Essential Albums of the 2010s
The 2010s records we keep coming back to, listed in order of release.
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1The SuburbsArcade Fire
The Suburbs
A sprawling, Grammy-winning meditation on suburban memory. Ambitious and acclaimed. A creative peak.
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2Teen DreamBeach House
Teen Dream
Gauzy, gorgeous dream-pop of organ, slide guitar and reverb. Hypnotic and warm. The album that defined their sound.
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3Black SandsBonobo
Black Sands
A lush, organic blend of downtempo electronics and live instrumentation. Warm and cinematic. A beloved chill-out record.
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4Doo-Wops & HooligansBruno Mars
Doo-Wops & Hooligans
A bright, retro-leaning pop debut of effortless hooks. Tuneful and huge. His breakthrough.
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5SwimCaribou
Swim
A liquid, melodic dance record of warmth and invention. Hypnotic and emotional. A modern electronic favourite.
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6Halcyon DigestDeerhunter
Halcyon Digest
A dreamy, melodic art-rock peak of hazy beauty. Inventive and acclaimed. Their finest.
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7Diamond EyesDeftones
Diamond Eyes
A melodic, atmospheric comeback peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A late high point.
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8New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)Erykah Badu
New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)
A warm, melodic companion to the political Part One. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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9CosmogrammaFlying Lotus
Cosmogramma
A dense, cosmic fusion of electronic, jazz and hip-hop, dazzling and immersive. Ambitious and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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10Total Life ForeverFoals
Total Life Forever
A textured, dynamic indie peak. Bold and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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11There Is Love in YouFour Tet
There Is Love in You
A warm, melodic folktronica peak. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A high point.
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12Opus EponymousGhost
Opus Eponymous
A catchy, occult-themed hard-rock debut. Tuneful and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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13Plastic BeachGorillaz
Plastic Beach
A lush, star-guested concept peak of eco-pop. Inventive and beloved. A high point.
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14One Life StandHot Chip
One Life Stand
A warm, melodic synth-pop peak of emotional dance music. Tuneful and beloved. One of their best.
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15The ArchAndroidJanelle Monae
The ArchAndroid
An ambitious, genre-spanning concept record of funk, soul and sci-fi, dazzling in scope. Inventive and acclaimed. A bold debut album.
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16My Beautiful Dark Twisted FantasyKanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
A maximalist, operatic statement that reassembled Kanye's career after public disgrace, stacking lush production, A-list guests and raw confession. Ambitious to the point of excess and almost flawless. Frequently named the best album of its decade.
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17Teenage DreamKaty Perry
Teenage Dream
A candy-coloured pop blockbuster that spun off five number-ones. Bright and irresistible. A peak of 2010s pop.
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18This Is HappeningLCD Soundsystem
This Is Happening
A wry, danceable peak of emotional dance-punk. Sharp and beloved. A strong send-off (for a while).
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19I Speak Because I CanLaura Marling
I Speak Because I Can
A mature, literate folk peak. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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20HeligolandMassive Attack
Heligoland
A dark, guest-laden late peak of trip-hop atmosphere. Immersive and acclaimed. A strong record.
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21Pink FridayNicki Minaj
Pink Friday
A blockbuster debut of pop-rap range and personality. Polished and huge. A breakthrough.
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22LoudRihanna
Loud
A bright, hit-stuffed pop peak, home to 'Only Girl (In the World)'. Glossy and huge. A commercial high.
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23Body TalkRobyn
Body Talk
A landmark of melancholic dancefloor pop, home to 'Dancing on My Own'. Emotional and influential. A critical favourite.
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24The Age of AdzSufjan Stevens
The Age of Adz
A maximal, electronic turn from the hushed folk of Illinois. Bold and acclaimed. A creative swerve.
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25InnerSpeakerTame Impala
InnerSpeaker
A warm, psychedelic guitar debut of swirling retro textures. Hazy and assured. The start of Parker's run.
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26Speak NowTaylor Swift
Speak Now
A self-written peak of narrative country-pop. Tuneful and beloved. A fan favourite.
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27BrothersThe Black Keys
Brothers
A soulful, fuzzy blues-rock breakthrough, home to 'Tighten Up'. Gritty and huge. Their commercial peak.
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28High VioletThe National
High Violet
Lush, melancholic and immaculately crafted, their commercial breakthrough. Anthemic in a restrained way. A modern indie staple.
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29The Wild HuntThe Tallest Man on Earth
The Wild Hunt
A spare, Dylan-esque folk peak of raw intimacy. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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30Tourist HistoryTwo Door Cinema Club
Tourist History
A bright, danceable indie-pop debut. Tuneful and beloved. A breakthrough.
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3121Adele
21
The record that made Adele a global phenomenon, turning a break-up into soaring, soulful pop with 'Rolling in the Deep' and 'Someone Like You'. Big voice, bigger songs, broad appeal. A modern blockbuster that earned its sales.
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324Beyoncé
4
A soulful, mature pop-R&B record of craft over singles. Warm and acclaimed. A creative turning point.
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33ApocalypseBill Callahan
Apocalypse
A spare, wry folk peak of deadpan depth. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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34Bon Iver, Bon IverBon Iver
Bon Iver, Bon Iver
A lush, layered second album that expanded the hushed debut into widescreen beauty. Gorgeous and Grammy-winning. A peak.
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35XXXDanny Brown
XXX
A wild, abrasive breakthrough of hedonism and dread. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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36Take CareDrake
Take Care
A moody, introspective record that defined the blend of rap and R&B in the 2010s. Atmospheric and influential. Widely held to be his best.
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37+Ed Sheeran
+
A warm, acoustic-pop debut, home to 'The A Team'. Tuneful and beloved. His breakthrough.
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38Helplessness BluesFleet Foxes
Helplessness Blues
More ambitious and searching than the debut, rich with harmony and questioning lyrics. Expansive and lovely. A folk high point.
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39James BlakeJames Blake
James Blake
A spare, soulful debut of sub-bass, silence and fractured vocals that helped define post-dubstep. Intimate and influential. A striking arrival.
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40Watch the ThroneJay-Z & Kanye West
Watch the Throne
A lavish, maximalist team-up of two titans, home to 'Niggas in Paris'. Opulent and huge. A blockbuster collaboration.
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41Section.80Kendrick Lamar
Section.80
A conceptual early peak of social commentary and craft. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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42Born This WayLady Gaga
Born This Way
A maximalist, anthemic pop peak of self-empowerment. Bold and huge. A commercial high.
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43Hurry Up, We're DreamingM83
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
A vast, nostalgic synth-pop double album of widescreen euphoria, anchored by 'Midnight City'. Lush and grand. Their masterpiece.
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44ReplicaOneohtrix Point Never
Replica
A haunting, sample-based electronic landmark of uncanny loops. Inventive and acclaimed. A modern cornerstone.
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45Let England ShakePJ Harvey
Let England Shake
A haunting, war-themed art-rock peak. Bold and Mercury-winning. A late masterpiece.
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46SBTRKTSBTRKT
SBTRKT
A sleek, post-dubstep debut of soulful electronics. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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47RevelatorTedeschi Trucks Band
Revelator
A soulful, Grammy-winning blues-rock debut of big-band warmth. Polished and acclaimed. A modern highlight.
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48House of BalloonsThe Weeknd
House of Balloons
A dark, atmospheric mixtape debut that reshaped R&B. Bold and influential. A landmark.
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49Ravedeath, 1972Tim Hecker
Ravedeath, 1972
A vast, decaying ambient-noise peak. Immersive and acclaimed. A genre high point.
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50BloomBeach House
Bloom
A lush, immersive dream-pop peak of widescreen beauty. Hypnotic and beloved. Their finest.
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51The Money StoreDeath Grips
The Money Store
A violent, exhilarating collision of punk, noise and rap that influenced a wave of experimental music. Abrasive and thrilling. A cult landmark.
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52Koi No YokanDeftones
Koi No Yokan
An atmospheric, dynamic late peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.
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53The Lion's RoarFirst Aid Kit
The Lion's Roar
A harmony-rich folk peak of Swedish-Americana beauty. Warm and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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54Until the Quiet ComesFlying Lotus
Until the Quiet Comes
A dreamy, immersive beat-scene peak. Inventive and acclaimed. A high point.
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55Channel OrangeFrank Ocean
Channel Orange
A widescreen breakthrough of narrative R&B, from the sprawling 'Pyramids' to the tender 'Thinkin Bout You'. Warm, literate and assured. The album that made him a star.
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56Blak and BluGary Clark Jr.
Blak and Blu
A modern blues-rock breakthrough blending soul, hip-hop and guitar fire. Bold and acclaimed. A contemporary highlight.
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57L'Enfant SauvageGojira
L'Enfant Sauvage
A focused, crushing progressive-death peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.
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58ShieldsGrizzly Bear
Shields
A dense, intricate indie peak. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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59De Vermis MysteriisHigh on Fire
De Vermis Mysteriis
A blistering, riff-driven metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.
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60good kid, m.A.A.d cityKendrick Lamar
good kid, m.A.A.d city
A self-described 'short film' about growing up in Compton, structured as a cohesive narrative with cinematic detail. Dense, melodic and replayable, it confirmed Kendrick as the leading rapper of his generation. A modern classic.
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61R.A.P. MusicKiller Mike
R.A.P. Music
A furious, El-P-produced peak of political fire. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.
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62Born to DieLana Del Rey
Born to Die
A cinematic, melancholic pop debut of vintage glamour. Lush and beloved. Her breakthrough.
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63KolossMeshuggah
Koloss
A monolithic, groove-heavy djent peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.
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64Kaleidoscope DreamMiguel
Kaleidoscope Dream
A sleek, psychedelic R&B record of real songcraft and sensuality. Smooth and adventurous. A modern soul high point.
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65BabelMumford & Sons
Babel
A bigger, anthemic follow-up that swept the Grammys. Rousing and huge. A commercial peak.
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66Sorrow and ExtinctionPallbearer
Sorrow and Extinction
A melodic, mournful doom-metal debut. Heavy and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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67Black RadioRobert Glasper
Black Radio
A genre-melting fusion of jazz, hip-hop, soul and R&B with star guests. Influential and warm. The bridge between jazz and modern Black music.
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68LonerismTame Impala
Lonerism
Woozy, psychedelic pop built almost entirely by Kevin Parker, dense and dreamlike. Inventive and warm. A modern psych landmark.
