Imagine a world without Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, or Drake. Imagine a world with no PartyNextDoor, wait, no, I don’t want to imagine that. House parties all over the world would’ve been a little duller and heartbreaks would’ve been a little harder to mend without some of our iconic Canadian artists.
Let’s face it, Canada has gifted the world with so many amazing artists and with its 150th right around the corner, it's time that we received the thanks we deserve!
Here’s why…
Because in 2008, the world discovered Justin Drew Bieber and things have never been the same.
From YouTube videos to mega stardom, Justin Bieber has gifted the world with his musical talent. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny the fact that he has some serious talent… I mean how catchy is “Sorry”? But let’s start from the beginning, his “Never Say Never” concert movie became the highest grossing concert movie in US history. Oh and let’s not forget his latest song, Despacito, which is obviously the anthem of the summer. You’re welcome world.
Because The Weeknd dropped Trilogy and from that moment on, we were absolutely hooked.
This Starboy has conquered the world with his music from day one, and a lot of people are surprised when they hear that he comes from Toronto, Ontario. Yup, just another incredible Canadian artist that has shared with the world some amazing hit songs. Don’t believe me? Get this. All 18 songs from The Weeknd’s Starboy album made it to the Hot 100 Chart.
Because “Scars To Your Beautiful” was not only catchy but it taught the world to love themselves.
I remember when I first heard this song. I was completely heartbroken because I was able to relate on so many levels with Alessia Cara’s hit song, but I wasn’t the only one. "Scars To Your Beautiful" reached number 8 on Australia’s ARIA Charts. Alessia also dropped “How Far I’ll Go”, the pop single from Disney’s animated film Moana which is just as catchy as “Scars To Your Beautiful” and encourages listeners to find their way in the world. The feels guys, the feels.
Because PARTYNEXTDOOR made party playlists a whole lot better.
Or should I say Jahron Anthony Brathwaite… This Mississauga native was signed to Drake’s OVO Sound Record Label and he’s been producing dope music ever since. His songs were literally the anthem to my University years and they had the same effect overseas as well. Don't believe me?
Spotify’s Canada 150 Campaign brought the biggest fans of Canadian music to say “Thanks, Canada”, and one fan from England just so happens to be a big PARTYNEXTDOOR fan like moi.
Muhsin, I feel you. Security was definitely trying to turn up. And speaking of playlists...
Because without More Life, everyone’s Instagram captions would have been less lit.
“Don’t switch on me, I got big plans.” Let’s keep it 100 here… If I were to heavily creep your IG, I’m sure I would find at least one picture with a similar caption from one of Drake’s dope songs from his 2017 playlist, More Life. Oh, and can we also take a minute to reflect on how the world went cray over a PLAYLIST. Not even an album, a playlist.
Because "Dum Dee Dum" became the anthem of the summer in 2013.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was going through an EDM party phase during my first year of University and the one song that was constantly on replay was "Dum Dee Dum" by Keys N Krates. It made me come to life. It was also the song that introduced me to Tomorrowland, the popular EDM festival in Belgium, where Keys N Krates will be tearing up the stage this year! Talk about global domination!
Because no matter how long it has been, you still get the feels when you listen to LIGHTS.
Talk about nostalgia… do you guys remember when LIGHTS was just another singer from MySpace? Yeah, It’s been that long. But LIGHTS brought something wonderful out in all of us, no matter where we are in the world, with hits like "Drive My Soul", "Ice", and "Up We Go". Not only is she responsible for some wicked songs that we’ll never be able to forget, her comic book music videos were beyond cute.
Because if there was no Nelly Furtado, there would be no "Promiscuous".
Promiscuous girl
Wherever you are
I'm all alone
And it's you that I want
I KNOW you were singing along and I don't blame you. "Promiscuous" was everyone's jam in 2006. Now think about it, without Nelly Furtado, Timbaland would've never dropped this fire hit. Or he might have, but it would have been a one man show and let's be honest, the Vancouver native makes the song.
Can you imagine its been 11 years since this hit was released? And to think we still know all the lyrics.
It's obvious that these artists have made an impact in the music industry, not just in Canada but all across the globe, hits from Justin Bieber and PARTYNEXTDOOR are on constant replay. Why? Because nobody does music better than us.
Canada has honestly been gifting the world with amazing music for 150 years - and it's showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Make sure to head over to Spotify's Canada 150 hub, to listen to some of the best that Canada has to offer!
Fefe Dobson, Drake and Avril Lavigne. @champagnepapi | Instagram
Avril Lavigne and Nelly Furtado. @nellyfurtado | Instagram
Nelly Furtado and Alessia Cara. @nellyfurtado | Instagram