Ariana Grande has been dominating the music industry for over a decade, and her rise to superstardom is nothing short of impressive. From her early days as a TV star on Victorious to becoming one of the most influential pop stars of her generation, Ariana has crafted a collection of hits that showcase not only her impressive vocal range but her ability to evolve and experiment with her music.

Ariana is known for her ability to blend pop, R&B, and even trap elements into her songs, all while maintaining her signature high-energy performances and anthemic choruses. If you’re new to Ariana’s music or if you’ve been following her career from the start, these 10 tracks represent the most iconic moments of her career and show how she has influenced the sound of pop music. Let’s take a deeper dive into these hits that define Ariana Grande’s musical journey.

1. "The Way" (feat. Mac Miller)

Released in 2013, "The Way" was Ariana’s first major pop hit, and it immediately introduced the world to her stunning voice and her unique blend of R&B and pop. From the opening notes, it’s clear this song was something special. Featuring the late Mac Miller, the song was romantic, playful, and instantly catchy.

Ariana’s voice here is pure and effortless, and she nails the sweet, youthful vibe that defines the track. The chemistry between her and Mac Miller was undeniable, and it made the song even more special. The lyrics about falling in love and feeling like you’ve met your perfect match are relatable, and the infectious melody stuck in everyone’s head for weeks after its release.

Why It’s Iconic: "The Way" set the stage for Ariana’s career as a pop powerhouse. It’s a perfect blend of old-school R&B vibes with a fresh, modern twist, and it still holds up as one of her most memorable hits.

2. "Problem" (feat. Iggy Azalea)

In 2014, Ariana Grande’s sound shifted with the release of "Problem." Featuring rapper Iggy Azalea, this song marked a departure from her early R&B-influenced pop to something more danceable and edgy. "Problem" became an instant hit, with its saxophone riff and energetic beat that made it an undeniable anthem of the year.

The track is all about dealing with the ups and downs of a relationship, but with an added level of sass and empowerment. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and independence, with Ariana singing, "I got one less problem without you." The  song’s catchy chorus and unforgettable hook make it one of her most iconic tracks to date. It was a worldwide success, dominating the charts and making Ariana a household name.

Why It’s Iconic: "Problem" was a game-changer for Ariana. It gave her a more mainstream pop sound, and its massive success helped her transition into the global pop star she is today.

3. "Love Me Harder" (feat. The Weeknd)

If "Problem" was about independence, "Love Me Harder," released in 2014, is all about the complexities of desire. Featuring The Weeknd, this song is a sultry, seductive track that combines Ariana’s powerhouse vocals with The Weeknd’s smooth delivery. The production is moody and atmospheric, making it the perfect backdrop for the song’s themes of longing and emotional intensity.

The lyrics are deeply personal, exploring the idea of needing to feel loved more intensely and passionately. Ariana’s voice soars throughout the track, and The Weeknd adds his signature edge, creating a beautiful contrast. This track was one of the first moments when Ariana showed off her ability to tackle more mature themes while still remaining true to her vocal roots.

Why It’s Iconic: The chemistry between Ariana and The Weeknd was undeniable, and it’s one of those songs that combines incredible vocal performances with raw emotional depth. It’s a standout from My Everything.

4. "Into You"

2016’s "Into You" is an absolute bop, and it’s one of those tracks that instantly makes you want to dance. From the moment the beat drops, it’s clear this is a high-energy, pop anthem. The song’s production is sleek and modern, with a catchy, infectious hook that sticks with you long after it’s over.

Lyrically, it’s all about intense attraction and the excitement of falling for someone new. Ariana’s voice is seductive and confident, and the chorus—"I’m so into you, I can barely breathe"—feels like a punch to the gut in the best way. It’s a song that captures the feelings of infatuation and desire perfectly. If "Love Me Harder" was about longing, "Into You" is all about living in the moment and embracing passion.

Why It’s Iconic: "Into You" is one of Ariana’s most infectious tracks, with a danceable beat and an anthemic chorus that has made it a fan favorite since its release.

5. "Dangerous Woman"

2016 was a year of transformation for Ariana Grande, and "Dangerous Woman" was the track that solidified her new, more mature persona. The title track from her third album marked a shift in her image—from the sweet, innocent girl next door to a confident, powerful woman owning her sexuality and independence.

