Martina Huber/ Regeringskansliet | CC BY 2.0
The first quarter of the 21st century—a 25-year period spanning from January 1, 2000, to December 28, 2024—has given the world 327 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While nearly a thousand writers contributed to these songs, a select, elite group dominates the history books. Billboard’s comprehensive yearlong retrospective, detailed by Gary Trust, has culminated in the release of the definitive list of The Top 25 Songwriters of the 21st Century, celebrating the masterminds who penned the most chart-toppers.
Chart-Toppers and Culture Shapers
The countdown reveals a fascinating mix of creators, blending legendary recording artists with powerful, behind-the-scenes producers and writers. The ranking features numerous names you know instantly as performers, including superstars like Drake (No. 3), Taylor Swift (No. 4), and Beyoncé (No. 5). These artists prove that being a phenomenal performer often goes hand-in-hand with being a prolific writer. Other major acts who made the top 25 include Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber.
The Power of the Pen
Equally important are the “behind-the-scenes” hitmakers who define the sound of an era. The top 25 is filled with these musical masterminds, from Jack Antonoff and benny blanco to production royalty like Timbaland and Pharrell Williams. The ranking system was rigorous, breaking ties between songwriters by counting their total number of top 10s and overall chart entries in the nearly 25-year span. Impressively, every writer on the list secured at least six No. 1 hits, with the top eight talents all boasting double-digit totals.
The Reign of Max Martin
After a week-long unveiling that saw writers ranked from Nos. 25-21 on Monday through the top five on Friday, the chart god has been crowned. The title of the Top Songwriter of the 21st Century belongs to the unparalleled Swedish writer and producer, Max Martin (No. 1). Known for crafting countless iconic pop anthems across multiple decades, Martin’s total number of No. 1 hits secured his place at the very top. This list powerfully encapsulates the enduring influence of the writer—whether they step into the spotlight or work quietly behind the mixing board. Check back for more as we continue to browse all of Billboard’s 21st Century Charts coverage!
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