Pick a Day

Music History Events: Releases

July 17, 2012 The soundtrack album to the film The Dark Knight Rises is released, destined to debut at #8 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It also scores #10 on the Canadian albums chart. Composer Hans Zimmer becomes an overnight sensation, frequently compared with former golden soundtrack star John Williams.

July 10, 2012 Frank Ocean releases his highly acclaimed debut album, Channel Orange, which goes on to win the Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Standout tracks include "Lost" and "Thinkin About You."

April 9, 2012 Alabama Shakes release their debut album, Boys & Girls, featuring "Hold On." Led by powerhouse singer Brittany Howard, they bring a rootsy, organic sound to the landscape that helps earn them a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

April 4, 2012 The single "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber debuts at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's the third-highest first-week sale at 600,000 copies sold. Lots of teenage girls want to be Bieber's girlfriend.

March 13, 2012 One Direction, already superstars in their native UK with the #1 single "What Makes You Beautiful," establish boy band dominance in America with the release of their debut album, Up All Night.

June 24, 2011 Beyoncé releases 4. It's her fourth album; the title also references her favorite number, as she was born on September 4 and married on April 4.

May 23, 2011 Lady Gaga, a huge and still-rising star thanks to hits like "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance," releases another hit-packed album: Born This Way. The title track becomes an anthem of inclusivity and one of her signature songs.

November 19, 2010 Nicki Minaj, already established thanks to her verse on Kanye West's "Monster" and features on tracks by Lil Wayne, Christina Aguilera and Usher, drops her debut album, Pink Friday. It includes her Eminem duet "Roman's Revenge," a meet-up of their unhinged alter egos, Slim Shady and Roman Zolanski.

November 12, 2010 Rihanna releases her fifth album, Loud. It secures her superstar status with three #1 hits: "What's My Name?" "S&M" and her Eminem collaboration "Love The Way You Lie (Part II)."

October 4, 2010 Bruno Mars releases his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, with the #1 hits "Grenade" and "Just The Way You Are."

July 20, 2010 Bruno Mars, already known for his features on "Nothin' On You" (B.o.B) and "Billionaire" (Travie McCoy), and for co-writing the Flo Rida hit "Right Round," releases his first single as a lead artist, "Just The Way You Are." It goes to #1 and establishes him as an artist.

March 19, 2010 Justin Bieber, who turned 16 three weeks earlier, releases his debut album, My World 2.0, with the hit "Baby." The album debuts at #1, setting the stage for a massive tour and 3D concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.

March 3, 2010 Gorillaz' third album, Plastic Beach, is released. Featuring guest appearances from stars ranging from Snoop Dogg to Lou Reed, it is a huge worldwide hit, reaching #2 in both the US and UK.

November 17, 2009 Lady Gaga releases The Fame Monster, the follow-up to her debut album, The Fame. It comes with a new perspective on celebrity, as Gaga is now very famous. The album includes her monster hit "Bad Romance" and her Beyoncé collaboration "Telephone."

October 12, 2009 Michael Jackson's from-the-vaults track "This Is It" is released as a promotional single to accompany the concert documentary of the same name. It's the first release since his death in June.More

September 15, 2009 Kid Cudi releases his debut album, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day. Contributors include Kanye West, Common, and MGMT. The first single is the languid "Day 'N' Nite."

July 3, 2009 Florence + the Machine release their debut album, Lungs, introducing us to the mystical, theatrical Florence Welch. Thanks to tracks like "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)" and "Dog Days Are Over," it makes a huge impact in their native UK, where it goes to #1.

May 15, 2009 Green Day release the album 21st Century Breakdown, their follow-up to American Idiot, released five years earlier. The first two singles are "Know Your Enemy" and "21 Guns."

November 28, 2008 Britney Spears releases her sixth album, Circus. It goes to #1 in America and marks a return to form for the singer, who struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout 2007.

November 18, 2008 American Idol winner David Cook releases his self-titled debut album.

September 29, 2008 T.I. releases the album Paper Trail, made mostly under house arrest while awaiting trial on gun charges. It includes collaborations with Justin Timberlake ("Dead And Gone") and Rihanna ("Live Your Life"), and the hit "Whatever You Like."

September 12, 2008 Metallica release Death Magnetic, produced by Rick Rubin.

August 19, 2008 After two years performing in the New York City club scene, 22-year-old Lady Gaga releases her debut album, The Fame, a look at how fame is all about attitude. Thanks to the hits "Just Dance" and "Poker Face," it makes her famous worldwide, not just in her mind.More

June 10, 2008 Lil Wayne releases Tha Carter III, which goes on to sell over 3 million copies.

April 8, 2008 Lady Gaga releases her first single, "Just Dance," co-written with Akon, who sings on the track. It catches on in clubs and gradually climbs the pop chart, landing at #1 in January 2009.

April 1, 2008 The Rolling Stones release Shine A Light, the soundtrack to their concert film of the same name, directed by Martin Scorsese.

March 25, 2008 The Raconteurs release Consolers of the Lonely.

October 30, 2007 The Eagles release their first album since 1979, Long Road Out of Eden, and Britney Spears issues her fifth album, Blackout. Thanks to a fanbase more comfortable with buying CDs than downloading, the Eagles easily outsell her, moving 7 million copies in America to Spears' 1 million.

October 24, 2007 Backstreet Boys release Unbreakable, their first album without Kevin Richardson.More

September 25, 2007 Bruce Springsteen releases Magic.