On Canada Day, let’s highlight the influence of Canadian musicians on some of the world’s biggest hits across various genres like hip-hop, rock, pop, dance, and country. From song production to mixing, engineering, sampling, and songwriting, Canadian talents have left their mark on notable tracks by artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Bonnie Raitt, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
1. The Rolling Stones’ 1997 song “Anybody Seen My Baby?” had a chorus that bore resemblance to k.d. lang’s Grammy-winning 1992 track “Constant Craving.” After recognizing the similarity, lang and her co-writer, Ben Mink, were credited for their contribution to the song.
2. Rihanna’s hit “Cheers (Drink to That)” from 2010 sampled Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You.” Although Rihanna initially wanted Lavigne to feature on the song, the sampled vocals added a unique touch to the track, enhancing its vibe.
3. BTS’s chart-topping track “Butter” was co-written by Calgary songwriter Jenna Andrews, known for her work with various artists. The song’s creation was inspired by a reference to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” leading to the catchy hook that became a standout element.
4. British rapper Skepta’s energetic song “Shutdown” featured a Canadian touch with a sample of Drake’s voice at the intro and outro, adding an extra layer of depth to the track. The collaboration between the two artists extended to a live performance at Wireless Festival in London.
5. Recording engineer Serban Ghenea played a pivotal role in mixing Sabrina Carpenter’s hit “Please, Please, Please” from her award-winning album “Short n’ Sweet.” Ghenea’s impressive portfolio includes work with top artists like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, earning him multiple Grammy awards.
6. Kendrick Lamar’s “The Blacker the Berry,” produced by Canadians Boi-1da and Koz, featured an aggressive hip-hop idea suggested by Kardinal Offishall. The collaboration resulted in a powerful track that resonated with listeners worldwide.
7. Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa’s chart-topping collaboration “One Kiss,” co-written by Toronto R&B singer Jessie Reyez, became a summer anthem in 2018. Reyez’s contribution to the songwriting process added a captivating element to the infectious chorus, leading to its widespread success.
8. Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of “Made Up Mind,” originally by Winnipeg duo the Bros. Landreth, showcased the synergy between the artists. The Bros. Landreth’s song caught Raitt’s attention, eventually leading to her cover of the track on her album “Just Like That.”
9. Miley Cyrus’s disco-pop single “End of the World” featured songwriting and production credits from Alvvays members Molly Rankin and Alec O’Hanley, along with producer Shawn Everett. The collaboration resulted in a refreshing take on the genre, highlighting the diverse talents involved in the creation process.
10. The fusion hit “Mad Love” by Sean Paul, David Guetta, and Becky G, produced by Montreal duo Banx and Ranx, was a testament to the trend of blending different musical styles. The collaboration brought together unique elements to create a platinum-selling track that resonated with audiences globally.