Ariana Grande has established herself as one of the most influential pop artists of the 21st century, with her four-octave vocal range and chart-topping hits that have redefined contemporary music. From her early Nickelodeon days to becoming a global superstar, Grande’s evolution as an artist has been nothing short of remarkable. Her discography spans multiple genres, showcasing her versatility from R&B ballads to dance-pop anthems, making her one of the most streamed female artists in history with over 105 billion streams worldwide.
The pop sensation has consistently delivered hits that resonate with fans across generations, earning her nine number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and countless awards throughout her career. Her ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment, coupled with her distinctive whistle notes and emotional depth, has created a catalog of songs that define modern pop music. From breakthrough singles to recent masterpieces like “We Can’t Be Friends” from her latest album “Eternal Sunshine,” Grande continues to push creative boundaries while maintaining her signature sound.
7 rings
“7 rings” stands as Ariana Grande’s most commercially successful single, spending eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming her first Diamond-certified solo track. The song emerged from a spontaneous shopping trip to Tiffany’s with friends, where Grande bought rings for everyone after a difficult day in New York City. This trap-pop anthem samples “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, transforming the classic show tune into a modern celebration of self-empowerment and material success. The track’s infectious hook and Grande’s confident delivery created an instant cultural phenomenon that dominated social media and radio waves.
The song’s music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, became a visual spectacle that earned 23.6 million views in its first 24 hours and later surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube. Beyond its commercial success, “7 rings” represents Grande’s artistic maturity and her ability to transform personal experiences into universally relatable anthems. You can explore more incredible songs that have shaped the music landscape in similar ways.
thank u, next
The title track from Grande’s fifth studio album became an instant cultural reset, teaching the world about gratitude and growth through relationships. Released through Republic Records on November 3, 2018, the song addresses Grande’s past relationships with Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and Mac Miller, transforming potential negativity into a message of self-love and appreciation. The track’s mature perspective on personal growth and its ability to find positivity in difficult situations resonated with millions of listeners worldwide. Grande’s vulnerable yet empowering approach to discussing her romantic history created a new template for how artists could address personal topics in their music.
The accompanying music video became a record-breaking phenomenon, accumulating 47 million views in its first 24 hours and surpassing BTS’s previous record. The video’s clever references to popular teen movies like “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde,” and “13 Going on 30” added layers of nostalgia and cultural commentary that enhanced the song’s impact. This masterpiece demonstrates how personal storytelling can create universal connections between artists and their audiences.
positions
“Positions” marked Grande’s return to explicit R&B influences while maintaining her pop sensibilities, creating a sultry anthem about devotion and flexibility in relationships. The song debuted at number one as the most downloaded and streamed song of the week, racking up 760,000 streams in its first week and becoming Grande’s seventh number-one hit. The track showcases Grande’s vocal prowess over a minimalist production that allows her voice to take center stage. Its playful yet mature approach to romantic themes demonstrated Grande’s growth as both a vocalist and songwriter.
The song’s success proved Grande’s ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits while exploring different musical territories. “Positions” became a fan favorite for its intimate production style and Grande’s effortless vocal delivery, cementing her status as a dominant force in contemporary R&B and pop music. The track’s influence extended beyond charts, inspiring countless covers and social media content that kept it relevant long after its initial release.
Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea)
“Problem” represents a pivotal moment in Grande’s career, marking her transition from teen star to serious pop contender. The collaboration with Iggy Azalea peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of her first major international hits. The song’s saxophone-heavy production, courtesy of producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, created a distinctive sound that set it apart from other pop releases of 2014. Grande’s vocal performance on “Problem” showcased her impressive range while the song’s confident lyrics established her as an artist capable of addressing relationship dynamics with maturity and sass.
The success of “Problem” contributed to Grande becoming the only artist to score four top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014, alongside “Break Free,” “Bang Bang,” and “Love Me Harder.” The track’s impact extended far beyond commercial success, influencing the direction of pop music in the mid-2010s and proving that saxophone-driven productions could thrive in contemporary pop. “Problem” remains a defining moment that announced Grande’s arrival as a major pop force.
we can’t be friends (wait for your love)
From Grande’s critically acclaimed 2024 album “Eternal Sunshine,” this track represents her most emotionally complex songwriting to date. “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” became an evocative, dancefloor tearjerker that led the way as the album’s focus track, becoming Grande’s ninth Hot 100 chart-topper. The song explores the painful reality of maintaining distance from someone you still care about, wrapped in a production that balances melancholy with an irresistible groove. Grande’s vocal performance captures the emotional complexity of the situation, moving seamlessly between vulnerability and strength.