The song’s production is sultry and bold, and Ariana’s voice is at its most commanding yet. The lyrics are all about embracing confidence and power, and the chorus—"Something 'bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman"—became an anthem for women everywhere. It was a bold step forward for Ariana, and the success of this track showed that her evolution as an artist was paying off.

Why It’s Iconic: "Dangerous Woman" marked a new chapter in Ariana’s career, where she embraced a more mature, empowered image that resonated with fans all over the world.

6. "No Tears Left to Cry"

In the wake of the tragic Manchester bombing, Ariana Grande released "No Tears Left to Cry" in 2018, and it became a song of resilience and hope. It was a moment of personal healing for Ariana, and her vulnerability resonated deeply with her fans.

The song’s production is lush and dreamy, with a futuristic pop sound that was unlike anything Ariana had done before. The song’s message of staying strong despite hardship struck a chord with listeners around the world. Ariana sings, "I’m so thankful for my ex," referring to not just past relationships but to her ability to move forward from the painful experiences in her life.

Why It’s Iconic: "No Tears Left to Cry" is more than just a song—it’s a powerful anthem of strength and perseverance. It was a way for Ariana to show her fans that, even in the face of tragedy, they could keep going.

7. "Thank U, Next"

Perhaps one of Ariana’s most culturally significant songs, "Thank U, Next" dropped in 2019 and immediately became a phenomenon. The song is all about embracing self-love after a breakup, with Ariana thanking her exes for the lessons they taught her. It was playful, empowering, and full of witty lyrics that made fans laugh and sing along.

What made "Thank U, Next" stand out was its ability to turn a breakup into something positive. Ariana made it clear that she was grateful for the past, but she was also ready to move forward with self-love and confidence. The song was a massive hit, and its viral success only made it more iconic.

Why It’s Iconic: "Thank U, Next" became the anthem of self-love and empowerment, turning a moment of heartbreak into something uplifting and joyful.

8. "7 Rings"

Released in 2019, "7 Rings" is Ariana’s celebration of luxury, friendship, and success. Inspired by a shopping spree with her closest friends, the song’s lyrics are all about living in the moment and treating yourself to the finer things in life. It’s a fun, bouncy track that combines Ariana’s pop sensibility with trap-inspired beats.

The song’s playful vibe and catchy chorus make it impossible not to sing along. It’s a confident, celebratory track that shows Ariana’s growth as both an artist and a person. Whether she’s singing about friendship or success, "7 Rings" is unapologetically bold and fun.

Why It’s Iconic: "7 Rings" is a feel-good anthem about treating yourself and celebrating success, and it marked a new era for Ariana’s music, one that embraces luxury and independence.

9. "Side to Side" (feat. Nicki Minaj)

"Side to Side" is a fun, tropical track from 2016 that brings a fresh, reggae-inspired vibe into Ariana’s pop catalog. Featuring Nicki Minaj, the song blends tropical beats with an infectious melody that makes you want to dance. Ariana’s vocals are smooth and sultry, while Nicki’s rap adds a punch of energy to the track.

Lyrically, the song is all about physical attraction and the chemistry between two people. It’s a playful, flirtatious track that is perfect for a summer playlist. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm make it an instant hit.

Why It’s Iconic: "Side to Side" is the ultimate summer jam, with its catchy hooks and fun vibe that makes it a fan favorite.

10. "God Is a Woman"

Released in 2018, "God Is a Woman" is a bold, empowering anthem that celebrates femininity and strength. The song’s sultry production, combined with Ariana’s powerful vocals, creates a track that is as empowering as it is catchy. The song’s lyrics suggest that women should be revered and celebrated, and it’s an anthem for anyone who embraces their inner strength.

The song was a huge commercial success, and it became one of Ariana’s most iconic tracks. Its message of empowerment, paired with the stunning visuals in the music video, made it a defining moment in Ariana’s career.

Why It’s Iconic: "God Is a Woman" is a celebration of womanhood and empowerment, wrapped in a sultry, unforgettable package.

Conclusion

Ariana Grande’s career has been marked by an evolution in both her sound and her persona. From the sweet, R&B-influenced pop of "The Way" to the sultry, empowering anthems like "Dangerous Woman" and "7 Rings," Ariana has shown time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the pop world. These 10 songs are a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to create music that resonates with fans worldwide. Whether she’s singing about love, self-love, heartbreak, or empowerment, Ariana’s voice continues to be one of the most iconic in the music industry.