Ariana Grande has a soprano voice with a four-octave range. She is influenced by “veteran” vocalists such as  Mariah Carey , India Arie and Whitney Houston. Ariana is also fondly called “little Mariah Carey” by experts and fans. 

“Problem”

Problem was released on April 28, 2014, as the first single from Ariana’s second album My Everything . The song has Pop and R&B influences, written by Ariana and Savan Kotecha, Azalea, Ilya and Max Martin. Problem received many positive reviews from experts. Idolator writer Mike Wass describes Problem as a harmonious combination of 1990s Pop tunes and the current popular Trap music trend. MTV ‘s Emilee Lincher called the chorus “catchy” because of the saxophone and repetitive notes.

Problem sold 438,000 copies and ranked third on the Billboard chart in its first week of release. The song was in the top 10 of Billboard for 16 weeks. The single also reached number one in Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland and England, and in the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Denmark and Greece. MV Problem won the “Best Pop Video” award at the 2014 MTV Video Music Award.

“Bang Bang”

Bang Bang performed by Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J, released on July 28, 2014. The song is on Ariana Grande’s second album, composed by Savan Kotecha, Max Martin and Carolina Liar .

Bang Bang was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”, and also won the “Most Popular Song” award at the Kids’ Choice Award in 2015.

Rolling Stone ‘s Rob Sheffield said that the song’s upbeat melody is a great combination of Nelly’s Country Grammar and Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go Go . Carolyn Menyes of Music Times praised Bang Bang as “the big hit of summer 2014”. Complex ‘s Zach Frydenlund appreciated Jessie J and Ariana’s vocals. After a year of release, Bang Bang received a five-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Break Free”

Single Break Free was released on July 3, 2014, performed by Ariana Grande and music producer Zedd. The song is the second single from Ariana’s album My Everything .

Pitchfork writer Larry Fitzmaurice highly appreciated Ariana’s high, clear voice in the song. He also said that Break Free is reminiscent of Since You Been Gone by “music idol” Kelly Clarkson.

Break Free ranked fourth on the Billboard chart. The song was nominated for “Best Dance/Electronic Song” at the 2015 Billboard Award.

“The Way”

The Way was released on March 25, 2013, as the first single in Ariana Grande’s debut album – Yours Truly , with an R&B sound. The song is inspired by the melody of Russell’s song A little bit of love , released in 1979.

The Way is Ariana Grande’s convincing debut. Critics commented that her voice resembled Mariah Carey’s. Idolator writer Sam Lansky rated Ariana’s voice as “sweet, emotional and mature”. MTV Buzzworthy ‘s Jenna Hally Rubenstein called The Way a more modern version of I’m Real (Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule).

The Way ranked ninth on the US Billboard chart. By March 2016, the single sold 2.3 million copies in the US.

“Love Me Harder”

Love Me Harder was released on September 30, 2014, as the fourth single from the album My Everything Ariana Grande. The song has R&B and Electro-pop influences. Canadian male singer – The Weeknd – performed the song with Ariana.

Love Me Harder received many positive reviews from critics for the collaboration between Ari ana Grande and  The We eknd. Some experts confirm that Love Me Harder is the best song on the album My Everything. 

The song debuted at number seven on the US Billboard chart , becoming Ariana Grande’s fifth single to reach the top 10 on this list. She is also the artist with the most top 10 singles in 2014.