2009 studio album by Taio Cruz
Rokstarr |
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![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/64/Taio_Cruz_%E2%80%90_Rokstarr.png/220px-Taio_Cruz_%E2%80%90_Rokstarr.png) |
Studio album by Taio Cruz |
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Released | 12 October 2009 |
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Genre | |
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Length | 44:00 |
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Label | Island |
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Producer | - Taio Cruz
- Fraser T Smith
- Dr. Luke
- the Arcade
- Alan Nglish
- Benny Blanco
- Sandy Vee
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Taio Cruz chronology |
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Departure (2008) | Rokstarr (2009) | The Rokstarr Collection (2010) | |
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Singles from Rokstarr |
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- "Break Your Heart"
Released: 13 September 2009 - "No Other One"
Released: 30 November 2009 - "Dirty Picture"
Released: 5 April 2010 - "Dynamite"
Released: 30 May 2010 - "Higher"
Released: 26 November 2010 |
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Rokstarr is the second studio album by English singer and songwriter Taio Cruz. It was released on 12 October 2009 in the United Kingdom. On 11 June 2010, a revised version of the album was released in Europe and the United States, appearing as Cruz's debut album there. On 22 May 2011, a second revised version of the album was released in Brazil, other South American countries and Europe.[2] The album debuted at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and number eight on the US Billboard 200.
Background
Speaking to Pete Lewis of the Blues & Soul, Cruz explained the musical background behind the album: "This album shows quite a bit of scope. In that, while it's still got underlining hip hop, dance and R&B-type tones to it, it also has like rocky and indie rock elements. And lyrically, because essentially I come from a ballad place of listening to people like Boyz II Men and Babyface, many of the songs do tend to be about relationships in one way or another. But the difference this time is that, as well as the full-on love songs, I am having a little bit more FUN with it all!"[3]
Critical reception
The album has received generally mixed to positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 61, based on 11 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[14] Mike Driver from BBC gave an extremely favorable review, saying that: "Rokstarr bounces to a beat that feels fresh and vibrant".[15] Ken Capobianco from The Boston Globe says that Rokstarr is "an agreeable, singles-going-steady kind of collection that should make for endless radio fodder."[16] The New York Times review states that "There are vapid lyrics to navigate ("Hit the floor 'cause that's my plans plans plans plans/I'm wearing all my favorite brands brands brands brands," on "Dynamite"), but they don't disrupt the mood, which is emphatic and rarely sensual: turns out Mr. Cruz has no off switch."[17] Entertainment Weekly opined that "The only song of equal caliber to "Break Your Heart" on his Stateside debut is the Ke$ha-assisted sexting number "Dirty Picture". The rest of the tracks are forgettable and include a cut for throwing hands in the air ("Dynamite") and one awkwardly placed effort to uplift ("I Can Be")."[18]
The Rolling Stone review bluntly states "Cruz's singing lacks personality, and Rokstarr is ultimately a collection of decent, but generic, Eurodisco tracks without a star--"rok" or otherwise—to hold a listener's interest."[19] NME confess that "Although Cruz's downfall comes when he acts the player ('Break Your Heart', 'Dirty Picture'), it's obvious his real talent comes when he exchanges vocal manipulation for balladeering as on 'Falling In Love', and disregards romantic cynicism for a rather hopeful 'The 11th Hour'."[20] David Jeffres from Allmusic rated it 3 stars (out of 5) and concluded that: "The hooks are plentiful on Rokstarr and infectious as they come. while as a producer Cruz is the Akon-meets-will.i.am-meets- Xenomania package that radio and record labels have dreamed about. Sounds good, and the album does the whole way through, but lyrics are a sore point and when ballads appear to help round out the effort, just help emphasize how his words are trite. Still, when you let the clichés fade into the background this is a master class in what the mainstream wants for a soundtrack in 2010".[4]
The album debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, with sales of 24,000 copies.[21][22] In its second week, the album tumbled to number 50, with sales of just 9,000 copies.[23] It dropped to number 101 on its third week.
