10 Best Albums Of 2011

Cant say i agree with the so-called critic's choice totally but hey, if i agree with 50% i guess that's a good thin', right? here's what Billboard came up wit the 10 best albums of the dyin' year.

From weirdo R&B to epic hardcore to a certain heartbroken British singer-songwriter, 2011 offered a diverse array of quality full-lengths that we kept replaying in our offices. The whole team weighed in and the votes have been tallied, so now it's time to check out the Billboard staff's picks for the top 10 albums of 2011, and tell us your personal favorites of the year in the comments section below.

10

'The Big Roar'

The Joy Formidable
(Atlantic/Canvasback)

The Joy Formidable may have released rollicking tracks like "Austere," "Whirring" and "Cradle" over the past few years, but in 2011, the songs found a proper home on the Welsh indie rockers' aptly-titled debut, "The Big Roar." Dave Grohl, who would later take the band on tour, called "Whirring" the song of the year-- but "The Big Roar" stands on its own, thanks to frontwoman Ritzy Bryan's breathy vocals and the juxtaposition of shoegaze-style guitars with pop harmonies.

list divider

9

'James Blake'

James Blake
(A&M/Atlas)

After generating some buzz through a series of experimental EPs in 2010, British producer James Blake issued a full-length gem that explored the boundaries between dissonant dubstep music and hushed, intensely personal songwriting. Tracks like "The Wilhelm Scream" and "Limit To Your Love" offer woozy electronica, while Blake's soulful vocals add a human touch.

list divider

8

'Ceremonials'

Florence + The Machine
(Universal Republic)
Track-By-Track Review | Billboard Cover Story

In 2010, Florence + the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" lit a spark that quickly spread to wildfire -- momentum that the British chamber-pop group followed up with this fall's "Ceremonials." Frontwoman Florence Welch honed her vision for the sophomore set, walking the fine line between Christian spirituality and otherworldly voodoo. Yet at its core, "Ceremonials" is a relatable album about love, brought to life through tribal drums, harps, piano, choral singsongs, and of course, Ms. Welch's bewitching pipes. Singles "Shake It Out" and "What the Water Gave Me" possess an anthemic quality, but they're far from the only epic moments on the rock-tinged record, which finds Welch channeling avant-pop luminaries like Annie Lennox and Kate Bush.

list divider

7

'House of Balloons'

The Weeknd
(self-released)

The Weeknd, the mysterious alter ego of Abel Tesfaye, came out of nowhere in March with a hypnotic, fully formed sound that surrounds traditional R&B in a drug-fueled haze. His "House of Balloons" mixtape focuses on reckless nights and hedonistic fantasies, but Tesfaye's sterling vocals and pin-point production work were strong enough to net a Drake co-sign and a fitting synch in the final season of "Entourage." But who, exactly, is Tesfaye, who seldom conducts interviews or makes public appearances? Maybe we'll find out in 2012.

list divider

6

'David Comes To Life'

Fucked Up
(Matador)

2008's "The Chemistry of Common Life" established this hardcore punk sextet as critical darlings, but Fucked Up's third full-length -- and it sure is a full length, at 18 songs and 77 minutes -- channeled their fiery guitar blasts and Damian Abraham's tireless snarling into a cohesive story about a factory worker and the death of the woman he loves. "David" is an impressive, carefully constructed journey, and for those who find its length too impenetrable, check out immediately hummable tracks like "Queen of Hearts" and "Turn the Season."

list divider

5

'Take Care'

Drake
(Young Money/Cash Money)
Track-By-Track Review

If Drake's 2010 debut "Thank Me Later" was the sound of a man decisively snatching fame and whole lot of money from a mountain of hype, his luxurious sophomore album, "Take Care," finds Drake holding his new fortune in his hand, unsure of what to do with it and where to go from here ("She says they miss the old Drake/Girl, don't tempt me," he croons on the first single, "Headlines"). "Take Care" is a long, contemplative album, but its combination of heady street-rap, dimly lit pop and pristine R&B makes the trip into the Toronto rapper's fragile psyche worth every penny.

list divider

4

'Nostalgia, Ultra.'

