One minute you're wearing a meat dress to the 2010 VMAs, and the next you're singing with Bradley Cooper at the Oscars. Nobody has had an evolution quite like Lady Gaga—both in her career and her personal life—and she is, no doubt, one of the best artists of all time. Here, we're taking a trip down memory lane and ranking the top Lady Gaga songs of the decade. Gaga, I'll always remember you this way.
12) "Christmas Tree," 2008
Eleven years ago, Lady Gaga gave us the sexy Christmas song we didn't deserve (only available as digital download, a concept!)...and TBH, we're still not worthy. Not-for-the-family lyrics include, "Light me up put me on top, let's falalalalalalala / Light me up put me on top, let's falalalalalalala / The only place you wanna be / Is underneath my Christmas tree."
11) "Just Dance" ft. Colby O'Donis, 2008
I wish I could just dance and it'll be okay! It's hard to believe this was Gaga's very first single—one of the best-selling of all time—that only my 13-year-old self could have truly appreciated. Also, remember Colby O'Donis? He's the dude who sang "What You Got" and we haven't heard from since.
10) "Telephone" ft. Beyoncé, 2009
Two queens, one song. Think about how major it was for Beyoncé to collaborate with a fairly new artist at the time (I know), and produce such a relatable anthem for anybody who has ever dealt with an obsessive, controlling partner.
9) "Poker Face," 2008
Gaga has a thing for creating incredible music videos (as seen above with Beyoncé), and "Poker Face" is no different. It lands at number nine on this list, mainly for its lyrics that were on every Facebook timeline in 2008. "And baby when it's love, if its not rough it isn't fun. (;"
8) "Hey Girl" ft. Florence Welch, 2016
Lady Gaga's most intimate, vulnerable songs make themselves a home on Joanne (2016). Named after Gaga's late aunt, the album includes empowering bops like "Hey Girl" featuring the inimitable Florence Welch. (Yes, both of their angelic voices are in one song!) This one makes you want to call up your girlfriends immediately and tell them how badass they are.
7) "Grigio Girls," 2016
"Grigio Girls" is a powerful reminder of female strength. Gaga dedicated the beautiful song on Joanne to her late friend Sonja who passed away from breast cancer in 2017. One listen, and you'll be calling your mom to tell her how much you love her.
6) "Born This Way," 2011
Gaga has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ community (she has identified as bisexual), and she proved it with "Born This Way" from her second studio album of the same title. Six years after its release, Gaga included it in her 2017 Super Bowl halftime performance—sending a powerful message to the Trump administration.
5) "Bad Romance," 2009
"I don't wannnnnnna be friends." When you think of Gaga, inevitably you think of "Bad Romance." It was one of the most notable songs from The Fame Monster, a reissuing of Gaga's debut studio album, The Fame. Imagining The New Gaga singing it feels like the song is from another lifetime, but it'll never get old.
4) "Edge of Glory," 2011
Need a boost of energy at work? "Edge of Glory." Need a great workout song? "Edge of Glory." Need to take down the patriarchy? "Edge of Glory." That is all.
3) "Million Reasons," 2016
If anybody can put together a song with the perfect mixture of heartbreak and hope, it's Gaga. "Million Reasons" is a raw, earnest reflection of the emotional rollercoaster of a mature breakup. Fans assumed it was a direct nod to Gaga's relationship with her ex Taylor Kinney.
2) "You and I," 2011
"You and I" is pretty much Gaga slamming open the door and saying, "I'm comin' for you." It's electrifying, empowering, and 100 percent a karaoke jam. Please, just take a moment to appreciate her vocals and the electric guitar played by Queen's Brian May.
1) "Shallow" ft. Bradley Cooper, 2018
"Shallow" lands itself at number one on the best Lady Gaga songs of all time because...obviously! (I mean, it didn't win Best Original Song at the 2019 Oscars for no reason.) Ally feels less and less like a A Star Is Born character, and more of an on-screen portrayal of Gaga's incredible talent and the work she's put in to get here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Was Allegedly Spotted Looking "Happy, Relaxed and Healthy" at a Farm Shop This Weekend
Anonymous onlookers provided this description to 'The Sun.'
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kelly Clarkson Claims Her Ex-Husband Owes Her Even More Money After He Allegedly "Violated Labor Laws" as Her Manager
The "Stronger" star was already awarded $2.6 million in a previous lawsuit.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
The 21 Best Album Releases of 2022 (So Far)
Get your headphones out.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
4 Best Sad Songs of 2022 to Play When You're in Your Feels
New songs from Maren Morris, Iann Dior, and more.
By Marie Claire Published
-
5 Best Love Songs of 2022 (So Far)
Raise your hand if you're very much here for the Avril Lavigne renaissance!
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The 16 Best Sad Songs of 2021 to Play When You're Feeling Down
Not me still listening to "Drivers License" on repeat!
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
The 31 Best Love Songs of 2021
"I still burn for you." —Avril Lavigne and also Daphne Bridgerton.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
16 Gifts Any Music Lover Will Be Obsessed With
AirPods beanies? Say less.
By Rachel Epstein Published