2011
in MusicAlbums
34
Artists
24
Milestones
38
Notable Releases
On the Floor
Jennifer LopezHer comeback single from the album Love? that became the year's highest-selling single by a female artist and the best-selling single of her career, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
Love?
Jennifer LopezHer seventh studio album that marked her career resurgence after appearing on American Idol, featuring the massive hit 'On the Floor' and establishing her comeback as a recording artist.
Under the Mistletoe
Justin BieberBieber's second studio album and first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 210,000 copies in its first week.
Becoming
Yolanda AdamsEleventh studio album produced by Steve Bracey, released exclusively through Walmart.
Watch the Throne
Kanye WestCollaborative album with Jay-Z featuring "Niggas in Paris," successfully avoiding leaks in the digital era.
Femme Fatale
Britney SpearsSeventh album featuring multiple number-one singles including "Hold It Against Me" and spawning a successful world tour.
21
AdeleBest-selling album of the 21st century with 31+ million copies sold worldwide; features signature songs "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Set Fire to the Rain."
Someone Like You
AdeleSecond single from album 21; became Adele's second number-one single on Billboard Hot 100 and one of her most iconic songs.
Set Fire to the Rain
AdeleThird number-one single from album 21 on Billboard Hot 100; made Adele first artist to have album with three concurrent number-one singles.
F.A.M.E.
Chris BrownHis fourth studio album and first to top the Billboard 200, earning him the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and establishing him as a versatile musical artist.
Look at Me Now
Chris BrownA hip-hop collaboration featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes that became the best-selling rap song of 2011 and one of Brown's most successful tracks.
Moves like Jagger
Christina AguileraA collaboration with Maroon 5 that topped the Hot 100 for four non-consecutive weeks, making Aguilera one of the few artists to peak at number one over three decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s).
+ (Plus)
Ed SheeranDebut album featuring breakthrough single 'The A Team,' topped UK Albums Chart and became second-best-selling debut album in UK history
What Makes You Beautiful
Niall HoranOne Direction's debut single that reached number one in several countries and launched the band to international stardom.
Up All Night
Niall HoranOne Direction's debut album that reached number one in Ireland and the UK, and became the first UK group debut to reach number one in the United States.
Stronger
Kelly ClarksonFifth studio album influenced by Prince, Tina Turner, and Radiohead that debuted at number two on Billboard 200 and won Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Body and Soul
Amy WinehouseHer final recording, a duet with Tony Bennett released posthumously on what would have been her 28th birthday.
We Found Love
RihannaHer longest-running chart-topping single, spending ten non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the longest-running number one song in the US in 2011.
Born This Way
Lady GagaHer second studio album that sold over one million copies in its first week in the US and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The title track became the fastest-selling song on iTunes with over one million downloads in less than a week.
Significant Milestones
American Idol Judge and Career Revival
ComebackLopez joined American Idol as a judge, which returned her to prominence and led to her career resurgence with the hit single 'On the Floor' becoming the year's best-selling single by a female artist.
Time 100 Most Influential People
Cultural MomentAt age 17, Bieber was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, recognizing his cultural impact and global influence.
Hello Fear Album and Billboard Hot 100 Entry
DebutReleased his 11th studio album Hello Fear with first single 'I Smile' peaking at No. 85 on Billboard Hot 100, marking his first appearance on the chart in six years.
Watch the Throne Tour
TourCo-headlining tour with Jay-Z ran from October 2011 to June 2012, celebrating collaborative album success.
Album 21 Released & Chart Dominance
AchievementReleased second studio album 21 on January 24, 2011. Album topped charts in 30 countries and became best-selling album of 21st century, breaking Amy Winehouse's previous record.
Vocal Surgery & Grammy Sweep
Grammy WinUnderwent laser microsurgery in November 2011 to remove benign polyp from vocal cords. Won all six Grammy Awards nominated for at 2012 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for 21.
First Grammy Award Win
Grammy WinBrown won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for 'F.A.M.E.' at the 54th Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone in his career recognition. This was his first appearance at the awards show since his 2009 conviction.
'Moves like Jagger' Chart Dominance
AchievementFeatured on Maroon 5's 'Moves like Jagger' which topped the Hot 100, making her one of the few artists to achieve number-one hits across three decades.
Debut Album and Record Deal
DebutReleased debut album + ("Plus") in September 2011, which topped UK Albums Chart with first-week sales of 102,000 copies. Signed to Asylum Records and achieved immediate critical and commercial success.
69 Consecutive Weeks in Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten
DebutSet a new record on September 7 by becoming the first artist to spend 69 consecutive weeks in the top ten of the Hot 100 chart, demonstrating unprecedented chart dominance and commercial success.
One Direction Record Deal and Debut
DebutSigned recording contract with Syco Records in January. Released debut single "What Makes You Beautiful" (UK number one) and debut album Up All Night, which debuted at number one in the US.
One Direction Debut
DebutOne Direction signed a £2 million record deal with Syco Records and released their debut single 'What Makes You Beautiful' in September, which reached number one in several countries.
First Number One Album
DebutOne Direction's debut album 'Up All Night' reached number one in Ireland and the UK, and became the first UK group debut album to reach number one in the United States.
