By listening to and studying these releases you can analyze many things. Who produced. Who wrote the songs. What instrumentation was used. What formats of radio played the songs. Who they appeal to.
Was there a meaning to the title. Were special guest vocalists/musicians featured. Who are the publishing companies/record labels. Who some of the artist/band representatives are and much more. This should assist you in making both creative and business decisions. I selected these releases because they have all achieved platinum plus status.
Adele (21)
Luke Bryan (Tailgates & Tanlines)
Maroon 5 (Hands All Over)
Jason Aldean (My Kinda Party)
Drake (Take Care)
Lady Antebellum (Own The Night)
Katy Perry (Teenage Dream)
Mumford & Sons (Sigh No More)
The Band Perry (Band Perry)
Coldplay (Mylo Xyloto)
Bruno Mars (Doo-Wops & Hooligans)
Zac Brown Band (You Get What You Want)
Scotty McCreery (Clear As Day)
Lil' Wayne (Tha Carter IV)
Beyonce (4)
Taylor Swift (Speak Now)
Jay Z & Kanye West (Watch The Throne)
Lady Gaga (Born This Way)
Nicki Minaj (Pink Friday)
Rihanna (Loud)
