When you think about the past 15 years of pop music, you can’t skip over pop singer and teen heartthrob Justin Bieber. The boy who got his start singing on YouTube grew into a global pop icon, touching almost every corner of popular music. Whether or not you were a fan at first, by now, chances are you’ve danced to at least one of his tracks at a barbecue, heard him on the radio while driving through the city, or caught his hooks remixed at a rooftop lounge.
And let’s keep it a buck—Justin Bieber earned his stripes. From bubblegum pop beginnings to slick R&B crossovers, he’s evolved in ways few young artists do. He’s managed to tap into EDM, dancehall, and hip-hop while keeping his pop sensibilities tight. That takes talent, timing, and the kind of hustle that doesn’t get enough credit. Like him or not, that man’s catalog runs deep, and it deserves a nod.
This list isn’t just about popularity or numbers. It’s about the impact. The influence. The vibe. These are the songs that not only defined Justin’s sound but helped shape a whole era of pop music. Before we get into the main event, here are a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut but still deserve some love:
Honorable mentions include “Peaches,” “Yummy,” “One Less Lonely Girl,” “U Smile,” “All Around The World,” “Beauty And The Beat,” “Cold Water,” and “Favorite Girl.” Each of these tracks brought something unique to the table, whether it was showing his playful charm or versatility. But the top 10? That’s where the real heat lives.
Let’s get into it.
10. I Don’t Care (with Ed Sheeran)
Released in 2019, this collab with Ed Sheeran brought two of pop’s biggest stars together on a smooth, catchy track with staying power. It wasn’t just another dance-pop number—it was about anxiety and feeling out of place in a crowd. That’s real talk for folks who deal with social pressure. It sat comfortably on Sheeran’s No.6 Collaborations Project and became an international hit. The blend of Bieber’s silky vocals with Sheeran’s signature melodies made this one an instant earworm.
9. One Time
This one takes it back to the beginning. Dropping in 2009, “One Time” introduced the world to a young Canadian kid with a swoop haircut and a whole lot of confidence. Part of his debut EP, My World, the track was innocent, sweet, and catchy as hell. It was the first time we saw his ability to connect with a younger audience while hinting at bigger things to come. It laid the foundation for his superstardom and still holds up as a feel-good jam.
8. Boyfriend
By 2012, Bieber was ready to show he wasn’t just a teen heartthrob. “Boyfriend” was his grown-man moment. With its whispered hook and Timberlake-inspired production, this lead single from Believe flipped the script. It showed his R&B leanings, hinting at his future collaborations with hip-hop and soul artists. The beat was minimalist, the vibe was confident, and the message was clear: Bieber was leveling up.
7. Let Me Love You (with DJ Snake)
This 2016 smash from DJ Snake’s Encore album saw Bieber glide over moody synths and dancefloor-ready beats. “Let Me Love You” was a certified banger, blending EDM and pop in a way that made it feel universal. Bieber’s voice had matured, his delivery was smoother, and the song became a massive hit across clubs and radio. It’s one of those tracks that made him a go-to feature for producers looking to create crossover hits.
6. Where R U Now? (with Jack Ü & Skrillex)
Before Bieber fully pivoted into EDM/pop territory, “Where R U Now?” gave us a taste of what was coming. The 2015 hit with Diplo and Skrillex from the album Purpose was experimental, emotional, and fresh. That dolphin-like synth sound in the chorus? Unforgettable. It blended vulnerability with cutting-edge production, showing he wasn’t afraid to take risks. This one hit deep for anyone going through it.
5. Sorry
Sometimes, an apology comes with a dancehall groove and pastel visuals. “Sorry” from 2015’s Purpose was a moment. The production—light, bouncy, and infectious—was thanks to Skrillex and BloodPop, but it was Bieber’s delivery that made it a hit. He sounded remorseful yet confident, creating one of the most fun breakup anthems of the decade. It charted worldwide and became a club staple for years.
4. As Long As You Love Me (feat. Big Sean)
This one goes back to 2012’s Believe and proves Bieber was serious about blending genres. With its dubstep-tinged beat and Big Sean’s guest verse, this track was dark, dramatic, and passionate. It showed Bieber reaching for more emotional depth, delivering raw energy that resonated with older audiences, too. The production was ahead of its time, and the song still slaps today.
3. What Do You Mean?
Released in 2015, this was the track that signaled Bieber’s full transformation. “What Do You Mean?” had tropical house vibes with lyrics that felt both vulnerable and puzzled. It was the lead single off Purpose and took over the charts with ease. The song’s success opened doors for other pop artists to explore that chill, island-inspired sound. Bieber didn’t just ride the wave—he helped create it.
2. Love Yourself
Now this one? Different type of fire. Written with Ed Sheeran and Benny Blanco, “Love Yourself” was an acoustic kiss-off wrapped in sweet melody. No yelling, no anger—just calm, cold truth. From the 2015 Purpose album, it connected with folks who needed to let somebody go and didn’t have the words. The stripped-down vibe put the focus on the lyrics, and it ended up being one of his biggest hits.
1. Baby (feat. Ludacris)
Here we are—the crown jewel. You can’t talk Bieber without mentioning “Baby.” Released in 2010 on My World 2.0, this was the one that sent him into the stratosphere. Ludacris gave it crossover credibility, and the chorus was undeniably catchy. For many of us, this song was either our intro to Bieber or the one that made us pay attention. It hit all the right notes: teen angst, smooth melodies, and a beat that got stuck in your head. Say what you want—this was a cultural moment.
And there you have it!
From sweet serenades to club anthems, Justin Bieber has shown he’s more than just another pop star. He’s a shapeshifter, a collaborator, and at times, a straight-up crooner. Whether he’s riding beats from Skrillex, harmonizing with Ed Sheeran, or holding it down solo, the man knows how to make a hit. His music, for better or worse, helped shape the sonic vibe of the 2010s and beyond.
His growth has been something to watch—from singing in stairwells to selling out stadiums. And the influence? Real ones recognize real. Soul, pop, hip-hop, R&B—Bieber’s touched them all, and with a level of authenticity that’s made even longtime skeptics nod their heads.
Let me know what you think about this list. How many of your favorites made this list? Drop it in the comments and tag a friend who enjoys topics like this!
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