I’m finally proud to present my top ten favorites albums from 2010! This was an incredible year in music, and I’m super excited to see what’s in store next year … new Britney Spears and Adele – yay! The albums below might not be top-sellers or critically acclaimed but I spent a bunch of time listening each of them over the past twelve months, I highly recommend adding every one to your collection! Music is one thing I write about on PopBytes that I personally enjoy the most plus I’m really picky too, if I don’t like it, you won’t see it featured here! I’d never steer you guys wrong! Without further ado, here are my top picks …
#1 MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS THE FAMILY JEWELS
I had a bunch of people telling me to check out Marina And The Diamonds, and for some odd reason I kept putting it off but I’m super glad I finally got around to listening to her! I basically was obsessed with this album for six months straight (I’d literally listen to it 3-4x a day!) I simply could not get enough of Marina! A highlight for me this past year was when I got to interview her in person, (she was such a doll) make sure to check that out as well! If you only pick up one album on this list, this is the one to get! I’m now a ‘Diamond’ for life!
Essential Tracks:
Hollywood, Hermit The Frog, Obsessions, Seventeen, The Outsider
#2 KANYE WEST MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY
Yes, Kanye West is kind of a dick plus he’s got a huge ego (bigger than Kim Kardashian‘s ass) but he definitely has the talent to back it all up! This album is a masterpiece, brilliant from start to finish. It’s probably the most epic album of the entire year, it’s super solid!
Essential Tracks:
All Of The Lights, Power, Monster, Runaway
#3 KATY PERRY TEENAGE DREAM
I’m super surprised that Katy Perry landed on this list, especially since I’ve been so vocal about my complete disdain for her but I have to hand it to Katy and her producers – this is such a great pop album – and the singles have all risen to the top of the charts. I still don’t really care for her but I cannot tell a lie, this is such an awesome album! The title track, Teenage Dream, is probably the most perfect pop song of the year, I think it’s that good!
Essential Tracks:
Teenage Dream, Fireworks, Circle The Drain, California Gurls, Peacock
#4 KELIS FLESH TONE
Although this album basically tanked when it came to sales (which was such a shame), it’s hands down for sure the best dance album of the year (but unfortunately snubbed by the Grammys) Kelis will keep your ass moving from start to end, get ready to sweat. I’m very curious to see what the feel of her next album will be, will she stick with her dance vibe or return to her R&B / hip-hop roots? I also had the opportunity to interview her in person (she was so chill and cool) while she was putting this album together, don’t miss it!
Essential Tracks:
Brave, Scream, 22nd Century, Home, 4th Of July (Fireworks)
#5 ROBYN BODY TALK
I seriously think Swedish pop sensation Robyn has been the busiest artist of the year, besides touring all over the place (I saw her twice this past year) she also released two EPs (Body Talk Pt. 1 & 2) culminating with this full album which is just so much fun, another great dance record! I still don’t understand why she isn’t more popular here, she’s way more deserving of attention than most people on the music scene today, especially in the U.S.!
Essential Tracks:
Dancing On My Own, Hang With Me, We Dance To The Beat, Indestructible, Stars 4-Ever
#6 JANELLE MONÁE THE ARCHANDROID
This album is almost as epic as Kanye’s! Janelle Monáe is amazingly talented and this album is quite brilliant plus her whole style just knocks my socks off! (Just look at the album cover below!) Plus she’s incredible live, she’s definitely one to keep your eyes on!
Essential Tracks:
Cold War, Tightrope, Dance Or Die, Oh Maker, Faster
#7 GOLDFRAPP HEAD FIRST
This album is such a throwback to the early 80’s, whenever I listen to it, I’m ready to whip out my leotard and get physical! Duo Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory have crafted one of the dreamiest albums of 2010! Bust out your best pastels and neon and get ready to party!
Essential Tracks:
Alive, Rocket, Believer, Shiny And Warm
#8 SCISSOR SISTERS NIGHT WORK
Of course super cutie Jake Shears and company had to land themselves a spot on this list, it’s another fun album that will keep your booty shaking! Although it took them practically forever to put this out, it was for sure worth the long ass wait! As for Ana Matronic, I freakin’ love her, I think she should be featured more on lead vocals on their next album!
Essential Tracks:
Any Which Way, Invisible Light, Sex And Violence, Fire With Fire, Night Work
#9 VV BROWN TRAVELLING LIKE THE LIGHT
I discovered VV Brown by way of Arjan Timmermans (of ArjanWrites.com fame) and I swear her performance at Spaceland (at Arjan’s SuperFraiche party) earlier this year here in Los Angeles was one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. I don’t know why she wasn’t bigger than she was this year (she’s like a smooth mix of Rihanna and Amy Winehouse, with lots of soul) the album is incredible plus she’s gorgeous, hopefully she’ll hit the big time soon, she totally deserves to!
Essential Tracks:
Everybody, Shark In The Water, Game Over, Bottles, Back In Time
#10 NICKI MINAJ PINK FRIDAY
This was the album I was in serious anticipation for months, and I’m so happy to report that I absolutely fell in love with it, in fact I’m still listening to it all the time! It’s not particularly epic or a game changer by any means but it’s so damn enjoyable! I didn’t even know who Nicki Minaj was until she appeared in Mariah Carey‘s Up Out My Face music video! I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future, and I absolutely love the feud between her and Queen Bee Lil’ Kim, we needed something like that to keep things exciting!
Essential Tracks:
Roman’s Revenge, Moment 4 Life, Save Me, Check It Out, Blazin’, Dear Old Nicki
HONORABLE MENTIONS! Courtney Love / Hole Nobody’s Daughter Kylie Minogue Aphrodite Simon Curtis 8Bit Heart Christina Aguilera Bionic Kate Nash My Best Friend Is You Sia We Are Born Sade Soldier Of Love Rihanna Loud Cee-Lo Green The Lady Killer Massive Attack Heligoland |  |
MORE TOP ALBUM LISTS FROM AROUND THE WEB!
MuuMuse / The Top 40 Albums of 2010 (And A Very Special Giveaway!)
Ferociousboyy / My 10 favourite Albums of 2010