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The essential Ariana Grande playlist
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

The essential Ariana Grande playlist

From starring on the Disney Channel to recording some of pop music's biggest hits, Ariana Grande has already had a massively successful career. She's grown into a bonafide pop icon, with legions of fans known as "Arianators." 

Flip through the gallery for 20 essential songs to include on your Ariana Grande playlist, from "Dangerous Woman" to "Just Look Up," the song she recorded for Adam McKay's acclaimed film "Don't Look Up." 

 
1 of 20

"Dangerous Woman"

"Dangerous Woman"
C Flanigan/WireImage

The title track of Ariana Grande's 2016 album, "Dangerous Woman" cemented Grande's transformation from a Disney star into a bonafide pop artist. It's sultry, seriously catchy, and shows off Grande's incredible pipes. 

 
2 of 20

"Needy"

"Needy"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

Co-written by Grande for 2019's blockbuster "Thank U, Next," "Needy" is sultry, vulnerable, and a little quieter than some of her bolder ballads. It's Ariana Grande at her most sonically chill. 

 
3 of 20

"God Is A Woman"

"God Is A Woman"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

Grande's version of a feminine anthem, "God is a Woman" boasts soaring vocals, a seriously catchy trap-pop beat, and a killer music video that features Grande sitting on top of the world — literally. 

 
4 of 20

"7 Rings"

"7 Rings"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

Marking Grande's second #1 hit, "7 Rings" was inescapable after its release in 2019. In addition to being a commercial success, the song also earned Grande multiple Grammy Award nominations. 

 
5 of 20

"thank u, next"

"thank u, next"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

On the heels of her breakup with comedian Pete Davison, Ariana Grande shouted out all of her exes on "thank u, next," a song that turns the traditional break-up tune on its head. Instead of being bitter or lovesick, Grande simply offers thanks for the lessons she learned in each relationship. 

 
6 of 20

"Side to Side"

"Side to Side"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

Ariana Grande tapped rap powerhouse Nicki Minaj for "Side to Side," which appears on her 2016 album "Dangerous Woman," and the result was an instant banger. Minaj's verse is solid and paired with Grande's vocals, the song has since been certified sextuple platinum for selling more than 6 million copies by the Recording Industry Academy of America. 

 
7 of 20

"Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored"

"Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

The lyrical content of this sexy and saucy track might have stirred some controversy, but that didn't stop it from becoming a massive hit. The song hit #1 in eight different countries and has sold more than 3 million copies in the United States alone. 

 
8 of 20

"The Way," with Mac Miller

"The Way," with Mac Miller
Kevin Mazur/One Love Manchester/Getty Images for One Love Manchester

Released in 2013 on Ariana Grande's debut album, "The Way" featured an appearance from her then-boyfriend and rapper Mac Miller. It was the first top-ten hit for both artists and paved the way for Grande's massive pop success in the following years. 

 
9 of 20

"Sweetener"

"Sweetener"
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Ariana Grande and producer Pharrell Williams teamed up for "Sweetener," a totally modern love song that feels sweet without being overly sappy. 

 
10 of 20

"No Tears Left to Cry"

"No Tears Left to Cry"
Mike Windle/Getty Images

Despite its mid-tempo melody, "No Tears Left To Cry" is a song that's rooted in tragedy. It was the first single Ariana Grande released after the 2017 bombing at a Manchester venue while she was performing that killed 23 people and injured a thousand more. The song is ultimately hopeful, though, and a reminder that it's possible to overcome even the worst tragedies. 

 
11 of 20

"Be Alright"

"Be Alright"
Alexander Tamargo/WireImage

Backed by an irresistible house beat and infused with infectious optimism, "Be Alright" brought a heavy dose of positivity to "Dangerous Woman," Ariana Grande's third full-length album. "Baby, you just gotta make up your mind," she sings. "That every little thing is gonna be alright." Wise words. 

 
12 of 20

"Into You"

"Into You"
Jeff Kravitz/AMA2016/FilmMagic

"Into You" exemplifies Ariana Grande's unparalleled ability to create the perfect dance bop. It's catchy, sexy, and perfect for listening to in a dimly-lit club. 

 
13 of 20

"Bang Bang"

"Bang Bang"
David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Bringing together Ariana Grande with rap powerhouse Nicki Minaj and UK pop star Jessie J, "Bang Bang" was an absolute phenomenon after its release in 2013. Since its release, it's been certified more platinum 8 times by the Recording Industry Academy of America, selling more than 3.5 million copies. 

 
14 of 20

"One Last Time"

"One Last Time"
Kevin Mazur/MTV1415/WireImage

It's a bit of a deeper cut, but "One Last Time" is a song that the most devoted Arianators will definitely recognize. Appearing on Grande's sophomore album, the song was co-written by David Guetta and was an early sign that Ariana Grande was destined to become one of the biggest names in pop music. 

 
15 of 20

"Just Look Up"

"Just Look Up"
MovieStillsDB

Even though it's a little silly, this song recorded by Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi for Adam McKay's film "Don't Look Up" is still seriously catchy. It's also really a love song, and the lyrics don't have much to do with the movie's apocalyptic message. 

 
16 of 20

"Shut Up"

"Shut Up"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

In the opening track of her 2020 album "Positions," Ariana Grande pretty bluntly tells the folks who are obsessed with her life and her decisions to, well, shut up. It sets the tone for an album that shows Grande at her most unapologetic. 

 
17 of 20

"34+35"

"34+35"
Getty Images

You'll have to do a little math to figure out the meaning of this cheeky, racy hit. Co-written by Grande, it's absolutely replete with innuendo that, for grown-ups, is somehow charming. 

 
18 of 20

"Successful"

"Successful"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

Appearing on "Sweetener," "Successful" is Ariana Grande reveling in the glamorous life that she's created for herself, unapologetically. "It feels so good to be so young and have this fun and be successful," she sings. "I'm so successful." It might sound like a little bit of a brag — okay, it totally is — but she's not wrong. 

 
19 of 20

"Pete Davidson"

"Pete Davidson"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

Even though their love didn't last forever, Ariana Grande forever immortalized her brief engagement to comedian Pete Davidson on "Sweetener" in 2018. Sonically, it's beautifully ethereal, and even though it's about a relationship that's over, it's still a sweet song. 

 
20 of 20

"NASA"

"NASA"
Chris Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

On "NASA," Ariana Grande needs space...a lot of space. It might seem a little harsh, but this song about needing some time away from the person you love will resonate with pretty much anyone that's been in a relationship. 

Amy McCarthy

Amy McCarthy is a Texas-based journalist. Follow her on twitter at @aemccarthy

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