In 2024, Max Martin passed George Martin, of Beatles lore, for the most.
Swedish producer and composer Max Martin attends the “& Julia” musical premiere at Stage Operettenhaus on October 30, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany.
Tristar Media/Getty Images
Max Martin boasts the most No. 1s among producers in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart.
The Swedish producer-songwriter tallied his 27th career leader as a producer on the Feb. 28, 2026-dated Hot 100, as Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” surged to No. 1. In January 2024, via Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?,” he earned his 24th No. 1, surpassing the late George Martin — who produced 19 of The Beatles’ record 20 No. 1s — for the most among producers over the chart’s archives.
Max Martin has also earned 29 Hot 100 No. 1s as writer, through the coronation of “Opalite,” the second-most after Paul McCartney, with 32.
Max Martin first dominated the Hot 100 both as a producer and writer when Britney Spears’ debut smash “…Baby One More Time” hit No. 1 on the Jan. 30, 1999-dated chart. He initially reached the ranking in both roles on the chart dated Oct. 28, 1995, when Backstreet Boys’ “We’ve Got It Goin’ On” debuted at No. 97. He notched his first two top 10s simultaneously on the July 12, 1997, chart, when Robyn’s “Do You Know (What It Takes)” and Backstreet Boys’ “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” rose to Nos. 9 and 10, respectively.
Among his triumphs, Max Martin cowrote and coproduced the No. 1 hit on the Hot 100’s Greatest of All Time Songs retrospective: The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”
For the star Swedish talent (born Karl Martin Sandberg), “What’s so impressive is that he’s always in tune with the times, which has enabled him to stay relevant all these years,” Dave Penn, cofounder of Hit Songs Deconstructed, which provides in-depth analysis of Hot 100 top 10 hits, told Billboard in 2021. “A decade ago, he was opting for more clubby dance beats and EDM-styled synths. But toward the end of the 2010s, he had embraced hip-hop and started including trap beats in songs.
“But while he has adjusted certain aspects of his writing and producing style over the years,” Penn mused, “what’s interesting is that many things have remained essentially the same. Melody reigns supreme when it comes to mainstream hits, and Max Martin is still the undisputed champion of pop melody. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Here’s a rundown of Max Martin’s unprecedented 27 Hot 100 No. 1s as a producer.
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“…Baby One More Time,” Britney Spears
Hot 100 peak date: Jan. 30, 1999 (two weeks at No. 1)
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“So What,” P!nk
Hot 100 peak date: Sept. 27, 2008 (one week at No. 1)
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“My Life Would Suck Without You,” Kelly Clarkson
Hot 100 peak date: Feb. 7, 2009 (two weeks at No. 1)
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“3,” Britney Spears
Hot 100 peak date: Oct. 24, 2009 (one week at No. 1)
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“California Gurls,” Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg
Hot 100 peak date: June 19, 2010 (six weeks at No. 1)
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“Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry
Hot 100 peak date: Sept. 18, 2010 (two weeks at No. 1)
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“Raise Your Glass,” P!nk
Hot 100 peak date: Dec. 11, 2010 (one week at No. 1)
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“Hold It Against Me,” Britney Spears
Hot 100 peak date: Jan. 29, 2011 (one week at No. 1)
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“E.T.,” Katy Perry feat. Kanye West
Hot 100 peak date: April 9, 2011 (five weeks at No. 1)
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“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.),” Katy Perry
Hot 100 peak date: Aug. 27, 2011 (two weeks at No. 1)
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“Part of Me,” Katy Perry
Hot 100 peak date: March 3, 2012 (one week at No. 1)
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“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Taylor Swift
Hot 100 peak date: Sept. 1, 2012 (three weeks at No. 1)
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“One More Night,” Maroon 5
Hot 100 peak date: Sept. 29, 2012 (nine weeks at No. 1)
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“Roar,” Katy Perry
Hot 100 peak date: Sept. 14, 2013 (two weeks at No. 1)
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“Dark Horse,” Katy Perry feat. Juicy J
Hot 100 peak date: Feb. 8, 2014 (four weeks at No. 1)
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“Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift
Hot 100 peak date: Sept. 6, 2014 (four weeks at No. 1)
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“Blank Space,” Taylor Swift
Hot 100 peak date: Nov. 29, 2014 (seven weeks at No. 1)
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“Bad Blood,” Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar
Hot 100 peak date: June 6, 2015 (one week at No. 1)
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“Can’t Feel My Face,” The Weeknd
Hot 100 peak date: Aug. 22, 2015 (three weeks at No. 1)
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“Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” Justin Timberlake
Hot 100 peak date: May 28, 2016 (one week at No. 1)
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“Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd
Hot 100 peak date: April 4, 2020 (four weeks at No. 1)
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“Save Your Tears,” The Weeknd & Ariana Grande
Hot 100 peak date: May 8, 2021 (two weeks at No. 1)
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“My Universe,” Coldplay X BTS
Hot 100 peak date: Oct. 9, 2021 (one week at No. 1)
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“Yes, And?,” Ariana Grande
Hot 100 peak date: Jan. 27, 2024 (one week at No. 1)
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“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” Ariana Grande
Hot 100 peak date: March 23, 2024 (one week at No. 1)
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“The Fate of Ophelia,” Taylor Swift
Hot 100 peak date: Oct. 18, 2025 (10 weeks at No. 1)
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“Opalite,” Taylor Swift
Hot 100 peak date: Feb. 28, 2026 (one week at No. 1 to date)
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Here Are All of Max Martin’s Record-Setting Hot 100 No. 1s as a Producer
Max Martin: The Hit-Making Powerhouse Behind Billboard’s Biggest Songs
Max Martin is a legendary name in the music industry, recognized as one of the most triumphant producers and songwriters of all time. His signature production style has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 charts for decades, shaping the sound of pop music from the late 1990s to today. Martin’s record-setting Hot 100 No. 1 songs showcase his ability to craft irresistible hooks, memorable melodies, and enduring hits that connect with audiences worldwide.
