Top 10 Ariana Grande Songs
She's the little woman with the big voice. Join http://www.msmojo.tv as we count down the Top 10 Ariana Grande songs.
For this list, we're looking at Ariana Grande's songs in which she's credited as a lead singer. This means that tunes that only feature her as a guest vocalist will not be included.
Special thanks to our users mac121mr0, ben plant, Marlon Jacques, Jo Neri, and Watchmojyguy for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.msmojo.tv
#10: “Dangerous Woman”
Dangerous Woman (2016)
Serving as the lead single for her 2016 album Dangerous Woman, the titular song proves that Ariana is definitely back and better than ever. A bit of a departure from her previous work, “Dangerous Woman” leans more towards rock than Grande’s usual poppy lead singles, complete with a riveting guitar solo. Regardless, it rocks hard, and Grande’s powerful vocals are as strong as ever, filled with empowerment and strength – just like the lyrics. It also charted within the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100, just like the lead singles of her previous two records.
#9: “Baby I”
Yours Truly (2013)
Released off of Grande’s debut studio album Yours Truly, “Baby I” served as the second single and continued her streak towards superstardom following the effort’s lead single. “Baby I” nicely combines elements from different time periods, including ‘90s R&B and funky ‘70s disco, which helps give the number its own unique sound while still paying homage to its influences. It was around this time that Grande was being compared to Mariah Carey, especially regarding their similar vocal styles, but in our opinion, that is certainly not a bad thing. The critically acclaimed tune also charted within the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40.
#8: “Honeymoon Avenue”
Yours Truly (2013)
“Honeymoon Avenue” also comes from Grande’s debut album and serves as the opening track, starting Yours Truly off with a terrific bang. Despite its power, it was never released as a single. Only the true fans that bought the album were treated to this gem about a love that has grown stale. The lyrics are just as poetic as the title suggests they are, and the music complements the sad and forlorn words beautifully, creating a wonderfully mature sound for Grande. This song proved to everyone that she could be taken seriously as an artist.
#7: “Right There” feat. Big Sean
Yours Truly (2013)
Continuing the trend of Grande’s earlier works, “Right There” served as the third and final single from her debut album and left us (and the radio stations no doubt) wanting more. The song is a collaboration with Big Sean, and as such, it incorporates elements of hip hop, which is surprisingly welcome and works in tandem with Grande’s pop-oriented sound. It also samples the jazz instrumental Rain Dance, which helps give “Right There” its smooth and sultry vibe. As such, the tune is a great and unique addition to the Ariana Grande discography.
#6: “One Last Time”
My Everything (2014)
“One Last Time” serves as an example of a slightly different-sounding Grande, as it was co-written by the famous DJ and remixer David Guetta, Even despite the electro-dance sound, Grande proved that she could work well with anything. In fact, her beautiful vocals command the song and take center stage, even amid all the glamorous production. That's a sure sign of a vocal powerhouse, and the promo single is easily one of the best from her sophomore album. It was a newer, more vulnerable Grande that we hadn't heard before.
#5: “The Way” feat. Mac Miller
Yours Truly (2013)
This is the song that really started Grande off on her amazing solo career. “The Way” served as the singer’s first single from her debut album, and we couldn’t think of a better introduction. It has a fun piano riff throughout, and Grande’s vocals soar, with many listeners praising the young newcomer’s singing ability and range. The single was a huge success, selling over 120,000 copies in its first 2 days before eventually selling over two million copies in the United States. And yes, she's been going strong ever since.
#4: “Bang Bang” with Jessie J & Nicki Minaj
My Everything [Deluxe Edition] (2014)
Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J singing together; now that's what we call pop music perfection. As it was originally slated to be a Jessie J release, the English singer recorded a full demo for the song before Grande heard it and wanted in. And when Minaj joined a little later on, the song was complete, with all three perfectly contributing with their own respective strengths. “Bang Bang” was an instant success and one of 2014’s songs of the summer, being featured as a bonus track on the deluxe version of Grande’s My Everything. Nominated for a Grammy, it’s a true pop anthem, and one of Grande’s greatest collaborations so far.
#3: “Problem” feat. Iggy Azalea
My Everything (2014)
If Grande wasn't well-known enough after the hit singles from her debut album, then “Problem” definitely made her a worldwide phenomenon, and is still regarded as one of her most popular songs. Featuring Grande’s signature R&B-flavored vocals, the tune also includes some jazz and a saxophone loop. These elements,help give “Problem” its sexy edge, and Big Sean’s background vocals contribute a catchy whisper that adds to the song’s originality. Also featuring assistance from rapper Iggy Azalea, the single remained in the Billboard top 10 for sixteen straight weeks, which suggested that many people couldn't get enough of this groovy track.
#2: “Love Me Harder” with The Weeknd
My Everything (2014)
“Love Me Harder” is yet another Grande collaboration, but this time is with Canadian R&B artist The Weeknd. Serving as the fourth single from her second album, the tune proved that Grande and The Weeknd make a fantastic pairing, and is especially notable for its mature sound and lyrics. Sexy and romantic at the same time, “Love Me Harder” also features dual vocals that nicely complement the track’s synthpop and R&B sound. Peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, the single also gave Grande the distinction of being the artist with the most top ten singles of 2014.
Before we reveal our number 1 pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Tattooed Heart”
Yours Truly (2013)
“Almost Is Never Enough” with Nathan Sykes
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2013) and Yours Truly (2013)
“Best Mistake” feat. Big Sean
My Everything (2014)
“Focus”
Dangerous Woman [Japanese Edition] (2016)
“Daydreamin’”
Yours Truly (2013)
#1: “Break Free” feat. Zedd
My Everything (2014)
This song’s title is definitely fitting, as “Break Free” marked a big departure from Grande’s previous work and introduced us to the darker, more experimental side of the singer. While her debut album was filled with pop and R&B tunes, My Everything introduces EDM and electro influences into the mix, by way of songs like “Break Free,” which give Grande a much more heavily-produced sound. Not that that's a bad thing, as the song was a huge success, becoming a club anthem across the world and making the Billboard Hot 100’s top 5. It was a risk, but one well worth taking – and it didn’t hurt that it also featured DJ and producer Zedd either.
Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite Grande tune? For more musical top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.