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69RedTaylor Swift
Red
A sprawling, genre-blurring bridge from country to pop, home to 'All Too Well'. Tuneful and beloved. A fan favourite.
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70The LumineersThe Lumineers
The Lumineers
A warm, stomp-along folk-pop debut, home to 'Ho Hey'. Tuneful and beloved. A breakthrough.
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71An Awesome Wavealt-J
An Awesome Wave
A quirky, intricate indie debut of folk, electronics and odd harmony. Distinctive and acclaimed. A Mercury-winning breakout.
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72Long.Live.A$APA$AP Rocky
Long.Live.A$AP
A hazy, cloud-rap peak of style and texture. Polished and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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73ReflektorArcade Fire
Reflektor
A sprawling, dance-influenced double album produced with James Murphy. Ambitious and varied. A bold experiment.
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74AMArctic Monkeys
AM
A sleek, hip-hop-influenced reinvention of heavy riffs and falsetto hooks. Cool and huge. Their biggest crossover record.
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75Tomorrow's HarvestBoards of Canada
Tomorrow's Harvest
A cinematic, foreboding comeback of widescreen electronica. Atmospheric and acclaimed. A strong return.
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76Acid RapChance the Rapper
Acid Rap
A joyful, gospel-tinged mixtape that announced a major new voice in independent rap. Warm and inventive. A modern classic.
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77Because the InternetChildish Gambino
Because the Internet
An ambitious, conceptual rap record about identity and the online age. Inventive and dense. A turning point in his music.
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78Random Access MemoriesDaft Punk
Random Access Memories
A lavish live-instrument turn away from samples, chasing the warmth of 1970s and 80s studio craft with collaborators like Nile Rodgers. 'Get Lucky' became inescapable. Polished, reverent and grand.
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79The Next DayDavid Bowie
The Next Day
A surprise comeback of sharp, classicist art-rock. Bold and acclaimed. A late-career return.
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80SunbatherDeafheaven
Sunbather
A divisive, beautiful blend of black metal and shoegaze. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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81SettleDisclosure
Settle
A polished, soulful debut that revived UK house for a new generation, full of vocal hooks. Slick and danceable. A modern dance staple.
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82Nothing Was the SameDrake
Nothing Was the Same
A confident, cohesive peak of melodic rap and brooding production. Polished and assured. A fan favourite.
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83DorisEarl Sweatshirt
Doris
A dense, lyrical debut of dark, intricate rhymes. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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84Holy FireFoals
Holy Fire
A muscular, groove-driven indie-rock peak. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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85Born SinnerJ. Cole
Born Sinner
An introspective, soulful record of ambition and doubt. Earnest and assured. A fan favourite.
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86OvergrownJames Blake
Overgrown
A subtler, soulful follow-up to the debut. Intimate and Mercury-winning. A high point.
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87The Electric LadyJanelle Monae
The Electric Lady
A lush, ambitious concept peak of funk and soul. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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88SoutheasternJason Isbell
Southeastern
A raw, sober Americana peak of vivid storytelling. Honest and acclaimed. His masterpiece.
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89ImmunityJon Hopkins
Immunity
A widescreen techno journey from euphoric peaks to ambient comedown, beautifully produced. Immersive and emotional. A modern electronic high point.
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90Same Trailer Different ParkKacey Musgraves
Same Trailer Different Park
A witty, sharp country debut. Tuneful and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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91YeezusKanye West
Yeezus
A jarring, industrial-leaning art-rap statement of minimalist aggression. Bold and divisive. A creative swerve.
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92Wakin on a Pretty DazeKurt Vile
Wakin on a Pretty Daze
A loose, hazy guitar peak of laid-back charm. Warm and acclaimed. A high point.
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93Once I Was an EagleLaura Marling
Once I Was an Eagle
A sprawling, mature folk peak of literary depth. Beautiful and acclaimed. A creative high.
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94Pure HeroineLorde
Pure Heroine
A spare, witty teenage debut that reframed pop with minimalist beats and sharp observation. Cool and distinctive. 'Royals' announced a major talent.
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95m b vMy Bloody Valentine
m b v
A long-awaited sequel to Loveless that picked up where it left off. Immersive and acclaimed. A worthy return.
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96R Plus SevenOneohtrix Point Never
R Plus Seven
A dense, uncanny electronic peak of fractured texture. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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97MuchachoPhosphorescent
Muchacho
A warm, atmospheric Americana peak. Beautiful and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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98Run the JewelsRun the Jewels
Run the Jewels
A hard-hitting debut of El-P and Killer Mike's chemistry. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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99The 1975The 1975
The 1975
A glossy, sprawling debut blending pop, rock and 80s textures. Tuneful and huge. Their breakthrough.
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100Trouble Will Find MeThe National
Trouble Will Find Me
A refined, melancholic peak of literate indie rock. Understated and acclaimed. A fan favourite.
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101WolfTyler, the Creator
Wolf
A more melodic, introspective step toward maturity. Bold and acclaimed. A turning point.
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102Modern Vampires of the CityVampire Weekend
Modern Vampires of the City
A leap into ambition and depth, full of intricate production and questions of faith and time. Their richest record. Widely acclaimed.
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103Burn Your Fire for No WitnessAngel Olsen
Burn Your Fire for No Witness
A raw, electric indie-folk peak of fierce emotion. Bold and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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104SyroAphex Twin
Syro
A warm, melodic comeback after years away. Inventive and acclaimed. A Grammy-winning return.