All of Max Martin’s Billboard Hot 100 no.1 Hits as a Producer
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing every Hot 100 No. 1 song produced by Max Martin,showcasing his huge impact on pop music history. This list reflects his consistent ability to produce chart-topping singles for a wide range of iconic artists.
| Year | song Title | artist | Duration at No. 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | …Baby One More Time | Britney Spears | 2 weeks |
| 2000 | I Wont It That Way | Backstreet Boys | 1 week |
| 2001 | It’s Gonna Be Me | *NSYNC | 2 weeks |
| 2008 | So What | P!nk | 1 week |
| 2009 | 3 | Britney Spears | 1 week |
| 2011 | Raise Your Glass | P!nk | 1 week |
| 2013 | Roar | Katy Perry | 2 weeks |
| 2015 | Can’t Feel My Face | The Weeknd | 3 weeks |
| 2015 | Bad Blood | Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar | 1 week |
| 2017 | Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | 12 weeks |
| 2018 | Thank U, Next | Ariana Grande | 7 weeks |
| 2019 | 7 Rings | Ariana Grande | 8 weeks |
| 2020 | Blinding Lights | The Weeknd | 4 weeks |
| 2021 | Save Your Tears (Remix) | The Weeknd & Ariana Grande | 1 week |
| 2022 | As It was | Harry Styles | 15 weeks |
Key Characteristics of Max Martin’s Production Style
Max Martin’s success on the Hot 100 charts is no accident. His production style has a distinct formula that resonates globally, contributing to his record-setting No. 1 singles. Here are some traits that define his work:
- Hook-Driven Melodies: Martin expertly crafts earworm choruses that stay stuck in listeners’ heads, a key factor in radio and streaming success.
- Polished Pop Arrangements: His songs are meticulously arranged, combining modern and timeless elements to appeal to broad audiences.
- Collaborative Songwriting: Max often co-writes with artists, tailoring the music to amplify their unique voices and styles.
- Genre-Bending Sounds: While rooted in pop, he experiments with R&B, dance, and rock, ensuring versatility without losing mass appeal.
- Strong Emotional Connect: His lyrics often balance upbeat vibes with relatable emotions, making the tracks universally impactful.
Max Martin’s Influence on Modern Pop Music
Max Martin’s influence extends beyond just producing No. 1 hits; he has shaped the sonic identity of multiple generations. His ability to stay relevant over decades is unmatched, consistently delivering hits in evolving music landscapes.
- Mentors and collaborators include artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd.
- His production has helped launch or revitalize careers, making him a go-to producer for pop’s biggest stars.
- He has impacted songwriting structures, often inspiring a more hook-centric and streamlined pop format.
Case Studies: iconic Max Martin No. 1 Hits and Their Success Stories
Case Study 1: “…Baby One More Time” – Britney spears (1999)
Launching Britney Spears into superstardom, this debut single became one of the fastest-selling singles of all time. max Martin’s infectious melody and perfectly voiced production helped the song dominate not only the Billboard Hot 100 but also international charts. The track’s success established the blueprint for late-90s pop: catchy, bold, and pure pop genius.
Case Study 2: “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran (2017)
One of the longest-running No. 1s in Hot 100 history, “Shape of You” showcased Martin’s adaptability, blending tropical house elements with classic pop songwriting. This song’s production highlights his skill in evolving with music trends while maintaining melodic integrity.
Case Study 3: “As It Was” – Harry Styles (2022)
The fifteen-week reign of “As It Was” exemplified max Martin’s continued dominance in the streaming era. Its textured instrumentation and reflective lyricism combined with infectious rhythms emphasize how Martin continues to produce culturally resonant hits.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Producers Inspired by Max Martin’s Success
- Master the Hook: Prioritize creating melodies that are simple yet unforgettable.
- Learn Song structure: Understand the balance between verses,pre-choruses,and choruses to maintain listener interest.
- Collaborate Creatively: Work closely with artists to capture their authentic voice while applying your production expertise.
- Stay Updated on Music Trends: Adapt your sound to evolving genres without losing a unique style.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on producing well-crafted songs rather than many mediocre tracks.
Summary Table: Max Martin’s No. 1 Hits – By Decade
| Decade | Number of No. 1 Hits | Notable Artists | Top Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 3 | Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys | …baby One More Time |
| 2000s | 5 | P!nk, Britney Spears, *NSYNC | So What |
| 2010s | 7 | Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift | Shape of You |
| 2020s | 3+ | The Weeknd, Harry Styles, Ariana grande | As It was |
FAQ: Understanding Max Martin’s Production Legacy
How many No. 1 hits does Max Martin have on the Billboard Hot 100?
As of 2026, Max Martin has produced over 20 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, a record-setting milestone that solidifies him as one of the greatest producers in music history.
What makes Max Martin’s production style unique?
His knack for crafting catchy hooks, polished pop arrangements, and his collaborative creative process tailored to each artist make his style highly distinctive and adaptable.
Which artists have Max Martin most frequently worked with?
Some of his most frequent collaborators include Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran.
Does Max Martin only produce pop music?
While primarily a pop producer, Max Martin skillfully incorporates elements from R&B, rock, dance, and other genres to keep his productions fresh and versatile.
