Top 50 Albums of the Decade

It’s the end of the year and thus, the end of the decade. The 2010s saw many significant landmarks and moments for me (as any ten years might), and naturally, music soundtracked all of them. 

This was my first full decade spent as a music obsessed nerd; building my record collection, attending my first gigs, starting this site etc. It was the decade that saw me broaden my musical palate and discover innumerable new favourite albums and artists in the process, many of which will appear ahead. 

So therefore, assembling this list acted as both a fun trip down memory lane, but, also an extreme fucking headache. I’m pretty happy with it as of right now though, so behold, my official top 50 albums of the decade…

50. 

Fleet Foxes

Helplessness Blues

Bella Union / Sub Pop | Indie Folk (2011)

Kicking things off is the second studio album from the Robin Pecknold-led group Fleet Foxes, who returned three years after the release of their classic, self-titled debut. 

And on Helplessness Blues, they continued to knit together the past and present with, incredibly, an even fuller sound. The tip of the hat to the folk heroes of yesteryear is heard throughout, while these guys sing, cry and howl together across a grand, golden and autumnal backdrop. 

Favourite song? Grown Ocean

49. 

Run the Jewels

Run the Jewels 2

Mass Appeal | Hip Hop (2014)

The, you guessed it, second project from rap duo Run the Jewels. 

Members Killer Mike and El-P are perfectly in sync throughout this entire project, bouncing off of one another, sharing ideas and performing over abrasive, experimental beats. They’re also joined by some unlikely features that totally work, like Travis Barker and Zack De La Rocha. These are the kind of exciting results that can come from two of the best veterans in all of hip hop teaming up to form its most exciting tandem. 

Favourite song? Oh My Darling Don’t Cry

48. 

Swans

To Be Kind

Mute / Young God | Experimental Rock (2014)

There’s only one reason this album isn’t ranked any higher on here, and that’s due to the very specific frame of mind I have to be in, in order to play this monstrous record. 

The Michael Gira-led experimental rock band introduced themselves to an entirely new generation of fans throughout the decade with a series of new releases, To Be Kind being my favourite. It’s over two hours of slow building, hypnotic and marauding music that at times acts as an aural assault on the listener. 

Favourite song? Oxygen

47. 

Anderson .Paak

Malibu

ArtClub / Empire / OBE / Steel Wool | R&B / Soul (2016)

There weren’t too many artists this past decade that broke through into the mainstream and kept as busy as Anderson .Paak seemed to do. 

However, through the multitude of projects and features, Malibu, his sophomore studio album, is the one that stands out and remains his best and most memorable for me. It’s an album that sounds as sunny and fun as I imagine the location after which it’s named after to be, as Anderson mixes sounds of soul, hip hop and r&b with a pop appeal underlying all of it. 

Favourite song? The Bird

46.

Florist
Emily Alone
Double Double Whammy | Indie Folk (2019)

This is an album which, as its title suggests, is one centred around themes of isolation and solitude. It’s the third album from New York based indie group Florist…except that it isn’t really. 

It’s actually the writing, recording and performing of lead singer Emily Sprague, the catalyst of this move being several mitigating personal circumstances which left the artist reeling. What follows is a remarkably intimate and beautiful selection of fantastically well written folk songs. 

Favourite song? Ocean Eyes

45. 

Deerhunter

Halcyon Digest

4AD | Indie Rock (2010)

Indie rock stalwarts Deerhunter released what was, and still is, their most acclaimed and celebrated record at the turn of the decade in the form of this, their fifth studio album. 

Together, the band utilised far dreamier textures than we had ever heard from them before, but in doing so, they didn’t sacrifice the noise or post-punk influences that they had become known for. Instead, they combined all of these elements to produce an idyllic yet heady experience. 

Favourite song? Helicopter

44. 

The National

Trouble Will Find Me

4AD | Indie Rock (2013)

Continuing with their impressive consistency, The National’s sixth studio album had what were some of their most emotive and beautiful moments up to that point. 

It was more of the same and yet, just a little bit different, as they implemented minor changes to their style, showed a continued maturation and brought in names such as St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten and Sufjan Stevens (among others), all of whom added additional layers to the vocals and instrumentation. 

