From her early days on the Disney Channel to becoming a global pop icon, Selena Gomez has consistently delivered chart-topping hits. As a multifaceted entertainer, Selena has seamlessly transitioned between acting, producing, beauty entrepreneurship, and, most notably, a successful singing career. This article explores Selena Gomez’s impressive journey on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, highlighting her biggest songs and musical evolution.
Selena Gomez first entered the music scene in 2008, making her Billboard Hot 100 debut with “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” from the movie Another Cinderella Story. This early success, peaking at No. 58 in 2009, foreshadowed her future chart dominance. The track later featured on Kiss & Tell, her debut album with Selena Gomez & The Scene, which also included popular songs like “Falling Down” and “Naturally.” This period established Selena’s presence in the pop-rock landscape.
After concluding her run on the popular Disney series Wizards of Waverly Place, Selena embarked on a solo music career. Her 2013 album Stars Dance marked this transition, with “Come & Get It” reaching No. 6 on the Hot 100, her first top 10 single. This era showcased a more mature pop sound and solidified her position as a solo artist. Years later, in 2019, Selena achieved her first No. 1 hit with “Lose You to Love Me,” a poignant ballad reflecting on personal growth and self-love after a breakup. This song marked a significant emotional depth in her music.
Spanning from her rock-infused beginnings with The Scene to her sophisticated pop anthems, Selena Gomez has become a consistent presence on the charts throughout the late 2000s and 2010s. Below, we delve into 20 of her most successful Billboard Hot 100 songs, celebrating her enduring impact on popular music. This ranking is based on Billboard Hot 100 data up to March 16, 2024, using a points system that values higher chart positions and accounts for changes in chart methodology over time.
“Kill Em With Kindness”
Album: Revival (2015)
Peak Position: No. 39
Peak Date: July 9, 2016
This empowering anthem from Revival showcases Selena’s vocal versatility and positive message. “Kill Em With Kindness” encourages resilience and grace in the face of negativity, resonating with fans worldwide.
“Round & Round” (Selena Gomez & The Scene)
Album: A Year Without Rain (2010)
Peak Position: No. 24
Peak Date: July 10, 2010
A quintessential pop-rock track from her band era, “Round & Round” exemplifies the energetic and catchy sound that defined Selena Gomez & The Scene. It’s a fan favorite that highlights her early musical style.
“Bad Liar”
Album: N/A
Peak Position: No. 20
Peak Date: July 8, 2017
“Bad Liar” stands out with its Talking Heads sample and quirky, introspective lyrics. This song demonstrated Selena’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles and delve into more nuanced themes of internal conflict and attraction.
“I Want You to Know” (Zedd feat. Selena Gomez)
Album: True Colors (2015)
Peak Position: No. 17
Peak Date: March 14, 2015
This collaboration with Zedd brought Selena into the EDM realm, resulting in a vibrant and infectious dance-pop hit. “I Want You to Know” broadened her musical horizons and appeal.
“Slow Down”
Album: Stars Dance (2013)
Peak Position: No. 27
Peak Date: December 14, 2013
“Slow Down” is a high-energy, dance-infused track from Stars Dance, reflecting the album’s overall pop and electronic influences. It’s a song that embodies youthful exuberance and the desire to savor a moment.
“Naturally” (Selena Gomez & The Scene)
Album: Kiss & Tell (2009)
Peak Position: No. 29
Peak Date: January 30, 2010
Selena Gomez and The Scene performing Naturally
“Naturally” is a signature song from Selena Gomez & The Scene, characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus. It’s a song that perfectly captures the band’s pop-rock essence and youthful charm. The image captures Selena Gomez and The Scene performing “Naturally,” showcasing their dynamic stage presence during their early career.
“Who Says” (Selena Gomez & The Scene)
Album: When the Sun Goes Down (2011)
Peak Position: No. 21
Peak Date: July 9, 2011
An empowering anthem about self-acceptance, “Who Says” resonated deeply with listeners. This song delivers a powerful message about inner beauty and confidence, moving beyond typical pop themes.
“Wolves” (With Marshmello)
Album: N/A
Peak Position: No. 20
Peak Date: December 9, 2017
Another foray into electronic music, “Wolves” with Marshmello blends Selena’s vocals with Marshmello’s signature production style. The song explores themes of longing and searching, adding a darker, more mysterious tone to her discography.