Frank Ocean
(self-released)

A mixtape that plays out like an actual mix tape (the interludes feature the start-stop sounds of now-ancient cassettes), "Nostalgia, Ultra" is a reinterpretation of recognizable hits by Coldplay, MGMT and the Eagles, with a slightly crazy, crazily talented emerging R&B star as our tour host. Ocean's off-kilter self-portraits are sometimes funny ("Songs For Women"), sometimes sad ("There Will Be Tears"), and always masterfully executed, making his self-released first effort the year's most pleasant surprise.

list divider

3

'Watch The Throne'

Jay-Z & Kanye West
(Roc-A-Fella/Roc Nation/Def Jam)
Track-By-Track Review

The pairing of the biggest rapper alive with the most creative rapper alive could have been a train wreck, but this full-length collaboration between Jay-Z and Kanye West -- in which the pair showcased their insurmountable wealth while at times lamenting the trappings of superstardom -- soared above expectations. "N***as in Paris" was 2011's unstoppable banger, "Otis" returned Mr. Redding to the Hot 100, and "New Day" let our heroes wax poetic about their unborn sons (we and the RZA connect, too).

list divider

2

'Bon Iver'

Bon Iver
(Jagjaguwar)
Track-By-Track Review | Billboard Cover Story

Just as summer 2011 was heating up, Wisconsin folk outfit Bon Iver returned with a sophomore album perfect for those chillier autumnal nights. Fans connected with Justin Vernon -- the man, the myth, the legend behind Bon Iver -- in a way even unmatched by "For Emma, Forever Ago," Bon Iver's buzz-fueled debut. On the Grammy-nominated "Bon Iver," Vernon takes us on a slow-and-steady road trip through the heartland, punctuated by bold saxophone, woozy synths and stunning string crescendos. Vernon's falsetto is undoubtedly his greatest gift, but the tale weaved by the non-lyrical parts of "Bon Iver" alone make it one of the year's best.

list divider

1

'21'

Adele
(XL/Columbia)
Billboard Cover Story

Adele killed it in 2011 -- or so think the 13 million people worldwide who bought her sophomore set, "21." With its universal theme of all-consuming heartbreak (and the emotional wound-licking that inevitably must follow said heartbreak), the polished album transcended the pop world and touched just about everyone who gave it a shot. Led by singles "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," "21" showcased not only the emotional songwriting of Adele Atkins but also the British songstress' incredible vocal range. Released in February stateside (i.e., the music industry dead zone known as the first quarter), "21" did not fade by mid-year; nay, the album -- and Adele -- only continued to increase in as 2011 moved forward, despite releases from Lady Gaga, Rihanna and other pop divas. Adele remained on top -- both on our charts and well, in our hearts. "21" became one of those very rare moments in the music world where an album is as commercially successful as it is critically praised, not to mention beloved by fans across all demographics. It's no wonder "21" was voted as the best album of 2011 by Billboard editors, and won by a landslide.

 

Thanks to Billboard for lettin' Badlydrawndobs use this article

10 Best Albums Of 2011

Cant say i agree with the so-called critic's choice totally but hey, if i agree with 50% i guess that's a good thin', right? here's what Billboard came up wit the 10 best albums of the dyin' year.

From weirdo R&B to epic hardcore to a certain heartbroken British singer-songwriter, 2011 offered a diverse array of quality full-lengths that we kept replaying in our offices. The whole team weighed in and the votes have been tallied, so now it's time to check out the Billboard staff's picks for the top 10 albums of 2011, and tell us your personal favorites of the year in the comments section below.

10

'The Big Roar'

The Joy Formidable
(Atlantic/Canvasback)

The Joy Formidable may have released rollicking tracks like "Austere," "Whirring" and "Cradle" over the past few years, but in 2011, the songs found a proper home on the Welsh indie rockers' aptly-titled debut, "The Big Roar." Dave Grohl, who would later take the band on tour, called "Whirring" the song of the year-- but "The Big Roar" stands on its own, thanks to frontwoman Ritzy Bryan's breathy vocals and the juxtaposition of shoegaze-style guitars with pop harmonies.

list divider

9

'James Blake'

James Blake
(A&M/Atlas)

After generating some buzz through a series of experimental EPs in 2010, British producer James Blake issued a full-length gem that explored the boundaries between dissonant dubstep music and hushed, intensely personal songwriting. Tracks like "The Wilhelm Scream" and "Limit To Your Love" offer woozy electronica, while Blake's soulful vocals add a human touch.