Favourite song? Humiliation

43. 

Jay Z

4:44

Roc Nation | Hip Hop (2017)

As the simple album cover suggests, this was the rap mogul Jay Z’s thirteenth studio album. The motivation of which seemed to be his desire to respond to the issues and rumours that Beyoncé’s album LEMONADE spawned. 

Across the expectantly great production, Hova is joined by only a few features, most interestingly, from his mother Gloria and Beyoncé herself. A move indicative of the apologetic, humble and honest themes and intentions of this short, to-the-point project. 

Favourite song? The Story Of OJ

42. 

IDLES

Joy As An Act Of Resistance

Partisan | Post-Punk (2018)

In 2018, when this album was released, there was a lot of shit going on worth feeling anxiety or anger over here in the UK, both socially and politically (there sadly still is). And that’s clearly something that IDLES were feeling.

On their sophomore studio album, the English band delivered a brutal, bruising and yet, exceptionally fun collection of songs. Self described as “lefty and soft”, these guys tear through topics from xenophobia to toxic masculinity on the best punk rock album I heard all decade long. 

Favourite song? Samaritans

41. 

Chance the Rapper

Acid Rap

Self Released | Hip Hop (2013)

Chicago’s Chance the Rapper became a household name in 2013, when he released this, his second mixtape. 

But this was before he became known as a Kanye protégé or the source of memes online. Instead, this was when Chance was making pop friendly jazz rap laced with the influence of LSD. At no point does this album sound like it’s trying to be anything other than sincere, feel good and overtly positive hip hop. 

Favourite song? Everything’s Good (Good Ass Outro)

40. 

Mac DeMarco

Salad Days

Captured Tracks | Indie Pop (2014)

On the surface, Salad Days may look just a little out of place on a list such as this. Surrounded by massive production and huge epics, however, that’s precisely what makes it so memorable and special. 

The second full length album from the Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is just short of 35 minutes. Eleven songs which Mac recorded in his own apartment. A set of soft rock and pop songs that were amongst the sweetest, most charming and smile inducing of the decade. 

Favourite song? Blue Boy

39. 

Vince Staples

Summertime ‘06

ARTium / Blacksmith / Def Jam | Hip Hop (2015)

Incredibly, this ambitious and dramatic double album served as the debut studio effort from the Californian rapper Vince Staples. 

Across all twenty of its tracks, Vince paints an honest and hard hitting picture of who he is and how he got there. Sounding both mature and wise beyond his years, with both the tone and the lyrical themes involved. On Summertime ‘06, Vince immediately established himself as one of the brightest young stars in all of hip hop. 

Favourite song? Lift Me Up

38. 

Sharon Van Etten

Are We There

Jagjaguwar | Singer-Songwriter (2014)

On her fourth studio album, Sharon Van Etten bettered her previous, great albums and released what are still her best set of songs.

This is an album that wears its heart on its sleeve and holds nothing back. The vocals are strained, yet beautifully sang, and the lyrics come across as honest and sincere, as they’re surrounded by the continued addition and layering of further instrumentation, from synths to strings, and she is assisted by the likes of Adam Granduciel and Peter Broderick in doing so.

Favourite song? Every Time The Sun Comes Up

37. 

St. Vincent

Strange Mercy

4AD | Art Rock (2011)

Annie Clark’s 2011 album as St. Vincent was and still is my favourite offering from her despite having produced several other great ones before and since. 

A wildly entertaining and experimental release from the enigmatic popstar. One that channels sounds from artistic pop and rock pioneers such as David Bowie and her future collaborator David Byrne. This is an album by an artist that has an ability to be, almost supremely pretty and ferociously noisy and at times she does so within the same song. 

Favourite song? Northern Lights

36. 

Sufjan Stevens

Carrie & Lowell

Asthmatic Kitty | Indie Folk (2015)

One of the most talented artists I may have ever heard. Five years after the release of his electronic based album The Age Of Adz, Sufjan Stevens returned to his folk roots and released one of his finest albums to date as a result. 

A tragic and mournful recording that offered a touching tribute to his late mother, Carrie. The songs on here are largely quiet and subdued as one might expect given the grief stricken themes. An astounding example of less being more.

