Music · 2012
The Year Pop Went Global and Viral
In 2012, viral YouTube hits reshaped global pop culture while R&B and hip-hop underwent seismic artistic revolutions. Unforgettable pop hooks dominated the airwaves as indie folk and electronic dance music reached unprecedented mainstream heights.
- Psy / K-Pop / July 2012
Gangnam Style
South Korean rapper Psy smashed global barriers when his quirky horse-riding dance video became the first YouTube upload to cross one billion views.
- Kendrick Lamar / Hip-Hop / Oct 2012
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar released a cinematic West Coast masterpiece detailing his youth in Compton, instantly cementing his place among rap royalty.
- Frank Ocean / R&B / July 2012
channel ORANGE
Frank Ocean redefined modern R&B with a soulful, deeply personal debut album that earned universal critical acclaim and six Grammy nominations.
- Taylor Swift / Pop-Country / Oct 2012
Red
Taylor Swift embraced explosive pop production alongside country storytelling, selling over one million copies in its first week.
- Carly Rae Jepsen / Pop / Feb 2012
Call Me Maybe
Carly Rae Jepsen delivered an inescapable bubblegum pop anthem that conquered international charts and spawned countless viral cover videos.
- Swedish House Mafia / EDM / June 2012
One Last Tour Announcement
At the peak of their global popularity, the superstar electronic trio shocked fans by announcing their breakup alongside hit single 'Don't You Worry Child'.
- Mumford & Sons / Indie Folk / Sept 2012
Babel
British band Mumford & Sons brought banjo-driven folk rock to massive arena stages, debuting at number one on both US and UK charts.
- Adele / Live Event / Feb 2012
54th Annual Grammy Awards
Adele made a triumphant return from vocal cord surgery to sweep all six of her nominated categories, including Album of the Year for 21.
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