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105My EverythingAriana Grande
My Everything
A hit-laden pop peak that broadened her sound. Polished and big. A breakthrough.
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106Our LoveCaribou
Our Love
A warm, emotional dance peak of melodic invention. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A high point.
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107Black MessiahD'Angelo and the Vanguard
Black Messiah
A dense, politically charged comeback after 14 years, layered and live. Bold and acclaimed. A triumphant return.
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108LP1FKA twigs
LP1
An avant-R&B debut of fragile vocals and glitchy, sensual production. Singular and acclaimed. A striking arrival.
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109You're Dead!Flying Lotus
You're Dead!
A frenetic, jazz-fusion-meets-beats peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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110PinataFreddie Gibbs & Madlib
Pinata
A gritty, soulful collaboration of tough rhymes over Madlib's dusty loops. Cohesive and acclaimed. A modern boom-bap gem.
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1112014 Forest Hills DriveJ. Cole
2014 Forest Hills Drive
An introspective, samples-driven record that went platinum with no features, a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Earnest and acclaimed. His defining album.
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112UltraviolenceLana Del Rey
Ultraviolence
A darker, guitar-leaning peak produced with Dan Auerbach. Atmospheric and acclaimed. A creative high.
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113Salad DaysMac DeMarco
Salad Days
A woozy, laid-back indie record of slacker charm. Mellow and beloved. A defining lo-fi-pop record.
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114FacesMac Miller
Faces
A sprawling, jazzy mixtape of dark introspection. Bold and beloved. A cult favourite.
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115Foundations of BurdenPallbearer
Foundations of Burden
A melodic, mournful doom-metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A high point.
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116Run the Jewels 2Run the Jewels
Run the Jewels 2
A ferocious, politically charged peak of the El-P and Killer Mike partnership, hard-hitting and sharp. Urgent and acclaimed. Their best.
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117In the Lonely HourSam Smith
In the Lonely Hour
A soulful, heartbroken pop debut, home to 'Stay with Me'. Tender and huge. A breakthrough.
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1181000 Forms of FearSia
1000 Forms of Fear
A dramatic, belting pop peak, home to 'Chandelier'. Powerful and huge. A breakthrough.
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119St. VincentSt. Vincent
St. Vincent
A jagged, art-pop peak of guitar fireworks and wit. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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120Metamodern Sounds in Country MusicSturgill Simpson
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
A trippy, traditional-yet-psychedelic record that reframed what modern country could be. Bold and soulful. A genre highlight.
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1211989Taylor Swift
1989
Swift's clean break from country into glossy 1980s-leaning synth-pop, packed with hits and sharp writing. It reset her career and proved her pop instincts. The most immediate place to meet her as a pop star.
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122Lost in the DreamThe War on Drugs
Lost in the Dream
A widescreen, heartland-indie peak of motorik drift and emotion. Lush and acclaimed. Their breakthrough.
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123Clearing the Path to AscendYOB
Clearing the Path to Ascend
A monumental, transcendent doom-metal peak. Heavy and acclaimed. A modern high point.
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12425Adele
25
A blockbuster of soaring soul-pop, home to 'Hello'. Polished and enormous. A commercial peak.
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125PurpleBaroness
Purple
A bright, melodic comeback after a near-fatal crash. Heavy and acclaimed. A triumphant return.
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126EmotionCarly Rae Jepsen
Emotion
A critically adored synth-pop gem of euphoric, 80s-tinged hooks. Bright and beloved. A cult favourite.
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127TravellerChris Stapleton
Traveller
A soulful, gravel-voiced album that revived outlaw spirit for the mainstream. Warm and assured. A modern country breakthrough.
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128Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just SitCourtney Barnett
Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
A witty, deadpan indie-rock debut of sharp observation. Charming and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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129New BermudaDeafheaven
New Bermuda
A heavier, dynamic follow-up to Sunbather. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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130CaracalDisclosure
Caracal
A polished, guest-laden follow-up to Settle. Smooth and big. A commercial high.
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131I Love You, HoneybearFather John Misty
I Love You, Honeybear
A lush, sardonic and surprisingly sincere song-cycle about love and modern life. Witty and beautifully arranged. His breakthrough.
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132ElaeniaFloating Points
Elaenia
A lush, jazz-and-electronics debut of organic beauty. Inventive and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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133DS2Future
DS2
A bleak, hypnotic trap peak of codeine-soaked atmosphere. Influential and beloved. A genre landmark.
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134MelioraGhost
Meliora
A theatrical, melodic peak of occult hard rock, home to 'Cirice'. Catchy and acclaimed. Their breakthrough.
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135Choose Your WeaponHiatus Kaiyote
Choose Your Weapon
A dense, virtuosic future-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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136In ColourJamie xx
In Colour
A warm, nostalgic solo record drawing on UK rave history, melodic and emotional. 'Loud Places' is a highlight. A beautiful dance album.
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137Sprained AnkleJulien Baker
Sprained Ankle
A spare, devastating solo debut of voice and guitar. Intimate and acclaimed. A striking arrival.
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138PurposeJustin Bieber
Purpose
A sleek, EDM-and-R&B pop reinvention, home to 'Sorry'. Polished and huge. His commercial peak.