list divider

8

'Ceremonials'

Florence + The Machine
(Universal Republic)
Track-By-Track Review | Billboard Cover Story

In 2010, Florence + the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" lit a spark that quickly spread to wildfire -- momentum that the British chamber-pop group followed up with this fall's "Ceremonials." Frontwoman Florence Welch honed her vision for the sophomore set, walking the fine line between Christian spirituality and otherworldly voodoo. Yet at its core, "Ceremonials" is a relatable album about love, brought to life through tribal drums, harps, piano, choral singsongs, and of course, Ms. Welch's bewitching pipes. Singles "Shake It Out" and "What the Water Gave Me" possess an anthemic quality, but they're far from the only epic moments on the rock-tinged record, which finds Welch channeling avant-pop luminaries like Annie Lennox and Kate Bush.

list divider

7

'House of Balloons'

The Weeknd
(self-released)

The Weeknd, the mysterious alter ego of Abel Tesfaye, came out of nowhere in March with a hypnotic, fully formed sound that surrounds traditional R&B in a drug-fueled haze. His "House of Balloons" mixtape focuses on reckless nights and hedonistic fantasies, but Tesfaye's sterling vocals and pin-point production work were strong enough to net a Drake co-sign and a fitting synch in the final season of "Entourage." But who, exactly, is Tesfaye, who seldom conducts interviews or makes public appearances? Maybe we'll find out in 2012.

list divider

6

'David Comes To Life'

Fucked Up
(Matador)

2008's "The Chemistry of Common Life" established this hardcore punk sextet as critical darlings, but Fucked Up's third full-length -- and it sure is a full length, at 18 songs and 77 minutes -- channeled their fiery guitar blasts and Damian Abraham's tireless snarling into a cohesive story about a factory worker and the death of the woman he loves. "David" is an impressive, carefully constructed journey, and for those who find its length too impenetrable, check out immediately hummable tracks like "Queen of Hearts" and "Turn the Season."

list divider

5

'Take Care'

Drake
(Young Money/Cash Money)
Track-By-Track Review

If Drake's 2010 debut "Thank Me Later" was the sound of a man decisively snatching fame and whole lot of money from a mountain of hype, his luxurious sophomore album, "Take Care," finds Drake holding his new fortune in his hand, unsure of what to do with it and where to go from here ("She says they miss the old Drake/Girl, don't tempt me," he croons on the first single, "Headlines"). "Take Care" is a long, contemplative album, but its combination of heady street-rap, dimly lit pop and pristine R&B makes the trip into the Toronto rapper's fragile psyche worth every penny.

list divider

4

'Nostalgia, Ultra.'

Frank Ocean
(self-released)

A mixtape that plays out like an actual mix tape (the interludes feature the start-stop sounds of now-ancient cassettes), "Nostalgia, Ultra" is a reinterpretation of recognizable hits by Coldplay, MGMT and the Eagles, with a slightly crazy, crazily talented emerging R&B star as our tour host. Ocean's off-kilter self-portraits are sometimes funny ("Songs For Women"), sometimes sad ("There Will Be Tears"), and always masterfully executed, making his self-released first effort the year's most pleasant surprise.

list divider

3

'Watch The Throne'

Jay-Z & Kanye West
(Roc-A-Fella/Roc Nation/Def Jam)
Track-By-Track Review

The pairing of the biggest rapper alive with the most creative rapper alive could have been a train wreck, but this full-length collaboration between Jay-Z and Kanye West -- in which the pair showcased their insurmountable wealth while at times lamenting the trappings of superstardom -- soared above expectations. "N***as in Paris" was 2011's unstoppable banger, "Otis" returned Mr. Redding to the Hot 100, and "New Day" let our heroes wax poetic about their unborn sons (we and the RZA connect, too).

list divider

2

'Bon Iver'

Bon Iver
(Jagjaguwar)
Track-By-Track Review | Billboard Cover Story

Just as summer 2011 was heating up, Wisconsin folk outfit Bon Iver returned with a sophomore album perfect for those chillier autumnal nights. Fans connected with Justin Vernon -- the man, the myth, the legend behind Bon Iver -- in a way even unmatched by "For Emma, Forever Ago," Bon Iver's buzz-fueled debut. On the Grammy-nominated "Bon Iver," Vernon takes us on a slow-and-steady road trip through the heartland, punctuated by bold saxophone, woozy synths and stunning string crescendos. Vernon's falsetto is undoubtedly his greatest gift, but the tale weaved by the non-lyrical parts of "Bon Iver" alone make it one of the year's best.

