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Hit Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written by Other Famous Musicians
In the world of music, it’s common for artists to lend their talents to other musicians, creating hits that become synonymous with other performers. Many songs that top the charts have surprising origins, penned by artists you might not expect. Here, we uncover ten such tracks, revealing the famous musicians behind them.
“Forget You” (2010) – CeeLo Green
CeeLo Green’s catchy tune “Forget You” became an anthem of the summer in 2010, reaching number two in the United States and earning a 7x platinum certification. However, the song’s infectious melody and clever lyrics are the handiwork of Bruno Mars. Mars was part of the songwriting team The Smeezingtons, which included Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine. They collaborated with CeeLo Green and Brody Brown to create this memorable track. Interestingly, “Forget You” was released shortly after Mars’s solo hit “Just the Way You Are,” foreshadowing his rise to stardom.
“Get on Your Knees” (2014) – Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s “Get on Your Knees,” featuring Ariana Grande, is a standout track from her album The Pinkprint. The song’s creation involved a roster of renowned guest songwriters, including Katy Perry. Perry co-wrote the track and was initially rumored to feature alongside Minaj. However, following the success of “Bang Bang,” Grande stepped in. This collaboration marked yet another successful venture for Minaj, solidifying her position in the pop and hip-hop landscape.
“Islands in the Stream” (1983) – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
The timeless duet “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton is often hailed as one of the greatest country collaborations. Surprisingly, the song was penned by the Bee Gees, a trio famous for their disco hits. Originally offered to Marvin Gaye, the track eventually found its home with Rogers and Parton. Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees co-produced the song, adding his unique touch. The Bee Gees later included their version in their 2001 compilation album, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal.
“Trust Fund Baby” (2018) – Why Don’t We
Boy band Why Don’t We made waves with their gold-certified single “Trust Fund Baby.” Behind the scenes, pop sensation Ed Sheeran played a crucial role in crafting the song. Alongside Fred and producer Steve Mac, Sheeran co-wrote the track and even contributed background vocals. The song’s success earned it a Teen Choice nomination, proving that Sheeran’s songwriting prowess extends beyond his own hits.
“Hypnotico” (2011) – Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s dance track “Hypnotico” from her album “Love?” carries an intriguing backstory. The song was co-written by Lady Gaga and Akon, two icons in their own right. Originally intended for Tami Chynn’s album, the song was shelved until Lopez discovered it through producer RedOne. Recognizing its potential, Lopez revived “Hypnotico” for her own release, adding another hit to her repertoire.
“Till the World Ends” (2011) – Britney Spears
Britney Spears’ energetic anthem “Till the World Ends” became a massive hit, reaching number three on the charts. The track was co-written by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and pop star Kesha. Kesha expressed immense pride in writing the song, which became a defining moment in her career. The collaboration resulted in a dance-pop masterpiece that continues to resonate with fans.
“Party in the U.S.A.” (2009) – Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’s transition from country pop to mainstream pop was marked by the success of “Party in the U.S.A.” Surprisingly, the song was initially intended for Jessie J, who co-wrote it with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly. Jessie J decided the upbeat track didn’t align with her style, passing it to Cyrus. Despite initial reservations, the song became a defining hit for Cyrus, capturing the essence of American pop culture.
“Breakaway” (2004) – Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” is a heartfelt folk-pop tune that gained widespread acclaim. The song originated with Avril Lavigne, who co-wrote it with Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard during sessions for her debut album. Lavigne felt the song didn’t fit her style, leading her to pass it on to Clarkson. The track’s success was so profound that Clarkson named her entire album after it, cementing its place in pop music history.
“This Is What You Came For” (2016) – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
The electrifying “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris and Rihanna was a chart-topping EDM hit. What many may not know is that Taylor Swift was a key figure behind the scenes. Swift co-wrote the song with Harris under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg to avoid overshadowing the track with her fame. She also provided background vocals, adding her touch to this unforgettable collaboration.
“Irreplaceable” (2006) – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s powerful ballad “Irreplaceable” became an anthem of empowerment and resilience. The song’s creation involved a team of talented songwriters, including Ne-Yo. Initially envisioned as a country song, Ne-Yo transformed it into an R&B hit after collaborating with Beyoncé on the melody and arrangements. The result was a number-one single that resonated with audiences worldwide, further solidifying Beyoncé’s status as a musical powerhouse.
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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