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139The EpicKamasi Washington
The Epic
A nearly three-hour debut of widescreen spiritual jazz with choir and strings. Ambitious and immersive. A landmark of the modern jazz revival.
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140To Pimp a ButterflyKendrick Lamar
To Pimp a Butterfly
An ambitious fusion of hip-hop, jazz, funk and spoken word, wrestling with race, fame and self-worth. Challenging on first listen and richer with every return. Widely considered a landmark of the 2010s.
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141HoneymoonLana Del Rey
Honeymoon
A languid, cinematic peak of slow-burn beauty. Lush and acclaimed. A high point.
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142Coming HomeLeon Bridges
Coming Home
A warm, retro-soul debut of vintage craft. Smooth and beloved. A breakthrough.
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143WildheartMiguel
Wildheart
A sensual, rock-tinged R&B peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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144Carrie & LowellSufjan Stevens
Carrie & Lowell
A hushed, devastating meditation on his late mother, stripped back to whispered vocals and fingerpicked guitar. Almost unbearably intimate. A modern folk masterpiece.
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145CurrentsTame Impala
Currents
The pivot from psych-rock to glossy synth-pop, introspective and danceable. 'Let It Happen' anchors it. A crossover triumph.
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146Ego DeathThe Internet
Ego Death
A smooth, live-band neo-soul peak of effortless groove. Cool and acclaimed. Their breakthrough.
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147Beauty Behind the MadnessThe Weeknd
Beauty Behind the Madness
A glossy pop-R&B blockbuster, home to 'Can't Feel My Face'. Polished and huge. His mainstream breakthrough.
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148RodeoTravis Scott
Rodeo
A dark, psychedelic trap debut of immersive production. Atmospheric and beloved. A breakthrough.
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149Summertime '06Vince Staples
Summertime '06
A stark, cinematic double-album debut. Sharp and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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150We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your ServiceA Tribe Called Quest
We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service
A poignant, accomplished final album after Phife's death. Warm and acclaimed. A fitting farewell.
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151MalibuAnderson .Paak
Malibu
Sun-soaked, funky and soulful, blending hip-hop, R&B and live grooves. Charismatic throughout. His breakthrough.
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152Dangerous WomanAriana Grande
Dangerous Woman
A confident, soulful pop peak. Polished and big. A high point.
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153IVBadBadNotGood
IV
A genre-blending modern-jazz peak of hip-hop feel. Cool and acclaimed. A high point.
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154LemonadeBeyoncé
Lemonade
A visual album and emotional reckoning that moves through country, rock, hip-hop and gospel, blending the personal and the political. Ambitious in scope and immaculate in execution. Widely regarded as her masterpiece.
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155Freetown SoundBlood Orange
Freetown Sound
A collage-like art-R&B record of identity and 80s textures. Lush and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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15622, A MillionBon Iver
22, A Million
A glitchy, fractured electronic reinvention of the folk sound. Bold and acclaimed. A daring pivot.
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15724K MagicBruno Mars
24K Magic
A slick, joyful throwback to 80s/90s funk and R&B. Polished and fun. An award-sweeping crowd-pleaser.
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158Teens of DenialCar Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial
A sprawling, literate indie-rock breakthrough. Raw and acclaimed. A defining 2010s record.
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159Coloring BookChance the Rapper
Coloring Book
A bright, gospel-soaked record of gratitude and faith, a Grammy-winning streaming landmark. Joyful and assured. A defining 2010s release.
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160Awaken, My Love!Childish Gambino
Awaken, My Love!
A bold pivot into psychedelic funk and soul, channelling Funkadelic on 'Redbone'. Adventurous and warm. A striking reinvention.
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161Atrocity ExhibitionDanny Brown
Atrocity Exhibition
A harrowing, experimental record of addiction and anxiety over abrasive, art-damaged beats. Singular and acclaimed. A bold high point.
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162BlackstarDavid Bowie
Blackstar
A dark, jazz-inflected final statement released days before his death, mortality woven throughout. Brave and haunting. A profound farewell.
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163ViewsDrake
Views
A glossy, sprawling blockbuster of mood and hits, home to 'Hotline Bling'. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.
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164Emily's D+EvolutionEsperanza Spalding
Emily's D+Evolution
An adventurous jazz-rock-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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165BlondeFrank Ocean
Blonde
An elliptical, gorgeous album of fragmented memory and feeling, stripped of obvious hooks in favour of mood and texture. Initially elusive, it becomes a favourite. A defining record of the 2010s.
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166MagmaGojira
Magma
A streamlined, emotional peak of accessible heaviness. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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16799.9%KAYTRANADA
99.9%
A funky, dancefloor-ready debut of crisp house and soul. Groovy and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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168Made in the ManorKano
Made in the Manor
A reflective, accomplished grime peak. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.
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169The Life of PabloKanye West
The Life of Pablo
A sprawling, gospel-tinged collage of a record. Messy and acclaimed. A divisive peak.
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170untitled unmastered.Kendrick Lamar
untitled unmastered.
A loose, jazzy collection of To Pimp a Butterfly offcuts. Sharp and acclaimed. A surprising gem.
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171Nonagon InfinityKing Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Nonagon Infinity
A relentless, looping psych-rock landmark designed to never stop. Wild and beloved. A fan favourite.