Singles
- "Take Me Back", although not officially a single from Rokstarr, was included on the album. The track, featuring Tinchy Stryder, was released as a single from his album, Catch 22, peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
- "Break Your Heart" was released as the first single from the album. It spent three weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart.[24] For its release in America, it was remixed to feature American rapper Ludacris and peaked as number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 where it remained top of the charts for one week.
- "No Other One" was the second single released from the album. It was met by mixed to negative reviews from critics. It failed to meet the expectations or success of the previous single. It was only released in the UK. It reached number 42 on the UK Singles Chart and number 16 on the UK R&B Chart.
- "Dirty Picture", featuring American electropop singer Kesha, was announced as the album's third single. It was released in April 2010 in Australia, and in May 2010 in the UK. It peaked at number six in the UK and number ten in Ireland. It reached number 16 in Australia and number 12 in New Zealand. The song debuted at number 96 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 without an official release, due to strong digital downloads following the album's U.S. release. It was sent to Top 40 and Rhythmic radio as the third U.S. single on 28 September 2010.[25][26]
- "Dynamite" was released as the album's fourth single overall, and the first single from the revised version of the album. The song debuted at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 before peaking at number two, becoming Cruz's second U.S. hit single. It also topped Australian ARIA Chart. It peaked at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
- "Higher" was released as the album's fifth single overall, and the second single from the revised version of the album. There are four versions of the song – a solo version by Cruz, a version featuring Travie McCoy, a version featuring Kylie Minogue, and a version with both McCoy and Minogue. The McCoy version was released in the US, while the Minogue version was released in Europe and Australia, and the version with both was released in the UK. The McCoy version was sent to U.S. radio on 30 November 2010.[27]
- "Telling the World" was released as the sixth overall single from the album, and the first single from the second revised version of the album. It was the lead single from the soundtrack to the animated film Rio, and peaked at number 138 on the UK Singles Chart.
- "Falling in Love" was released as the seventh overall single from the album, and the second single from the second revised edition of the album. It was only released as a single in some countries, including Spain. A music video was released on 18 February 2011.[28]
Track listing
Rokstarr original version track listingNo. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Break Your Heart" | Cruz, Fraser T Smith | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:22 |
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2. | "Dirty Picture" (featuring Kesha) | Cruz, Smith | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:41 |
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3. | "No Other One" | Cruz, Smith | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:38 |
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4. | "Forever Love" | Taio Cruz | Fraser T Smith | 4:12 |
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5. | "Take Me Back" (featuring Tinchy Stryder; Version A^) | Cruz | Fraser T. Smith | 3:34 |
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6. | "Best Girl" | Cruz, The Arcade | Taio Cruz, The Arcade | 4:09 |
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7. | "I'll Never Love Again" | Cruz | Taio Cruz | 3:49 |
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8. | "Only You" | Cruz, Smith | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:42 |
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9. | "Falling in Love" | Cruz, Alan Kasirye | Taio Cruz, Alan Nglish | 3:31 |
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10. | "Keep Going" | Taio Cruz | Sandy Vee, Taio Cruz | 3:28 |
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11. | "Feel Again" | Cruz | Taio Cruz, Alan Nglish | 3:40 |
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12. | "The 11th Hour" | Cruz | Taio Cruz | 3:36 |
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Digital deluxe edition bonus tracksNo. | Title | Length |
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13. | "Falling in Love" (acoustic version) | 3:11 |
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14. | "Come On Girl" (live from iTunes London Festival '08) | 3:44 |
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15. | "I Can Be" (live from iTunes London Festival '08) | 4:08 |
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16. | "I Just Wanna Know" (live from iTunes London Festival '08) | 4:04 |
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17. | "Moving On" (live from iTunes London Festival '08) | 3:40 |
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18. | "She's Like a Star" (live from iTunes London Festival '08) | 3:44 |
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2010 editionNo. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Dynamite" | Taio Cruz, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Benjamin Levin, Bonnie McKee | Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco | 3:24 |