list divider

1

'21'

Adele
(XL/Columbia)
Billboard Cover Story

Adele killed it in 2011 -- or so think the 13 million people worldwide who bought her sophomore set, "21." With its universal theme of all-consuming heartbreak (and the emotional wound-licking that inevitably must follow said heartbreak), the polished album transcended the pop world and touched just about everyone who gave it a shot. Led by singles "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," "21" showcased not only the emotional songwriting of Adele Atkins but also the British songstress' incredible vocal range. Released in February stateside (i.e., the music industry dead zone known as the first quarter), "21" did not fade by mid-year; nay, the album -- and Adele -- only continued to increase in as 2011 moved forward, despite releases from Lady Gaga, Rihanna and other pop divas. Adele remained on top -- both on our charts and well, in our hearts. "21" became one of those very rare moments in the music world where an album is as commercially successful as it is critically praised, not to mention beloved by fans across all demographics. It's no wonder "21" was voted as the best album of 2011 by Billboard editors, and won by a landslide.

 

Thanks to Billboard for lettin' Badlydrawndobs use this article

Dick Man X a.k.a DMX

The moment I saw the news item that inspired this piece, I flipped through my mental music catalogue and pulled out two hot joints from the crates (hot blasts from the mutherfuckin’ past), wipe the CDs clean, jus’ so there’s no dust on ‘em, slide ‘em into my mental CD player then I kicked back and got lost in the classic tunes of Earl Simmons a.k.a DMX a.k.a Dark Man X a.k.a Mr. Can’t-Keep-My-Ass-Outta-Trouble! I'm LOLin’ on the last bit right there…is that a bit harsh? Nah, I think not. Besides, he's richer and more famous than me, the only way I can make myself feel a lil’ famous is to poke a lil’ fun at a brotha’s ass.

Ay yo, am slippin’, I’m fallin’
I can’t get up
Ay yo am slippin’, I’m fallin’
I gots to get up
Get back on my feet so I can tear shit up

As I lay naked on the bed, listenin’ to SLIPPIN’ (that’s from the flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood album, by the way, one of the best sellin’ rap albums of all time), I read the headline from the news article again, “DMX HAS NAMED HIS 10th CHILD after the late singer Aaliyah.” What! Ten kids by the Dark Man? Amazin’ shit! Little wonder X lost the plot, his skinny dark ass is slippin ’and fallin’ and findin’ it so fuckin’ hard to get up! Ten children (4 of whom he had with ex-wife, Tashera)…wit who he had the other lil’ Xs, I got no idea but all I can say is, damn, that’s a prolific sower of wild oat right there!

With an arrest rap sheet that read longer than a text book, I wonder how he managed to squeeze in some’ time for Fuck O’clock. I mean, jus’ take a look at the offences this cat has been arrested and done time behind bars for, shits from animal cruelty to reckless driving, drug possession, identity falsification, sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment, assault and weapon charges. Phew! *catches breath*

*SLIPPIN’ done playin, pressed play on “UP IN HERE”*

Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind
Up in here, up in here
Y’all gon’ make me lose my cool
In here, up in here
Y’all gon’ make me go all out
(From the “Gone in 60sec” soundtrack)

As I listened to that shit, am like, this nigga is a promise keeper. He said he was gonna go all out and he did... he produced 10 good ones from his big black balls (am jus’ guessin’ he got big nuts, that is. lol)! Mind you, there may be more somewhere. Dog Man X must be fightin’ a life-long battle with high surge of testosterone and losin’, big time.

As "Up in Here" ended on my mental player, another rapper came to mind, and the more I thought about it, the more I saw parallel between DMX and this rapper. *Cleared throat* the only rapper I know who can match DMX child for child, time served by bars for time served by bars is T.I… I can y’all noddin’ like, yeah, true that!

Anyways, I hope both of these cats will stay out of trouble and try their best to turn the plug off their baby-makin’ factories and give the rest of us who are yet to put one out a chance. As DMX was getting’ released last month for the umpteenth time, he’s manager said, "it’s time to let the Dog out of the kennel".