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172You Want It DarkerLeonard Cohen
You Want It Darker
A graceful, mortality-haunted final album. Powerful and acclaimed. A profound farewell.
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173Midwest Farmer's DaughterMargo Price
Midwest Farmer's Daughter
A sharp, traditional-leaning debut of hard-won storytelling. Honest and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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174Love & HateMichael Kiwanuka
Love & Hate
A lush, soulful peak of vintage warmth, home to 'Cold Little Heart'. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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175Puberty 2Mitski
Puberty 2
A raw, inventive indie-rock peak of compressed emotion. Sharp and acclaimed. A defining record.
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176Skeleton TreeNick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Skeleton Tree
A devastating record shadowed by personal tragedy, sparse and raw. Haunting and acclaimed. A profound work.
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177TelefoneNoname
Telefone
A warm, jazzy debut mixtape of gentle, literate rap. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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178A Moon Shaped PoolRadiohead
A Moon Shaped Pool
A lush, string-laden late peak of melancholy and beauty. Gorgeous and acclaimed. A graceful record.
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179AntiRihanna
Anti
A moody, adventurous record that reframed Rihanna as an artist, home to 'Work'. Atmospheric and assured. Her most acclaimed album.
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180KonnichiwaSkepta
Konnichiwa
A raw, confident grime peak that defined the genre's resurgence. Sharp and influential. An award-winning landmark.
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181A Seat at the TableSolange
A Seat at the Table
A graceful, political art-soul album about identity and self-care, beautifully arranged. Quietly powerful. A defining 2010s R&B statement.
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182A Sailor's Guide to EarthSturgill Simpson
A Sailor's Guide to Earth
A genre-bending, soul-and-strings country peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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183I Like It When You Sleep...The 1975
I Like It When You Sleep...
A sprawling, ambitious pop-rock peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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184WildflowerThe Avalanches
Wildflower
A long-awaited, sunny sample-collage sequel. Joyful and acclaimed. A worthy return.
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185StarboyThe Weeknd
Starboy
A glossy, Daft-Punk-assisted pop-R&B peak. Polished and huge. A commercial high.
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186AntisocialitesAlvvays
Antisocialites
A bright, hook-laden indie-pop peak of dreamy melody. Charming and acclaimed. Their finest.
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187ArcaArca
Arca
A raw, vulnerable art-electronic peak of fractured beauty. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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188BicepBicep
Bicep
A lush, nostalgic dance debut of emotional house and techno. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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189CapacityBig Thief
Capacity
A tender, intimate indie-folk peak of vivid songwriting. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.
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190MigrationBonobo
Migration
A warm, intricate downtempo peak. Lush and acclaimed. A high point.
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191ChronologyChronixx
Chronology
A bright, accomplished reggae-revival debut of roots and modern polish. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.
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192Colter WallColter Wall
Colter Wall
A weathered, deep-voiced traditional-country debut. Raw and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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193FreudianDaniel Caesar
Freudian
A warm, gospel-touched neo-soul debut of intimacy and faith. Gentle and acclaimed. A standout modern R&B record.
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194Dua LipaDua Lipa
Dua Lipa
A glossy dance-pop debut, home to 'New Rules'. Tuneful and big. A breakthrough.
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195DivideEd Sheeran
Divide
A blockbuster of acoustic-pop and global rhythms, home to 'Shape of You'. Polished and enormous. His commercial peak.
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196Pure ComedyFather John Misty
Pure Comedy
A sweeping, sardonic song-cycle on humanity and modern life. Ambitious and acclaimed. A bold statement.
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197New EnergyFour Tet
New Energy
A warm, meditative peak of melodic electronics. Hypnotic and acclaimed. A high point.
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198Harry StylesHarry Styles
Harry Styles
A classic-rock-leaning solo debut. Tuneful and acclaimed. A striking start.
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199BrutalismIDLES
Brutalism
A furious, visceral post-punk debut. Loud and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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200Beast EpicIron & Wine
Beast Epic
A warm, mature folk peak of gentle craft. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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2014:44Jay-Z
4:44
A mature, confessional late peak of reflection and soul samples. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.
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202Turn Out the LightsJulien Baker
Turn Out the Lights
A spare, devastating indie-folk record of faith and pain. Intimate and acclaimed. A quiet peak.
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203DAMN.Kendrick Lamar
DAMN.
A sharp, Pulitzer-winning blockbuster balancing introspection and hits. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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204American DreamLCD Soundsystem
American Dream
A reflective, age-aware comeback of dance-rock craft. Bold and acclaimed. A worthy return.
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205Semper FeminaLaura Marling
Semper Femina
A graceful, intimate folk peak. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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206MelodramaLorde
Melodrama
A widescreen break-up record of heightened emotion and inventive pop production. Acclaimed and beloved. Her masterpiece.
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207This One's for YouLuke Combs
This One's for You
A blockbuster mainstream-country debut of huge hits. Tuneful and enormous. A breakthrough.
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208CultureMigos
Culture
A blockbuster trap peak, home to 'Bad and Boujee'. Catchy and huge. A commercial landmark.
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209AromanticismMoses Sumney
Aromanticism
A spare, ethereal art-soul debut. Singular and acclaimed. A striking arrival.
