9 Famous Songs That Were Written by Other Artists

You may not be surprised to learn that these days most recording artists don’t even write their own songs. Still, you may be shocked to hear that other equally-famous artists are responsible for the songs’ lyrics. Here are nine popular songs that were written by other artists. Wait until you find out who actually wrote the 1960’s diva anthem, Respect.

1. Rita Ora, “RIP”

Often referred to as the UK’s version of Rihanna, R&B singer Rita Ora rose to fame in early 2012 with her debut album, Ora. But she did not write the record’s number-one selling hit “RIP.” Canadian rapper Drake did. Ironically enough, he originally wrote the single for Rihanna, but Riri didn’t love it, so the rising star took it over and made it her own.

2. Cee Lo Green, “F**k You”

The 2010 summer hit, “F**k You” by Cee Lo Green was not actually written by the Gnarls Barley band member. We can thank Bruno Mars for this catchy yet straight-forward hook that’s still stuck in our heads.

3. Britney Spears, “Till the World Ends”

Before she became famous, Ke$ha was earning a living writing tracks for other pop stars. She’s the true lyricist behind Brit-Brit’s 2011 dance-pop single, “Till the World Ends.”

4. Miley Cyrus, “Party in the U.S.A.

Miley’s PG rated 2009 party anthem was not actually penned by Miss Cyrus herself. The edgy British songstress, Jessie J, is responsible for the summertime single that went platinum seven times!

5. Aretha Franklin, “RESPECT”

The R&B singer’s signature feminist track was originally written and released by the late, great Otis Redding. But when Franklin covered the 1965 single it quickly became one of the best songs of the R&B era, earning her two Grammy Awards in 1968. “Respect” was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1987.

6. Michael Jackson, “You Are Not Alone”

MJ fans around the world would be shocked to hear that the 1995 ballad was not written by the late star. R&B singer R. Kelly composed the lyrics about difficult times he was facing in his personal life. He sent the track to Jackson who loved the record and the pair decided to produce it together.

7. Dr. Dre, “Still D.R.E.”

Although the song appeared to be a self-proclaimed announcement to the hip-hop industry that the “Doctor” was back, Dre himself was not responsible for the song’s lyrics. Fellow hip-hop mogul Jay Z actually wrote the 2001 hit that sold over four million copies.

8. Beyonce, “Irreplaceable”

Queen B’s 2006 female empowerment ballad was only recorded by the musical diva. The song, written by Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith was originally a country record, but it was re-arranged as a mid-tempo ballad with pop and R&B influences. “Irreplaceable” earned several awards, including Best R&B/Soul Single at the 2007 Soul Train Music Awards. It was also nominated for the Record of the Year award at the 50th Grammy Awards.

9. Rihanna, “Diamonds”

You may be surprised to hear that Riri’s 2012 hit, “Diamonds” was not penned by the Barbadian beauty. Singer-songwriter Sia lent her talents to write the chart-topping song for Rihanna’s Unapologetic album.

Did any of these songs that were written by other artists surprise you?