Well here’s what Dobs said, "Dog better stay out the kennel and keep that dick wrapped".

Dick Man X a.k.a DMX

The moment I saw the news item that inspired this piece, I flipped through my mental music catalogue and pulled out two hot joints from the crates (hot blasts from the mutherfuckin’ past), wipe the CDs clean, jus’ so there’s no dust on ‘em, slide ‘em into my mental CD player then I kicked back and got lost in the classic tunes of Earl Simmons a.k.a DMX a.k.a Dark Man X a.k.a Mr. Can’t-Keep-My-Ass-Outta-Trouble! I'm LOLin’ on the last bit right there…is that a bit harsh? Nah, I think not. Besides, he's richer and more famous than me, the only way I can make myself feel a lil’ famous is to poke a lil’ fun at a brotha’s ass.

Ay yo, am slippin’, I’m fallin’
I can’t get up
Ay yo am slippin’, I’m fallin’
I gots to get up
Get back on my feet so I can tear shit up

As I lay naked on the bed, listenin’ to SLIPPIN’ (that’s from the flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood album, by the way, one of the best sellin’ rap albums of all time), I read the headline from the news article again, “DMX HAS NAMED HIS 10th CHILD after the late singer Aaliyah.” What! Ten kids by the Dark Man? Amazin’ shit! Little wonder X lost the plot, his skinny dark ass is slippin ’and fallin’ and findin’ it so fuckin’ hard to get up! Ten children (4 of whom he had with ex-wife, Tashera)…wit who he had the other lil’ Xs, I got no idea but all I can say is, damn, that’s a prolific sower of wild oat right there!

With an arrest rap sheet that read longer than a text book, I wonder how he managed to squeeze in some’ time for Fuck O’clock. I mean, jus’ take a look at the offences this cat has been arrested and done time behind bars for, shits from animal cruelty to reckless driving, drug possession, identity falsification, sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment, assault and weapon charges. Phew! *catches breath*

*SLIPPIN’ done playin, pressed play on “UP IN HERE”*

Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind
Up in here, up in here
Y’all gon’ make me lose my cool
In here, up in here
Y’all gon’ make me go all out
(From the “Gone in 60sec” soundtrack)

As I listened to that shit, am like, this nigga is a promise keeper. He said he was gonna go all out and he did... he produced 10 good ones from his big black balls (am jus’ guessin’ he got big nuts, that is. lol)! Mind you, there may be more somewhere. Dog Man X must be fightin’ a life-long battle with high surge of testosterone and losin’, big time.

As "Up in Here" ended on my mental player, another rapper came to mind, and the more I thought about it, the more I saw parallel between DMX and this rapper. *Cleared throat* the only rapper I know who can match DMX child for child, time served by bars for time served by bars is T.I… I can y’all noddin’ like, yeah, true that!

Anyways, I hope both of these cats will stay out of trouble and try their best to turn the plug off their baby-makin’ factories and give the rest of us who are yet to put one out a chance. As DMX was getting’ released last month for the umpteenth time, he’s manager said, "it’s time to let the Dog out of the kennel".

Well here’s what Dobs said, "Dog better stay out the kennel and keep that dick wrapped".

AUDITIONIN' FOR BLACK JESUS

Ever sat down to think about Jesus?
You have, right? I thought so.
Ok, what about Black Jesus? Huh uh? Why not?
Ok, now take a few seconds to chew on that... What would he look like? What country would he have been from? Snap back to reality!

How many of you guys remember Black Jesus, that hot record that the late great Tupac Amaru Shakur a.k.a 2pac and his crew, Outlaws put out back in the 90s?

Searching for Back Jesus
It’s hard, it’s hard
We need help out here
So we searching for Black Jesus...

It's ok if you've never heard it…but then again, what you waitin'? Get your ass up and go diggin’ in your uncle's crates. Oops! Did I say crates? My bad, YouTube or Google the dam thang!

I've been looking at the ways different societies have portrayed Jesus as their own race in their art; for example, He is primarily European in the West. To the Native Americans, He appeared in their art as Native American. Am yet to come across a black depiction of Jesus and though I know it’s there, it’s nowhere as common as the ubiquitous European Jesus. Our medulla oblongatas have been conditioned by hundreds of years of exposure to European arts and paintings which depicted Him as a bearded, long dark haired, solemn looking kinda guy.