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2. | "Break Your Heart" (featuring Ludacris) | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith, Christopher Bridges | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:06 |
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3. | "Dirty Picture" (featuring Ke$ha) | Cruz, Smith | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:39 |
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4. | "Take Me Back" (Version C^^) | Kwasi Danquah, Smith, Cruz | Fraser T Smith | 3:12 |
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5. | "I'll Never Love Again" | Taio Cruz | Taio Cruz | 3:49 |
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6. | "I Can Be" | Cruz | Taio Cruz | 3:47 |
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7. | "No Other One" | Cruz, Smith | Taio Cruz, Fraser T Smith | 3:37 |
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8. | "Come On Girl" (featuring Luciana) | Cruz | Taio Cruz | 3:33 |
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9. | "Falling in Love" | Cruz, Alan Kasirye | Taio Cruz, Alan English | 3:32 |
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10. | "Higher" | Cruz, Sandy Vee | Sandy Vee, Taio Cruz | 3:08 |
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11. | "Feel Again" | Cruz | Taio Cruz, Alan English | 3:39 |
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iTunes Store deluxe edition bonus tracksNo. | Title | Length |
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12. | "Dirty Picture" (featuring Kesha and Fabolous) | 3:40 |
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13. | "Break Your Heart" (featuring Ludacris; Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda Remix) | 3:48 |
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14. | "Forever Love" (non-North American edition) | 4:12 |
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American bonus trackNo. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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12. | "Higher" (featuring Travie McCoy) | Cruz, Sandy Vee | Sandy Vee, Taio Cruz | 3:38 |
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Australian bonus tracks[30]No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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10. | "Higher" (featuring Kylie Minogue) | | | 3:07 |
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11. | "Feel Again" | Cruz | Taio Cruz, Alan English | 3:39 |
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Brazilian edition[32]No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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12. | "She's Like a Star" | | | 3:38 |
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13. | "I Just Wanna Know" | | | 3:58 |
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14. | "Forever Love" | | | 4:12 |
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15. | "Higher" (featuring Travie McCoy) | | | 3:38 |
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16. | "Break Your Heart" (Agent X Remix) | | | 5:42 |
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17. | "Dynamite" (Ralphi Rosario Radio Edit) | | | 3:39 |
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18. | "Higher" (Club Junkies Radio Edit) | | | 3:17 |
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19. | "Dirty Picture" (Redtop Radio Edit) | | | 3:24 |
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20. | "Telling the World" | Taio Cruz, Alan Kasirye | Taio Cruz | 4:09 |
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Notes
^ Version A is the main version of the song, which was released as a single, and included on Stryder's album Catch 22. It features three rap verses by Stryder and the hook and chorus by Cruz.
^^ Version C is a solo version of the song, which replaces Stryder's rap verses with sung verses by Cruz. This version does not feature any vocals from Stryder.
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts | Year-end charts Year-end chart performance for Rokstarr Chart (2010) | Position | Australian Albums (ARIA)[48] | 85 | French Albums (SNEP)[49] | 195 | Certifications Certifications for Rokstarr Region | Certification | Certified units/sales | Australia (ARIA)[50] | Gold | 35,000^ | Austria (IFPI Austria)[51] | Gold | 10,000* | Canada (Music Canada)[52] | Gold | 40,000^ | Germany (BVMI)[53] | Gold | 100,000‡ | Singapore (RIAS)[54] | Gold | 5,000* | United Kingdom (BPI)[55] | Gold | 100,000‡ | * Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | |
Release history
Release history and formats for Rokstarr Region | Release date | Format | Label |
United Kingdom | 12 October 2009[56] | CD, digital download (original edition) | Island |
Poland | 7 May 2010[57] | Universal Music |
United States | 1 June 2010[58] | CD, digital download (revised edition) | Mercury |
Canada | Universal Music |
Brazil | 7 June 2010[59] |
Australia | 16 July 2010[60] | Island |
Europe | 19 November 2010 |
Brazil | 1 April 2011[32] | CD, digital download (second revised edition) | Universal Music |
References
- ^ "Rokstarr – Taio Cruz". AllMusic. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ^ Published by: Andrew C (29 September 2009). "Interview: Taio Cruz Reveals a small taste of his Current Projects || TheNext2Shine.com (Exclusive RNB Music Download) The Next To Shine". Blog.thenext2shine.com. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' October 2009". Bluesandsoul.com. 15 August 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Taio Cruz – Album review: Taio Cruz – 'Rokstarr' – Album Reviews". AllMusic. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
