
4. Liar (2019)
Released in 2019, “Liar” is a playful and infectious tune that combines pop with tropical and flamenco influences, capturing Camila Cabello’s flair for mixing genres with effortless charm. The song dives into the inner conflict of denying romantic feelings for someone, even when the heart clearly says otherwise. With its bright horns, energetic rhythm, and bouncy beat, “Liar” feels like a danceable tug-of-war between desire and denial. Cabello’s vocal delivery is animated and full of character—she flips between coy denial and full-on confession, making the song both relatable and fun. Lyrically, it plays with contradictions, as she tries to convince herself she’s not falling in love, all while falling deeper. The accompanying music video brings a humorous, surreal flair to the track, featuring dream sequences and dramatic storytelling that echo the chaos of love gone haywire. “Liar” stands out in Cabello’s discography as a track that balances emotional tension with irresistible levity. It’s the kind of song that pulls you in with its melody, keeps you dancing with its rhythm, and leaves you smiling with its cheeky honesty. An underrated gem, it showcases both her vocal prowess and playful side.
5. Shameless (2019)
“Shameless,” also from 2019, is a bold, emotionally charged track that peels back the layers of Camila Cabello’s artistry. The song deals with the desire to speak one’s truth without fear, even when that truth is messy, intense, or painful. From the very beginning, the dark, brooding atmosphere of the production sets the tone for what becomes an explosive, cathartic confession. Cabello’s vocals start soft and vulnerable, then erupt into a powerhouse chorus filled with raw emotion. It’s a sonic journey that mirrors the emotional turmoil of laying it all bare. The chorus—“I need you more than I want to”—hits like a plea and an admission, exposing the inner battle between self-control and surrendering to love. The music video enhances the song’s theme, using bold imagery and dramatic visuals to portray emotional chaos and liberation. “Shameless” feels like a turning point, showcasing Cabello’s willingness to explore darker, more complex emotions. It highlights her growth not just as a singer, but as a storyteller unafraid to confront the more uncomfortable sides of desire and vulnerability. The song is both haunting and empowering, making it one of the most compelling entries in her catalog.
6. Cry for Me (2020)
Released in 2020, “Cry for Me” is a fiery, emotionally charged track that taps into the all-too-familiar feeling of post-breakup jealousy. Camila Cabello sings from the perspective of someone watching an ex move on too quickly, and the honesty in her voice is both refreshing and relatable. With lyrics like “Why won’t you cry for me, baby?” the song captures the sting of feeling replaced and the messy desire for the other person to still feel pain, even after things are over. The production is upbeat and dynamic, blending polished pop with moody undertones that echo the inner conflict of trying to let go but still yearning for some kind of emotional validation. Cabello’s vocal performance is filled with nuance—switching between vulnerability, frustration, and fierce defiance. It’s not just a breakup song; it’s an emotional outburst that many listeners have found cathartic. “Cry for Me” stands out because of its unfiltered honesty and catchy hooks, managing to be both radio-ready and emotionally resonant. It shows Cabello’s ability to turn a raw, human moment into a pop anthem that feels intimate and universal at the same time.
7. My Oh My (2020)
“My Oh My,” released in early 2020, is a bold and sassy anthem that adds a playful twist to the classic “good girl falls for the bad boy” narrative. Featuring rapper DaBaby, the track combines slick pop production with a subtle hip-hop edge, making it both catchy and confident. Camila Cabello embraces a rebellious character in this song, confessing her attraction to someone who isn’t exactly parent-approved. The lyrics are flirty and mischievous, and the duet format creates a fun back-and-forth energy between Cabello’s melodic storytelling and DaBaby’s smooth, charismatic verse. The music video reinforces the song’s theatrical flair, casting Cabello as a classic movie star who breaks free from her script, quite literally stepping into a more adventurous and dangerous storyline. “My Oh My” showcases Cabello’s versatility—not just vocally but in how she inhabits different characters and moods. It’s a song that invites listeners to step outside their comfort zones and explore the thrill of breaking rules for love. With its clever lyrics, irresistible beat, and strong performances from both artists, the track became a fan favorite and a staple on pop playlists during its release year.
8. Bad Things (2016)
“Bad Things,” released in 2016, was an unexpected but wildly successful collaboration between Camila Cabello and rapper Machine Gun Kelly. At the time, it offered a fresh look at Cabello’s artistic potential outside of Fifth Harmony, pairing her emotive vocals with MGK’s gritty storytelling style. The song samples Fastball’s “Out of My Head,” giving it a nostalgic undertone that contrasts with its modern pop-rap production. Lyrically, the track explores the addictive and often destructive nature of a passionate relationship—where the highs are intoxicating and the lows are almost too much to bear. Cabello’s smooth, haunting chorus provides a soft counterbalance to MGK’s raspy verses, and the chemistry between them makes the narrative feel believable and intense. “Bad Things” is dark, seductive, and melancholic all at once—a song that dives into the idea of love as something that feels good, even when it’s clearly bad for you. The single resonated with a wide audience and became a major radio hit, peaking in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. It marked a turning point for Cabello, proving she could hold her own in collaborations and explore mature themes with depth and grace.
9. Beautiful (2021)
“Beautiful,” a reimagined version of Bazzi’s original song featuring Camila Cabello, was released in 2021 and quickly captured hearts with its soft, ethereal quality. The track celebrates the quiet, profound moments of love—those fleeting seconds when you catch someone at their most authentic and vulnerable and realize just how beautiful they truly are. Cabello’s angelic voice blends effortlessly with Bazzi’s, and her added verses bring a fresh layer of romantic intimacy to the track. The lyrics are tender and full of admiration, creating a gentle but emotionally rich atmosphere. The minimalist production, centered on airy synths and subtle beats, allows the vocals to shine, making the entire song feel like a dreamy, slow-motion snapshot of young love. “Beautiful” isn’t about grand gestures or dramatic declarations—it’s about the small, sincere moments that matter the most. Cabello’s contribution adds depth and dimension, turning the duet into a heartfelt conversation between two people who see the best in each other. The result is a track that feels timeless in its simplicity, reminding us that real beauty often lies in the quietest of moments and the most genuine of connections.
10. First Man (2019)
“First Man,” released in 2019 on Camila Cabello’s Romance album, is an emotional tribute to the first man she ever loved—her father. The song is a deeply personal ballad that details the tender relationship between a father and daughter, especially as she grows up and falls in love for the first time. It’s a moment of reassurance, as Cabello tells her dad not to worry because the new man in her life treats her well, but that no one will ever replace the first man who taught her what love means. The instrumentation is simple, with a soft piano and subtle strings that allow the heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. Cabello’s voice is gentle, full of affection and sincerity, making it clear that this song comes straight from her heart. A particularly emotional moment came when she performed “First Man” live at the 2020 Grammys with her father watching from the audience—both were visibly moved, and the performance struck a chord with viewers worldwide. “First Man” stands out as one of Cabello’s most vulnerable and mature songs. It’s a tribute not just to her father but to the emotional anchors in our lives who shape us from the very beginning.
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.
