When it comes to pop reinvention, Madonna reigns supreme, but Justin Bieber reigns supreme. He started as the cherub-faced tweenage heartthrob of your fantasies, swiftly developed into public cultural enemy number one, and then miraculously recovered as someone hipsters, dancers, pop kids, and R&B fans could all agree on.
One thing that has stayed constant throughout his numerous stages is the music. If anything, the quality has risen dramatically. Bieber is a superb singer, songwriter, musician, and dancer, whether you love him or despise him. He’s the whole deal, and his choice of partners is nothing short of amazing. Here are Billboard Dance’s top Justin Bieber singles from the beginning of his career until now.
1.”2U” by David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber
On “2U,” Bieber teams up for the first time with French pop-crossover favorite David Guetta, continuing his career as a dance vocalist. Bieber’s vocals lend a gentle, emotive touch to the track, which is punchy and strong. It’s quite romantic, which is why Victoria’s Secret models were employed to lip-sync the song’s teaser video. The song reached number 16 on the Hot 100 in 42 countries, showing that putting one’s heart on one’s sleeve and bringing two worldwide pop superstars together is a recipe for musical success.
2.”I’ll Show You” by Justin Bieber
“I’ll Show You” is without a doubt one of Justin Bieber’s most personal songs. It’s entirely his tale. Everyone is keeping a close eye on him. Everyone has an opinion, but no one knows who the man behind the flashing lights is at the end of the day. Bieber battled throughout his late adolescence to figure out who he wanted to be, and on this second single from 2015’s Purpose, he finds the courage to declare, “Go ahead, keep watching.” “I’ve figured it out.” Fair warning: this music video will make you want to visit Iceland on the spur of the moment.
3. “Never Say Never” by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith
Will Smith is one of Bieber’s greatest teachers, so it was only natural that he and his son Jaden Smith collaborated in the studio when the music for young Smith’s remake of Karate Kid was needed. “Never Say Never” is still a little young cheese, but it became one of Bieber’s early career-defining moments. It was initially composed as an adult song called “Attractive Together,” but the message was modified to one of tremendous courage and confidence, which is a far more vital message for youngsters to hear, especially because the bulk of Bieber’s followers were still in their tween years in 2010.