Justin Bieber
When it comes to pop reinvention, Madonna reigns, but Justin Bieber reigns supreme. He began as the cherub-faced tweenage heartthrob of your fantasies, swiftly grew into public cultural enemy number one, and then miraculously rebounded as someone hipsters, dancers, pop kids, and R&B fans could all agree on.
1. 2U
It’s perfectly romantic, which is why Victoria’s Secret models were hired to lip-sync the song’s teaser video. The song went on to 16 numbers on the hot 100 in 42 countries, proving that wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve and bringing two international pop superstars together is a recipe for musical success.
2. Beauty and the beast
It’s a catchy tune, though, and it’s Bieber’s first foray onto the dance floor. It was produced by Zedd and Max Martin, which explains why I adore the crunchy synth breakdown. Although the song was composed for someone else, it was Bieber’s idea to include Minaj in it. Sir, you have done an excellent job.
3. Baby
“Baby” may have been your tweenage little sister’s favorite song of 2010 and your father’s least favorite, but it’s effing terrific pop music in retrospect. Ludacris’ youthful voice is earnest and clear, and the fact that he co-signs an adolescent heartthrob is proof enough that this kid is up to something.
4. Let me love you
It has the same goofy horn synth as “Lean On,” as well as all the dreamy falsetto a young heart can take. It’s one of the standout tracks on DJ Snake’s debut album Encore, and it was one of the highlights of his Main Stage closing show at the 2017 Ultra Music Festival in Miami. We can’t help but think Bieber played a major role in the song’s popularity since he usually does, right?
Zayn Malik
He is this century’s vocal legend. He was able to attain a pitch that many solo performers are unable to. All of those notes are outstanding and, without a doubt, anyone could make them. He can sing any genre because he is really gifted and experimental.
1. Pillowtalk
Zayn’s break from his squeaky clean boy band image was sealed with Pillowtalk. The music video for the sultry song featured none other than his even sexier girlfriend, Gigi Hadid, putting it at the top of our list.
2. Dusk till dawn
It’s not often that we hear someone’s vocals line up so well with Sia’s as they do in this song. His performance on this track is unrivaled, demonstrating that he has the range to tackle any melody.
3. A whole new world
Everyone enjoys a Disney classic, especially when it is performed by one of our favorite celebrities. In this charming and enchanting fairytale single, Zayn once again demonstrates his singing abilities among other singers.
4. Wrong
Some songs don’t need to have a lot of meaning to be memorable, and Zayn proves that with Wrong. As is customary for him, the former boy band member delivers a great vocal performance that takes precedence over everything else.