Favourite song? No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross

35. 

Fiona Apple

The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do

Clean Slate / Epic | Alternative / Singer-Songwriter (2012)

I love this album so much, I was even willing to type out the full title of it. 

This is the long awaited return for the cherished singer-songwriter, released almost seven years after her last album, but immediately upon hearing it I think we all agreed, it was worth the wait. Throughout this set of unorthodox and beguiling piano based pop and rock tracks, Fiona Apple uses her distinctly great vocals to sing some of the most genius lyrics that I heard throughout the past ten years. 

Favourite song? Valentine

34. 

Danny Brown

Atrocity Exhibition

Fool’s Gold / Warp | Hip Hop (2016)

A dark and tortured project which served as Danny Brown’s fourth studio album. On it, he effortlessly performs once more over the wild and eccentric production of frequent collaborator Paul White. He is also joined in doing so by some interesting features, like Kendrick Lamar and B-Real. 

A longtime favourite of mine, the Detroit rapper has cemented himself as not just one of the best, but one of the most versatile and unpredictable talents in modern hip hop. 

Favourite song? Ain’t It Funny

33. 

Ohtis
Curve Of Earth
Full Time Hobby | Alt. Country (2019)

This debut studio album from the Illinois based trio was over 15 years in the making. It was just this past year though that it thankfully saw its release. 

The reasoning behind the wait are openly shared and honestly explained in humbling detail: Sam Swinson’s battles and recovery from drug addiction. Across these eight incredible pieces of alt. country and folk music, there is a balance between the punishing thoughts stemming from the past, and the inspiring optimism of moving forward towards something else.

Favourite song? Runnin

32. 

Deafheaven

Sunbather

Deathwish, Inc. | Blackgaze (2013)

Deafheaven may have people confused as to how to describe them. But, that’s only because they’re impossible to pigeonhole. They seem to be creating an entirely new sub-genre all of their own and it’s fucking incredible. 

Together on Sunbather, Deafheaven perform monster epics. Long and supremely intense amalgamations of black metal and shoegaze. These are then broken up by shorter palate cleansers, adding both an accessibility as well as a new layer of intrigue to the whole thing. 

Favourite song? Dream House

31. 

Joanna Newsom

Have One On Me

Drag City | Indie Folk (2010)

The gifted New York based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joanna Newsom released her third studio album in 2010. It was, and still is, her most daring and ambitious project. A self produced triple album. 

It’s an album with over two hours worth of what is some of the most intricate, detailed and extravagant folk music that I heard all decade long. Personally, I will always take quality over quantity, but on Have One On Me, Joanna gave us both. 

Favourite song? Baby Birch

30. 

Tim Hecker

Ravedeath, 1972

Kranky | Ambient / Drone (2011)

One of my favourite sound and noise makers of all time. Canada’s Tim Hecker recorded this 2011 album of his inside of an old church in Iceland. An appropriate setting, the influence of which can be heard deep inside these haunting pieces. 

An intriguing album with stark shifts in tone and style from track to track. Some being light, drifting and ambient, while others are much more dark, abrasive, noise and drone filtered moments. 

Favourite song? In The Air III

29. 

LCD Soundsystem

This Is Happening

DFA / Parlophone / Virgin | Alternative / Electronic (2010)

On their third LP, the New York based band LCD Soundsystem continued their hot streak. Three albums in, and an instant classic delivered each and every time. 

Together, these guys always seem to offer an exuberant and exciting unpredictablility. Amazing production that mixes their influences, from Bowie to Daft Punk, with ease. James Murphy also remains a highlight, with his delivery which always compliments the music so well alongside his endlessly quotable lyrics. 

Favourite song? You Wanted A Hit

28. 

Tomberlin

At Weddings

Saddle Creek | Singer-Songwriter (2018)

An album that came out of nowhere for me personally back in 2018, and completely blew me away, with both its emotion and poise. 

This is the debut studio release from the Kentucky based singer-songwriter Sarah Beth Tomberlin and it is an impressively well written and beautifully performed album. Both the apparent sincerity and clarity of her lyrics, which are sang gorgeously, over the top of such understated music, always has me hanging on her every word. 

Favourite song? Tornado

27. 

