The hit song “Eenie Meenie” was a star-studded affair right from the get-go. Penned by Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber, the song also had an impressive lineup of songwriters including, Carlos Battey, Steven Battey, Marcos Palacios, Ernest Clark, and the prolific Benny Blanco, who also handled the production.
Initially intended as the lead single for Kingston‘s third studio album Back 2 Life, the song was mysteriously dropped from the album but found a new home on Bieber’s debut studio album, My World 2.0. Here’s everything to know about Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber’s hit “Eenie Meenie.”
How did Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber mesh their sounds?
The song is a delightful dance-pop number infused with R&B and reggae fusion elements. Written in the key of D♭ major, “Eenie Meenie” features a catchy synthesized backbeat, which perfectly complements the vocal interplay between Kingston and Bieber. The tempo is upbeat, moving at 120 beats per minute, and it’s set in common time. One of the song’s defining features is its clever use of the children’s rhyme “Eenie Meenie Miny Moe,” which adds a playful yet relatable touch to its lyrics about an indecisive lover.
Here’s what fans think about “Eenie Meenie.”
Critics had varied opinions about “Eenie Meenie,” but its infectiousness was undeniable. Kyle Anderson of MTV praised the song for blending Kingston’s “island-inflected dance-pop” with Bieber’s “sweet tween R&B.” A reviewer from DJBooth highlighted the irresistibility of the chorus, which, love it or hate it, would worm its way into your head.
Chris Richards of The Washington Post noted that while the song was catchy, Kingston tended to “hog the mike.” Rudy Klapper of Sputnikmusic found the lyrics disturbing yet unintentionally hilarious, criticizing the production for its juvenile elements. Luke O’Neil from The Boston Globe pointed out the song’s sultry reggaeton feel, repackaged for the tween set.
Chart Performance: A Global Sensation
“Eenie Meenie” made a significant impact on the charts worldwide. In the United States, the song debuted at number thirty on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaked at number fifteen. It was certified platinum by the RIAA, with over a million units sold.
In Australia, the song debuted at number forty-nine on the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart, peaking at number eleven and earning a gold certification. The UK Singles Chart saw “Eenie Meenie” debut at number fifty-eight, climbing to a peak position of number nine. The song also performed well in Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand, where it reached the top ten and was certified gold.
A Look at “the”Eenie Meenie” Numbers
- United States: Peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, certified platinum.
- Australia: Peaked at #11 on the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart, certified gold.
- UK: Peaked at #9 on the UK Singles Chart.
- Canada: Debuted at #14 on the Canadian Hot 100, certified gold.
- New Zealand: Peaked at #5, certified gold.
Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston’s Music Video for “Eenie Meenie.”
The music video for “Eenie Meenie” is as vibrant and fun as the song itself. Directed by Ray Kay, who also directed Bieber’s “Baby” video, the clip features Kingston and Bieber at a pool party at a luxurious condo. The plot revolves around both singers being pursued by the same girl, ultimately catching her in the act of playing both of them.
Kingston explained the choice of the lead girl, emphasizing the need for someone who could believably flirt with both a 16-year-old Bieber and a 20-year-old Kingston. The video includes appearances by Bieber’s friend Christian Beadles, rapper Lil Romeo, and singer/actress Jasmine Villegas, whose appearance fueled rumors of a romantic link with Bieber.
Jocelyn Vena of MTV News described the video as a play-by-play of the girl’s flirtations with both singers, culminating in her getting caught. Despite the betrayal, Kingston and Bieber remain friends, handling the situation with cool nonchalance. The video has been a massive hit on YouTube, amassing over 644 million views as of November 2023.
Bieber “Eenie Meenie” is still on the charts.
“Eenie Meenie” remains a memorable track in the discographies of both Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber. For Kingston, it was a moment to showcase his versatility and ability to collaborate with rising stars. For Bieber, the song was a significant part of his early career, helping to cement his status as a pop sensation.
The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics captured the essence of 2010s pop music, making it a staple on radio stations and party playlists alike. Its blend of dance-pop, R&B, and reggae fusion created a sound that was both fresh and familiar, appealing to a wide audience.
How did “Eenie Meenie” Impact Justin and Sean’s Careers?
For Bieber, “Eenie Meenie” was another stepping stone on his meteoric rise to fame. Following the success of his debut album, My World 2.0, Bieber continued to dominate the music scene with hit after hit, eventually becoming one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
For Kingston, the song highlighted his ability to create chart-topping collaborations. Despite the initial plans for “Eenie Meenie” to be part of his album falling through, the track’s success reinforced his reputation as a versatile artist capable of crossing genres and appealing to diverse audiences.
Behind the Scenes: Songwriting and Production Credits
The creation of “Eenie Meenie” was a collaborative effort involving some of the industry’s top talents. Here’s a look at the key players who brought the song to life:
- Songwriting: Kisean Anderson (Sean Kingston), Justin Bieber, Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco), Carlos Battey, Steven Battey, Marcos Palacios, Ernest Clark
- Production: Benny Blanco
- Drums, Keyboards, and Programming: Benny Blanco
- Background Vocals: Carlos Battey, Steven Battey
- Engineering: Benny Blanco, Sam Holland
- Vocal Production and Recording: Thaddis Harrell (Bieber’s vocals), assisted by Travis Harrington
- Vocal Production: Greg Ogan, Steve Siravo
- Production Coordination: Jeremy Levin, Todd Rubenstein, assisted by B. Cough and Dooey
- Mixing: Serban Ghenea, engineered for mix by John Hanes, assisted by Tim Roberts
- Editing: Matt Beckley, assisted by Jimmy James
The song was recorded at the King of Kings Studio in Miami, Florida, a fitting location for a track that exudes tropical vibes and sunny energy.
Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston created something unforgettable with “Eenie Meenie.”
“Eenie Meenie” is more than just a catchy pop song; it’s a snapshot of a moment in music history when Sean Kingston and Justin Bieber joined forces to create something unforgettable. From its playful lyrics and infectious beat to its vibrant music video and chart-topping success, the song has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
As we look back on the song over a decade later, it’s clear that “Eenie Meenie” was a pivotal moment for both artists. It showcased Kingston’s knack for creating hits that blend genres and Bieber’s emerging star power, setting the stage for their continued success in the music industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, “Eenie Meenie” remains a timeless tune that captures the fun and excitement of pop music at its best.
Featured Image Credit : Instagram/@seankingston;@justinbieber;@rorykramer