What is Open Wide by Benny Blanco
Open Wide is a song by American producer and songwriter Benny Blanco, released in 2015. It features guest vocals from Canadian singer Shawn Mendes and was co-written by Ed Sheeran. The track appears on Benny Blanco’s debut studio album, titled Friends Keep Secrets, and represents his approach to pop songwriting in the mid-2010s. Below is a quick reference table with verified details about the track.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Artist | Benny Blanco | Label and publishing sources |
| Featured Artist | Shawn Mendes | Official release credits |
| Co-writers | Ed Sheeran, Benny Blanco, others | PRO and liner notes |
| Release Year | 2015 | Official music catalog |
| Album | Friends Keep Secrets | Album liner and streaming metadata |
Song context and production
Open Wide was built around a sample of the well known nursery rhyme "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," which informed its playful and accessible melody. Benny Blanco handled production alongside collaborators, layering soft synths and gentle percussion to create a bright, midtempo pop texture. The collaboration with Shawn Mendes brought a youthful vocal tone that aligned with Blanco's signature style of crafting radio friendly pop songs with broad appeal.
Release and commercial performance
Open Wide appeared as part of Friends Keep Secrets in late 2015 and received airplay on pop formats. While it did not evolve into a major chart topper, it maintained steady streaming numbers and modest airplay in the years following its release. The track is frequently cataloged under both Blanco’s discography and Shawn Mendes’s early work, reflecting its role as a cross artist feature within a debut album.
Songwriting and credits
The writing credits for Open Wide include Benny Blanco and Ed Sheeran, along with additional contributors listed in performance rights organization (PRO) records. The involvement of high profile writers like Sheeran helped frame the song within contemporary pop songwriting circles. Accurate metadata on platforms such as streaming services and music databases typically list these names alongside publisher and label information.
Live performances and appearances
Open Wide has been included in set lists during promotional periods for Friends Keep Secrets and select festival appearances. While not a frequent centerpiece in long running tours, the song is occasionally featured in Blanco’s showcases that highlight his production catalog. These performances tend to emphasize its melodic hooks and the vocal interplay between Blanco and any featured guest.
Comparisons with Benny Blanco’s other work
In the landscape of Benny Blanco’s output, Open Wide occupies a middle ground between chart dominant hits and album tracks that prioritize playful experimentation. Unlike songs that leaned heavily on minimalist production or superstar features, Open Wide combines a simple melodic sample with contemporary pop arrangements. This balance illustrates how Blanco used sample based ideas to broaden the appeal of his debut album.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Open Wide samples another song
- Yes, the track is built around a sample of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, which shapes its chorus and melodic identity.
- Who sings on Open Wide
- Shawn Mendes provides the featured vocals, while Benny Blanco handles production and background vocal arrangements.
- Did Open Wide chart highly
- It did not reach major chart peaks, though it gathered modest streaming and airplay within its release window.
- Who wrote Open Wide
- The writing credits include Benny Blanco and Ed Sheeran, along with additional writers listed in performance rights databases.
Summary
Open Wide by Benny Blanco is a sample driven pop song from 2015 that showcases his approach to melodic, accessible production. With features from Shawn Mendes and co writing from Ed Sheeran, it fits within Blanco’s early album Friends Keep Secrets and reflects mid 2010s pop sensibilities. Despite limited chart impact, the track remains a recognizable entry in his catalog, particularly for listeners interested in sample based pop production and cross artist collaborations.