MARTIN’S HITS

This hit for Spears (below), was accused of advocating domestic violence until Martin explained “hit me” was slang for “call me”.

SINCE U BEEN GONE KELLY CLARKSON, 2004

Fierce pop-rock guitar anthem, inspired by

New York indie darlings Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with added choruses.

I KISSED A GIRL KATY PERRY, 2008

With its thundering glam-rock beat – and a chorus guaranteed to trigger American conservative radio – this gave Perry her breakthrough.

SHAKE IT OFF TAYLOR

Inspirational up-tempo song propelled by a chirpy horn section, which helped Swift shake off her country roots.

Disco earworm channelling the Bee Gees that was a huge hit for the former NSync idol. NM time with singers who are amazing, Gary included. I want to get to the core of the emotion and not be distracted by technical brilliance. The song wants you to tell the story in a simple way, almost dumbed down.” He speaks in glowing terms of the vocal abilities of Ariana Grande, Adele and Jessie J (“they can sing anything, literally”) but refutes any suggestion that working with a more limited singer such as Spears might be challenging. “There’s lot of singers who are not maybe considered great but have a sound that’s unique and are geniuses in telling the story. If you’ve done your job, it should feel like no one else can sing that song.”

When I ask what a Max Martin solo album might sound like, he is momentarily flummoxed. “Oh, wow!” This master of plastic pop ponders the notion for a moment. “It would probably be acoustic, melancholic and very supermelodic. My favourite feeling in music is dancing with tears in your eyes. I guess it’s a Scandinavian thing. Happy but sad.” But don’t get too excited at the prospect. “I never say never, but it will never happen.”

& Juliet runs until May 30 at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London WC2 (020 7379 5399)