What springs to mind when you think of the year 2011? It was the year that Little Mix won The X Factor, Game of Thrones made its TV debut, and around two billion people across the world tuned in to watch Prince William marry Kate Middleton.
2011 also saw Beyoncé reveal she was expecting her first child during the VMAs, the self-publication of the first instalment of the erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey and the end of the Harry Potter movies.
As well as being a memorable year when it comes to pop culture, 2011 was also an unforgettable year for music. One Direction released their sensational debut single ‘What Makes You Beautiful’, Maroon 5 had ‘Moves Like Jagger’, whilst Nicki Minaj got that ‘Super Bass’.
From one hit wonders such as Gotye and Kimbra’s ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’, dance floor fillers like LMFAO’s ‘Party Rock Anthem’, and iconic offerings from pop queens including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Adele, 2011 was undoubtedly a huge year full of memorable pop songs which we’re still obsessed with.
To celebrate the tracks which made 2011 a glorious year for music, we’ve created a playlist of 50 of the best songs which will be turning 10 years old in 2021.
So sit back, press play and get ready to enjoy the almost 10-year-old bops which shaped 2011!