20 powerful lead singles that set the tone for massive albums 

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" was the perfect lead single for her debut album, The Fame Monster. It captures the soundtrack's theme perfectly, making those later songs, like "Monster" and the video for "Telephone," not so alarming.

It may not have been the best song on the album, but once it was released, it was everywhere. The sound was fun, fresh, and different than anything else at the time. Maybe it's why I have such a visceral reaction whenever this comes on in the bar.

"Crazy In Love" gets the bars and clubs hype to this day. Plus, it was one of four top-five hits off of Beyoncé's debut album, Dangerously In Love.

This was Justin Timberlake's long-awaited return to the music industry after more than six years away. His album, The 20/20 Experience, shot to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won two Grammys.

"Baby One More Time" launched Britney Spears into another universe. It's a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single, snagged the Billboard Music Award for Female Singles Artist of the Year, and set the record for the fastest single to reach No. 1 on the UK charts by a teenage female solo artist in 2000. The album of the same name also topped the charts and earned Brit another Guinness World Record for Best Selling Album in the US by a Female Artist.

All of Adele's lead singles are powerful, especially her 2015 track "Hello." In addition to hitting No. 1 in several countries, 25 won the Grammy for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Rihanna knew she had a hit on her hands with her lead single "Umbrella" from her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad. The project snagged seven Grammy nominations in 2008 and won for Best/Rap Sung Collaboration with Jay-Z.

Ariana Grande's lead single, "thank u, next," came at the perfect time, and the accompanying album was even better. Additional singles, "7 Rings" and "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored," also reached Nos. 1 and 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Most readers will likely be able to hear this song in their heads just by reading the title. But if you can't, it's Sara Bareilles' 2007 track with that catchy chorus that reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ushered in her smash album, Little Voice.

Katy Perry came out of the gate swinging with this song. Not only was it different because she was singing openly about kissing girls in the early 2000s, but it truly made way for the monumental album that is One of the Boys.

Another Rihanna single that reached the top of the charts is "S.O.S" from her second album, A Girl Like Me. It has sold nearly 1.5 million copies in the United States and featured the Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 single, "Pon De Replay."

Xtina's self-titled album is full of smash hits, including the chart-topping "Genie in A Bottle." As of December 14, 2000, the album, released in August 1999, sold over 8 million copies in the United States. The project also housed additional No. 1 singles, "What A Girl Wants," "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)," and No. 3 charter "I Turn to You."

"Gimme More" created a bunch of noise for Britney's album Blackout. The project won every award it was nominated for, including Best Album at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

"Leave The Door Open" was Silk Sonic's lead single to their first album, An Evening With Silk Sonic, and they hit the ball out of the park. The project featured an additional seven songs showcasing the duo's mesmerizing harmonies and outstanding vocal ability.

There was no better single to help usher in Beyoncé's sixth studio album, Lemonade. It became a pop culture phenomenon later referenced in SNL, praised by various celebrities and athletes, and the foundation for her record-breaking Coachella performance, Homecoming.

As we said above, Adele's lead singles never miss, and we couldn't forget about "Rolling In The Deep." It's a powerful four-minute track with soaring vocals and moving lyrics that laid the foundation for the following records, including "Rumour Has It," "Turning Tables," and "Set Fire to the Rain."

We all love Justin's album Purpose, thanks to his hit single "What Do You Mean?" Maybe the message hits too close to home.

If you've heard this album, you already know "Yeah!" is just one of the many hits on the tracklist. It's followed up with songs like "Burn," "Confessions Part II," "My Boo," and "Caught Up" — all absolutely fire.

Christina Aguilera knows a thing or two about creating iconic music, and "Dirrty" is no exception. Although it didn't chart too high, it's still regarded as one of the best songs from the album Stripped. It's the best companion for the album's fellow singles "Beautiful," "Fighter," and "Can't Hold Us Down."

Cardi B was already on the come-up after appearing on Love & Hip Hop. However, "Bodak Yellow" really placed her on the map. It, of course, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, received two Grammy nominations, and created a 217% spike in searches for Christian Louboutin's signature "Red Bottom" shoes.