Wikipedia

Monster (Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber song)

"Monster" is a song by Canadian singers Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber. It was released through Island Records as the second single from the former's fourth studio album, Wonder, on November 20, 2020. The song was produced by Frank Dukes and additionally produced by Matthew Tavares and Kaan Güneşberk. The two artists wrote it with Dukes alongside Daniel Caesar and Mustafa the Poet. All producers and songwriters are Canadian.

"Monster"
Single by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber
from the album Wonder
ReleasedNovember 20, 2020 (2020-11-20)
GenrePop
Length2:58
LabelIsland
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Frank Dukes
Shawn Mendes singles chronology
"Wonder"
(2020) 		"Monster"
(2020) 		"Count On Me"
(2021)
Justin Bieber singles chronology
"Mood (Remix)"
(2020) 		"Monster"
(2020) 		"Anyone"
(2021)
Music video
"Monster" on YouTube

Background

edit

Rumours about a possible collaboration began in July 2020 after Bieber and Mendes were spotted with American singer-songwriter Tori Kelly, jamming around on a piano, when Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, posted videos of them.[1][2] In August 2020, the two artists were spotted with Bieber's wife, American model Hailey Bieber, at American record producer Andrew Watt's recording studio in Los Angeles, California,[3][4] fuelling speculation of an upcoming collaboration between the two Canadian artists.[5][6][7] During an interview on Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp on October 6, 2020, Mendes was asked if he turned down a collaboration with Bieber in September, to which he replied: "Is this you trying to get me to confirm that I have a collaboration with Justin Bieber? I didn't last month". He said that it would be "insane" for him to turn it down, considering that Bieber has been one of his favourite artists since he was nine years old. He stated that he cannot confirm or deny", but added that their relationship in the past six months leading up to the time of the interview has grown closer.[8][9] "It's really cool to have him as a mentor in a lot of ways, just to kind of talk through stuff with, because there's not many people who do this type of stuff," he furtherly explained,[10][11][12][13] describing Bieber as "freakishly talented".[14] The song marks the first time the two singers have worked together.[15][16] In an exclusive interview for Apple Music, Mendes told Zane Lowe that the single is "about how society can put celebrities up on a pedestal and watch them fall". Mendes called it "one of the most special songs" he had ever written.[17]

Composition and lyrics

edit

"Monster" is a pop song that is set in the key of D minor with a tempo of 146 beats per minute.[18][19] Lyrically, the song is about the pitfalls and pressure of stardom. Mendes stated: "It's about how society can put celebrities up on a pedestal and watch them fall and it seems to be this entertainment thing. And it's hard."[17]

Release and promotion

edit

The song was first revealed on September 29, 2020, when Mendes launched an interactive VR experience on a website for the album, in which a "set list" showed a track titled "Monster" with a special guest.[20][21] On November 13, 2020, Mendes released the official album tracklist, confirming the song's title, while its co-lead artist remains unannounced.[22] On November 16, 2020, Mendes and Bieber both posted a 13-second teaser clip on social media, officially announcing the release date of the collaboration,[23] which serves as the second single from the album after "Wonder".[24][25] The teaser features a synthy instrumental playing in the background, with the song's title, release date and the two artist's names overlaid on top of four outdoor scenes in dimly lit and foggy conditions,[26][27] including an empty street with streetlights, a forest, and an empty platform with stairs.[28][29] On November 18, 2020, Mendes and Bieber posted the song's cover art on social media,[30] as well as pre-order links for the single,[31][32] which includes limited CD singles with two different exclusive covers available on the singers' respective online stores.[33][34]

Accolades

edit
Awards and nominations for "Monster"
Year Organization Award Result Ref(s)
2021 MTV Millennial Awards Brazil International Collaboration Won [35]

Music video

edit

The music video was directed by Colin Tilley and released via YouTube on November 20, 2020.[36] The video is shot in one single take, and starts with Mendes walking through the woods onto a cube platform with stairs and continuing his performance there, before being joined by Bieber.[37] Video director Rory Kramer released several images of the production on Instagram, including one showing a crane on location with a platform that enabled the camera operator to capture the video in a single take.[38] The scenario captures the emotions in the song and what it is about.

Commercial performance

edit

The song debuted and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Mendes' sixth top 10 and Bieber's 21st in the United States. Monster also debuted in the top ten in over fifteen countries, including the UK and Australia. Elsewhere, the song debuted at number one in Denmark and Canada, making it Mendes's second number one single and Bieber's 11th in the latter.

