Sorry for Party Rocking
Sorry for Party Rocking is the second and final studio album by the American electronic dance music duo LMFAO, consisting of uncle-nephew pair Redfoo and SkyBlu. Released on June 21, 2011, by Interscope Records, the album builds on the party's-starting electro house sound of their 2009 debut Party Rock, featuring high-energy tracks centered on nightlife, celebration, and irreverent humor.[1][2] The record includes several chart-topping singles, most notably "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock, which became a global phenomenon and topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, and "Sexy and I Know It", which also reached number one on the chart.[3] Other singles like the title track "Sorry for Party Rocking" and "Champagne Showers" featuring Natalia Kills also contributed to the album's promotion and popularity in clubs worldwide.[4] Commercially, Sorry for Party Rocking debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart with 27,000 copies sold in its first week, before climbing to a peak of number 5 amid the success of its singles.[5][6] The album has sold over 500,000 copies in the United States, earning a gold certification from the RIAA, and achieved similar success internationally, including top-10 placements in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.[7] Musically, the 14-track standard edition (expanded to 16 on the deluxe version) blends electro house, crunk, and pop rap elements, with LMFAO handling much of the production alongside contributors like partyrockers.com affiliates.[8] Despite its commercial triumphs, the album received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who praised its infectious energy but criticized the simplistic lyrics and repetitive formula as emblematic of early 2010s EDM excess.[9][10] Following the album's release, LMFAO embarked on the Sorry for Party Rocking Tour in 2012, but the duo disbanded later that year, marking this as their last full-length project before a hiatus.[11] The record's legacy endures through its anthemic singles, which helped define the EDM-pop crossover era and continue to influence party music.[12]Background and development
Conception
Following the moderate success of their debut album Party Rock, released in July 2009 and peaking at number 33 on the US Billboard 200, LMFAO—comprising uncle-nephew duo Redfoo (Stefan Kendal Gordy) and SkyBlu (Skyler Austen Gordy)—decided to develop a sequel to capitalize on their burgeoning reputation for high-energy party anthems. The album's conception stemmed from their intent to solidify their identity as "party rockers," drawing from their Los Angeles club scene roots where they first formed in 2006. This decision was motivated by the desire to create music that mirrored their lifestyle of relentless celebration and social connection, positioning the project as an extension of their debut's playful, escapist vibe. In late 2009, as work on the follow-up began, Redfoo and SkyBlu discussed in interviews their aim to amplify the party-themed elements of Party Rock while integrating more sophisticated electronic production to appeal to a broader audience. Redfoo emphasized the need for tracks that evoked communal joy, such as capturing moments of champagne-spraying revelry in clubs, while SkyBlu highlighted evolving their sound to foster a global "party rock" movement. This phase was influenced by the surging popularity of electronic dance music (EDM) during 2009–2010, a period when the genre gained mainstream traction through festival circuits and radio play.[13] The duo drew specific inspiration from the electro house scene, particularly David Guetta's chart-topping productions that blended house beats with pop accessibility. Their 2010 collaboration with Guetta on "Gettin' Over You," which reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, reinforced this direction, encouraging LMFAO to infuse their sequel with pulsating synths, heavy basslines, and dance-floor urgency. SkyBlu later reflected that these influences helped transform their initial ideas into a cohesive album narrative of unapologetic excess, setting the stage for hits that would dominate clubs and airwaves.[13]Recording process