Anyways, I bet Pac woulda known two facts by now…one, that Jesus wasn’t a black man, and two, if there’s really a heaven for a G. Of course, it’d be preposterous to think Jesus was a black man but I understand what my nigga Pac was tryna put across to Uncle Sam and ‘em. Deep nigga, dat boy Pac!

What got me thinking about Back Jesus and stuff is the new video piece by the German artist Christian Jankowski. This dude used an X-Factor-Idol-like format to cast an actor who best interprets the role of Jesus for a short movie as part of an artistic performance.

I thought it was pure genius... sounds like some' I would think of (ah ha butterin' myself up, I know). He had 13 Jesuses competing against each other. Imagine the kinda of bitching that goes down in competitions like these. At the beginnin' of the show, these dudes had no beard... two weeks into it; cats started growin' their mane and beard without being told to. Am sure the real Jesus is coolin' up there, all amused and things at how these guys were jostle to be the winnin' Jesus.

Back to one of my original questions, what would a Black Jesus look like? If you were to cast a black man the role of Jesus, what physical characteristics would you be lookin' for?

AUDITIONIN' FOR BLACK JESUS

Ever sat down to think about Jesus?
You have, right? I thought so.
Ok, what about Black Jesus? Huh uh? Why not?
Ok, now take a few seconds to chew on that... What would he look like? What country would he have been from? Snap back to reality!

How many of you guys remember Black Jesus, that hot record that the late great Tupac Amaru Shakur a.k.a 2pac and his crew, Outlaws put out back in the 90s?

Searching for Back Jesus
It’s hard, it’s hard
We need help out here
So we searching for Black Jesus...

It's ok if you've never heard it…but then again, what you waitin'? Get your ass up and go diggin’ in your uncle's crates. Oops! Did I say crates? My bad, YouTube or Google the dam thang!

I've been looking at the ways different societies have portrayed Jesus as their own race in their art; for example, He is primarily European in the West. To the Native Americans, He appeared in their art as Native American. Am yet to come across a black depiction of Jesus and though I know it’s there, it’s nowhere as common as the ubiquitous European Jesus. Our medulla oblongatas have been conditioned by hundreds of years of exposure to European arts and paintings which depicted Him as a bearded, long dark haired, solemn looking kinda guy.

Anyways, I bet Pac woulda known two facts by now…one, that Jesus wasn’t a black man, and two, if there’s really a heaven for a G. Of course, it’d be preposterous to think Jesus was a black man but I understand what my nigga Pac was tryna put across to Uncle Sam and ‘em. Deep nigga, dat boy Pac!

What got me thinking about Back Jesus and stuff is the new video piece by the German artist Christian Jankowski. This dude used an X-Factor-Idol-like format to cast an actor who best interprets the role of Jesus for a short movie as part of an artistic performance.

I thought it was pure genius... sounds like some' I would think of (ah ha butterin' myself up, I know). He had 13 Jesuses competing against each other. Imagine the kinda of bitching that goes down in competitions like these. At the beginnin' of the show, these dudes had no beard... two weeks into it; cats started growin' their mane and beard without being told to. Am sure the real Jesus is coolin' up there, all amused and things at how these guys were jostle to be the winnin' Jesus.

Back to one of my original questions, what would a Black Jesus look like? If you were to cast a black man the role of Jesus, what physical characteristics would you be lookin' for?

LMFAO AT THE 2011 SONG OF THE SUMMER

With its lyrics imploring revelers to "get up, get down, put your hands up to the sound!," LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock, is, fittingly, Billboard's 2011 song of the summer.

The hi-energy dance track tops this year's Billboard's Songs of the Summer chart, which ranks the most popular songs based on cumulative performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 from Memorial Day through Labor Day (specifically, the charts dated June 11 through Sept. 17, 2011).

"We created a tool for people to use to get hyped up at their party, on their boat, at the club, at the gym, etc. People love it... it feels amazing!" the group's Redfoo told Billboard exclusively upon hearing the news. "Because of how hard we worked on mixing the record and the dedication that went into the video, it was clear from the beginning that our goal was to take the party rock sound to number one."