Live performances

edit

Bieber and Mendes performed the song for the first time at the American Music Awards of 2020 on November 22, 2020.[39]

Credits and personnel

edit

Credits adapted from Tidal.[40]

Charts

edit

Certifications

edit
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[91] 2× Platinum 140,000‡
Austria (IFPI Austria)[92] Gold 15,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[93] 2× Diamond 320,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[94] 3× Platinum 240,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[95] Platinum 90,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[96] Gold 35,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[97] Gold 15,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[98] Gold 30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[99] Platinum 50,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[100] Platinum 10,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[101] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[102] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[103] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

edit
Release dates and formats for "Monster"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various November 20, 2020
[40][104]
Italy Radio airplay Universal [105]
United States November 24, 2020 Contemporary hit radio
[106]

References

edit
  1. ^ Furdyk, Brent (July 9, 2020). "Fans Are Freaking Out Over Video Of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes & Tori Kelly Jamming In The Studio". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  2. ^ Pappaianni, Kayla (October 10, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Cannot 'Confirm Nor Deny' Justin Bieber Collaboration". CISS-FM. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  3. ^ Foxwell, Georgia (August 20, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Heads To The Studio With Justin Bieber & Ex Hailey Bieber". Capital. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  4. ^ Pinkvilla Desk (October 7, 2020). "Shawn Mendes HINTS at collaboration with Justin Bieber in the works; Says JB is 'one of my favourite artists'". Pinkvilla. Mumbai. Archived from the original on November 21, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  5. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (August 20, 2020). "Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber Were Spotted in the Same Recording Studio Sparking Collab Rumors". Seventeen. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  6. ^ Krol, Jacklyn (October 7, 2020). "Is Shawn Mendes Collaborating With Justin Bieber?". PopCrush. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  7. ^ Policarpio, Allan (October 14, 2020). "Shawn Mendes-Justin Bieber collab in the offing?". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  8. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (October 7, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Says He Grew Closer to Justin Bieber Amid Collaboration Rumorsc". Seventeen. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  9. ^ Darkins, Will (October 8, 2020). "Shawn Mendes is coy about potential collab with Justin Bieber". Radio.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  10. ^ Rice, Nicholas (October 7, 2020). "Shawn Mendes 'Cannot Confirm Nor Deny' He Has an Upcoming Collab with Justin Bieber". People. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  11. ^ Star, Regina (October 7, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Teases Possible Justin Bieber Collaboration". iHeartRadio. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  12. ^ Furdyk, Brent (October 6, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Hints At Upcoming Collab With Justin Bieber, Will Neither 'Confirm Nor Deny'". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  13. ^ Costantino, George (October 8, 2020). "Shawn Mendes won't 'confirm or deny' duet with Justin Bieber". ABC News Radio. Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  14. ^ Kennedy, John R. (October 7, 2020). "Did Shawn Mendes Record A Song With Justin Bieber?". iHeartRadio. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  15. ^ "Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes come together for newly announced collaboration". CBC News. November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  16. ^ "Shawn Mendes teams up with Justin Bieber on upcoming single 'Monster'". Tri-City News. Toronto. The Canadian Press. November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  17. ^ a b Aniftos, Rania (November 20, 2020). "Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber Face the 'Monster' Inside In Powerful New Single: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  18. ^ White, Caitlin (November 20, 2020). "Shawn Mendes And Justin Bieber Confront Their Inner 'Monster' For An Eerie Pop Collaboration". Uproxx. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  19. ^ Mendes, Shawn; Bieber, Justin; Feeney, Adam; Simmonds, Ashton; Ahmed, Mustafa (20 November 2020). "Monster". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  20. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (September 29, 2020). "Shawn Mendes's New Album Details Might Have Been Leaked". Seventeen. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  21. ^ Kennedy, John R. (October 1, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Shares 'Wonder' Release". iHeartRadio. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  22. ^ Atad, Corey (October 1, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Announces 'Wonder' Release Date & Mystery Collab". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  23. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (November 16, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Reveals New Collaboration with Justin Bieber, 'Monster'". Seventeen. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  24. ^ Rose, Anna (November 17, 2020). "Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes tease new collaborative single 'Monster'". NME. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  25. ^ Cingrana, Joe (November 16, 2020). "Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber announce 'Monster' Duet arriving Friday". WBBM-FM. Radio.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  26. ^ Aniftos, Rania (November 16, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Announces New Collaboration With Justin Bieber". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  27. ^ Coetzee, Nikita (November 17, 2020). "Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber are joining forces on a new track". News24. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  28. ^ Fields, Taylor (November 17, 2020). "Shawn Mendes Reveals 'Monster' Justin Bieber Collab: See The Eerie Teaser". WQLX. iHeartRadio. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  29. ^ Trujillo, Jovita (November 17, 2020). "Shawn Mendes announces new collaboration with Justin Bieber". ¡Hola!. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  30. ^ Mendes, Shawn [@ShawnMendes] (November 18, 2020). "#MONSTER friday with @justinbieber" (Tweet). Retrieved November 19, 2020 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Mendes, Shawn [@ShawnMendes] (November 18, 2020). "Limited #MONSTER CD singles available this week only, plus exclusive covers on each of our stores" (Tweet). Retrieved November 19, 2020 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ Bieber, Justin [@justinbieber] (November 18, 2020). "#MONSTER CDs available now. Exclusive cover on my store" (Tweet). Retrieved November 19, 2020 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ "Limited Monster CD Single Exclusive Shawn Cover". Shawn Mendes Official Store. November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  34. ^ "Limited Monster CD Single Exclusive Justin Cover". Justin Bieber Shop. November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  35. ^ "Luísa Sonza, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar: confira os indicados do 'MTV MIAW 2021'" [Luísa Sonza, Anitta, Pabllo Vittar: check out the 'MTV MIAW 2021' nominees] (in Portuguese). UOL. August 23, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  36. ^ Mendes, Shawn (November 20, 2020). "Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber - Monster". Retrieved November 20, 2020 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ Bowsher, Allison (November 20, 2020). "Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes team up for 'Monster'". etalk. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  38. ^ Rory, Kramer (November 20, 2020). "Some photos I took at the Monster music video shoot...out now. @justinbieber @shawnmendes". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  39. ^ Daly, Rhian (November 23, 2020). "Watch Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes open AMAs 2020 with 'Monster'". NME. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  40. ^ a b Mendes, Shawn (November 20, 2020). "Credits / Monster / Shawn Mendes – TIDAL". Retrieved November 20, 2020 – via Tidal.
  41. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Chart History (Argentina Hot 100)" Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Singles for Shawn Mendes. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  42. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  43. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  44. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  45. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  46. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  47. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  48. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  49. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  50. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 15. týden 2021 in the date selector. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  51. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 48. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  52. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". Tracklisten. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  53. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  54. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  55. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  56. ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 48/2020". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on December 7, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  57. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  58. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  59. ^ "Tónlistinn – Lög" [The Music – Songs] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on December 7, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  60. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  61. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". Top Digital Download. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  62. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  63. ^ "#RIMChart Top 20 Most Streamed International + Domestic song Week 48 (20/11/20- 26/11/20)". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  64. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History (Mexico Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  65. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 52, 2020" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  66. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  67. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  68. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". VG-lista. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  69. ^ "Total Streams Peru: Semana 45 (05/11/2021 to 11/11/2021)" (PDF) (in Spanish). Unión Peruana de Productores Fonográficos. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 27, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  70. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  71. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  72. ^ "TOP 100 - Lista". Audiogest. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  73. ^ Arvunescu, Victor (1 March 2021). "Top Airplay 100 - Început de primăvară, cu Alina Eremia pe primul loc!" [Top Airplay 100 – Beginning of spring, with Alina Eremia on the top!] (in Romanian). Un site de muzică. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  74. ^ "Top 50 – Radio San Marino RTV – 28/01/2021" (in Italian). San Marino RTV. January 28, 2021. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  75. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  76. ^ "RIAS International Top Charts Week 48". Recording Industry Association Singapore. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  77. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 1. týden 2021 in the date selector. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  78. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 48. týden 2020 in the date selector. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  79. ^ "SloTop50 – Slovenian official singles chart". slotop50.si. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  80. ^ "Top 100 Songs Weekly". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  81. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". Singles Top 100. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  82. ^ "Shawn Mendes / Justin Bieber – Monster". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  83. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  84. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  85. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  86. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  87. ^ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  88. ^ "Track Top-100 2021". Hitlisten. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  89. ^ "Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  90. ^ "Top AFP/Audiogest – Semanas 01 a 52 de 2021 – De 01/01/2021 a 30/12/2021" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  91. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  92. ^ "Austrian single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  93. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Monster" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  94. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Monster". Music Canada. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  95. ^ "Danish single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  96. ^ "Italian single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  97. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber – Monster". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  98. ^ "Norwegian single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  99. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  100. ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  101. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  102. ^ "British single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  103. ^ "American single certifications – Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber – Monster". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  104. ^ "Monster CD Single". Shawn Mendes Official Store. November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  105. ^ "SHAWN MENDES 'Monster' | (Radio Date: 20/11/2020)". radiodate.it. November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  106. ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monster_(Shawn_Mendes_and_Justin_Bieber_song)&oldid=1258647917"