MAX MARTIN’S MASSIVE HITS

BY: PROVOKR Staff

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, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Maroon 5, and Celine Dion, to name just a few.

“Oops… I Did It Again” (Britney Spears)

With its instantly-recognizable piano opening, to the spoken-word bridge that references 1997’s Titanic, “Oops… I Did It Again” is one of Britney Spears’ biggest hits for a reason. The song went 4x Platinum, and is still beloved by pop-lovers today.

“California Gurls” (Katy Perry)

Part of Katy Perry’s history-making run of No. 1 hits, “California Gurls” sees the singer extolling the virtues of SoCal girls, with a helping hand from another California native — Snoop Dogg delivers a verse all about the girls he “loves the most.”

“Beauty and a Beat” (Justin Bieber feat. Nicki Minaj)

“Beauty and a Beat” was a 2012 hit for Justin Bieber and featured artist Nicki Minaj. A decade later, and the song is still a viral smash — the song has been used in over 600,000 TikToks, and the now-iconic waterpark music video has over a billion views.

“Shake It Off” (Taylor Swift)

It was the pop song heard ‘round the world. When Taylor Swift dropped “Shake It Off,” she also officially dropped country music, delivering smash-hit pop album 1989. It’s no wonder she called Martin in to help her make the transition.

“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” (Backstreet Boys)

Boybands ruled the ‘90s, and the Backstreet Boys were one of the biggest. “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is certified Platinum in the US.

“Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson)

“Since U Been Gone” was originally intended for Pink, but when she turned it down, it’s no surprise Kelly Clarkson jumped at the chance to record a track Rolling Stone named one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“Can’t Feel My Face” (The Weeknd)

In 2015, The Weeknd started exploring some more mainstream pop sounds. “Can’t Feel My Face,” the third single off sophomore album Beauty Behind the Madness, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Diamond.

“Raise Your Glass” (Pink)

Dedicated to her fans, Pink’s “Raise Your Glass” is a joyful celebration of outsiders as the artist gleefully urges her listeners to “raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways.” The song ended up being Pink’s third number one and her tenth top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Bang Bang” (Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J)

“Bang Bang” united pop powerhouses Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J for a brash, boisterous pop banger. Written and produced by Martin, this song was a “Lady Marmalade” for the 2010s set.

“Hands To Myself” (Selena Gomez)

Selena Gomez’s “Hands To Myself” was one of the actress and singer’s biggest hits, with fans loving the track, and critics praising the Prince-like production. The song was Gomez’s third Top 10 hit from sophomore album Revival, and her tenth overall.