The 15 Best Selena Gomez Songs Ever showcases Selena Gomez’s global appeal and dynamic influence in the music world. Beginning her career as a Disney star, she has skillfully evolved into a celebrated music icon, known for her introspective lyrics and diverse sound.
This compilation thoughtfully ranks her top 15 songs, taking into account factors such as chart performance, critical reception, and their popularity among fans.
Highlighting Gomez’s artistic growth, these tracks also demonstrate her ability to connect with a broad audience through engaging storytelling and a unique musical style. Explore with us the songs that have been pivotal in marking Selena Gomez’s impactful journey in the music industry.
1. “Lose You to Love Me”
“Lose You to Love Me,” a heartfelt ballad by Selena Gomez, marks a poignant chapter in her musical narrative. Released in October 2019, the song delves into themes of self-discovery and healing following a tumultuous relationship. Its raw emotional depth, accentuated by Gomez’s powerful vocals, struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
The track received widespread critical acclaim for its honest lyricism and Gomez’s emotive delivery. Commercially, it was a resounding success, becoming Gomez’s first number-one song on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song also made significant impacts globally, charting in numerous countries and garnering immense streaming numbers. “Lose You to Love Me” stands as a testament to Gomez’s growth as an artist and her ability to connect with her audience through vulnerability and resilience.
2. “Come & Get It”
“Come & Get It,” a standout track in Selena Gomez’s discography, was released in April 2013. It signifies a distinct shift in her musical style, incorporating elements of electropop and worldbeat, and marking a departure from her earlier teen pop sound. The song’s catchy chorus and infusion of Indian music influences, evident in its tabla beats and Bollywood-inspired melodies, created a unique and captivating sound.
Critically, the song was praised for its bold departure and Gomez’s confident vocal performance. “Come & Get It” became a commercial success, peaking at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certification.
Gomez’s live performances of the song, particularly at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards and Billboard Music Awards, were noted for their energetic and culturally infused choreography, showcasing her growth as a performer.
The track also earned Gomez her first top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, highlighting its impact and recognition in the music industry.
3. “Good For You”
Released in June 2015, “Good For You” marked a significant turning point in Selena Gomez’s musical journey, showcasing a more mature sound and introspective lyrical depth. The song, featuring a collaboration with rapper A$AP Rocky, blends a minimalist, sultry beat with Gomez’s smooth vocals, creating a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere.
Lyrically, “Good For You” delves into themes of self-confidence and desire, diverging from Gomez’s previous teen pop persona. This shift was well-received, with critics praising the song’s subtlety and Gomez’s vocal evolution. The inclusion of A$AP Rocky added a distinct edge, further emphasizing the song’s departure from her earlier works.
Commercially, “Good For You” was a triumph, reaching number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certification. This success solidified Gomez’s transition into a more adult contemporary style, redefining her artistic image and demonstrating her versatility as an artist.
4. “Love You Like a Love Song”
“Love You Like a Love Song,” released in June 2011, is a standout track from Selena Gomez & The Scene. Renowned for its infectious melody and electronic influences, the song quickly became a fan favorite. Its blend of pop and electronic elements, combined with Gomez’s dreamy vocals, created an earworm that resonated with a broad audience.
The music video, notable for its whimsical and imaginative visuals, played a significant role in the song’s popularity. It features a series of fantastical, dream-like sequences, which added a visual richness to the track and showcased Gomez’s artistic versatility.
The song’s cultural impact was significant, often cited as a defining track of early 2010s pop music. It reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a 2x Platinum certification, reflecting its widespread appeal. “Love You Like a Love Song” remains a beloved classic in Gomez’s catalog, continuing to captivate fans with its timeless charm.
5. “Hands to Myself”
“Hands to Myself,” a track from Selena Gomez’s 2015 album “Revival,” stands out for its seductive tone and minimalist style. Released in January 2016, the song showcases a more mature and provocative side of Gomez, a departure from her earlier teen pop image. Its catchy beat, combined with Gomez’s sultry vocals, crafts an intimate and enticing atmosphere.
Critically, the song was lauded for its sleek production and Gomez’s confident delivery. It demonstrated her growth as an artist, both vocally and in her willingness to explore more mature themes.
Commercially, “Hands to Myself” achieved notable success, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. This marked it as one of her most successful singles, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the “Revival” album. The song’s popularity was further bolstered by its innovative music video, which added a visual narrative to its intimate themes.
6. “The Heart Wants What It Wants”
“The Heart Wants What It Wants,” released in November 2014, is one of Selena Gomez’s most emotionally charged songs. It offers a deeply personal glimpse into her feelings and experiences, resonating with fans for its authenticity and vulnerability. The song’s introspective lyrics, paired with a subdued, melancholic melody, create a poignant and heartfelt expression of love and heartache.
Critically, the track received praise for Gomez’s raw and emotive vocal performance, highlighting it as a significant departure from her previous works. Critics appreciated the song’s honesty and the maturity it demonstrated in her artistic evolution.
Fan response was overwhelmingly positive, with many relating to the song’s emotional depth and Gomez’s candidness. The song performed well commercially, peaking at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning Platinum certification, further cementing Gomez’s status as a versatile and deeply expressive artist.
