Top 20 Best Selena Gomez Songs

“A Year Without Rain” (2010)

Selena Gomez could have become just another Disney pop soloist, but the young star had something different in mind. Taking inspiration from Paramore, the teenager joined forces with a band dubbed “The Scene.” After the success of their first project, “Round & Round” was released in the lead up to their second album. Balancing youthful lyrics with musical maturity, the single quickly climbed the charts. At the time, Selena was also establishing herself as an actress, and the music video was shot in Hungary in between filming for the movie “Monte Carlo.”

“Revival” (2015)

Growing up in the spotlight, Selena had been followed by a media circus ever since she was a young girl. This song in particular was inspired by a tirade of body-shaming over photos of the singer in a swimsuit. The lyrics encourage the listener to take the high road, and Selena sends the message that she won’t let fame and negative attention drag her down. The song is one of the more intimate tracks on her 2015 album “Revival”, and it was also produced with the help of her future boyfriend Benny Blanco.

“Stars Dance” (2013)

Another throwback, this track was part of Selena’s first album as a soloist. No longer a teenager, the singer was able to experiment with her sound and come into her own as an artist. From the beginning, her lyrics are like a sultry invitation, and it all builds into energetic EDM choruses. The song captures the feeling of dancing the night away, and the music video brings that vision to life in front of the Parisian lights. While it wasn’t her most popular track, Selena’s live performances took the song to the next level.

“Revelación” (2021)

Named after music icon Selena Quintanilla, Gomez grew up speaking Spanish with her family as a third generation Mexican-American. Hoping to pay homage to her cultural heritage, “De Una Vez” was the first single from her highly anticipated Spanish album. The song highlights her voice with tender and laid back melodies, and it’s a testament to Selena’s claim that she might just “sing better in Spanish.” The track climbed the charts not just in the US, but across Latin America as well. The stunning music video highlights Mexican folklore, and it even earned the artist her first Latin Grammy nomination.

“A Year Without Rain” (2010)

To set the scene, the music video for this single debuted on Disney Channel after the premiere of the second “Camp Rock.” Demi, Miley, and Selena had become the new generation of “It” girls, but this song wasn’t just a success with their younger audiences. Released in both Spanish and English, Selena and the Scene found themselves in the top forty for a third time. Swapping spunk and sparkles for bittersweet lyrics, the young singer delivers a powerful performance. Setting the tone for her later work, this song was one of the stepping stones in the band’s successful career.

Single (2024)
Not only has Selena found success as an actress and singer, but she’s also become a business owner, makeup mogul, mental health advocate, and executive producer. With so many ventures under her belt, it’s been a couple years since her last full album release. However, her latest single “Love On” was definitely worth the wait. The carefree song shows off her confident maturity as an artist, and the fun lyrics bring out her playful side. The music video highlights love of all kinds, but what’s most inspirational is seeing Selena radiate self-love.

“It Ain’t Me” (2017)

Selena has an impressive resumé of collaborations, and this track with producer Kygo is no exception. The unique song combines a guitar intro with rousing EDM choruses, and the lyrics reminisce on the push and pull of a toxic relationship. When recording, Selena was eager to channel her personal connection into the performance, and the Norwegian DJ’s production brings the lyrical storytelling to life. Not only was it Kygo’s first US top 10, but the international hit went on to be certified platinum or higher in more than fifteen countries.

“When the Sun Goes Down” (2011)

Following up her first two projects with The Scene, this classic introduced the band’s third and final album. Rather than try to outdo their previous club hits, this song is a fun and uplifting breath of fresh air. As the 2010’s began, the pop queens were responding to media scrutiny with a new genre of empowering female anthems. “Who Says” was Selena’s contribution, and the positive message was inspirational for both the singer and her audience. With yet another charting success in “Who Says,” The Scene was now a hit machine.

“Kiss & Tell” (2009)

More often than not, a young artist’s early work ends up feeling forced or awkward as they try to find their signature style. However, this track really does come naturally for Selena. Her casual confidence shines through, and it’s hard to believe the singer was just seventeen years old. One of her most memorable music videos, it combines bold styling and even bolder special effects. The club song is a standout off her debut album with The Scene, and critics were pleasantly surprised to see a Disney alum successfully break the cheesy pop mold.

Single (2017)

Inspired by the Talking Heads, this song builds off of the iconic bassline from their song “Psycho Killer.” Not only did the unique track earn the band members’ approval, but it was well received by audiences and critics alike. Several publications labeled the single one of the best of the year, praising its addictive melody and refreshing style. Taking the retro influence from the pulsing track to the visuals, the music video brings the 70’s reference to life. From her Farrah Fawcett inspired wig to her dad mustache and khakis, the one-woman-show captures the song’s fun and quirky nature.

