The essential Lady Gaga playlist

The second single from Lady Gaga's smash-hit debut in 2008, "Poker Face" introduced the world to the artist's signature cheekiness. Described by Gaga as a metaphor for her sexuality, the song has since sold more than 13 million copies across the globe. 

In 2009, Lady Gaga released what many critics and fans believe to be her most enduring track, "Bad Romance." An introspective look into her own relationship struggles set to a seriously catchy dance beat, it's the definition of a Gaga classic. 

Stepping away from her dance-pop roots and introducing a little bit more of a folk-country vibe, "Joanne" exemplifies Lady Gaga's vocal prowess and stylistic diversity. The title track from her 2016 album, it's a tribute to Gaga's namesake and aunt Joanne Stefani Germanotta. 

The world was first introduced to the edgy, avant-garde pop of Lady Gaga in 2008 when "Just Dance" hit the airwaves. It was an instant, massive hit, and remains one of the best-selling pop songs in music history. 

An anthem for both self-acceptance and LGBTQ equality, "Born This Way" is arguably Gaga's most timeless track. With its empowering message and relentlessly catchy melody, expect to hear it at nightclubs for decades to come. 

In 2009, the world of pop was shaken when Lady Gaga teamed up with R&B icon Beyonce on "Telephone," earning the duo a 2011 Grammy Award nomination for Music Collaboration of the Year. 

In her first appearance as a leading lady on the silver screen, Lady Gaga also delivered one of her most stunning vocal performances alongside Bradley Cooper in "A Star Is Born." The song earned Gaga and Cooper a Grammy Award for Best Original Song and is arguably the most compelling moment in the film. 

Lady Gaga really leans into the country influences on "Joanne," her critically acclaimed 2016 album, especially on "Million Reasons." It's one of her most powerful vocal performances, even though it wasn't a massive chart success. 

In the midst of all the ballads on "Joanne," there's "Perfect Illusion," proof that Lady Gaga won't ever stray too far from her dance-pop roots. 

One of Lady Gaga's most polarizing albums, pretty much everyone can agree that "Applause" is one of the best tracks on 2013's "Artpop." Since its release, the song has been certified Platinum four times by the Recording Industry Academy of America, selling more than 2.7 million copies. 

Appearing on Gaga's 2008 debut album, "Paparazzi" was a dance anthem and club favorite long after its release. The song also inspired a killer music video that helped establish Lady Gaga as one of the most compelling new creators in pop. 

Religious groups weren't exactly thrilled when Lady Gaga released "Judas," her 2011 hit that's about romantic betrayal, not the crucifixion. That didn't stop it from topping the Billboard dance charts or inspiring a seriously dramatic music video. 

In keeping with Gaga's songs written to her former lovers, "Alejandro" is all about pulling away from someone you shouldn't be with. Released in 2009, the song was a top-ten hit across the globe, peaking at #5 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. 

Teaming up with the biggest pop star of the 2010s, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande brought some seriously catchy fun in 2020 with "Rain On Me." It's an uplifting track, and a good reminder to keep things in perspective, even when it doesn't ever seem like the rain is going to stop falling. 

"The Edge of Glory" is a "best of all worlds" kind of song for Lady Gaga fans. Released in 2011 on Gaga's sophomore album "Born This Way," it shows off her stunning vocals on top of a pulsating club beat that's perfect for dancing all night long. 

Joined by Queen guitarist Brian May, Lady Gaga's "You and I" is the kind of collaboration that just makes sense. Lady Gaga has said previously that her stage moniker was inspired by the classic Queen song "Radio Ga Ga," and the song deftly showcases her genre-bending sonic approach. 

Yet another early Lady Gaga club anthem, "Marry The Night" topped the dance charts in 2011. It's a perfect party girl tune, especially for those of us who danced away countless nights to Gaga hits back in the mid-aughts. 

In 2020, Gaga got back to her electro-pop roots with "Stupid Love," an instant hit from her album "Chromatica." Even though most folks were cooped inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic when it was released, there's no denying this song's enduring appeal on the dance floor. 

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's collaborations are the stuff of legends, especially for anyone who loves American songbook standards. Gaga and Bennett's voices pair beautifully on the Irving Berlin classic, which served as the title track of the legendary duo's first collaboration in 2014.  

One of Gaga's earliest controversy-provoking hits — some folks weren't thrilled with Gaga's euphemistic invocation of the "disco stick," — "Love Game" is endlessly catchy and an early glimpse at Lady Gaga's incredible ability to infuriate contrarians and conservatives.