In the world of pop music, collaboration is key. Some of the biggest hits have resulted from one artist writing a song that another artist took to the top charts. It’s fascinating to see how artists who are successful in their own right have contributed to the success of others. If you want to take your writing to the next level, join our Songwriting Degree and collaborate with our fellow Vocal Courses students. Together you can hone in on your skills whilst building connections with emerging talent in the industry. Who knows, this very opportunity might be the very reason your professional career launches internationally.
Okay, let’s get to it! Here are some examples of famous pop songs written by well-known artists for their peers.
“Party in the U.S.A.” – Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.” became an instant pop anthem when it was released in 2009. What many people might not know is that the song was co-written by British pop star, Jessie J. Originally intended for her debut, she passed it on to Miley instead, who turned the track into one of the defining songs of the late 2000s.
“Breakaway” – Kelly Clarkson
Avril Lavigne co-wrote “Breakaway,” a standout track on Kelly Clarkson’s 2004 album of the same name. Known for her punk-pop style, Lavigne’s contribution to this song was a significant departure from her usual sound. However, its empowering lyrics and uplifting message resonated deeply with Clarkson’s audience, proving Lavigne’s ability to craft impactful songs beyond her own music.
“Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis
“Bleeding Love” was the song that launched Leona Lewis into international stardom, but it was originally written by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and pop singer Jesse McCartney. Interestingly, Jesse McCartney had also recorded his version of the song, but it was Leona’s rendition that took the world by storm.
“Irreplaceable” – Beyoncé
When Beyoncé released “Irreplaceable” in 2006, it quickly became one of her signature songs. The track’s catchy, relatable lyrics about moving on from a bad relationship were penned by Ne-Yo, a successful artist and songwriter in his own right. Ne-Yo originally wrote the song with a male perspective, but after some reworking, it became the female empowerment anthem that Beyoncé delivered with her trademark flair.
“Till the World Ends” – Britney Spears
Pop star Kesha was behind one of Britney Spears’s biggest hits of the 2010s, “Till the World Ends.” Co-written by Kesha, the song became a staple in Britney’s discography. Kesha’s influence is clear in the song’s party vibe and infectious chorus, characteristics that also define much of her own music.
“Black Widow” – Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora
Katy Perry co-wrote “Black Widow” for Iggy Azalea’s 2014 album The New Classic, adding her signature pop flair to the track. Featuring a memorable chorus and bold production, the song reflects Perry’s knack for creating catchy, dynamic pop music.
“Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber
Ed Sheeran is no stranger to writing hits, both for himself and others. “Love Yourself,” performed by Justin Bieber, is one of those hits. Co-written by Sheeran, the song stands out with its minimalist production and biting lyrics, which Sheeran initially penned for his own album. However, after deciding it was better suited for Bieber, the song became one of the most popular tracks from Bieber’s Purpose album, showcasing Sheeran’s knack for storytelling through music.
Speaking of Which…
Check out our in-house ‘Point Blank Recordings’ label artists Sam the Zoologist and Leah Haworth collaborating for their song “Would You Love Me”. These examples show how interconnected the pop music world is, with artists often stepping into the role of songwriter to create hits for their peers. These collaborations resulted in some of the most memorable songs in pop history. The next time you hear a hit on the radio, take a moment to consider the creative minds behind the scenes who helped bring it to life.
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