Kendrick Lamar

DAMN.

Aftermath / Interscope / Top Dawg | Hip Hop (2017)

The final release of the decade from Kung Fu Kenny was this, his fourth studio album. And by this point, Kendrick Lamar was proving himself to be in a class of his own. 

Flexing his flows and lyrical ability once again on an album that also showcases his versatility, as he collaborated with the likes of Rihanna and U2. This is the album that the Compton rapper himself stated is his best and also, won him a fucking Pulitzer Prize! Enough said. 

Favourite song? PRIDE.

26. 

Big Thief
Two Hands
4AD | Folk Rock (2019)

This was the second of two LPs the Brooklyn based band released throughout 2019. 

Full of haunting, fantastic pieces of folk rock, in which the ghostly influences of Elliott Smith and Jefferson Airplane can be heard hanging overhead. In a little over one year, Big Thief confirmed their status as one music’s best and most interesting bands, continuing on with the incredible sounds first heard a mere five months earlier, on their stunning third album U.F.O.F. 

Favourite song? Not

25. 

The National

High Violet

4AD | Indie Rock (2010)

Biased as I may be when discussing The National, I believe that they’re one of the best bands in music and have released a few really great albums this decade. And, in my opinion, High Violet was the best. 

The much loved indie rockers showed clear signs of a continued maturation and evolution to their sound, if only subtly so. Once again, they implement the pretty sounds of strings, horns and piano, but also more abrasive textures, evident from literally the opening seconds of the opening track. 

Favourite song? Bloodbuzz Ohio

24. 

Car Seat Headrest

Twin Fantasy (Face To Face)

Matador | Indie Rock (2018)

This is the re-recording of an album that the Will Toledo-led indie rock band had originally released back in 2011. 

Not a superfluous move however, these angst riddled anthems are reworked in a glow up for the ages. Every song sounds improved upon from the original. In my opinion, the best indie rock albums are the ones that can sound relatably self conscious and yet extremely fucking cool all at once and Car Seat Headrest pull this off to perfection. 

Favourite song? Beach Life-In-Death

23. 

Saba

CARE FOR ME

Saba Pivot, LLC | Hip Hop (2018)

After his debut album admittedly passed me by, I primarily knew Saba for his appearances on other people’s projects, namely those of his fellow Chicago native Chance the Rapper. 

But all that changed in 2018, when Saba dropped this, his sophomore studio album. A mature and intelligent jazz rap project with authentic and personal tales and anecdotes from his life up until that point, that are performed brilliantly, honestly and modestly from the man himself. 

Favourite song? LIFE

22. 

Lana Del Rey

Norman Fucking Rockwell!

Polydor | Pop / Rock (2019)

For me, there wasn’t any other artist this past decade that broke into mainstream pop music, and created a sound and identity as intoxicating or galvanising as Lana Del Rey did. 

This served as her sixth studio album, and it’s easily her best to date. A larger than life release that continues to be dreamily inspired by nostalgic, classic America. The production is so romantic and Lana’s vocals sound ace, as they are delivered with that distinctive, understated cool of hers and surrounded by truly immense instrumentation.  

Favourite song? The Greatest

21. 

Julianna Barwick

The Magic Place

Asthmatic Kitty | Ambient (2011)

Not just one of the greatest ambient albums that I had heard throughout this or any other decade, but also one of the most original and unique. 

On her debut studio album, Julianna Barwick utilises a few different instruments like guitar and piano, but more importantly than that, she uses her voice. And with that mixture, created one of the most ethereal and otherworldly environments I had ever experienced. The compositions throughout this LP consistently manage to sound mysterious, hymnal and dreamy. Sounds capable of both commanding your attention and transporting you somewhere else entirely. 

Favourite song? Vow

20. 

Mount Eerie

A Crow Looked At Me / Now Only

P.W. Levering & Sun | Folk / Singer/Songwriter (2017/2018)

Firstly, I want to apologise if my intentions here are misconstrued. I don’t want it to appear as though I lazily decided to just throw these two albums together here, tied at number 20.