7. “Wolves” (with Marshmello)
“Wolves,” a collaboration between Selena Gomez and electronic music producer Marshmello, released in October 2017, marked a significant foray into the electronic dance music genre for Gomez. The track blends Marshmello’s signature synth-driven beats with Gomez’s emotive vocals, creating a unique and captivating soundscape.
This collaboration was notable for its fusion of Gomez’s pop sensibilities with Marshmello’s EDM style, offering a fresh and dynamic sound. The song’s lyrical theme, exploring themes of longing and resilience, resonated with a broad audience.
On the international stage, “Wolves” achieved impressive chart success. It peaked within the top 10 in over 20 countries, including a number one spot on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart in the United States. The track’s global appeal was further highlighted by its strong streaming numbers, making it a standout hit in both artists’ discographies.
8. “Back to You”
“Back to You,” released in May 2018, is intimately tied to the popular TV series “13 Reasons Why,” as it was featured in the show’s second season. The song, with its themes of longing and complex emotions, mirrors the series’ introspective and poignant narrative.
Gomez, who served as an executive producer for the show, captures the essence of the series’ storylines through her lyrics, making “Back to You” a fitting and impactful accompaniment. The track’s melodic and emotional depth resonated with both fans of the series and Gomez’s music, highlighting her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Commercially, the song achieved considerable success. It peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charted highly in various countries worldwide. The song’s connection to “13 Reasons Why” and its thematic relevance played a significant role in its popularity, cementing its status as a meaningful and successful piece in Gomez’s discography.
9. “Kill Em With Kindness”
“Kill Em With Kindness,” a track from Selena Gomez’s 2015 album “Revival,” stands out for its uplifting message and catchy, upbeat rhythm. Released in June 2016, the song promotes positivity and compassion, a refreshing contrast to more typical themes in pop music. Its danceable beat, coupled with the simple yet powerful chorus, makes it both an anthem of kindness and a radio-friendly hit.
The accompanying music video further emphasizes the song’s message. Featuring black-and-white visuals, it portrays Gomez in various serene and elegant settings, reinforcing the theme of finding peace and strength in kindness.
Public reception of “Kill Em With Kindness” was largely positive, with audiences and critics alike praising its optimistic message and Gomez’s smooth vocal delivery. The song achieved notable chart success, peaking at number 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and gaining significant airplay. Its positive and universal message of kindness continues to resonate with listeners, showcasing Gomez’s ability to blend meaningful lyrics with appealing pop sensibilities.
10. “Same Old Love”
“Same Old Love,” from Selena Gomez’s 2015 album “Revival,” delves into the theme of breaking free from a repetitive, unhealthy relationship. Its catchy refrain and blend of pop with R&B influences reflect a journey of self-empowerment and moving on.
Critically, the song was praised for its mature sound and Gomez’s vocal delivery. Commercially, it was a success, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a double Platinum certification, underscoring its resonance with a wide audience.
11. “Bad Liar”
“Bad Liar,” released in May 2017, stands out for its innovative sound and storytelling approach. It features a distinct bassline sampled from Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer,” combined with Gomez’s conversational singing style.
The song received acclaim from music critics for its creativity and refreshing sound. It was hailed for its lyrical cleverness and the unique way it addressed themes of desire and complicated emotions.
12. “Fetish” (feat. Gucci Mane)
“Fetish,” featuring Gucci Mane, released in July 2017, explores themes of obsession and desire with a bold and sultry tone. This collaboration brought together Gomez’s soft, haunting vocals with Gucci Mane’s rap, creating a contrasting yet harmonious sound.
The song received positive reviews for its daring theme and production. In terms of chart performance, “Fetish” made a notable impact, peaking within the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100.
13. “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo)
The 2017 release “It Ain’t Me,” a collaboration with Norwegian DJ Kygo, marked a departure from Selena Gomez’s typical style. This foray into tropical house music blends Kygo’s signature sound with Gomez’s clear vocals, narrating a story of love and loss.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and receiving positive reviews for its fusion of electronic and pop elements, showcasing Gomez’s versatility.
14. “Slow Down”
“Slow Down,” from her 2013 album “Stars Dance,” is a vibrant dance-pop track known for its energetic beat and catchy chorus. This song reflects a more upbeat, party-ready side of Gomez’s music repertoire.
It charted successfully worldwide, peaking at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video, featuring Gomez in various high-energy club scenes, complements the song’s lively nature and helped bolster its popularity.
15. “Rare”
“Rare,” the title track of Selena Gomez’s 2020 album, stands out for its empowering message about self-worth and individuality. Released in January 2020, the song’s lyrics emphasize the importance of recognizing one’s unique value in the face of indifference or undervaluation in a relationship.
Critically, “Rare” was praised for its candid lyricism and uplifting message, as well as Gomez’s matured vocal style. The song’s production, blending pop with subtle electronic elements, was also commended for complementing the empowering theme.
The album “Rare” received widespread acclaim, with many considering it Gomez’s most cohesive and personal work. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, reflecting both its commercial success and the strong connection Gomez has forged with her audience through her honest and reflective music.