“Back to You”
Album: 13 Reasons Why (2018)
Peak Position: No. 18
Peak Date: September 29, 2018
Featured on the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack, “Back to You” is a melancholic yet catchy pop song. It reflects the themes of the series with lyrics about returning to a past relationship, showcasing emotional vulnerability.
“Taki Taki” (DJ Snake feat. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B)
Album: Carte Blanche (2019)
Peak Position: No. 11
Peak Date: November 3, 2018
This Latin-infused collaboration with DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Cardi B showcased Selena’s versatility and global appeal. “Taki Taki” is a multilingual, high-energy track that became a worldwide hit, demonstrating her ability to transcend genres.
“The Heart Wants What It Wants”
Album: For You (2014 compilation)
Peak Position: No. 6
Peak Date: December 13, 2014
A deeply personal and emotional ballad, “The Heart Wants What It Wants” offered a raw look into Selena’s personal life. This song, known for its vulnerability and honesty, resonated strongly with fans and critics alike. The image captures Selena Gomez emotionally performing “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” highlighting the song’s intimate and personal nature.
“Hands to Myself”
Album: Revival (2015)
Peak Position: No. 7
Peak Date: February 13, 2016
“Hands to Myself” is a sensual and playful track from Revival, showcasing a more confident and mature image. Its breathy vocals and catchy melody made it a standout hit, demonstrating her evolution as a pop artist.
“Love You Like a Love Song” (Selena Gomez & The Scene)
Album: When the Sun Goes Down (2011)
Peak Position: No. 22
Peak Date: March 3, 2012
“Love You Like a Love Song” is arguably one of Selena Gomez & The Scene’s most iconic songs, known for its dreamy and romantic lyrics and catchy synth-pop sound. It remains a beloved track among fans.
“We Don’t Talk Anymore” (Charlie Puth feat. Selena Gomez)
Album: Nine Track Mind (2016)
Peak Position: No. 9
Peak Date: October 8, 2016
This collaboration with Charlie Puth is a melancholic and relatable song about the aftermath of a breakup. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” resonated with its honest portrayal of post-relationship silence and longing.
“It Ain’t Me” (With Kygo)
Album: N/A
Peak Position: No. 10
Peak Date: May 13, 2017
“It Ain’t Me” with Kygo blends tropical house beats with Selena’s vocals, creating a laid-back yet emotionally resonant track. This collaboration showcased her versatility and ability to succeed in different genres.
“Come & Get It”
Album: Stars Dance (2013)
Peak Position: No. 6
Peak Date: May 25, 2013
Selena Gomez performing Come & Get It
“Come & Get It” marked Selena’s solo breakthrough, featuring a blend of pop and Bollywood influences. Its exotic sound and confident delivery established her solo artistry and appeal. The image captures Selena Gomez performing “Come & Get It,” highlighting the song’s dynamic and captivating stage presence.
“Lose You to Love Me”
Album: Rare (2020)
Peak Position: No. 1 (one week)
Peak Date: November 9, 2019
Selena Gomez’s first No. 1 hit, “Lose You to Love Me,” is a powerful and vulnerable ballad about self-discovery and healing after heartbreak. Its raw emotion and personal lyrics made it a chart-topping success and a defining moment in her career.
“Same Old Love”
Album: Revival (2015)
Peak Position: No. 5
Peak Date: January 30, 2016
“Same Old Love” is a sophisticated and catchy pop song from Revival, exploring themes of repetitive relationship cycles and emotional exhaustion. Its sharp lyrics and strong melody contributed to its chart success.
“Good for You” (feat. A$AP Rocky)
Album: Revival (2015)
Peak Position: No. 5
Peak Date: October 3, 2015
“Good for You” featuring A$AP Rocky is a sultry and confident track that marked a turning point in Selena’s image and sound. It embraced a more mature and sophisticated pop style, focusing on self-confidence and allure.
“Calm Down” (With Rema)
Album: N/A
Peak Position: No. 3
Peak Date: June 17, 2023
“Calm Down” with Rema is a global phenomenon, blending Afrobeats with pop sensibilities. This remix propelled the song to international acclaim, becoming one of Selena’s biggest hits and showcasing her global appeal and adaptability to current music trends. The image captures Selena Gomez and Rema performing “Calm Down,” showcasing their collaboration and the song’s vibrant energy.
Selena Gomez’s journey through the Billboard Hot 100 is a testament to her evolution as an artist and her enduring connection with audiences. From pop-rock anthems to introspective ballads and global collaborations, her diverse discography demonstrates her range and staying power in the music industry. As she continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her remarkable musical career.