Decades: 2011

The most popular songs of the year, across all genres, as ranked by Billboard chart placements.

The 50 most popular rap songs of 2011, as ranked by Billboard chart placement.

Highlights from the critically-acclaimed albums released in the Spring of 2011; cool music you won't hear on the radio.

Highlights from the critically-acclaimed albums released in the Winter of 2011. You won't hear these songs on the radio.

Highlights from the critically-acclaimed albums released in the Summer of 2011. Updated weekly with brand new music that you won't hear on the radio.

Songs from artists performing at the eclectic three-day Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, headlined by Kanye West, Arcade Fire, and Kings of Leon.

Listen to essential arias from operas being performed during Metropolitan Opera's 2011-2012 season, ranging from Puccini's classic "La Bohéme" to Philip Glass' experimental "Satyagraha."

Every year, the CMJ Music Marathon takes over 75 venues in NYC, offering up performances from over a thousand indie and up-and-coming bands. Here's a slice of the notable acts playing CMJ in 2011.

Songs by all of the 2011 Grammy Winners.

Songs by all of the 2011 Grammy nominees.

Listen to songs by all of the artists nominated for a 2011 VMA Award.

Listen to songs by all of the artists nominated for a 2011 BET Award.

Songs by all of the 2011 ACM Awards nominees, featuring the most popular country artists of the past year.

Listen to all of the artists and songs nominated for a 2011 Americana Music Award.

Listen to all of the artists and songs nominated for a 2011 American Music Award.

Listen to a mix of the best songs by artists playing at the 2011 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival taking place June 9-12th, 2011 in Manchester, Tennessee.

Songs by all of the best up-and-coming electro-dance artists performing as part of the 2011 HARD Summer Music Festival.

Songs by all the artists performing at the 2011 Sasquatch Festival taking place on May 27-30 at The Gorge.

Electric Zoo is an electronic music festival that takes place on Randall's Island, NY on Labor Day weekend. Listen to a playlist of songs by artists in the 2011 lineup.

Listen to songs by all the artists performing at the 2011 Vans Warped Tour.

Curated by guitarist Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule, Allman Brothers Band), the annual Mountain Jam Festival brings together the best classic and up-and-coming jam bands. This year's festival takes place June 2-5 in Hunter, New York.

No need to go to Cancun or Lake Havasu, we've got your Spring Break party right here. Get down with the best recent dance and club hits.

Songs by all of the indie bands in the SXSW 2011 lineup.

This four-day, foot-stomping festival in the heart of the Midwest brings together some of today's best rock, bluegrass and funk artists.

Listen to songs by all the artists performing at the 2011 Outside Lands Festival taking place on August 12th-14th in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA.

Songs by all the artists that will be inducted into and honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Congratulations to all the artists who have been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011!

This four-day festival in Telluride, CO brings together popular and upcoming bluegrass acts as well as some crossover artists. This playlist should prepare you for "acoustic adventures at 8,750 feet," whether you're headed to the Rockies or not.

Gear up for the 20th anniversary of Chicago's premier music festival with songs from 2011's most buzzworthy artists: Coldplay, Two Door Cinema Club, Ellie Goulding, Fitz & The Tantrums, Lord Huron, Naked and Famous and Patrick Stump just to name a few.

Songs by all of the 2011 CMA Award winners and performers.

Suave, sophisticated and usually dedicated to the ladies, these are the slickest and sexiest songs from the world's biggest modern male R&B superstars.

Explore the current wave of scuzzy, lo-fi rockers, with a smattering of old-school classics of the style.

Songs and remixes written by, performed by, and featuring Drizzy.

It's Beyonce's millenium, we're just living in it. Listen to the best songs from the reigning Queen of R&B, and her closest contemporaries.

IDM may have originally stood for Intelligent Dance Music, but it doesn't have to live on the dance floor. This cerebral electronica also makes the perfect soundtrack for studying, reading, or simply relaxing.

Some of today's sunniest indie rock is heavily influenced by the classic sounds of '50s and '60s pop and surf rock. Listen to songs by new artists who put their own twist on those vintage sounds.

The term "indie" may conjure up thoughts of a scrappy aesthetic, but as these exceptional acts prove, there's plenty of room for a more refined sound as well.

Start your morning right with these upbeat contemporary pop hits. Perfect for getting the day started on the right foot.