"Anthem" took the lead for good on the Songs of the Summer running tally the previous four weeks after Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" had topped the survey the first seven weeks of the season.

"Anthem" spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 beginning July 16. Following its Hot 100 reign, it held the No. 2 position for three weeks, helping to secure its spot atop the final Songs of the Summer countdown.

The song was also the only title to rank inside the Hot 100's top 10 in each of the 15 weeks measured for the Songs of the Summer chart.

LMFAO is the first duo to wear the seasonal crown since another ubiquitous dance anthem, Los Del Rio's "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)," became Billboard's song of the summer for 1996 (after topping the Hot 100 for 14 weeks that year).

"Anthem" earns coveted song of the summer status over 2011 runner-up "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull, featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer. The latter song capped the July 9 Hot 100 and spent 14 weeks in the top 10 during the Songs of the Summer tracking period.

Adele's "Deep" claims the No. 3 position on the Songs of the Summer chart, having spent the last four of its seven weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 during the seasonal ranking's chart span. The multi-format smash ranked in the Hot 100's top 10 for 11 weeks of the Songs of the Summer recap span.

Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" places at No. 4 on the Songs of the Summer survey. The pop/rap jam began the season at No. 11 on the Hot 100 and spent the rest of the summer (14 weeks) lodged in the top 10, peaking for two weeks at No. 3.

Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" rounds out the 2011 Songs of the Summer top five at No. 5. Perry won last year's summer songs contest courtesy of "California Gurls," featuring Snoop Dogg, which took the 2010 title on the strength of a six-week Hot 100 rule.

While she doesn't prevail this year, this summer brought Perry a string of achievements and publicity, most notably her becoming the first female artist in the Hot 100's 53-year history to bank five No. 1s from one album. ("Friday" was the fifth Hot 100 leader (two weeks at No. 1; 12 in the top 10) from "Teenage Dream," following "California," the title cut, "Firework" and "E.T.," featuring Kanye West).

As "E.T." ranks at No. 9 on the Songs of the Summer chart, Perry is the only artist to boast two titles on the tally. While Eminem locked down two spots on last year's chart ("Love the Way You Lie," featuring Rihanna, No. 2; "Not Afraid," No. 10), Perry is the first woman to double up since Rihanna in summer 2008 ("Take a Bow," No. 3; "Disturbia," No. 9).

Shout out to Billboard for lettin' badlydrawndobs.com use this.

LMFAO AT THE 2011 SONG OF THE SUMMER

With its lyrics imploring revelers to "get up, get down, put your hands up to the sound!," LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock, is, fittingly, Billboard's 2011 song of the summer.

The hi-energy dance track tops this year's Billboard's Songs of the Summer chart, which ranks the most popular songs based on cumulative performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 from Memorial Day through Labor Day (specifically, the charts dated June 11 through Sept. 17, 2011).

"We created a tool for people to use to get hyped up at their party, on their boat, at the club, at the gym, etc. People love it... it feels amazing!" the group's Redfoo told Billboard exclusively upon hearing the news. "Because of how hard we worked on mixing the record and the dedication that went into the video, it was clear from the beginning that our goal was to take the party rock sound to number one."

"Anthem" took the lead for good on the Songs of the Summer running tally the previous four weeks after Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" had topped the survey the first seven weeks of the season.

"Anthem" spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 beginning July 16. Following its Hot 100 reign, it held the No. 2 position for three weeks, helping to secure its spot atop the final Songs of the Summer countdown.

The song was also the only title to rank inside the Hot 100's top 10 in each of the 15 weeks measured for the Songs of the Summer chart.

LMFAO is the first duo to wear the seasonal crown since another ubiquitous dance anthem, Los Del Rio's "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)," became Billboard's song of the summer for 1996 (after topping the Hot 100 for 14 weeks that year).

"Anthem" earns coveted song of the summer status over 2011 runner-up "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull, featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer. The latter song capped the July 9 Hot 100 and spent 14 weeks in the top 10 during the Songs of the Summer tracking period.

Adele's "Deep" claims the No. 3 position on the Songs of the Summer chart, having spent the last four of its seven weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 during the seasonal ranking's chart span. The multi-format smash ranked in the Hot 100's top 10 for 11 weeks of the Songs of the Summer recap span.

Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" places at No. 4 on the Songs of the Summer survey. The pop/rap jam began the season at No. 11 on the Hot 100 and spent the rest of the summer (14 weeks) lodged in the top 10, peaking for two weeks at No. 3.

Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" rounds out the 2011 Songs of the Summer top five at No. 5. Perry won last year's summer songs contest courtesy of "California Gurls," featuring Snoop Dogg, which took the 2010 title on the strength of a six-week Hot 100 rule.

While she doesn't prevail this year, this summer brought Perry a string of achievements and publicity, most notably her becoming the first female artist in the Hot 100's 53-year history to bank five No. 1s from one album. ("Friday" was the fifth Hot 100 leader (two weeks at No. 1; 12 in the top 10) from "Teenage Dream," following "California," the title cut, "Firework" and "E.T.," featuring Kanye West).

As "E.T." ranks at No. 9 on the Songs of the Summer chart, Perry is the only artist to boast two titles on the tally. While Eminem locked down two spots on last year's chart ("Love the Way You Lie," featuring Rihanna, No. 2; "Not Afraid," No. 10), Perry is the first woman to double up since Rihanna in summer 2008 ("Take a Bow," No. 3; "Disturbia," No. 9).

Shout out to Billboard for lettin' badlydrawndobs.com use this.

GAGA WINEHOUSE

Lady Gaga aka Gaga aka Joe Calderone aka... oh wait for it, Gaga Winehouse! Am so freaking sure y'all are hearing the Winehouse appendage for the first time, well that's 'cause I gave it to her. That skinny ass girl is headin' down the same road the newly daparted rehab-hatin' Amy mama-tell-me-go-to-rehab-I-say-no-no Winehouse travelled down. If Gaga doesnt tighten it up and head for the nearest rehab soon, millions of her fans will be burnin' candles, holdin' up lighters and throwin' bouquets at her fune-ral soon *sayin the funeral in frank ocean's singin voice*... am I being cynical? Nah! Am hardly a cynical mutherfucker but then again, maybe I am.

So Gaga or is it Jo Calderone went to the VMA with somethin' funky in her/ his vein talkin' bout Lady Gaga is not here when she got the award, playin' the multiple personality card but yo, dat girl ain't foolin' nobody but herself. She's losin' it. Tryin' way too hard to be weird.

Gaga needs a good fuck... oh wait, does she have a bf or gf?

I hope Akon or somebody from her camp will knock some reality into that coco-nut head of her's. Shawty needs to get back to the basics... make them black and white ivories cry a good cry, write a good tune and belt dat shit out. She needs to go sit her unsexy ass down in one corner and study the Madonna play book again or maybe give Adele a call for some advice. Damn, Gaga! I hope you turn around now from this road you're on... that road dont lead nowhere but perdition.

I hope a word is enough for Gaga Winehouse.

GAGA WINEHOUSE

Lady Gaga aka Gaga aka Joe Calderone aka... oh wait for it, Gaga Winehouse! Am so freaking sure y'all are hearing the Winehouse appendage for the first time, well that's 'cause I gave it to her. That skinny ass girl is headin' down the same road the newly daparted rehab-hatin' Amy mama-tell-me-go-to-rehab-I-say-no-no Winehouse travelled down. If Gaga doesnt tighten it up and head for the nearest rehab soon, millions of her fans will be burnin' candles, holdin' up lighters and throwin' bouquets at her fune-ral soon *sayin the funeral in frank ocean's singin voice*... am I being cynical? Nah! Am hardly a cynical mutherfucker but then again, maybe I am.

So Gaga or is it Jo Calderone went to the VMA with somethin' funky in her/ his vein talkin' bout Lady Gaga is not here when she got the award, playin' the multiple personality card but yo, dat girl ain't foolin' nobody but herself. She's losin' it. Tryin' way too hard to be weird.

Gaga needs a good fuck... oh wait, does she have a bf or gf?

I hope Akon or somebody from her camp will knock some reality into that coco-nut head of her's. Shawty needs to get back to the basics... make them black and white ivories cry a good cry, write a good tune and belt dat shit out. She needs to go sit her unsexy ass down in one corner and study the Madonna play book again or maybe give Adele a call for some advice. Damn, Gaga! I hope you turn around now from this road you're on... that road dont lead nowhere but perdition.

I hope a word is enough for Gaga Winehouse.