It’s just that, more than any other two albums released by an artist this decade, these two sound and feel so intertwined. Connected conceptually by the theme of death due to the unbearable personal tragedy which befell singer-songwriter Phil Elverum.
I didn’t think it would be fair to discuss and compare these two albums, or to try and suggest which is better. They’re both great, they’re both full of pain and grief and they’re also two of the bravest and most beautiful albums that I heard throughout the decade.

Favourite song? Two Paintings By Nikolai Astrup

19. 

Kanye West

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Def Jam / Roc-A-Fella | Hip Hop (2010)

Kanye West is a polarising figure in pop culture, I understand. Some think he’s a narcissistic, overrated asshole, while others think he’s a total genius. Obviously, I am in the latter group. In my opinion, he has one of the very best discographies of the 21st century, and this album here, is currently his best.

It’s so over the top and it totally works. Feeling like the most exclusive A-list party that you’ve snuck into, where the guests include people from Jay Z to Elton John. It’s got his most dizzying production, some of his cleverest lyrics and the whole thing just feels like an epic experience. 

Favourite song? Devil In A New Dress (feat. Rick Ross)

18. 

LCD Soundsystem

american dream

Columbia / DFA | Alternative / Electronic (2017)

Surely you could forgive LCD Soundsystem fans such as I, for our initial trepidation when it came to the news that over seven years after their last release - the aforementioned This Is Happening - they would be reuniting and releasing a new album in the form of american dream.

But, even after their breakup, subsequent reformation and growing seven years older in between, the New York based dance punk band came through and delivered a youthful and exciting album, as though they had never been away. An album so great, I am now willing to call it their best. 

Favourite song? Call The Police

17. 

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Skeleton Tree

Bad Seeds Ltd. | Alternative (2016)

Like Phil Elverum, Nick Cave too suffered through a tragic loss in his personal life that would influence his artistic output. And like those Mount Eerie albums, I’m not going to go into detail for the simple fact that I don’t feel it’s my place. Yet, I do feel it’s an important detail to at least reference when discussing these releases. 

Although the music had already been recorded for he and the Bad Seeds’ 2016 album, Nick Cave apparently went back and changed some of the lyrics. And it’s not just those image rich and poetic words, but the grief stricken vocals performing them alongside the music that make this album so affecting. 

Favourite song? I Need You

16. 

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Ghosteen

Ghosteen Ltd. | Alternative / Ambient (2019)

Three years after the release of Skeleton Tree, the longtime tandem of Australia’s Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds would return, releasing a follow up in the form of this double album, Ghosteen. 

Alongside more of those creative and lyrical words of Nick Cave are the most emotive vocals that they have ever performed. The music underneath continues a trend first heard three years even before Skeleton Tree, on their underrated 2013 album Push The Sky Away. A vast, light and much more serene set of ambient backdrops, that together was used to create one of the greatest musical trilogies of all time. 

Favourite song? Bright Horses

15. 

Kali Uchis

Isolation

Rinse / Universal / Virgin EMI | R&B / Soul (2018)

Although Isolation is her debut studio album, it was not the Colombian-American’s first foray into music, as she had already released a slew of singles, an EP and done many features over the years. That’s probably the reason she comes across like such a confident and assured popstar on here. 

This album effortlessly balances influences from the likes of Prince and Amy Winehouse, as it implements a number of styles and sounds; bossanova, soul, R&B, dream pop and more. Even the order of the track list is great and full of purpose. It’s cool, sexy, relatable, and every single song sounds like a potential hit single. 

Favourite song? Feel Like A Fool

14. 

Big Thief

U.F.O.F.
4AD | Folk Rock (2019)

This is the first of those two aforementioned releases in 2019 from these guys. Although I was already a fan, it was this tandem of albums which truly opened my eyes to these guys’ talents. Lead singer and songwriter Adrianne Lenker composes haunting and skeletal tracks, which are completely genius, like the ones heard on her 2018 solo effort Abysskiss. These are then filled out and lifted up to become something even better with the added instrumentation, and at times volume, from her fellow members Buck, James and Max. 

Favourite song? Cattails

13. 

Solange

A Seat At The Table

Columbia / Saint | R&B / Soul (2016)

Although she had released material as early as 2002, Solange ostensibly stepped out of the shadow cast over her by peers and relatives in 2016, when she dropped this, her third studio album. 

But unlike her peers and relatives from that era, she released an album that wasn’t a boastful display of her clout, but rather a mature and conscientious LP, that acted as an inspiring ode to her race, culture and heritage. She does this by utilising what clearly must be hereditary vocal talents, which are wrapped in great production, some thought provoking interludes and a handful of additional artists. 

Favourite song? Cranes In The Sky

12. 

Josh T. Pearson

Last Of The Country Gentlemen

Mute | Indie Folk (2011)

Josh T. Pearson was, initially, best known as being part of the post-rock trio Lift To Experience. But in 2011, he released this, his debut solo album. Recorded in Berlin over the course of just two days. This was, and still is, one of the most emotionally intense and draining albums that I have ever heard. 

A little short of an hour long through just seven tracks, Josh’s finger picked guitar is occasionally joined by piano and some haunting strings, while the lyrics are brutally honest, focussing on the end of a relationship, the ensuing heartbreak it caused, and other personal details that accompanied it. Not for the faint of heart. 

Favourite song? Thou Art Loosed

11. 

Julie Byrne 

Not Even Happiness

Ba Da Bing / Basin Rock | Indie Folk (2017)

This is the New York singer-songwriter Julie Byrne’s sophomore studio album, and retrospectively, my album of the year for 2017. 

A very short and incredibly sweet folk record that serves as a shoulder to cry on for the listener. Despite being such a sleepy, understated and subtle album, it’s impossible to ignore. The songs are just too beautifully written and performed, Julie’s vocals are too gorgeous and on the rare occasions that additional instruments join her acoustic guitar, like harmonica, strings or flute, it stands out in a stark and memorable manner. A brief yet incredible listen. 

Favourite song? Natural Blue

10. 

Nils Frahm

Felt

Erased Tapes | Ambient (2011)

This modern classical and ambient release from the German pianist and composer even comes with an interesting backstory.

Apparently, in an effort to play late at night whilst not disturbing his neighbours, Nils placed felt over the piano strings. Once hearing the particularly delicate sound it provided, he decided to record an album implementing that technique, alongside placing microphones inside the piano giving the listener an even more intimate experience. These minimalistic pieces are soothing, beautiful and it’s my absolute favourite ambient album of the decade. 

Favourite song? Less

9. 

David Bowie

Blackstar

Columbia / ISO / RCA / Sony | Alternative / Rock (2016)

Almost four years since this album was released and both the listening and discussing of it still feels like a fresh wound. Blackstar sadly served as the music icon David Bowie’s final studio album before he passed away mere days after its release. The music is dark and experimental and the lyrics deal with themes of life and death, retrospectively making it an even tougher listen. According to his longtime producer Tony Visconti, sources of inspiration for the album’s sound came from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Death Grips, showing that even at his age and that stage of his career, Bowie was as cutting edge as ever. 

Favourite song? ‘Tis A Pity She Was A Whore

8. 

Joanna Newsom

Divers

Drag City | Baroque Pop / Indie Folk (2015)

The New York singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist kept us all waiting for studio album number four. A move which was completely understandable, given both the scale and sheer immensity of her previous LP, the aforementioned Have One On Me. 

But still, it didn’t make the wait any easier for us fans.
So, imagine our collective delight when she released Divers, an album which continued her streak of making music full of ornate beauty and great ambition. An album so great, you could actually make the argument it features some of her best songs to date. A lofty claim sure, but one I’m willing to make. 

Favourite song? Divers

7. 

Frank Ocean

Blonde

Boys Don’t Cry | R&B / Neo-Soul (2016)

After the release of his debut studio album, Channel Orange, and subsequently becoming a total superstar, Frank Ocean went dark on us. Largely disappearing from not just the limelight, but music too. It would be over four years before he returned and he did so with the release of a very good visual album called Endless, and then shortly thereafter, released this, his second studio album, Blonde. Surpassing our seemingly insurmountable expectations, he offered an album that was more mature, took more risks and was generally so great, it actually managed to start a debate amongst fans: which is better, Channel Orange or this?

Favourite song? Solo

6. 

