The Best Pop Songs of 2011
Contents
If you’re looking for a great pop song to add to your playlist, look no further than our list of the best pop songs of 2011. From club bangers to slow jams, these tunes are sure to get you moving.
Introduction
The year 2011 was an interesting one for pop music. With the rise of digital music sales and the continued popularity of Independent artists, the pop music landscape is ever-changing. This list represents some of the best pop songs of 2011, regardless of genre or sales figures. These are the songs that we believe are catchy, well-written, and have stood the test of time.
What Makes a Pop Song Good?
There are a number of factors that can make a pop song good. The melody should be catchy and easy to sing along to, the lyrics should be relatable and meaningful, and the production should be top-notch. With all of these elements working together, a pop song has the potential to be truly great.
In 2011, there were a number of pop songs that met all of these criteria and more. These are the best pop songs of 2011, according to critics and fans alike.
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
“Give Me Everything” by Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
“Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
“Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj
The Best Pop Songs of 2011
“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO
“Party Rock Anthem” is a song by American electronic duo LMFAO, featuring British singer Lauren Bennett and American music producer GoonRock. The song was released as the first single from the duo’s second album, Sorry for Party Rocking in 2011. The single went to number one in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It also peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the eighth best-selling digital single of all time.
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
“Rolling in the Deep” is a song recorded by English singer Adele for her second studio album, 21. It is the lead single and opening track on the album. The song was written by Adele and Paul Epworth. The singer herself describes it as a “dark blues-y gospel disco tune”. The largest crossover hit from 21, “Rolling in the Deep” gained radio airplay from many different radio formats. It was first released on 29 November 2010 as the lead single from 21 in digital download format. The lyrics describe the emotions of a scorned lover.
The song reached number one in 11 countries Online magazine Pitchfork named it the best song of 2011, while Rolling Stone ranked it at number three on their year-end list.
“Rolling in the Deep” was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video. At the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, held on 12 February 2012, “Rolling in the Deep” won two awards: Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year.
“Firework” by Katy Perry
“Firework” is a song by American singer Katy Perry from her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). The song was released as the third single from the album on October 26, 2010. “Firework” was written and produced by StarGate and Sandy Vee; Perry co-wrote the song with Ester Dean. It is a dance-pop and disco song containing elements of electronic music. Perry described the track as “more upbeat” and “energetic” than her previous work. The lyrics refer to self-empowerment and overcoming difficult circumstances.
The song became Perry’s seventh single overall to top the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and her second consecutive number-one single after “California Gurls”. It had sold 4.8 million downloads in the US as of January 2011, being certified 4× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Internationally, it topped several charts including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand Poland and Switzerland.
“Grenade” by Bruno Mars
“Grenade” is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars from his debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). Written and produced by Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine, the song was released as the album’s second single on December 28, 2010. The song peaked at number three on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Alternative Songs charts. Additionally, it peaked in the top five of 21 other countries including Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland and New Zealand.
“Give Me Everything” by Pitbull
“Give Me Everything” is a song recorded by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, American R&B singer Ne-Yo, and Dutch DJ Afrojack, for Pitbull’s sixth studio album, Planet Pit (2011). The song was released on March 22, 2011, as the lead single from the album. “Give Me Everything” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Pitbull’s first US number-one single. Internationally it topped the charts in 15 countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Pitbull asked Ne-Yo to work with him on the song’s hook shortly after hearing a demo version of it; their collaboration resulted in a recording that both artists were content with. “Give Me Everything” is based on a sample of Dutch singer Laidback Luke’s 1992 hit “I Need Your Loving”, which Afrojack helped produce; Pitbull contacted Afrojack after hearing one of his remixes. The song was also written by Clemente Quintero, Armando Perez and Nadir Khayat.
Critical reception of “Give Me Everything” was positive; most reviewers praised its hook and club-oriented sound while some criticized its use of auto-tune. The single attained worldwide success, topping charts in multiple countries such as Australia, Canada and France. In the US it became Pitbull’s first number one single and topped Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks during the warm summer months of 2011.”
Give Me Everything” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated May 28, 2011—five weeks after its debut—making it both artists’ first US number one single; it replaced Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”. In doing so it became only the third rap song to achieve this feat in the 2010s decade following Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” (2010) featuring Rihanna and LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” (2011) featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock.
Conclusion
It’s been a great year for pop music, with exciting new releases from some of the genre’s biggest stars. These are the best pop songs of 2011.
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Adele’s breakout hit was an instant classic, and has been topping charts around the world. With its haunting melody and Adele’s powerhouse vocals, “Rolling in the Deep” is a timeless song that will surely be remembered as one of the best pop songs of 2011.
“Firework” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry scored another huge hit with “Firework,” a feel-good anthem about self-acceptance and following your dreams. The song’s positive message and catchy hook made it a favorite among fans and critics alike, solidifying its place as one of the best pop songs of the year.
“ Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
Maroon 5 teamed up with Christina Aguilera for this sultry summer smash, which topped charts around the world and became one of the most played songs of the year. With its catchy melody and signature Maroon 5 sound, “Moves Like Jagger” is one of the best pop songs of 2011.
