Top 20 Best Justin Bieber Songs

#20: “U Smile” My World 2.0 (2010)

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Kicking off the countdown with a blast into Belieber past, this pop-ballad was released in 2010 as a single off Bieber’s debut album. The song combines a catchy hook full of admiration with the teenager’s signature grin to create the ultimate recipe for stealing young hearts. The blue-eyed soul, piano-driven number brings a retro charm to his “it-boy” style, and upon release, we got to see a more heartfelt side of the teen pop star. If “Baby” was responsible for starting “Bieber Fever,” “U Smile” only continued to turn up the heat.

Nowadays, Bieber is no stranger to charting records, but this 2012 electropop hit quickly climbed to the top of multiple American music charts. The ballad elevates a stereotypical teen love song from acoustic simplicity into driving electronica with an r&b edge. Settling into his trademark style and groove, pop vocals paired with a dubstep chorus and a rap verse set the stage for a more mature Bieber sound. The song has since been certified 5 times platinum in the US alone, and while it may have been one of his first chart-topping collabs, it certainly wouldn’t be his last.

This time around, Bieber took his partnership endeavors to the next level when he joined this star-studded lineup. This track features a real “who’s who” of artists, DJs, and songwriters. It’s no wonder that the brain-child of Major Lazer (aka Diplo), MØ, Ed Sheeran, and benny blanco was such a successful hit. Painting the pop singer’s usual electronic undertones with a heavier hand paid off, as the song reached number one in more than ten countries worldwide. With Bieber and MØ’s contrasting vocals and a hook that makes you want to get up and dance, “Cold Water” showcases a fresh combination of musical styles.

#17: “10,000 Hours” Good Things (2021)

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Bieber has never shied away from experimenting with different genres, and this track is one of many “just add Bieber and watch it grow!” success stories. It’s nearly surprising just how well JB’s addition suits this sappy, guitar-driven love song. The unlikely collab debuted in the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100, a feat no country song had achieved since 2012. While many of Justin’s love ballads were intertwined with his public dating drama in the past, this music video features a just-married Justin and Hailey Bieber. Their relaxed romance makes the stripped-back track feel like an all grown up “One Less Lonely Girl.” “10,000 Hours” actually became so popular for weddings that it was even re-released as a piano-backed wedding version.

#16: “Intentions” feat. Quavo Changes (2020)

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Rijell - Intentions

Bieber returned to the music scene in 2020 with his energetic r&b sensation “Yummy,” and the following single off his “Changes” album continued a new era of Bieber that can only be described as pure fun. “Intentions” features rapper Quavo, and the pop/hip-hop hybrid was repeatedly listed as one of the best summer songs. The tune also became a platform for Bieber’s commitment to social responsibility. The music video, which features the stories of several women and families in need, helped raise thousands of dollars for the Alexandria House women's shelter.

#15: “Lonely” Justice (2021)

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This tender acoustic biography is a crown jewel in Bieber’s library of intimate ballads. While Bieber’s music has progressively grown more and more honest over time, this number feels like his most vulnerable to date. The Grammy-nominated song explores his struggle with fame as a consequence of growing up in the spotlight. The more somber lyrics are so personal that he was even brought to tears in the recording studio. He would go on to perform the powerful ballad on multiple award shows as a reflection of his career and a message to all those who’d followed his journey to superstardom.

#14: “I Don’t Care” No.6 Collaborations Project (2019)

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It’s no secret that Ed Sheeran is a behind-the-scenes songwriting giant. He’s had his hand in hits for all kinds of artists, and Bieber is no exception. Following the success of their previous collaboration, this track flips the script to feature both of the singers’ vocals in a carefree dance sensation. The lead single off Sheeran’s 2019 album reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, and the mega-talented duo surpassed the one-day streaming record with the Spotify release. Sure, it’s impressive but we can’t say we’re surprised. This one is a total jam!

Once upon a time, male rap features had become a staple of Bieber’s biggest hits. That is, until a fine and fair rap maiden entered the scene. In 2012, both Bieber and Nicki Minaj were climbing the ranks of superstardom, and they came together for a smooth and sassy synth-pop tune that would take the world by storm and also act as a time-capsule, with lyrics that reference JB’s public relationship with Selena Gomez. To contextualize the song’s popularity, the music video was so influential that it broke the Vevo view record in the first 24 hours, a title that was previously held by One Direction. While “Beauty and a Beat” isn’t your typical fairytale, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Wrapping up a weekly release schedule he dubbed “Music Mondays,” Bieber’s tenth single taps into a more confident and suggestive style. Featuring Chance the Rapper, the 2013 hip hop track exudes an effortless groove with a spunky dose of attitude. It performed extremely well on international charts, and critics agree that the song is one of the best off his “Journals” album. Oftentimes, collabs leave fans begging for live performances, but Chance and Bieber made those wishes come true when they came together to perform at Coachella the following year.

#11: “Let Me Love You” feat. Justin Bieber Encore (2016)

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In yet another one of Bieber’s link ups with prominent DJs, this youthful anthem set in an EDM dreamspace earned DJ Snake his first number one on Digital Songs. Joining the ranks of his electro-pop hits, Bieber layers dreamy falsetto riffs over a catchy EDM track, and the song’s spirit is infectious. It opens with the line “I used to believe,” which feels like it has to be a reference to Bieber-lore. The music video, which actually doesn’t feature Justin himself, has more than a billion views, and the collaboration has been certified platinum internationally.

