- A year of vibrant music, unforgettable anthems, and chart-topping hits that still resonate today. For anyone who lived through the musical landscape of that year, or for those discovering the sounds of the past, revisiting the best songs of 2011 UK is a guaranteed trip down memory lane. This wasn't just another year; it was a period brimming with diverse sounds, from infectious pop anthems to brooding indie ballads, each leaving its unique mark. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or simply curious about the tunes that dominated the UK airwaves, this definitive list is for you. We'll dive deep into the tracks that defined the year, exploring why they became such cultural touchstones and reminding you of the feeling that accompanied each unforgettable beat. Prepare to rediscover (or discover for the first time!) the best songs of 2011 UK – a musical journey you won't want to miss.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Lazy Song | Bruno Mars | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 3B+ |
| 2. Rolling in the Deep | Adele | 21 | 3B+ |
| 3. Party Rock Anthem |
GoonRock LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett | 2B+ | |
| 4. On The Floor |
Jennifer Lopez Pitbull | Love | 2B+ |
| 5. Someone Like You | Adele | 21 | 2B+ |
| 6. Just the Way You Are | Bruno Mars | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2B+ |
| 7. Grenade | Bruno Mars | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 1B+ |
1. The Lazy Song (Bruno Mars)
Catchy Melody: "The Lazy Song" boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that dominated airwaves in 2011, making it a staple on UK radio playlists.
Upbeat Vibe: Its breezy, upbeat tempo perfectly captured the summery feeling of the year, offering a feel-good escape for listeners.
Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars' signature smooth vocals shine, adding to the song's overall charm and making it instantly recognizable even today.
2. Rolling in the Deep (2010)
Sound: A powerful, soulful blend of bluesy grit and anthemic pop, "Rolling in the Deep" showcased Adele's vocal prowess with its dynamic range and impactful instrumentation, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of heartbreak.
Vocals: Adele's commanding vocals are the undeniable centerpiece, conveying both vulnerability and strength, making it a truly memorable performance in the UK music scene of 2011.
Cultural Impact: Its release solidified Adele's place as a global superstar, and the song's enduring popularity reflects its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level, cementing its position amongst the best of 2011 in the UK.
3. Party Rock Anthem (GoonRock ft LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett )
Sound: Party Rock Anthem's infectious beat and electro-house sound dominated airwaves in 2011, perfectly capturing the energy of the era's club scene.
Pop Culture Impact: Its catchy hook and memorable dance moves made it a ubiquitous presence, establishing itself firmly in the UK's popular music landscape.
Vocal Performance: Lauren Bennett's vocals add a sultry counterpoint to the song's exuberant energy, creating a dynamic and memorable listening experience.
4. On The Floor (Jennifer Lopez ft Pitbull - 2025)
Infectious Beat: "On the Floor" boasts a relentlessly catchy rhythm that dominated dance floors in 2011, making it a UK chart staple.
Vocal Synergy: Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull's vocals blend perfectly, creating an irresistible energy that's both powerful and playful.
Global Appeal: Its blend of Latin rhythms and pop sensibilities transcended genres, solidifying its place amongst 2011's most memorable UK hits.
5. Someone Like You (Adele - 2025)
Vocal Performance: Adele's powerhouse vocals are the undeniable centerpiece, conveying raw emotion and vulnerability that resonated deeply with listeners in 2011.
Lyrical Impact: The lyrics' poignant exploration of heartbreak and moving on struck a chord with a generation, making it an anthem for many.
Cultural Significance: Its success solidified Adele's position as a leading figure in UK and international music, cementing its place in the cultural landscape of 2011.
6. Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)
Smooth Vocals: Bruno Mars' velvety vocals are a standout feature, perfectly capturing the song's romantic and heartfelt message, making it incredibly appealing to UK audiences in 2011.
Catchy Melody: The undeniably catchy melody and upbeat tempo made "Just the Way You Are" a radio staple, ensuring its widespread popularity throughout the UK.
Timeless Appeal: Its classic R&B sound transcends fleeting trends, explaining its enduring presence on best-of lists even years after its release.
7. Grenade
Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars' soulful vocals and incredible range are on full display in "Grenade" showcasing his power and vulnerability.
Emotional Resonance: The song's heartfelt lyrics about selfless love and sacrifice resonated deeply with listeners in 2011, establishing it as a defining track of the era.
Production Quality: The impeccable production, blending retro-soul influences with contemporary pop sensibilities, cemented "Grenade" as a radio staple and chart-topper in the UK.
8. Give Me Everything - Planet Pit (Deluxe Version)
Catchy Rhythm: Give Me Everything's infectious beat and driving rhythm made it a club staple and radio hit throughout 2011, perfectly capturing the energy of the time.
Star Power Collaboration: The collaboration of Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Pitbull, and Nayer created a unique blend of R&B, EDM, and Latin influences, broadening its appeal across genres.
Summer Anthem Vibes: Its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics cemented its status as a quintessential summer anthem in the UK, recalling carefree days and nights.
9. Super Bass - Pink Friday (Complete Edition)
Sound: Super Bass's iconic, heavily synthesized bass line was instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy, perfectly capturing the vibrant soundscape of 2011.
Vocal Performance: Nicki Minaj's signature rapping style and powerful vocals are on full display, showcasing her unique charisma and lyrical prowess.
Cultural Impact in the UK: Its infectious energy and widespread airplay cemented its place within the UK's musical landscape, making it a memorable hit of the year.
10. Only Girl (Rihanna - 2025)
Catchy Hook: Rihanna's "Only Girl" boasts an instantly memorable chorus, perfectly capturing the carefree energy of early 2011's pop landscape.
Dancefloor-Ready Beat: The driving beat and infectious rhythm made it a club staple and a ubiquitous presence on UK radio waves throughout the year.
Chart Domination: Its success in the UK charts solidified its place as a defining track of the year's pop soundscape.
11Price Tag
B.o.B,Jessie J
2011
12Set Fire to the Rain
Adele
2011
21
13Moves Like Jagger
Christina Aguilera,Maroon 5
2011
Hands All Over
14Jar of Hearts
Christina Perri
2010
15Where Them Girls At
Flo Rida,David Guetta,Nicki Minaj
2011
Nothing but the Beat 2.0
16The A Team
Ed Sheeran
2011
+
17Yeah 3X
Chris Brown
2010
18Mr. Saxobeat
Alexandra Stan
2011
19Born This Way
Lady Gaga
2011
Born This Way (Special Edition)
20Sweat
Snoop Dogg,David Guetta
2016
21The Edge of Glory
Lady Gaga
2011
22Make You Feel My Love
Adele
2008
19
23Who's That Chick?
Rihanna,David Guetta
2011
24S&M
Rihanna
2011
Loud (Japan Version)
25Changed the Way You Kiss Me
Example
2011
26I Need a Dollar
Aloe Blacc
2010
27Marry You
Bruno Mars
2010
Doo-Wops & Hooligans
28Beautiful People
Chris Brown
2011
29Hello
Martin Solveig,Dragonette
2011