- ^ "Music – Review of Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". BBC. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz Rokstarr Album Review by Boston Globe". bostonglobe.com. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz – Album review: Taio Cruz – 'Rokstarr' – Album Reviews". Digital Spy. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz Rokstarr Album Review by Entertainment Weekly". Entertainment Weekly. 29 May 2010. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz – Album review: Taio Cruz – 'Rokstarr' – Album Reviews". Nme.Com. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz Rokstarr Album Review by Rolling Stone". rollingstone.com. 1 June 2010. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ Caroline Sullivan (15 October 2009). "Taio Cruz: Rokstarr | CD review | Music". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ Pareles, Jon (31 May 2010). "Taio Cruz Rokstarr Album Review by The New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz, "Rokstarr"". Billboard. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- ^ "Rokstarr by Taio Cruz". Metacritic. 1 June 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ "Music – Review of Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz, 'Rokstarr' – The Boston Globe". Boston.com. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ "Critics' Choice – New CD's by Christina Aguilera and Lil Jon – Review". The New York Times. 6 June 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ Brad Wete (26 May 2010). "Rokstarr". EW.com. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ Jody Rosen. "Rokstarr by Taio Cruz | Rolling Stone Music | Music Reviews". Rollingstone.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ "Taio Cruz – Album review: Taio Cruz – 'Rokstarr' – Album Reviews". NME.com. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ "Rokstarr – Taio Cruz". Billboard.com. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ Stephen Clark – Design. "Taio Cruz: Comes clean". bluesandsoul.com.
- ^ "'Glee' beats Aguilera to US No. 1". Digital Spy. 17 June 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ "Music – News – Cole 'missed out on' Cruz chart-topper". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
- ^ "®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Rhythmic". radioandrecords.com.
- ^ "®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: CHR/Top 40". radioandrecords.com.
- ^ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more!". fmqb.com.
- ^ Taio Cruz – Falling In Love – YouTube on YouTube
- ^ "Rokstarr". Spotify.
- ^ "Rokstarr (Special Edition) – Taio Cruz". Sanity. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
- ^ https://open.spotify.com/album/3h80tQ7iMvnWIE7EdtRhEm?si=LP_XII_7RZGWXMFmZhJRdA
- ^ a b "Rokstarr (Brazil Special Edition) – Taio Cruz". livrariacultura.com.br. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Hung Medien.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr" (in German). Hung Medien.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr" (in French). Hung Medien.
- ^ "Taio Cruz Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Danishcharts.dk – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Hung Medien.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Hung Medien.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
- ^ "Greekcharts.com – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Hung Medien.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Taio Cruz". Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
- ^ "Mexicancharts.com – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Hung Medien.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Hung Medien.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
- ^ "Taio Cruz Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "ARIA End of Year Albums Chart 2010". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Top de l'année Top Albums 2010" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2010 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "Austrian album certifications – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Music Canada. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Taio Cruz; 'Rokstarr')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
- ^ "Singapore album certifications – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". Recording Industry Association Singapore. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
- ^ "British album certifications – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
- ^ "(UK) : Taio Cruz – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr : CD – Free Delivery". Play.com. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "Universal Music Polska". Universalmusic.pl. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
- ^ "(US) : Taio Cruz – Taio Cruz – Rokstarr". itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
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- ^ "Rokstarr – JB Hi Fi Online". jbhifionline.com.au. Retrieved 24 November 2010.
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Studio albums | - Departure (2008)
- Rokstarr (2009)
- TY.O (2011)
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Compilation albums | |
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Singles | |
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Featured singles | |
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Authority control databases ![Edit this at Wikidata](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8a/OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg/10px-OOjs_UI_icon_edit-ltr-progressive.svg.png) | - MusicBrainz release group
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