I Don't Care (Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber song)

Composition and production

Musically the track blends contemporary pop songwriting with electronic production elements and a clean, hook-driven structure intended for broad commercial appeal. Writing credits include both performers and songwriter Jason Boyd (often credited as Poo Bear), along with producers Fred Gibson, Max Martin and Shellback. Production duties created a polished sound emphasizing rhythmic grooves, layered vocals and a memorable chorus designed for streaming and airplay.

Credits and collaborators

• Artists: Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber
• Writers: Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Jason Boyd (Poo Bear), Fred Gibson, Max Martin, Shellback
• Producers: Fred Gibson, Max Martin, Shellback

The combination of Sheeran and Bieber reunited collaborators with a history of writing success: Sheeran had previously co-written Bieber's 2015 hit "Love Yourself" and both artists also participated on the charity single "Earth" by Lil Dicky earlier in 2019. The involvement of long-time pop producers Max Martin and Shellback contributed to the single's mainstream sound profile.

Release, reception and chart performance

Upon release, "I Don't Care" achieved immediate commercial success in several major markets. It debuted at number one in the United Kingdom and Australia, and entered the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States at number two, also reaching number two in New Zealand. Critical response tended to note the song's catchy refrain and the chemistry between the two vocalists; commentary varied on whether the track represented creative risk or a deliberate, successful embrace of contemporary pop conventions.

As the lead single from No.6 Collaborations Project, the song helped set the tone for an album built around duets and high-profile pairings. Beyond chart entries, the single illustrated the continued commercial potency of collaborations between established artists and the central role of experienced pop producers in shaping late-2010s mainstream music.