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15 of the Most Iconic Pop Albums of the 21st Century

Bee Mee

05/15/24 • 1,259 Views • 0 Share • Published in

Experience the magic of pop music with Bee Mee - Sing along to the best pop albums of all time!

Get ready to sing your heart out on Bee Mee to some of the most essential pop songs of the 21^st century.

When considering quintessential music genres, one can hardly overlook Pop music. It stands as one of the most, if not the most, popular genres globally.

Music possesses a unique ability to resonate with individuals on a profound level, evoking memories and emotions tied to specific moments in time. A mere song or album can transport you back to a place, an activity, or an intense feeling, demonstrating its powerful impact.

The 21st century has given us an array of remarkable pop albums. From Justin Timberlake's inaugural solo endeavor to Taylor Swift's pivot into pop with her debut in the genre, and the unforgettable Lemonade by Beyoncé, the landscape of pop has been adorned with gems.

GQ curated a catalog of the 15 Most Essential Pop Albums of the 21st Century, spotlighting these iconic releases and more.

In 2001, Britney Spears unveiled "Britney", featuring six hit singles including "I'm a Slave 4 U," marking a pivotal moment in her career toward maturity while maintaining her pop sovereignty.

Justin Timberlake's solo debut "Justified" emerged in 2002, claiming its spot at number two on the US Billboard 200. It served as a platform for career-defining tracks like "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body."

Lady Gaga burst onto the scene in 2008 with "The Fame", followed by her headline-grabbing meat dress at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The album introduced her fans, aka Little Monsters, to chart-toppers like "Just Dance" and "Paparazzi."

Beyoncé's "Lemonade," released in 2016 alongside a visually stunning 65-minute film of the same name, solidified its status as an epochal piece of art, hailed by many as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Taylor Swift's "1989," unleashed in 2014, stands as one of her most commercially successful albums, marking her official foray into pop. In 2023, she reclaimed ownership of her music with "1989 Taylor's Version," featuring re-recordings and previously unreleased tracks.

When one thinks of Robyn, standout tracks like "Dancing on My Own" and "Call Your Girlfriend" from her 2010 album "Body Talk" inevitably come to mind. With this being her seventh studio album, Robyn proves her mastery in crafting pop perfection.

Troye Sivan's sophomore effort "Bloom," released in 2018, showcases a happier and more mature persona compared to his debut album, marking a significant evolution in his artistry.

“Desire, I Want to Turn Into You”, Caroline Polachek’s second solo album debuted in 2023, offering a glimpse into transformative pop. Known for her viral hit "So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings," Polachek continues to captivate audiences with her unique sound.

The list of the essential pop albums is rounded out by Charli XCX's "Pop 2," Katy Perry's "One of the Boys," Carly Rae Jepsen's "Emotion," Cupid Deluxe's "Blood Orange," Rihanna's "Anti," Michelle Branch's "The Spirit Room," and One Direction's "Four."