The track’s accompanying music video references the plot of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” featuring a memory erasure procedure that adds visual depth to the song’s themes of letting go. This sophisticated approach to both audio and visual storytelling demonstrates Grande’s evolution as an artist who can tackle complex emotional territories while maintaining commercial appeal. The song’s success proved that audiences are hungry for authentic, emotionally intelligent pop music.
no tears left to cry
“No tears left to cry” marked Grande’s triumphant return to music following personal tragedies, including the Manchester Arena bombing and the death of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number three, further extending her record as the only artist to debut in the top ten with the lead single from all of her studio albums. The track’s uplifting message and innovative production created a sonic representation of healing and resilience. Grande’s decision to address trauma through music while maintaining an optimistic outlook inspired countless fans dealing with their own difficulties.
The song’s unique structure and unexpected melodic turns showcased Grande’s artistic growth and willingness to experiment with unconventional pop formulas. Its success demonstrated that audiences were ready to embrace more complex emotional narratives in mainstream pop music, paving the way for the introspective direction that would define her subsequent releases.
God Is a Woman
“God Is a Woman” stands as one of Grande’s most empowering anthems, celebrating feminine power and sexuality with unapologetic confidence. The song peaked at number eight in the US and entered the top 10 worldwide, becoming a global statement of female empowerment. The track’s gospel-influenced production and Grande’s powerful vocal delivery created a spiritual experience that elevated the song beyond typical pop fare. Its bold message and sophisticated musical arrangement demonstrated Grande’s ability to tackle serious themes while maintaining mass appeal.
The song’s impact extended far beyond the charts, becoming an anthem for female empowerment and sparking important conversations about women’s roles in society. Grande’s fearless approach to addressing sexuality and power dynamics helped normalize these discussions in mainstream pop music, influencing a new generation of artists to embrace similar themes in their work.
Break Free (feat. Zedd)
The collaboration with electronic music producer Zedd resulted in one of Grande’s most danceable and energetic tracks. “Break Free” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrated Grande’s versatility in adapting to different musical styles. The EDM-influenced production provided the perfect backdrop for Grande’s soaring vocals, creating a euphoric listening experience that dominated dance floors worldwide. The song’s theme of liberation and self-discovery resonated with fans who saw it as an anthem for personal freedom and growth.
“Break Free” proved that Grande could successfully collaborate with artists from different genres while maintaining her distinctive vocal identity. The track’s success in both pop and electronic music circles demonstrated her broad appeal and ability to cross genre boundaries, expanding her fanbase and influencing the trend of pop-EDM collaborations that would dominate the mid-2010s.
breathin
“breathin” showcases Grande’s vulnerability and her ability to address mental health topics with sensitivity and grace. The song became the third single from “Sweetener” and entered the top 10 worldwide, proving that deeply personal songs could achieve commercial success. The track’s intimate production and Grande’s emotional delivery created a safe space for listeners dealing with anxiety and breathing difficulties. Her decision to be open about her own struggles with anxiety helped destigmatize mental health conversations in pop music.
The song’s impact went beyond entertainment, with many fans crediting it with helping them through difficult periods in their lives. Grande’s authentic approach to discussing mental health challenges while providing comfort and hope demonstrated the healing power of music and established her as an artist who genuinely cares about her fans’ wellbeing.
Bang Bang (with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj)
This powerhouse collaboration brought together three of music’s most dynamic voices for an unstoppable anthem. “Bang Bang” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Grande’s first number-one hit single in the United Kingdom. The song’s retro-influenced production and the chemistry between all three artists created a track that felt both nostalgic and completely modern. Each artist brought their unique strengths to the collaboration, with Grande’s vocal runs complementing Jessie J’s powerful belt and Nicki Minaj’s fierce rap verses.
The success of “Bang Bang” demonstrated Grande’s ability to hold her own alongside established superstars while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative effort. The track’s enduring popularity and its status as a fan favorite at live performances proved that well-executed collaborations could create something greater than the sum of their parts.
