Recently engaged duo Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez have delighted fans with their latest release, a collaborative album titled I Said I Love You First. This marks Gomez’s first album drop since her 2020 project Rare, signaling her impactful return to the music scene after a focus on acting. Benny Blanco, a longstanding figure in the music industry, continues to showcase his remarkable talent and extensive experience, contributing to numerous chart-topping hits across various genres.
Benny Blanco has significantly influenced pop music since 2007, writing and producing hits for artists such as Katy Perry and Maroon 5. It’s likely that many listeners have enjoyed songs he was instrumental in creating without even realizing it. Here, we highlight some of the intriguing tracks co-created by Blanco, each with its own captivating backstory.
10 Don’t
Ed Sheeran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD2rhdFRehU
Renowned singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has graced the music scene for over two decades, beginning with his debut album, +, and concluding with Subtract in 2023. Notably, Blanco collaborated with Sheeran on several tracks, including fan favorites from the album ÷ (Divide) such as “Castle on the Hill” and “Supermarket Flowers.”
9 Love Yourself
Justin Bieber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyEuk8j8imI
Similar to Blanco, Ed Sheeran has been credited with crafting numerous hits for major artists, including “Love Yourself” for Justin Bieber’s fourth studio album, Purpose. This song was created during a tour bus session with Sheeran, Blanco, and Bieber, channeling the complexities of a semi-committed relationship.
Furthermore, Benny Blanco collaborated with Bieber on his 2021 album Justice, contributing to the poignant track “Lonely,” where he also features as an artist. The song was co-written with FINNEAS, brother of Billie Eilish, which adds another layer to its creative pedigree.
8 TiK ToK
Ke$ha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs
Teaming up with Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco co-wrote the anthem “TiK ToK” with pop sensation Ke$ha, which became a defining party song of the late 2000s. Their collaboration continued with contributions to Ke$ha’s subsequent albums, culminating in works from Warrior (2012) and additional hits like “Blow” and “Die Young.”
Blanco’s creative prowess is evident in “TiK ToK,” blending Ke$ha’s early party persona with infectious beats. Undeniably, this track stands out as one of her most recognized hits.
7 Special
SZA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B-G_jB0Wzo
SZA’s poignant track “Special” highlights Benny Blanco’s ability to emphasize meaningful lyrics. While he is known for producing chart-toppers, this collaboration showcases a more reflective side. He co-wrote and produced “Special” along with “Nobody Gets Me” from SZA’s acclaimed 2022 album, SOS.
This deviation from Blanco’s typical pop sound illustrates his versatility, effectively elevating the emotional weight of the songs.
6 Diamonds
Rihanna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWA2pjMjpBs
The track “Diamonds” represents a fascinating chapter in Benny Blanco’s career, having been recorded by Rihanna almost a year after originally being pitched. Interestingly, only one line was altered—”shine bright like a diamond” —which transformed its essence. The song rapidly became a monumental success, revered as one of Rihanna’s signature hits, embodying the stylistic evolution Blanco aimed for.
5 Obsessed
Addison Rae
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHr72DM762k
Even though Benny Blanco is not credited as a lyricist, he served as the producer and composer for Addison Rae’s debut single “Obsessed.” Released in March 2021, this track launched Rae’s music career following her social media success and transition to Los Angeles. With plans for a debut album in 2025, Rae’s collaboration with Blanco indicates a promising start.
4 My First Kiss
3OH!3 Feat. Ke$ha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYC2FUutdKA
“My First Kiss” exemplifies an early 2010s party anthem, infused with a catchy chorus and lively features. Benny Blanco collaborated with Dr. Luke once again to co-write and produce this memorable track. The intertwining careers of Blanco and 3OH!3 illustrate the interconnectedness of the music industry, revealing how their past collaborations paved the way for projects like this.
3 Black & White
Juice WRLD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRl_C73vFtQ
In a poignant moment, Benny Blanco recounted his introduction to the late Juice WRLD, stemming from an early song shared by a mutual friend. Demonstrating his commitment to new talent, Blanco invested to secure studio time for their collaboration. While “Black & White” focuses solely on its impactful lyrics, Blanco’s versatility shines through in this rap-inspired track, which is part of Juice WRLD’s debut album, Goodbye & Good Riddance.
2 Circus
Britney Spears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVhJ_A8XUgc
As a pop icon since the 1990s, Britney Spears released the title track “Circus,” co-produced by Benny Blanco and Dr. Luke, for her sixth album. This song not only encapsulated the essence of the album but also generated a successful tour that followed its release. Blanco’s contributions extended to other tracks on the album, marking a high point in Spears’ illustrious career.
1 Lonely Together
Avicii Feat. Rita Ora
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ3XgMKAgxc
In 2013, Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” dominated radio waves, establishing him as a primary figure in dance music. Blanco contributed to “Lonely Together,” a poignant creation for Avicii’s final album, Avīci (01). This song, released shortly before Avicii’s tragic passing, resonates deeply with fans, reflecting Blanco’s influence in crafting a lasting musical legacy.