The recording of Sorry for Party Rocking took place primarily in Los Angeles studios from 2009 to 2011. LMFAO duo members RedFoo and SkyBlu handled the bulk of production themselves, enlisting members of their extended "Party Rock Crew" for support on various tracks. This self-reliant approach allowed them to craft music aligned with their personal vision, emphasizing high-energy electro house elements built around synthesizers and samples to generate entrancing synth lines and hypnotizing beats.[13] A key collaboration unfolded during sessions for the lead single "Party Rock Anthem." The track originated in a Los Angeles production session initially earmarked for rapper Flo Rida, where co-producer GoonRock composed the chorus. GoonRock later presented the beat to RedFoo, and the pair completed the song together, incorporating heavy synthesizer drops and sampled rhythms to drive its infectious electro-hop vibe. They then invited British singer Lauren Bennett to contribute her bridge vocals in a dedicated recording session, adding a polished pop layer to the track's humorous, party-centric lyrics.[14][15]Music and artwork
Musical style
Sorry for Party Rocking is primarily characterized by its blend of electro house, dance-pop, and hip-hop elements, creating a high-energy sound designed for club environments and party settings. The album draws on electronic dance music (EDM) foundations, incorporating wonky synths, heart-racing drums, and prominent beat drops that emphasize dancefloor euphoria.[16][17] Instrumentation features heavy basslines, layered synthesizers, and samples that drive the tracks forward, often paired with auto-tuned vocals for a polished, radio-ready sheen.[18][19] This fusion extends to crunk-like rhymes over '80s-inspired synth hooks and pounding beats, evoking a bastardized R&B groove tailored for maximal impact.[20] Song structures on the album typically follow a formulaic build-up to explosive choruses, prioritizing repetitive, hook-driven sections that encourage audience participation and movement. Tracks like "Party Rock Anthem" exemplify this with their global-inspired melodies leading into signature drops, while the overall production maintains simplicity to ensure accessibility on dancefloors.[19][16] The sound aligns with contemporary party anthems from artists like Taio Cruz, sharing a booty-croon style that mixes electro-pop bombast with carefree, over-the-top energy.[12] Compared to LMFAO's debut album Party Rock, which leaned on crunk roots and more rudimentary hip-hop beats, Sorry for Party Rocking represents an evolution toward a refined EDM aesthetic with enhanced melodic elements and professional production. This shift results in a more versatile palette, incorporating electropop and dubstep influences alongside traditional party rap, moving away from beer-soaked simplicity to a global, mainstream polish.[16][21][11]Album artwork and packaging
The cover art for Sorry for Party Rocking features LMFAO members Redfoo and SkyBlu in a literal navel-gazing pose, looking down at their midsections while clad in casual party attire.[22] The art direction and design were handled by Rent Control, Inc.[23] The standard physical edition was released in a clear jewel case with a four-page booklet.[24] The deluxe edition maintained the same cover art but included additional packaging elements, such as four bonus tracks and a Party Rock temporary tattoo.[25] Digital formats utilized the cover art as the primary thumbnail image across platforms.[8]Release and promotion
Release dates and formats
Sorry for Party Rocking was announced by LMFAO on May 11, 2011, with pre-orders becoming available shortly thereafter through retailers like Amazon and iTunes.[26][27] The album was released internationally by Interscope Records, beginning with New Zealand on June 17, 2011, followed by the United States on June 21, 2011, and the United Kingdom on July 18, 2011.[28][5][29] It was issued in multiple formats, including standard and deluxe editions available on CD and digital download. The standard edition features 14 tracks, while the deluxe edition expands to 16 tracks, incorporating remixes and bonus material such as "Party Rock Anthem (Wideboys Remix)."[1][30] iTunes offered exclusive bonuses, including additional digital content for pre-order customers. Regional variations appeared in international markets, with some editions like the Thai version adding localized bonus tracks.[31]Marketing and promotion
