Ariana Grande Songs: The Ultimate Fan Guide

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the dazzling world of Ariana Grande's music? From her early days on Nickelodeon to becoming a global pop sensation, Ariana has given us hit after hit. This guide is your ultimate resource for exploring her amazing discography. We'll cover everything from her breakout songs to her latest bangers, so buckle up and get ready to stan!

Early Career: Finding Her Voice

Ariana Grande's musical journey began long before her chart-topping hits. It all started with her Broadway debut in '13' back in 2008, showcasing her incredible vocal talent at a young age. While she was making waves on stage, Ariana also landed her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious'. This role catapulted her into the spotlight, but Ariana had bigger dreams than just acting. She was determined to become a singer, and she began posting covers on YouTube to showcase her vocal abilities. These early videos gave fans a glimpse of her potential and hinted at the superstar she would eventually become.

In 2011, Ariana released her first official single, 'Put Your Hearts Up'. This bubblegum pop track was a far cry from the R&B-infused bangers she's known for today, but it was a crucial first step in her musical journey. While Ariana herself has expressed mixed feelings about the song, it introduced her to a wider audience and helped her build a fanbase. It showed her dedication to music and planted the seeds for her future success. Despite the song's different style compared to her later work, it remains a nostalgic reminder of Ariana's humble beginnings and her unwavering passion for music. It's a testament to her growth as an artist and her evolution into the powerhouse vocalist we know and love today.

Breakthrough Albums: Pop Perfection

Yours Truly (2013)

Yours Truly marked Ariana Grande's official arrival as a pop artist. Released in 2013, this album showcased her impressive vocal range and her love for R&B and pop melodies. The lead single, 'The Way' featuring Mac Miller, became a massive hit, catapulting Ariana into the top ranks of the music industry. The song's infectious beat and Ariana's soaring vocals, combined with Mac Miller's smooth rap verses, made it an instant classic. 'The Way' perfectly blended pop sensibilities with urban influences, setting the stage for Ariana's future musical direction.

Beyond 'The Way', Yours Truly is filled with other gems that highlight Ariana's vocal prowess and her ability to craft catchy, memorable songs. Tracks like 'Baby I' and 'Right There' (featuring Big Sean) further solidified her status as a rising star. 'Baby I' is an upbeat, feel-good anthem with a retro vibe, showcasing Ariana's impressive whistle register. 'Right There' is a more sultry, R&B-infused track that demonstrates her versatility as an artist. The album as a whole is a celebration of young love and showcases Ariana's ability to connect with her audience through heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. Yours Truly was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Ariana Grande's position as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music world.

My Everything (2014)

My Everything, released in 2014, saw Ariana Grande experimenting with a wider range of sounds and solidifying her status as a pop superstar. This album is a blend of pop, R&B, and electronic influences, showcasing Ariana's versatility and willingness to take risks. The album spawned several hit singles, including 'Problem' featuring Iggy Azalea, 'Break Free' featuring Zedd, and 'Love Me Harder' with The Weeknd. 'Problem' became an instant smash, breaking records and topping charts around the world. Its infectious beat and Ariana's sassy vocals made it a quintessential summer anthem. 'Break Free' saw Ariana embracing a more electronic sound, with Zedd's production creating a high-energy, dance-pop track that became a staple in clubs and festivals. 'Love Me Harder' is a sultry, R&B-infused ballad that showcases Ariana's vocal chemistry with The Weeknd.

My Everything delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Tracks like 'One Last Time' and 'Why Try' explore the complexities of relationships and the pain of letting go. 'One Last Time' is a heartfelt ballad that became an anthem of resilience in the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. 'Why Try' is a more introspective track that explores the challenges of maintaining a relationship when things get tough. The album also features collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj on 'Get On Your Knees' and A$AP Ferg on 'Hands On Me', further showcasing Ariana's ability to blend her sound with different genres and styles. My Everything was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Ariana Grande's position as one of the leading voices in pop music.

Mature Sound: Taking Control

Dangerous Woman (2016)

With Dangerous Woman in 2016, Ariana Grande took a bold step towards a more mature and confident sound. This album showcased her growth as an artist and her willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. The title track, 'Dangerous Woman', became an instant hit, with its sultry vocals and powerful message of female empowerment. The song's lyrics celebrate embracing one's sensuality and taking control of one's own destiny. The music video further enhanced the song's message, featuring Ariana in a variety of confident and empowering poses.

