Selena Gomez’s highly-anticipated third studio album released on Jan. 10, debuting on top of the Billboard Hot 200 chart. The album’s lead single, “Lose You to Love Me,” reached the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100. Out of the 13-song discography, “Look at Her Now” and the album’s title song “Rare” were the only other songs to make the chart.

“Rare” represents a shift in Gomez’s musical style. While some songs on the album resembled her previous style, featuring lighter, more understated vocals and simple beats that lead seamlessly into choruses, Gomez also displayed a growth in her musical repertoire. Songs like “Cut You Off” and “Let Me Get Me” challenged Gomez to draw her audience’s attention to her vocals.

For the purpose of this list, ranking the top three songs from “Rare,” the three lead singles will not be candidates, instead focusing on the core of the album.

3. “Vulnerable”
A more heartfelt ballad, “Vulnerable” has the most exposed vocals of the album that are both authentic and raw. Gomez displayed her powerful voice, something not found in most of her other songs. Lyrically, the song resonates the most emotionally as Gomez attempts to be open about her experiences with love.

2. “Dance Again”
An upbeat pop song, “Dance Again” separates itself from the other songs on the album with a powerful beat and simplistic instrumental backing. The beat drop in the song is rhythmically appealing as it leads into Gomez’s chorus and makes it an easy song to dance to.

1. “A Sweeter Place (feat. Kid Cudi)”
In a song unlike any other of Gomez’s songs, Kid Cudi helps create a synth and dark texture with an electronic beat that helps push the more simplistic lyrics. The song is carried by Kid Cudi’s interludes, which helps transition the song from his verse into Gomez’s chorus. Gomez carries a more upbeat tone that contrasts with the darkness of Kid Cudi creating a cohesive masterpiece and the best song in the album.