The promotion for Sorry for Party Rocking capitalized on the viral momentum generated by the lead single "Party Rock Anthem," whose music video, released in March 2011, depicted a shuffling dance in a zombie apocalypse setting that sparked a global meme. Fans were encouraged to upload their own shuffling videos to social media platforms like YouTube, creating organic buzz and user-generated content that amplified anticipation for the album without traditional advertising budgets. This tie-in transformed the dance into a cultural phenomenon, with millions of views and shares contributing to the duo's party rock persona.[16][14] LMFAO supplemented this with targeted TV and radio appearances to maintain visibility. The duo performed on major broadcasts such as the American Music Awards in November 2011, where they delivered high-energy medleys featuring tracks from the album alongside special guests like David Hasselhoff, showcasing their live spectacle style to a wide audience. Radio promotions included interviews and premieres on stations like KIIS-FM, focusing on the album's thematic elements of unapologetic partying to engage listeners and drive airplay for singles. Merchandise played a key role in extending the brand, with the launch of the Party Rock clothing line in early 2011, offering items like graphic t-shirts emblazoned with phrases such as "Party Rock" and "Shuffle." This line was promoted through social media and event tie-ins, allowing fans to embody the album's aesthetic and fostering a sense of community. Digitally, LMFAO released "One Day" as the first promotional single in April 2011, made available for free or low-cost download on platforms like iTunes to hook listeners with its aspirational lyrics and build playlist traction ahead of the full album.[32][33]Sorry for Party Rocking Tour
The Sorry for Party Rocking Tour was LMFAO's first major headlining concert tour, launched to promote their second studio album of the same name. Kicking off on May 22, 2012, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the North American leg encompassed 26 arena shows across the United States and Canada, running through early July and concluding in Toronto at Molson Canadian Amphitheatre on July 4.[34][35] The tour later extended to Europe with festival performances, including appearances at the V Festival in the United Kingdom on August 18 and 19.[36] Performances centered on high-energy electronic dance sets, with a typical setlist highlighting tracks from the album alongside earlier hits. Key inclusions were "Sorry for Party Rocking," "Sexy and I Know It," "Party Rock Anthem," "I'm in Miami Bitch," and "Shots," often interspersed with medleys and covers like Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow."[37] The shows incorporated special elements such as guest appearances by collaborators including Far East Movement, Quest Crew, Sidney Samson, and Eva Simons, who joined for select numbers.[34] Interactive features were a hallmark, with LMFAO and the Party Rock Crew encouraging audience shuffling dances during songs like "Party Rock Anthem," creating a participatory party atmosphere that aligned with the album's festive theme.[38] The tour played in major venues with capacities exceeding 10,000, such as Staples Center in Los Angeles (19,067 seats) on June 5 and American Airlines Arena in Miami (19,600 seats) on June 22, drawing enthusiastic crowds for sold-out or near-capacity events.[39][40] Following the tour's completion in late summer 2012, LMFAO members Redfoo and SkyBlu expressed fatigue from the demanding schedule. Redfoo noted in interviews that after five or six years of relentless touring and performing, they felt ready to explore solo endeavors, contributing to the duo's announcement of an indefinite hiatus in September 2012.[41]Singles
Lead single
"Party Rock Anthem" was released as the lead single from LMFAO's second studio album, Sorry for Party Rocking, on January 25, 2011, serving as a pre-release track to build anticipation for the project.[16] The song features guest vocals by British singer Lauren Bennett and production contributions from American producer GoonRock (David Jamahl Listenbee), who also co-wrote the track alongside LMFAO members Redfoo (Stefan Kendal Gordy) and SkyBlu (Skyler Austen Gordy), with Bennett credited for her verse.[42] Produced primarily by Redfoo and Listenbee under the Party Rock moniker, the track embodies the duo's electro-house party sound, blending repetitive hooks with dance instructions.[14] The single achieved massive commercial success, debuting at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated February 19, 2011, before climbing to number 1 for six consecutive weeks starting July 16.[43] It topped charts in over 10 countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, marking the first number-one hit by a duo on the Hot 100 since 2004.[3] By 2018, "Party Rock Anthem" had been certified diamond by the RIAA in the United States for sales and streaming equivalent to 10 million units, and earned multi-platinum certifications in regions such as Australia (15× platinum) and the UK (3× platinum).[44] The accompanying music video, directed by Mickey Finnegan and released on March 8, 2011, depicts a zombie apocalypse in Los Angeles where survivors perform the shuffling dance to avoid detection, sparking a global dance craze known as the "shuffle."[14] Uploaded to YouTube via the official Interscope channel, the video quickly went viral, amassing over 2.5 billion views as of 2025 and contributing to the song's cultural phenomenon status.[45]Subsequent singles