Bieber calls out for an ex lover in this synth-driven pop ballad, striking a balance between moody sentiments and a bright sound. Produced under the name Jack Ü, Skrillex and Diplo joined Bieber to form a chart-topping holy trinity. The track became Bieber’s sixth number one single on the Billboard Hot 100, won an AMA for Collaboration of the Year, and even collected a Grammy for Best Dance Recording. While the verses feel heavy with longing lyrics, a soaring chorus builds to Skrillex’s “dolphin” voice effect. That trill you hear is actually Bieber’s voice pitched and processed into the sound’s signature motif.

#9: “Never Say Never” feat. Jaden Smith My Worlds: The Collection (2010)

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If “One Less Lonely Girl” paints Bieber as a humble heartthrob, “Never Say Never” marks his evolution into global pop star status. The song was originally produced for the soundtrack of the 2010 “Karate Kid” remake, and it notably features a rap verse by the movie’s then 12-year-old star, Jaden Smith. Coming out swinging, the fierce track gave Bieber’s reputation a bolder edge, and the chorus still remains one of his more recognizable melodies. He even reprised the hit with Jaden at his 2021 concert in Los Angeles, a dose of nostalgia that showcased just how far the duo has come.

#8: “Stay” F*ck Love 3: Over You (2020)

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If there’s one thing Bieber excels at, it’s achieving cross-genre success, and this pop rock team-up with The Kid LAROI is no exception. “Stay” soared to the top of charts in more than twenty countries and gathered a list of record-breaking accolades too long to name. Fueled by the resurgence of the pop punk style, this tune that explores the ups and downs of toxic love quickly caught gen-z’s attention. It marked a decade’s worth of radio accolades for Bieber and became The Kid LAROI’s first number one single, launching the Australian rapper and singer to new levels of fame.

In a diversion from his light-hearted pop style, whispered “swag” adlibs set the scene for Bieber’s new sound. The first single off his 2012 album was initially met with mixed critical reception, but it would later go on to become a huge commercial success. The track debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Canadian Hot 100, and even reached the number two spot in the UK. In retrospect, the lyrically iconic song that brought a new meaning to fondue feels ahead of its time. Few pop hits really stick, but it looks like this one will never let us go.

#6: “What Do You Mean?” Purpose (2015)

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We’re nodding our heads yes to this catchy track that roared onto the music scene in 2015, breaking records in Canada with more than three million streams in its first week alone. As the lead single off the “Purpose” album, this dance pop track exudes fun simplicity with a groovy, bouncing rhythm. “What Do You Mean?” rose to the top of charts worldwide and became Bieber’s first number one single in multiple countries. Years later, the music video has over 2 billion views and remains in the top 70 most-viewed videos of all time on YouTube.

#5: “Despacito” feat. Justin Bieber Vida (2019)

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The story goes that after Bieber heard Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” at a Columbian club, his team quickly reached out to inquire about a collaboration. Remixes rarely hold a candle to an original’s commercial success, but this knockout is a notable exception. Bieber’s first foray into the Latin music scene was named “Collaboration of the Year,” earned three Grammy nominations, won multiple Billboard Music awards, and topped charts internationally. The suave Spanglish pop song became the first primarily-Spanish song to exceed one billion Spotify streams, and its record-shattering reign over the summer of 2017 is impossible to forget.

#4: “Baby” feat. Ludacris My World 2.0 (2010)

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With lyrics like Shakespeare’s and melodies like Mozart’s, “Baby” stands the test of time as Bieber’s most recognizable hit. It ruled the early 2010’s and remains a karaoke crowd-favorite today. While the song was initially looked down upon as a cheesy teeny-bop track without substance, “Baby” would go on to be certified twelve times platinum in the US. Whether he liked it or not, this catchy melody would define Bieber’s career. It easily could have made Bieber a one-hit wonder, but it turns out this was only setting the stage for even greater success to come.

Just over a decade into his career, Bieber added yet another Grammy nomination to his legacy with this relaxed radio gem. The soulful R&B track debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned Bieber a slew of record-breaking chart performances worldwide. The song rose to success alongside his 2021 album “Justice,” cementing his reputation as a consistent pop-hit veteran. While the song heavily borrows from Daniel Caesar and Giveon’s styles, Bieber’s call and response vocals are hopelessly catchy, and the viral tune is well on its way to becoming another Bieber classic.

#2: “Love Yourself” Purpose (2015)

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This stripped-back single off the “Purpose” album is a breath of fresh air in the Bieber timeline. Written by Ed Sheeran, the track packs more of a lyrical punch than some of Bieber’s earlier love songs. Brassy interludes are woven into this acoustic criticism of a self-obsessed lover, highlighting two of the singer’s greatest strengths: a catchy pop hook and intact confidence. It’s no surprise that the acoustic venture took the world by storm. “Love Yourself” topped charts in fifteen countries, was declared the top-performing single of 2016, and has since been certified multiple times platinum in more than ten countries. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Friends” (2017) A Catchy Pop Theme Song for the Friendzone “All That Matters”, Journals (2013) Bieber’s R&B Profession of Love “Stuck With U” (2020) A Pandemic Pop Star Collaboration for Charity “One Time”, My World (2009) Bieber’s First Single Release “Holy” feat. Chance the Rapper, Justice (2021) A Gospel-Style Track Focused on Faith

#1: “Sorry” Purpose (2015)

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While his success as an artist is undeniable, Bieber hasn’t always had the best reputation. “Purpose” represents his journey as a maturing artist working to redefine his relationship with the spotlight. “Sorry” is more of a catchy dance showpiece than a true apology, but it does manage to capture the feeling of finally letting go. Another international chart-topper, the latin-influenced sensation sold over 10 million digital copies in the span of a year. The music video passed “Baby” and climbed into the top 20 most viewed videos on YouTube, with over three billion views and counting. In 2015 and beyond, the public’s response to Bieber’s evolving style proves his popularity extends far beyond teenage nostalgia.