“Rare” (2020)

Just one day after releasing her breakup ballad “Lose You to Love Me,” Selena surprised her fans with this upbeat track. Over the years, the singer has opened up about struggling with her physical and mental health, and this song is a celebration of her perseverance. The lyrics praise personal growth after a breakup, and the catchy chorus of “mmms” makes the listener feel like they’re cheering Selena on. Not only is the music video overflowing with charisma and self confidence, but the high tempo choreography is a reminder that she’s a true triple threat.

“Revival” (2015)

In the lead up to her second solo album, this provocative single established Selena as a force to be reckoned with. Showing off her maturity as a young woman and music artist, both the track and visuals embrace the singer’s confident sexuality. After reaching out to A$AP Rocky, the rapper got involved in both writing and production, and their combined synergy takes the song to the next level. “Good for You” became her highest chart debut yet, and the instant hit set the stage perfectly for her 2015 album “Revival.”

“For You” (2014)

Even though some of her earlier songs dealt with themes of relationships and heartbreak, this track takes on a more honest perspective. Rather than portraying Selena as an always-smiling pop idol, the song showcases a more mature and vulnerable version of the young star. The music video begins with an emotional voice memo, and the black and white scenes show off Selena’s acting skills as she wipes away tears. “The Heart Wants What It Wants” became a charting and sales success, and the singer earned praise for her evolving sound and artistry.

“Revival” (2015)

Written by Charli XCX and produced by Benny Blanco, it’s no wonder this song was such a hit. Steering away from her earlier uptempo dance tracks, Selena opts for a moodier tune instead. The lyrics lament about toxic love, allowing the singer to channel her own complicated relationship with her father. The single earned her yet another US top 10, and it also became the second top 10 single on her 2015 album alone. To this day, her “Same Old Love” performance at the AMA’s is considered one of her most iconic live stages.

“Stars Dance” (2013)

Not only was this song Selena’s solo debut, but it’s also one of her most decorated tracks. After selling half a million copies in the month after its release, it went on to earn more than ten award nominations. The cinematic music video was just as successful, winning a VMA and racking up over 800 million views in the decade since its premiere. At the time, it wasn’t without controversy surrounding the lyrics and cultural appropriation. However, the genre-fusing hit is still one of her biggest career milestones to this day.

“Rare” (2020)

While this isn’t Selena’s first ballad, it’s definitely her most honest. Capturing a vulnerable moment in time, the song was penned on a Valentine's Day after the singer came back from a mental health treatment center. Written with Julia Michaels, the track flips a typical heartbreak anthem on its head. After its release, “Lose You to Love Me” became the singer’s first number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The black and white music video shows the artist in a confessional, bringing the intimacy of her lyrical honesty to life.

Single (2017)

Instead of releasing an album or EP, Selena spent 2017 putting out a lineup of successful singles and collaborations. The finale to the year was “Wolves,” her long awaited release with producer Marshmello. The EDM track combines both the DJ’s impressive production and the singer’s unique vocal style. However, the song is more than just ear candy. With both artists involved in the writing process, the lyrics and performance are reflective, sensual, and powerful. The single quickly became a smash hit internationally, adding to Selena’s impressive list of worldwide accolades.

“Revival” (2015)

There’s no question that this fun and carefree single is one of Selena’s standout tracks. Inspired by legendary musician Prince, the singer nearly whispers over the playful synth backtrack. After breaking the ice with “Good for You,” this song allowed Selena to play with her flirty side. In both the music video and her live performances, she is unapologetically sexy in a brand new way. The catchy single gave the artist her fifth US top ten and was certified couple platinum, but it’s best remembered for one of her most iconic lines.

Single (2022)

Throughout her career, Selena has been a trailblazer in a multitude of ways. However, for this song, she joined forces with trailblazing Nigerian artist Rema. Though the rapper started out as a fan, he cultivated a friendship with Selena over the years. When it came to this song, the timing was just right, and together, they made history. Not only did the “Calm Down” remix become the first Afrobeats song to cross the billion stream mark in the US, but it’s also Spotify’s highest streamed Afrobeats song ever. Now the record-breaking fusion track has opened a new door for African artists to achieve mainstream success.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Remix of Selena’s Hit Single From “Another Cinderella Story”

A Vulnerable Song About Selena’s Struggles With Mental Health

Selena Gomez & The Scene’s Final Single

The Singer’s Standout Feature on the TV Soundtrack

Selena’s Addition to the Ranks of Iconic Birthday Songs

“When the Sun Goes Down” (2011)

When Selena first got together with The Scene, she was eager to go in a different direction than your typical teen pop star. Together, the group experimented with different styles and genres, and this disco influenced, robo-pop risk paid off tenfold. To this day, it’s the band’s biggest selling and longest-charting hit. The music video brings the love song’s kitschy feel to life, from her halo of curls at a karaoke bar to a mariachi band with keytars. Even with a long list of catchy hits under her belt, this song is a classic, and we can’t help but hit repeat.