Following the success of the lead single "Party Rock Anthem", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, LMFAO released "Champagne Showers" featuring Natalia Kills as the second single from Sorry for Party Rocking on May 26, 2011.[4][46] The track achieved top-ten status internationally, peaking at number 9 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia and number 8 on the New Zealand Top 40.[47][48] It also reached number 32 on the UK Singles Chart.[49] While it did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100, the song climbed to number 4 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.[50] The music video, directed by Mickey Finnegan, depicts LMFAO as shuffling zombies wandering through a post-apocalyptic landscape in search of the ultimate party, blending humor with the duo's signature electro-hop style.[51] No major awards nominations were reported for the single. "Champagne Showers" was succeeded by "Sexy and I Know It" as the third single, released on September 16, 2011.[52] The song propelled LMFAO back to the top of the charts, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 7, 2012, where it held the position for two weeks and became the duo's second number-one hit in the US.[53] It also topped the Hot Digital Songs chart with over 395,000 downloads in its peak week.[54] The track's playful lyrics and infectious beat contributed to its global appeal, though specific international peaks beyond the US were not as dominant as prior singles. The accompanying music video, directed by Mickey Finnegan, features absurd and humorous visuals of overweight men in Speedos wiggling confidently on a beach, satirizing body image and machismo in a lighthearted, over-the-top manner.[55] "Sexy and I Know It" earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013.[56] It also won the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Award for International Video of the Year - Group in 2012.[57] The album's title track, "Sorry for Party Rocking", served as the fourth and final single, released on January 17, 2012.[58] It marked a modest chart performance compared to predecessors, peaking at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2012.[59] The song's electro-house production emphasized themes of unapologetic partying, aligning with the album's overall ethos. The music video, directed by Mickey Finnegan and premiered on E! in early 2012, portrays an elderly couple (played by LMFAO in heavy makeup) initially disturbed by a raucous neighborhood house party, only to shed their inhibitions and join the festivities, culminating in chaotic group dancing.[58] The video amassed over 9 million views on VEVO shortly after release.[34] No awards or nominations were associated specifically with the single.Promotional singles
To promote Sorry for Party Rocking, Interscope Records issued several non-commercial promotional singles in 2011, primarily focusing on the title track to generate early buzz ahead of the album's June 21 release. These included a CDr single in the United States via Cherrytree Records, a CDr EP in France through Polydor and Universal Music France, and a CDr single in the Netherlands under Interscope Records and Universal Music (catalog UMUSIC 1937).[60] A promotional remix package for "Sorry for Party Rocking" was also distributed as a CDr, featuring various remixes to appeal to DJs and radio programmers.[61] These efforts emphasized digital and physical promo formats to build anticipation without pursuing full commercial single status, contributing to the album's hype through targeted industry distribution rather than widespread consumer availability. An unofficial 12" vinyl promo of the title track emerged in the UK in 2012, further extending the promotional push.[62] Upon its release, Sorry for Party Rocking received mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 47 based on 13 reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reception.[9] Critics generally praised the album's high-energy party anthems and infectious beats suitable for club play, but criticized its repetitive structure, simplistic and often juvenile lyrics, and lack of musical depth. AllMusic's Josh Bush awarded it three-and-a-half out of five stars, stating that "chart-driven pop rarely gets much better than LMFAO on this stand-out album" for its fun, escapist vibe.