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210Stranger in the AlpsPhoebe Bridgers
Stranger in the Alps
A hushed, melancholic indie-folk debut. Intimate and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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211CtrlSZA
Ctrl
A candid, conversational debut about insecurity and desire that reshaped modern R&B. Relatable and beautifully sung. A word-of-mouth phenomenon that aged into a classic.
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212ProcessSampha
Process
A tender, electronic-soul debut of grief and warmth, home to '(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano'. Intimate and acclaimed. A standout.
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213SlowdiveSlowdive
Slowdive
A gorgeous, mature reunion record of refined shoegaze. Warm and acclaimed. A triumphant comeback.
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214MasseductionSt. Vincent
Masseduction
A glossy, dark art-pop record of fame and desire. Sharp and acclaimed. A standout.
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215Gang Signs & PrayerStormzy
Gang Signs & Prayer
A landmark grime-and-gospel debut that topped the UK charts. Bold and heartfelt. A genre milestone.
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216ReputationTaylor Swift
Reputation
A dark, beat-driven pop record of fame and defiance. Bold and huge. A commercial peak.
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217Sleep Well BeastThe National
Sleep Well Beast
A textured, electronic-leaning peak. Bold and Grammy-winning. A creative high.
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218A Deeper UnderstandingThe War on Drugs
A Deeper Understanding
A lush, Grammy-winning continuation of heartland-indie drift. Warm and acclaimed. A strong peak.
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219PurgatoryTyler Childers
Purgatory
A vivid, traditional-leaning Appalachian country breakthrough. Raw and acclaimed. A modern highlight.
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220Flower BoyTyler, the Creator
Flower Boy
A lush, melodic turn toward introspection and self-acceptance, beautifully produced. Warm and acclaimed. The album that elevated him.
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221Big Fish TheoryVince Staples
Big Fish Theory
An experimental, electronic-leaning art-rap peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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222Visions of a LifeWolf Alice
Visions of a Life
A dynamic, shapeshifting rock peak. Bold and Mercury-winning. Their finest.
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223Tranquility Base Hotel & CasinoArctic Monkeys
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
A divisive lounge-and-piano reinvention, conceptual and wry. Bold and acclaimed. A brave left turn.
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224SweetenerAriana Grande
Sweetener
A bright, Pharrell-touched pop record balancing experimentation and hooks. Polished and assured. A turning point in her career.
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225Invasion of PrivacyCardi B
Invasion of Privacy
A sharp, hit-packed debut, home to 'Bodak Yellow'. Confident and huge. A breakthrough.
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226Some Rap SongsEarl Sweatshirt
Some Rap Songs
A dense, lo-fi art-rap peak of fractured loops. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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227PrequelleGhost
Prequelle
A catchy, plague-themed hard-rock peak, home to 'Rats'. Tuneful and acclaimed. A high point.
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228Joy as an Act of ResistanceIDLES
Joy as an Act of Resistance
A cathartic, compassionate post-punk peak of fury and vulnerability. Loud and acclaimed. Their breakthrough.
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229Dirty ComputerJanelle Monae
Dirty Computer
A bright, defiant pop-funk record of identity and freedom, Prince-indebted and joyful. Polished and acclaimed. Her most accessible peak.
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230SingularityJon Hopkins
Singularity
A widescreen techno journey of peaks and ambient calm. Immersive and acclaimed. A high point.
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231Lost & FoundJorja Smith
Lost & Found
A soulful, assured UK-R&B debut. Smooth and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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232Golden HourKacey Musgraves
Golden Hour
A dreamy, crossover country-pop record of warmth and craft, blending disco shimmer and steel guitar. Beloved and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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233IsolationKali Uchis
Isolation
A vibrant, genre-blending debut of psychedelic R&B-pop. Bold and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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234Heaven and EarthKamasi Washington
Heaven and Earth
A vast, ambitious double album of widescreen spiritual jazz. Bold and acclaimed. A modern high point.
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235HistorianLucy Dacus
Historian
A literate, melodic indie peak of memory and grief. Warm and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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236SwimmingMac Miller
Swimming
A warm, jazzy late record of growth and vulnerability. Soulful and poignant. A beloved turning point.
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237Universal BeingsMakaya McCraven
Universal Beings
An inventive, improvisation-built modern-jazz peak. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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238Be the CowboyMitski
Be the Cowboy
A sharp, theatrical art-pop record of compressed emotion and stylistic range. Inventive and acclaimed. Her breakthrough.
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239Room 25Noname
Room 25
A sharp, soulful peak of witty, political rap. Smooth and acclaimed. A creative high.
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240Wide Awake!Parquet Courts
Wide Awake!
A punchy, danceable post-punk peak of wit and groove. Sharp and acclaimed. A standout.
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241A Matter of TimeProtoje
A Matter of Time
A sharp, modern reggae-revival peak. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.
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242DaytonaPusha T
Daytona
A lean, seven-track peak of coke-rap craft and Kanye's beats. Tight and acclaimed. A modern high point.
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243Oil of Every Pearl's Un-InsidesSOPHIE
Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
A radical, deconstructed pop landmark of plastic textures and beauty. Visionary and acclaimed. A singular record.
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244Care for MeSaba
Care for Me
A hushed, grief-soaked peak of intimate Chicago rap. Tender and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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245The SciencesSleep
The Sciences
A long-awaited stoner-doom comeback of crushing weight. Heavy and acclaimed. A worthy return.
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246LushSnail Mail
Lush
A sharp, melodic indie-rock debut of teenage clarity. Tuneful and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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247Your Queen Is a ReptileSons of Kemet
Your Queen Is a Reptile
A fierce, percussive UK-jazz peak of political fire. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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248A Brief Inquiry into Online RelationshipsThe 1975
A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships
An ambitious, genre-hopping meditation on the digital age. Bold and acclaimed. Their most acclaimed record.
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249Whack WorldTierra Whack
Whack World
A dazzling, fifteen-one-minute-songs art-rap debut. Inventive and acclaimed. A singular record.
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250AstroworldTravis Scott
Astroworld
A widescreen, psychedelic rap record of immersive production and big guests, anchored by 'Sicko Mode'. Atmospheric and huge. His defining album.
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251FM!Vince Staples
FM!
A lean, sun-baked concept peak framed as a radio broadcast. Sharp and acclaimed. A creative high.
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252DesignerAldous Harding
Designer
A spare, idiosyncratic art-folk peak. Singular and acclaimed. A high point.
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253VenturaAnderson .Paak
Ventura
A warm, soulful companion to Oxnard. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.
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254All MirrorsAngel Olsen
All Mirrors
A dramatic, orchestral art-rock peak of swelling emotion. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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255thank u, nextAriana Grande
thank u, next
A quick, candid R&B-pop record of heartbreak and resilience, effortless and warm. Confident and beloved. A peak of her run.
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256U.F.O.F.Big Thief
U.F.O.F.
A hushed, mysterious indie-folk peak of intimate beauty. Singular and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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257Two HandsBig Thief
Two Hands
A raw, earthy companion to U.F.O.F. of live-band intimacy. Powerful and acclaimed. A standout.
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258When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?Billie Eilish
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
A whispered, bass-heavy bedroom-pop debut that redefined teen pop, dark and intimate. Distinctive and enormous. A generational record.
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259CharliCharli XCX
Charli
A forward-thinking pop record of hyperpop edge and guests. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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260KingfishChristone "Kingfish" Ingram
Kingfish
A dazzling young-gun blues debut of soulful guitar and voice. Vital and acclaimed. A modern blues breakthrough.
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261Case Study 01Daniel Caesar
Case Study 01
A lush, adventurous follow-up to Freudian. Smooth and acclaimed. A creative step.
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262PsychodramaDave
Psychodrama
A cinematic, deeply personal UK rap debut framed as therapy sessions. Powerful and acclaimed. A landmark British record.
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263Hot PinkDoja Cat
Hot Pink
A playful, genre-hopping pop-R&B peak, home to 'Say So'. Fun and big. A breakthrough.
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264MagdaleneFKA twigs
Magdalene
A bold, art-pop peak of heartbreak and reinvention. Adventurous and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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265CrushFloating Points
Crush
A sharp, dancefloor-leaning peak of textured electronics. Bold and acclaimed. A high point.
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266DogrelFontaines D.C.
Dogrel
A vivid, literate post-punk debut of Dublin energy. Sharp and acclaimed. A striking arrival.
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267BandanaFreddie Gibbs & Madlib
Bandana
A dazzling sequel of intricate flows and beat-switching production. Sharp and acclaimed. A modern classic.
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268Fine LineHarry Styles
Fine Line
A warm, retro-leaning pop-rock record that established Styles as a solo force, anchored by 'Watermelon Sugar'. Sunny and assured. His breakthrough.
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269BubbaKAYTRANADA
Bubba
A funky, danceable peak of crisp house and soul. Groovy and Grammy-winning. A high point.
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270Norman Fucking Rockwell!Lana Del Rey
Norman Fucking Rockwell!
A lush, literate Americana-pop peak. Beautiful and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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271Grey AreaLittle Simz
Grey Area
A sharp, soulful UK-rap breakthrough. Tough and acclaimed. A high point.
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272Cuz I Love YouLizzo
Cuz I Love You
A brassy, joyful pop-soul peak, home to 'Juice'. Bold and huge. A breakthrough.
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273GhosteenNick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Ghosteen
An ambient, grief-soaked double album of transcendent sorrow. Beautiful and acclaimed. A late masterpiece.
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274When I Get HomeSolange
When I Get Home
A hazy, experimental art-soul peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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275LoverTaylor Swift
Lover
A bright, romantic pop record of warmth and color. Tuneful and big. A commercial high.
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276Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep MysteryThe Comet Is Coming
Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
A propulsive, cosmic jazz-electronic peak. Bold and acclaimed. A modern landmark.
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277Fear InoculumTool
Fear Inoculum
A sprawling, hypnotic late peak of long progressive epics. Immersive and acclaimed. A worthy return.
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278Country SquireTyler Childers
Country Squire
A vivid, traditional-leaning peak of Appalachian storytelling. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.
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279IgorTyler, the Creator
Igor
A bold, genre-blurring break-up record of synths, soul and falsetto, far from his early shock-rap. Inventive and award-winning. His masterpiece.
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280Father of the BrideVampire Weekend
Father of the Bride
A sprawling, sunny double album of eclectic pop craft. Warm and Grammy-winning. A creative peak.
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281Titanic RisingWeyes Blood
Titanic Rising
A gorgeous, orchestral chamber-pop record of climate dread and longing. Lush and acclaimed. A modern folk-pop high point.