Her breakthrough came with her critically acclaimed 1992 debut album Time for Mercy. Her success grew with 1994's Living Under June, which featured her biggest hit, "Insensitive". Other albums have been 1997's Happy? and 2000's Blood Red Cherry. Love is the Only Soldier followed in 2003. She also released a greatest hits album Greatest Hurts in 2001, and a live album Live With the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2002.
Although Arden's pop-rock songs are known for their sadness and tales of heartache, Arden is paradoxically also known for her gregarious sense of humor and her personal stories, often mocking her close-knit family, have won her great affection. She is also a multiple winner of Canada's Juno Awards for music, and she is also known for her charity work in Africa and other places.