Tame Impala

Lonerism

Modular | Psychedelic Rock (2012)

As Tame Impala, Australian artist Kevin Parker manages to create music that is equal parts futuristic and nostalgic. Calling to mind influences like Led Zeppelin and Todd Rundgren whilst simultaneously sounding unlike anyone else. 

On the sophomore studio album of the project, Kevin writes (with a little help on a couple of the tracks from Pond member Jay Watson), plays and produces psychedelic rock music that is thick, heavy and colourful, while the lyrics detail subjects of loneliness and isolation. Some of which, if I’m honest, can hit a little too close to home. 

Favourite song? Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

5. 

Beach House

Teen Dream

Bella Union / Sub Pop | Dream Pop (2010)

The oldest album on this list, as not even a month into the new decade, the Baltimore based duo released this, their third studio album. 

Together, members Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand work seamlessly using distinctive guitar tones, keyboards and sultry vocals. It’s serene, tranquil and impossibly romantic, just as Beach House fans had come to expect from the pair. What separated Teen Dream and made it so special however, is that these components were implemented on what were, and still are, their best songs. This isn’t just my favourite dream pop album of the decade, it may just be my favourite dream pop album of all time. 

Favourite song? Walk In The Park

4. 

Kendrick Lamar

Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City

Aftermath / Interscope / Top Dawg | Hip Hop (2012)

2012 was the year that saw Kendrick Lamar breakthrough and solidify himself as no longer a prospect, but instead, one of the absolute best talents in modern rap. 

This is his sophomore studio album and it’s a conceptual masterclass. Creating a dramatic and cinematic narrative, where it is unknown just how much of it is based on fact and how much is fiction as he details a promising young rapper’s life as he navigates the streets of Compton and subsequently gets caught up in gang violence. And he manages to do all of this flawlessly, over great production and alongside a cast of memorable features. 

Favourite song? Money Trees (feat. Jay Rock)

3. 

Sun Kil Moon

Benji

Caldo Verde | Indie Folk / Folk Rock (2014)

Over 20 years after his first classic album with sadcore pioneers Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek released another, this time as part of Sun Kil Moon. Benji is a folk and rock album that features, hands down, some of the most well written and interesting songs of the decade. 

With the diary-entry style lyrics that have become a staple of Mark’s sound in recent years, at times it’s as though you’re sat beside him, sharing a drink in a bar, catching up on where he’s been and what he’s been up to. Other times, it’s like you’re his therapist, listening to cathartic expressions of grief and his deepest postulations and it’s all equally riveting. 

Favourite song? Ben’s My Friend

2. 

Frank Ocean

Channel Orange

Def Jam | R&B / Soul (2012)

Riding a wave of momentum, this album was released under a lot of anticipation. Frank Ocean was already an established songwriter for others, noted member of hip hop collective Odd Future and had released a very good mixtape entitled Nostalgia Ultra the year prior in 2011. Added attention was provided in the lead up to this, his debut studio album, being released as Frank made a personal revelation in the form of an open letter to fans regarding his sexuality, and also, simply due to the outstanding singles being dropped. 

In the face of all of that, it’s even more impressive considering Frank Ocean came through, not just meeting but surpassing those expectations with this cool, catchy and vibrant set of awesome songs that earned the praise of everyone; from critics, to hip hop heads, to hipsters, to pop lovers. 

Favourite song? Forrest Gump

1. 

Kendrick Lamar 

To Pimp A Butterfly

Aftermath / Interscope / Top Dawg | Hip Hop (2015)

It simply couldn’t have been anything else in my mind. Kendrick Lamar’s third studio album just felt like a big deal; ambitious, important and necessary. This 2015 album is one absolutely packed with nuance. There are so many statements made and jaw dropping twists, turns and punch lines, you will need both a clear mind and the free time to give this thing multiple listens in order to even try and catch them all. It’s got classic West Coast vibes, jazz rap influenced instrumentals (which the great Kamasi Washington helped with), some great features from old school legends such as Snoop Dogg and new names like Rapsody. There’s insightful social commentary and thought provoking brilliance on every single track. Not to mention the album’s cover art, the order of the track list, the poem interlacing that track list, the appropriated Tupac interview to close the album out and so much more! To date, this is the finest work from an undisputed genius. 

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