Celebrity Playlist

Celebrity Playlist: Beyonce's Favorite Songs of 2011

(Getty)

Beyonce Knowles, James Blake fan. (Getty)
Beyonce Knowles was all over the news in 2011, thanks to a little announcement in September and the unbelievable public fascination that followed.

One of the more interesting Knowles-related news items got lost in the maelstrom over the Christmas holidays, however: The singer posted a list of her favorite songs of the year to her official website. If you've been dying to find out what Ms. B's been listening to lately, she's made it easy for you.

Knowles played it mainstream, mostly choosing songs that were hits on the Top 40 and Hip-Hop/R&B charts. Frankly, we expected at least a few obscure tracks from Ms. Knowles, given her tendency to sample some of the sweetest hipster dance tracks ("Pon de Floor," anyone?). But we can't blame her for wanting to give props to her very famous friends.

You can see the rest of Beyonce's picks for 2011 here, but be sure to give a listen to the following—if you happen to live under a rock and don't know who Adele is.

James Blake's "The Wilhelm Scream"

The one semi-surprising inclusion on Beyonce's list was this gorgeous, mournful single by Britain's Next Big Thing, James Blake (one of the artists featured on our list of the Breakout Artists of 2011, incidentally). But a quick look at the comments on this video reveals that some James Blake fans apparently don't appreciate Beyonce's shout out, since they knew about James Blake, like, back in 2010.

Kelly Rowland - "Motivation"

Beyonce couldn't be prouder of her best friend Kelly Rowland, with whom she spent decades sweating it out in unison in Destiny's Child. This thumping, hypersexual track made a bigger splash in 2011 than any of the singles Beyonce released, thanks in large part to its ridiculously saucy music video and guest verses courtesy of Lil Wayne.

Adele's "Someone Like You"

Beyonce and Adele are the world's most talented mutual admiration society. Adele told Rolling Stone last year, "I was about to meet Beyonce and I had a full-blown anxiety attack. Then [Beyonce] popped in looking gorgeous, and said, 'You're amazing! When I listen to you I feel like I'm listening to God."

There can be no higher praise.

See more Beyonce Knowles photos: