MAX MARTIN’S MASSIVE HITS

Taylor Swift, Usher, Britney Spears, Katy Perry +

image above: Usher; cover image: taylor swift

BY: Alexis Eichelberger

You know his songs, but you might not know his name. Since the late 1990’s, some of the biggest pop hits to top the charts and dominate radio play have come from the mind of Max Martin.

The 49-year-old songwriting phenomenon has written or co-written 23 tracks that topped the Billboard Hot 100. He’s collaborated with mega stars like Adele, Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion, to name just a few.

Here are our eight favorite smash hits from the mind of Max Martin:

The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”

Earlier this month, the Weeknd released his explorative fourth album After Hours. The album’s second single, “Blinding Lights,” is an 80’s techno-pop dream that reached number 1 on the Hot 100. Martin is credited as a co-writer, producer and instrumentalist on the track.

Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”

Taylor Swift is undoubtedly one of the greatest songwriters of a generation. When two great songwriters think alike, we get songs like “Blank Space.” Swift’s satire of the criticisms that often swirl around her is another number 1 single that Martin contributed to as writer and producer.

Britney Spears’ “Oops… I Did It Again”

The lead single and title track of Britney Spears’ second studio album is one of her most iconic hits. In 2001, “Oops…I Did It Again” reached number 9 on the Billboard chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Martin is credited for songwriting, producing and mixing on the track.

Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

Originally recorded for the movie Trolls, this Justin Timberlake single became one of the songs of the summer in 2016. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” was the best selling song of the year in the United States, and it won numerous awards including a Grammy and an Academy Award. Martin contributed to both writing and production on the track.

Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”

The second single from Katy Perry’s third album of the same name is a retro pop delight. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010, and set the tone for Perry to continue her rise to stardom. Martin collaborated on “Teenage Dream” as a writer, producer and instrumentalist.

Ariana Grande’s “God Is a Woman”

Ariana Grande’s most iconic anthem of female empowerment dropped in 2018 prior to the release of her Grammy-winning fourth album Sweetener. “God Is a Woman” was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 61st Grammys and is certified platinum in six countries. Martin is credited as a co-writer.

Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”

One of Usher’s most successful singles has Martin listed as songwriter and producer. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” reached the top ten in more than 15 countries and peaked at number 4 on the U.S. chart. The danceable blend of techno-pop and R&B also features Pitbull, who adds his signature hit of Latin flair during his rap verse.

Maroon 5’s “One More Night”

“One More Night” was the second single from Maroon 5’s fourth album Overexposed. The melody has the band’s signature blend of pop and rock with a hint of reggae. It reached number 1 on the Hot 100 and was among the top songs of the decade. Martin teamed up with frontman Adam Levine, among others, to pen the song.