[19] The Guardian's Alexis Petridis gave it three out of five stars, noting the album's focus on "late nights, trendy tequilas, hard bodies and vibey DJs" but finding the execution "depressing" due to unfunny lyrics and thin ideas stretched over the runtime.[10] Rolling Stone rated it three out of five stars, describing it as "defiantly puerile" with "shout-along slogans and harmless hedonism," though the duo struggled to balance rap and pop elements.[12] NME's review was more negative, calling it a "soul-destroying second record" with "imbecilic" songs that parody EDM in a revolting manner.[63] Similarly, Sputnikmusic labeled it "the worst kind of bad album," faulting its lack of originality and excessive filler.[64]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Sorry for Party Rocking debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart dated July 9, 2011, before climbing to its peak position of number 5 on January 14, 2012, and spending a total of 63 weeks on the chart.[65][6] It also reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart.[66] The album's trajectory reflected the growing influence of digital sales in 2011, when digital music purchases first surpassed physical sales overall, contributing to sustained chart longevity through download metrics and the success of its singles.[67] Internationally, the album achieved strong peaks across multiple territories, particularly in regions with high electronic music consumption.| Chart (2011–2012) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 2 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 3 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 2 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 8 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 19 |
Sales and certifications
In the United States, Sorry for Party Rocking was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 18, 2012, indicating shipments of 500,000 units.[70] The album sold approximately 808,900 copies by March 2012, according to Nielsen SoundScan data reported in industry analyses. As of 2023, including equivalent units from streaming, total consumption in the US has surpassed 1 million units, driven by the enduring popularity of its singles on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Worldwide, the album has sold over 1.7 million copies based on aggregated certification and sales data across multiple markets. The rise of streaming services has further increased its equivalent album units to approximately 2 million globally as of 2023, with tracks like "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It" accumulating billions of streams and views.[71] The album received numerous certifications reflecting its international success:| Country | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 3× Platinum | 210,000 |
| Austria (IFPI Austria) | Platinum | 20,000 |
| Canada (Music Canada) | 2× Platinum | 160,000 |
| France (SNEP) | 2× Platinum | 200,000 |
| Germany (BVMI) | Gold | 100,000 |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Platinum | 300,000 |
| United States (RIAA) | Gold | 500,000 |
Track listing
The standard edition of the album contains 14 tracks. International and some deluxe editions expand to 16 tracks with additional bonus tracks.| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Rock the Beat II" | 1:54 | |
| 2 | "Sorry for Party Rocking" | 3:24 | |
| 3 | "Party Rock Anthem" | Lauren Bennett, GoonRock | 4:22 |
| 4 | "Sexy and I Know It" | 3:19 | |
| 5 | "Champagne Showers" | Natalia Kills | 4:24 |
| 6 | "One Day" | 3:18 | |
| 7 | "Put That A$$ to Work" | 3:56 | |
| 8 | "Take It to the Hole" | Busta Rhymes | 3:37 |
| 9 | "We Came Here to Party" | GoonRock | 3:47 |
| 10 | "Reminds Me of You" | Calvin Harris | 3:47 |
| 11 | "Best Night" | will.i.am, GoonRock, Eva Simons | 5:00 |
| 12 | "All Night Long" | Lisa | 3:47 |
| 13 | "With You" | 4:14 | |
| 14 | "Hot Dog" | 2:27 |
Personnel
- LMFAO – vocals
- Redfoo – vocals, producer, writer
- SkyBlu – vocals, writer
- GoonRock – producer, writer, keyboards, programming
- David Guetta – producer, writer, mixing (on "Party Rock Anthem")
- will.i.am – producer, writer (on "Best Night")
- Apl.de.ap – vocals (on "All Night Long")
- Lauren Bennett – vocals (on "Party Rock Anthem")
- Q-Tip – vocals (on "One Day")
- Lil Jon – vocals (on "Take It To The Hole")
- Nazanin Mandi – vocals (on "With You")
- BeatGeek – producer, programming
- DJ Snake – producer, programming
- Pierre-Luc Rioux – guitar
- Keith Harris – drums, programming
- Dam-Funk – keyboards
- Chris "Tek" O’Ryan – engineer, mixing
- Dylan "3-D" Dresdow – mixing
- Brian "Big Bass" Gardner – mastering[1]