Dangerous Woman explores themes of love, lust, and self-discovery. Tracks like 'Side to Side' featuring Nicki Minaj and 'Into You' are upbeat and danceable, while songs like 'Thinking Bout You' and 'Moonlight' showcase Ariana's vulnerability and emotional depth. 'Side to Side' is a reggae-infused track that became a massive hit, with its catchy beat and playful lyrics. 'Into You' is a high-energy pop anthem that showcases Ariana's impressive vocal range. 'Thinking Bout You' is a soulful ballad that explores the pain of longing for someone, while 'Moonlight' is a romantic and dreamy track that captures the feeling of being in love. The album also features collaborations with artists like Future on 'Everyday' and Lil Wayne on 'Let Me Love You', further showcasing Ariana's ability to blend her sound with different genres and styles. Dangerous Woman was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Ariana Grande's position as a versatile and talented artist.

Sweetener (2018)

Sweetener, released in 2018, marked a turning point in Ariana Grande's career. Following the tragic bombing at her Manchester Arena concert, Ariana channeled her grief and resilience into this deeply personal and uplifting album. Sweetener is a blend of pop, R&B, and trap influences, showcasing Ariana's ability to create music that is both catchy and meaningful. The lead single, 'No Tears Left to Cry', became an anthem of hope and healing, with its soaring vocals and message of overcoming adversity. The song's lyrics celebrate the power of resilience and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times. The music video further enhanced the song's message, featuring Ariana in a surreal and dreamlike world.

Sweetener explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Tracks like 'God is a woman' and 'Breathin' are empowering and uplifting, while songs like 'R.E.M' and 'Better Off' showcase Ariana's vulnerability and emotional depth. 'God is a woman' is a bold and confident track that celebrates female empowerment and sexuality. 'Breathin' is a deeply personal song that addresses Ariana's struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. 'R.E.M' is a dreamy and romantic track that captures the feeling of being completely captivated by someone, while 'Better Off' is a vulnerable and introspective song that explores the complexities of relationships. The album also features collaborations with artists like Pharrell Williams on several tracks, further showcasing Ariana's ability to experiment with different sounds and styles. Sweetener was a critical and commercial success, winning Ariana Grande her first Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Thank U, Next (2019)

Thank U, Next, released in 2019, is arguably Ariana Grande's most personal and influential album to date. Released just months after Sweetener, this album is a raw and honest reflection on love, loss, and self-discovery. The title track, 'Thank U, Next', became a cultural phenomenon, with its empowering message of moving on from past relationships and embracing self-love. The song's lyrics name-check Ariana's ex-boyfriends, including Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and the late Mac Miller, expressing gratitude for the lessons she learned from each relationship. The music video, which parodies iconic teen movies like Mean Girls and Bring It On, further cemented the song's place in pop culture history.

Thank U, Next is a blend of pop, R&B, and trap influences, showcasing Ariana's ability to create music that is both catchy and deeply personal. Tracks like '7 Rings' and 'Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored' are confident and playful, while songs like 'Imagine' and 'Needy' showcase Ariana's vulnerability and emotional depth. '7 Rings' is a trap-infused anthem that celebrates female friendship and independence. 'Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored' is a cheeky and provocative track that generated controversy upon its release. 'Imagine' is a dreamy and romantic song that explores the idea of an ideal relationship, while 'Needy' is a vulnerable and introspective song that addresses Ariana's insecurities and anxieties. The album as a whole is a testament to Ariana's growth as an artist and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. Thank U, Next was a critical and commercial success, breaking numerous records and solidifying Ariana Grande's position as one of the most influential artists of her generation.

Recent Releases and Future Projects

After the massive success of Thank U, Next, Ariana Grande has continued to release new music and collaborate with other artists. Her most recent studio album, Positions, was released in 2020 and saw her exploring themes of love, sex, and intimacy with a more mature and sophisticated sound. The album spawned several hit singles, including the title track 'Positions', which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ariana has also been busy with various other projects, including her role as a coach on The Voice and her upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, in which she will star as Glinda. Fans are eagerly awaiting new music from Ariana and are excited to see what she will do next. With her incredible talent and unwavering dedication, Ariana Grande is sure to continue to surprise and delight her fans for years to come.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to Ariana Grande's incredible discography! From her early beginnings to her current status as a pop icon, Ariana has consistently delivered amazing music that resonates with fans around the world. Which Ariana song is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments below!