34+35
From her sixth studio album “Positions,” this playfully explicit track showcased Grande’s comfort with mature themes and her sense of humor. The song’s clever wordplay and sultry production created an immediately memorable listening experience that sparked countless social media conversations. Grande’s confident delivery and the track’s R&B-influenced production demonstrated her continued evolution as an artist willing to explore different facets of her personality through music.
The song’s commercial success and cultural impact proved that audiences appreciated Grande’s honesty and willingness to address adult themes without losing her playful spirit. When considering audio equipment to fully appreciate the nuanced production of tracks like this, check out our compare earbuds guide for the best listening experience.
Side to Side (feat. Nicki Minaj)
This collaboration with Nicki Minaj became one of Grande’s most provocative and danceable tracks, blending pop and hip-hop influences seamlessly. The song’s reggae-inspired production and its bold lyrics created a summer anthem that dominated both radio and streaming platforms. Grande’s vocal performance perfectly complemented Minaj’s confident rap verses, creating a dynamic that felt natural and effortless.
“Side to Side” demonstrated Grande’s ability to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining her distinctive vocal identity. The track’s success helped establish her as an artist capable of creating hits across multiple genres, further expanding her influence in contemporary pop music.
dangerous woman
The title track from Grande’s third studio album marked a significant artistic statement about her growth and maturity as an artist. The song’s minimalist production allowed Grande’s vocals to take center stage, showcasing her impressive range and emotional depth. Its sophisticated approach to themes of empowerment and confidence demonstrated her evolution from teen star to serious artist.
“dangerous woman” became an anthem for self-confidence and personal growth, resonating with fans who were also navigating their own journeys toward adulthood. The track’s impact on Grande’s career trajectory cannot be overstated, as it established the artistic direction that would define her subsequent releases.
sweetener
The title track from her fourth studio album represents one of Grande’s most innovative and experimental songs. The track’s unique production, featuring unconventional percussion and melodic elements, showcased her willingness to push creative boundaries. Grande’s vocal performance on “sweetener” demonstrated her technical skill while the song’s optimistic message provided comfort during a difficult period in her life.
“sweetener” proved that Grande could successfully experiment with unconventional song structures while maintaining her commercial appeal. The track’s influence on contemporary pop music can be heard in numerous subsequent releases by other artists who adopted similar experimental approaches to production and songwriting.
Love Me Harder (feat. The Weeknd)
This collaboration with The Weeknd created one of Grande’s most atmospheric and emotionally complex tracks. The song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, contributing to Grande’s record-breaking year in 2014. The track’s dark, moody production perfectly complemented both artists’ vocal styles, creating a sonic landscape that was both intimate and expansive. The chemistry between Grande and The Weeknd resulted in a song that felt like a natural collaboration rather than a forced commercial venture.
“Love Me Harder” demonstrated Grande’s ability to adapt to different artistic visions while contributing meaningfully to collaborative efforts. The track’s enduring popularity and its influence on subsequent dark pop trends proved that artistic risk-taking could yield both critical and commercial success.
Into You
“Into You” represents one of Grande’s most sophisticated pop compositions, blending irresistible melodies with emotional depth. The song’s production, featuring lush synths and a driving beat, created the perfect backdrop for Grande’s passionate vocal performance. The track’s themes of intense romantic attraction were delivered with a maturity that demonstrated her growth as both a vocalist and songwriter.
The song’s critical acclaim and fan devotion proved that Grande could create complex, layered pop music that rewarded repeated listening. “Into You” remains a fan favorite and a testament to her ability to craft songs that work on multiple levels, from immediate pop appeal to deeper artistic appreciation.
the boy is mine
From her 2024 album “Eternal Sunshine,” this track demonstrates Grande’s continued evolution as an artist. After originally peaking at No. 18 after the album’s release, “Boy” returned to the Hot 100 following its Catwoman-inspired music video and Brandy and Monica assisted remix. The song’s confident lyrics and sophisticated production showcase Grande’s maturity while maintaining the playful energy that defines her best work. The track’s success proved that Grande could still create viral moments while delivering substantial artistic content.
The song’s reimagining with Brandy and Monica created a powerful statement about female solidarity and the evolution of R&B music across generations. This collaboration demonstrated Grande’s respect for the artists who influenced her while establishing her own place in music history.
yes, and?
