Akon, the Grammy-nominated Senegalese-American artist, is known for his infectious melodies, smooth vocals, and genre-blurring sound. We delve into the heart of the best Akon songs of his career to compile a definitive list.
From his early hits that made us groove in the mid-2000s to his enduring presence in the global music scene, Akon’s discography is a treasure trove of chart-toppers and fan favorites. These tracks not only showcase his incredible vocal prowess but also reflect the cultural impact of his music.
Best Akon Songs Of All Time
1. “Lonely”
“Lonely” was released as a single in 2005 from Akon’s debut album, “Trouble.” It quickly became one of his signature tracks. The song reached significant chart success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the chart for 15 weeks. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about loneliness resonated with listeners, making it a staple of Akon’s discography.
2. “Smack That” (feat. Eminem)
“Smack That” was released in 2006 as the lead single from Akon’s second album, “Konvicted.” Featuring Eminem, this collaboration was an instant hit. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, narrowly missing the top spot. However, it topped the charts in several other countries and received widespread radio play. Its infectious beat and memorable chorus solidified its place in the pantheon of Akon’s biggest hits.
3. “Don’t Matter”
Released in 2007 from the album “Konvicted,” “Don’t Matter” is another one of Akon’s chart-toppers. This R&B track reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first song to do so. Its romantic theme and soothing melody struck a chord with audiences, making it a popular choice at weddings and special occasions. “Don’t Matter” remained on the charts for 28 weeks, cementing its status as a timeless love song.
4. “Locked Up”
“Locked Up” is one of Akon’s early hits, released in 2004 as the lead single from his debut album, “Trouble.” While it didn’t reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, it still achieved significant success, peaking at number 8. The song’s autobiographical lyrics about his own legal troubles and incarceration gave it a raw and authentic appeal. “Locked Up” established Akon as a unique voice in the music industry and laid the foundation for his subsequent success.
5. “Beautiful” (feat. Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall)
In 2008, Akon collaborated with Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall on the hit single “Beautiful,” featured on his album “Freedom.” The song’s upbeat and tropical sound made it a summer anthem. It peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received airplay across various radio formats. “Beautiful” showcased Akon’s versatility as an artist, as he seamlessly transitioned between different musical styles.
6. “I Wanna Love You” (feat. Snoop Dogg)
“I Wanna Love You” was released in 2006 as a single from Akon’s album “Konvicted.” Featuring Snoop Dogg, this seductive track reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Akon’s second chart-topper in the United States. Its provocative lyrics and smooth production made it a club and radio favorite. The song’s success further solidified Akon’s position in the music industry.
7. “Sorry, Blame It on Me”
“Sorry, Blame It on Me” was released in 2007 as a single from Akon’s album “Konvicted.” This heartfelt ballad showcased Akon’s introspective side as he took responsibility for his mistakes. While it didn’t reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, it still performed well, peaking at number 7 and staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song’s emotional depth resonated with fans and demonstrated Akon’s versatility as an artist.
8. “Right Now (Na Na Na)”
“Right Now (Na Na Na)” was released in 2008 as a single from Akon’s album “Freedom.” This catchy and upbeat track became an international hit, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its infectious melody and memorable chorus made it a radio staple. The song’s message of living in the moment struck a chord with listeners, contributing to its chart success.
9. “Belly Dancer (Bananza)”
“Belly Dancer (Bananza)” was released in 2005 as a single from Akon’s debut album, “Trouble.” While it didn’t achieve the same chart-topping success as some of his other hits, it still performed well, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s Middle Eastern-inspired instrumentation and danceable rhythm added a unique flavor to Akon’s discography, showcasing his willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
10. “Ghetto”
Released in 2004 as a single from his debut album “Trouble,” “Ghetto” features vocals from Ali B and Yes-R. The song tells a story of life in the urban neighborhoods and the struggles faced by its residents. While it didn’t reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, it made a significant impact, peaking at number 92. “Ghetto” highlighted Akon’s ability to blend storytelling with his signature R&B and hip-hop style.
11. “Freedom”
“Freedom” is the title track of Akon’s 2008 album. While the album itself achieved commercial success, the title track, “Freedom,” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the album as a whole showcased Akon’s artistic growth and experimentation with various musical styles.
12. “Angel”
“Angel” is a track from Akon’s 2008 album, “Freedom.” Although it wasn’t released as a single in the United States, it received attention and radio play in other countries. The song’s uplifting and melodic qualities resonated with listeners, contributing to the album’s overall success.
13. “Hypnotized”
“Hypnotized” is a song from Akon’s 2004 debut album, “Trouble.” While it didn’t reach the same chart heights as some of his other hits, it still made an impact, peaking at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s hypnotic beat and Akon’s smooth vocals showcased his early talent and laid the groundwork for his future success.
14. “Troublemaker” (feat. Sweet Rush)
“Troublemaker” featuring Sweet Rush is a track from Akon’s 2008 album “Freedom.” Although it wasn’t released as a single in the United States, it garnered attention in other parts of the world. The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus made it a favorite among fans of Akon’s music.
15. “Pot of Gold” (feat. R. Kelly)
“Pot of Gold” featuring R. Kelly is a song from Akon’s 2008 album “Freedom.” While it wasn’t released as a single, the collaboration with R. Kelly brought a unique blend of their respective styles to the album. The song contributed to the overall diversity of the project.
16. “Keep You Much Longer”
“Keep You Much Longer” is a track from Akon’s 2008 album “Freedom.” While it wasn’t released as a single, it’s a notable song on the album. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and Akon’s emotive vocals showcase his ability to convey emotions through his music, adding depth to the album’s overall composition.
17. “Clap Again”
“Clap Again” is a song from Akon’s 2008 album “Freedom.” Although it wasn’t released as a single, it contributed to the album’s overall sound. The track features Akon’s signature style and showcases his songwriting skills.
18. “Gringo”
“Gringo” is a song from Akon’s 2015 album “Stadium.” While the album itself didn’t garner significant mainstream attention, “Gringo” showcased Akon’s continued passion for music and his exploration of different genres. The song added a unique flavor to the album’s diverse tracklist.
19. “We Don’t Care”
“We Don’t Care” is a track from Akon’s 2008 album “Freedom.” While it wasn’t released as a single, it’s an important part of the album’s narrative. The song’s message of living life without worrying about judgment or criticism aligns with the overall theme of “Freedom.”
20. “Be With You”
“Be With You” is a song from Akon’s 2004 debut album, “Trouble.” Although it wasn’t released as a single, it’s a noteworthy track from his early career. The song’s romantic lyrics and melodic composition added depth to the album and hinted at the artist’s potential for creating emotionally resonant music.
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