How a divisive dance album became a global billion-view phenomenon

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When LMFAO released their sophomore album in 2011, critics were split. Some called the lyrics imbecilic, while others found a surprising sincerity. Despite the scathing reviews, the project transformed into a massive commercial success, fueled by viral music videos that redefined digital era stardom.

Released on June 17, 2011, 'Sorry for Party Rocking' was the final studio effort from the American electronic duo LMFAO. While their 2009 debut 'Party Rock' established their presence, Billboard noted that this second album was more refined and experimental. However, the reception from the critical establishment was starkly divided. The British journal NME issued a scathing zero-out-of-ten review, criticizing the record's perceived misogyny and lyrics, while Entertainment Weekly dismissed the rapping as 'terrible' and 'maddening filler.'

In contrast, AllMusic's Josh Bush offered a favorable three-and-a-half star review, praising the album's mix of energy, humor, and sincerity.

This critical tension did little to slow the album's commercial momentum. In the United States, the album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling 27,100 copies in its first week.

By March 2012, it had reached 808,900 sales in the US alone, eventually peaking at number five on the Billboard 200. The album's legacy is inextricably linked to its massive digital footprint. The lead single, 'Party Rock Anthem,' became a global phenomenon, topping charts in numerous countries including the US, UK, and Australia, and its music video has amassed over 2 billion views on YouTube. Other singles like 'Sexy and I Know It' and 'Champagne Showers' also achieved significant international chart success and hundreds of millions of YouTube views. Global sales for the record have exceeded 1.4 million units, demonstrating that critical doubt does not preclude commercial success.

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