2011 Pop Music: A Year in Review

2011 was an amazing year for pop music! Here’s a look back at some of the biggest hits and best moments of the year.

Introduction

It was a year of continued experimentation in the pop music field. Artists pushed the envelope in terms of both sound and lyrics, and 2011 saw the rise of a number of new genres and sub-genres. This trend was most evident in the mainstream, where artists such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry dominated the charts with their catchy, yet controversial, hits.

In the underground scene, meanwhile, there was a resurgence of interest in classic rock, as well as a continued experimentation with electronic and dance music. Indie bands also continued to gain popularity, with many signed to major labels and enjoying moderate success on the Billboard charts.

2011 was truly a year of change and innovation in pop music, and it is sure to be remembered as one of the most important years in the history of the genre.

Best Albums of 2011

It was a pretty solid year for pop music, with a mix of new and established artists releasing some great albums. Here are our picks for the best pop albums of 2011:

Adele – “21”
British soul singer AdeleDaniel Boczarski/Getty Images
Adele’s second album, “21,” was nothing short of a phenomenon. The record spent an astounding 23 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, spawned four hit singles and won six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Bruno Mars – “Doo-Wops & Hooligans”
Bruno Mars Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Bruno Mars’ debut album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” proved that he was more than just a one-hit wonder. The record spawned the No. 1 singles “Grenade” and “Just the Way You Are,” and earned Mars two Grammy Awards.

Coldplay – “Mylo Xyloto”
Coldplay EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Coldplay’s fifth studio album, “Mylo Xyloto,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned the hit singles “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” and “Paradise.” The album was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Foster the People – “Torches”
Foster the People Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Foster the People’s debut album, “Torches,” was one of the year’s most pleasant surprises. The record was buoyed by the success of its lead single, “Pumped Up Kicks,” which became one of 2011’s biggest hits.

Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”
Lady Gaga Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated second album, “Born This Way,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than 1 million copies in its first week in stores. The album spawned several hit singles, including the title track, “Edge of Glory” and “Yoü and I.”

Best Songs of 2011

It’s been a great year for pop music, with hits from Adele, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and more. Here are our picks for the best songs of 2011.

“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
This heartbreak anthem is Adele’s biggest hit to date, and it’s easy to see why. With its catchy hooks and powerful vocals, “Rolling in the Deep” is a pop song that truly stands out from the rest.

” Grenade” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ infectious lead single from his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the biggest hits of the year. “Grenade” is a soulful ballad with a catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days.

“Firework” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s anthemic pop song “Firework” was one of the defining hits of 2011. The song’s empowering message and soaring vocals make it a timeless classic that will be remembered for years to come.

Best New Artists of 2011

It was a great year for new music in 2011, with a number of fresh voices and genres breaking through to the mainstream. Here are our picks for the best new artists of the year:

-Adele: Adele was one of the biggest sensations of the year, with her album 21 debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts and going on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time. Her soulful voice and heart-wrenching lyrics struck a chord with listeners all over the world, making her one of the most successful new artists of 2011.

-Fun.: Fun. had a breakout year with their hit single “We Are Young,” which spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their infectiously catchy pop tunes and positive message resonated with music fans, making them one of the most popular new bands of 2011.

-Gotye: Gotye’s hauntingly beautiful song “Somebody That I Used to Know” was inescapable in 2011, spending an astounding 8 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 chart. His unique blend of indie rock and electronic music helped him stand out from other artists this year, and cemented his place as one of the best new musicians of 2011.

Conclusion

As we look back on 2011, it’s safe to say that this was a defining year for pop music. We saw the rise of new stars like Adele and LMFAO, the continued success of veterans like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, and the unfortunate passing of one of the greatest performers of all time, Whitney Houston.

It was a year of innovation, as new sounds and styles emerged and took hold in the mainstream. It was also a year of heartbreak, as we said goodbye to many beloved artists.

But through it all, pop music remained a constant source of joy and comfort for millions of people around the world. And as we look ahead to 2012, we can’t help but feel excitement for what the future holds for this ever-evolving genre.