Top 10 Albums of 2010

After the huge success that was Demon Days, fans were craving more from the Gorillaz, only to deliver five years later with their concept album Plastic Beach. Exploring themes of environmentalism and pollution, Plastic Beach peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 and was critically praised upon release, with many critics noting its range of musical influences and the near-perfect pop songwriting. With collaborations from other famous artists such as Snoop Dogg and Lou Reed, Gorillaz had another smash success on their hands that transcended simple pop to deliver something unique and memorable.

A near perfect pop album, Katy Perry and her collaborators are masters for writing innocent, catchy tunes, as every single off this album became a hit worldwide. Incorporating influences of disco, electronic and funk to Katy’s catchy dance-pop sound, Teenage Dream became the second album in history to have five singles go to #1, after Michael Jackson's Bad. The songs are all insanely catchy and well known, and the album was nominated for a staggering seven Grammy Awards. Changing the pop music game, Katy’s star had never shined brighter than when she released this 2010 hit.

The Roots' ninth studio release, How I Got Over mixed hip hop with an assortment of other styles to create one of the year's best. The album was critically acclaimed upon release, with many publications praising the group’s dark and honest themes. The album’s deep lyrics touch on heavy themes such as existentialism and the pitfalls of modern society, and it blends a variety of different genres, including indie rock and gospel. It's a fantastic assortment of songs, creating an album that never gets tiring and always brings originality.

A compilation album of sorts, Body Talk is a perfect pop album, and one of the decade's best. Throughout 2010, pop artist Robyn released three mini-albums, and Body Talk consists of the best of those releases, plus five new songs. And the best songs they were, as the album was praised upon release for its futuristic sound and elevation of the pop genre through sheer emotion and songwriting. The songs are not only powerful, but catchy as well, creating a passionate album that allows you to dance along.

The National's highest charting debut of their career, High Violet proved that their signature independent sound was starting to gain popularity in the mainstream. Peaking at #3 on the Billboard 200, this album features singer Matt Berninger's signature baritone voice at its most emotional, backed by some beautiful music by the band, completing a delicate sound that music lovers adored. The album was nominated for a BRIT Award for International Breakthrough Act, but infamously lost to Justin Bieber. No matter, we know who truly makes the better music here.

No, it's not the soundtrack to the famous video game, but an indie rock classic that blends an assortment of many other genres to create a musical masterpiece. The album was critically acclaimed for its lyrics and its mixture of musical inspirations, including genres like speed rap, ska, and rave music, all behind complex themes regarding opposition and references to the Nicaraguan counter revolutionaries. If it sounds like a dense and complex album, that's because it is, but it's also the reason why it is so memorable and renowned.

Their third album and final studio album, LCD Soundsystem released this dance-punk classic to great critical acclaim, leaving the spotlight on a fantastic note. Just as indescribable as ever, This is Happening is LCD Soundsystem at their best, delivering hilarious, impassioned, and eccentric music, sometimes all in the same song. It was critically lauded upon release, with many stating that LCD went out in fashion, as it appeared on many year-end lists. They may not do hits, but they sure have one on their hands with this album.

The band's commercial breakthrough album, Brothers was a major success in every way. Bringing The Black Keys to mainstream attention, the album peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 and eventually went platinum. Producing two huge singles with “Tighten Up” and “Howlin’ for You”, The Black Keys managed to bring the old sounds of blues rock back to the mainstream in an industry saturated with dance-pop and electronic music. It's raw, garage rock sound was a hit with both critics and audiences, and started The Black Keys on the successful trajectory they are on today.

An album that we can all relate to, The Suburbs made Arcade Fire stars, peaking at #1 in the US and many other countries, a rare feat for an independent band. Based on lead singer Win's upbringing, and featuring themes of youth and boredom, the album was acclaimed for its music and its lyrics, with many people noting the strong stories and rawness of the album. It went on to win a plethora of awards, including Album of the Year at the Grammys and the 2011 Polaris Music Prize, making The Suburbs one of the most emotional and best albums of the year.

Before we look at our top album of 2010, here are a few honorable mentions.

"Total Life Forever" (2010)
Foals

"Innerspeaker" (2010)
Tame Impala

"The ArchAndroid" (2010)
Janelle Monae

"Cosmogramma" (2010)
Flying Lotus

"Nightmare" (2010)
Avenged Sevenfold

"Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys" (2010)
My Chemical Romance

While the man makes it hard to like him, there's no denying the power of the music that he creates. After a "self-imposed exile" to Hawaii, West returned with this album, his fifth overall. The album incorporates many different styles of music, including symphonic, electro, and baroque, creating a unique sonic landscape. Not to be outdone, his lyrics are flawless, with personal themes such as celebrity, excess, and drug abuse. It's a fantastic album all around, and considered not only the best of the year, but one of the best of all time.
Do you agree with our list? What album from 2010 is your favourite? For more musical top tens published every day, he sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.