The retro sounds of '60s soul music have made a comeback. These contemporary artists are updating classic soul sounds for the 21st century.

Nothing but today's upbeat and rockin' country songs. No ballads or soft stuff.

The artist formerly known as Stefani Germanotta continues to fascinate the world with her boldly theatrical pop. Delve deeper into her world with key tracks from her inspirations and peers.

Celebrate the release of One Direction's new album Up All Night (http://bit.ly/IEHdly) with this playlist, featuring One Direction, The Wanted, and tracks produced by the same teams responsible for propelling these lads into the mainstream.

Keep up with the latest, hottest tracks rocking the world's hippest dance floors. Keep the night alive.

Celebrate Chris Brown's new single "Till I Die" (http://bit.ly/JPYDOc) with this playlist, featuring all of the best songs from Breezy's catalog, as well songs from his closest collaborators and contemporaries.

Cuddle up with your boo to the sounds of these hip-hop-meets-R&B love jams.

Enjoy these predominantly acoustic, unplugged songs with a distinctly wintry feel. Imagine yourself snowed-in on a winter day, sitting by the fireplace with little to do but reflect.

Just as scrappy and raunchy as their forbears, these freshman also possess a fondness for the art house. Expect DJ Screw-era pastiche, hard drugs and violent fantasies. Decidedly NSFW.

Recently popularized by the movie "The Descendants," Hawaiian folk is a soothing style of acoustic folk music featuring slack-key guitar, ukulele, and warm vocal harmonies. Say aloha to traditional Hawaiian folk's best artists, both past and present.

A blend of hazy rap anthems from old heads and smoked-out upstarts. Roll one up.

Explore the world of newly-minted pop superstar Bruno Mars with this sparkling set of tracks featuring his influences, contemporaries and collaborators.

These quiet, pensive tunes are perfect for an overcast afternoon, either curled up at home or settled in at a cozy cafe.

At just 24, Sonny Moore, or Skrillex, to his legions of fans, is the biggest name in the festival-circuit, dubstep scene. Here are some of "Skrill's" favorite tracks, as well as the best from his own catalog and those of his closest contemporaries.

Enjoy the best soft and soothing pop songs from the '90s through today. The perfect soundtrack to melt away the stress of your day.

Dutch producer Afrojack has made waves producing and remixing tracks for Pitbull, Beyonce, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga and many more. These are the tracks that define his signature sound.

Listen to key tracks from today's most popular Americana albums, as measured by the Americana Music Association's weekly airplay chart.

Late night public transit has a way of setting the perfect stage for dark entrancing music with salacious undertones and plenty of bass. Transcend the cacophony.

An exploration of the Latin 'indie' scene through the songs of popular bands as well as emerging acts.

The world is your runway; strut to the beat of these deep and sultry electronic rhythms from some of today's most fashionable artists and DJs.

Kirk Franklin is one of the few artists whose music has bridged the gap between gospel and popular urban culture. Listen to songs by his closest contemporaries, indebted followers, and Kirk himself. Request songs at https://www.facebook.com/KirkFranklin

Bring down the house with this collection of today's most massive electro house and dubstep tracks.

Fill your apartment with friends, neighbors and strangers; pour some drinks and dim the lights; start this playlist of new, cool and stylish songs; play it loud.

Explore the current state of forward-looking electronic music, from minimal techno to electro-acoustic sound experiments.

Nothing gets you through even the toughest mornings like these feel-good, contemporary hip hop and R&B jams. Face the day with soul and power!

The softer side of contemporary country music. Songs with themes of love, heartbreak, patriotism and nostalgia that evoke that comforting, down-home feeling.

Settle into the hip, cool lounge of a trendy European hotel with these stylish tunes. Order a cocktail and let the evening take you away.

Hypnotic breaks and pensive soundscapes from today's greatest electronica artists: the perfect soundtrack for reading, working, or just relaxing.

If you thought your favorite '90s alt rockers were gone then you were mistaken. Listen to the return of the flannel-flaunting hitmakers who are attempting to be restored to the glory of the grunge years.

Rowdy three-chord rock from both the latest buzz bands and the stalwarts of the indie scene. Crack a tall boy.

In the early 2010s, we've seen a new emergence of fun, upbeat pop music created by alternative-leaning artists. Enjoy some new songs about celebrating, dancing, and (often) being in love.

Soundtrack your rooftop, outdoor patio, or backyard party with these new, energetic indie rock songs.