The lead single from “Eternal Sunshine” marked Grande’s bold return to the spotlight after focusing on her acting career in “Wicked.” The song features a pulsing house groove that sees Grande give a short wave to critics and tabloids with coy confidence. The track’s empowering message about authenticity and self-acceptance resonated with fans who had followed Grande’s journey through public scrutiny and personal growth. Its sophisticated production and mature lyrical content demonstrated her artistic evolution while maintaining the accessibility that defines her best work.
“yes, and?” proved that Grande could address criticism and controversy with grace and humor, transforming potentially negative experiences into empowering musical statements. The song’s success reestablished her as a dominant force in pop music while setting the stage for the critically acclaimed “Eternal Sunshine” era.
Rain on Me (with Lady Gaga)
This powerhouse collaboration with Lady Gaga created one of the most euphoric dance-pop anthems of the 2020s. The song became one of Grande’s chart-topping hits and demonstrated her ability to match energy with one of pop music’s most dynamic performers. The track’s house-influenced production and the chemistry between both artists created an immediate classic that dominated dance floors and streaming platforms worldwide. Both artists brought their unique strengths to the collaboration, resulting in a song that felt both familiar and completely fresh.
“Rain on Me” proved that well-matched collaborations could create something greater than individual efforts, while demonstrating Grande’s ability to adapt to different artistic visions without losing her distinctive identity. The song’s success during the pandemic provided much-needed joy and escapism for listeners worldwide.
One Last Time
“One Last Time” showcases Grande’s ability to convey deep emotion through both her vocal performance and the song’s poignant lyrics. The track’s orchestral production and Grande’s soaring vocals created an emotional journey that resonated with fans dealing with loss and longing. The song’s sophisticated arrangement and mature themes demonstrated her growth as an artist capable of tackling complex emotional territories.
The track’s enduring popularity and its special significance following the Manchester Arena bombing proved its power to provide comfort during difficult times. “One Last Time” remains a testament to music’s ability to heal and connect people across shared experiences of loss and hope.
supernatural
One of the standout tracks from the “Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead” edition released in 2025, “supernatural” represents Grande’s continued artistic exploration. The deluxe edition contains an extended version of “intro (end of the world)” and five new songs, all of which landed on the Hot 100 singles chart. The song demonstrates Grande’s willingness to experiment with different sonic textures while maintaining the emotional honesty that defines her best work. Its inclusion in the deluxe edition proved that Grande had more artistic statements to make even after the success of the original album.
For audiophiles who want to experience the full depth of Grande’s intricate productions, our compare headphones guide can help you find the perfect equipment to appreciate every nuance of tracks like “supernatural.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ariana Grande’s biggest hit song?
“7 rings” is considered Ariana Grande’s biggest hit song, spending eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming her first Diamond-certified solo single. The track’s massive commercial success, cultural impact, and streaming numbers make it her most successful release to date. Its influence extended far beyond music charts, becoming a cultural phenomenon that dominated social media and popular culture.
How many number one hits does Ariana Grande have?
Ariana Grande has achieved nine number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making her one of the most successful artists in chart history. Her number-one hits include “thank u, next,” “7 rings,” “Stuck with U” (with Justin Bieber), “Rain on Me” (with Lady Gaga), “positions,” and “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” among others. This impressive achievement places her among the most successful female artists of all time.
What is Ariana Grande’s latest album?
Ariana Grande’s latest release is “Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead,” which was released on March 28, 2025, more than a year after the original “Eternal Sunshine” album. The deluxe edition includes the original thirteen tracks plus six bonus tracks, featuring new songs like “twilight zone,” “warm,” “dandelion,” and “past life.” This release demonstrates Grande’s continued creative output and her commitment to expanding her artistic vision.
Which Ariana Grande songs showcase her vocal range best?
Songs like “God Is a Woman,” “no tears left to cry,” and “dangerous woman” best demonstrate Ariana Grande’s impressive four-octave vocal range. These tracks feature her signature whistle notes, complex vocal runs, and emotional depth that have made her one of the most technically skilled vocalists of her generation. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different vocal registers while maintaining emotional authenticity sets her apart from many contemporary pop artists.
What themes does Ariana Grande explore in her music?
Ariana Grande’s music explores themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, empowerment, mental health, and resilience. From the gratitude and growth expressed in “thank u, next” to the empowerment anthems like “God Is a Woman” and the vulnerable mental health discussions in “breathin,” her catalog covers the full spectrum of human experience. Her ability to transform personal struggles into universal anthems has made her music particularly resonant with audiences worldwide.