The Suburbs (Arcade Fire)

I don’t love this as much as Arcade Fire’s previous album Neon Bible, but this is still my favorite album of 2010. It’s nearly perfect. I was lucky enough to see them last summer in Montreal at Osheaga. Here’s a song from this album.

Twitter: @arcadefire

Congratulations (MGMT)

Many people didn’t like MGMT’s new album because it was so experimental and such a departure from their first album. I wouldn’t know; I never listened to their first album. I did, however, love this one for it’s catchy yet experimental indie sound. I had this CD in my car all year. Here’s my favorite track from back in March. MGMT is the only artist on this list without a Twitter account.

The ArchAndroid (Janelle Monáe)

I absolutely love that this album takes place in an imaginative sci-fi universe. It’s also great to see a strong female artist make this list. I don’t usually like R&B, but this album goes beyond the genre and I love it for it’s hip-hop sound.

Twitter: @JanelleMonae

Plastic Beach (Gorillaz)

The Gorillaz are back and and I’m glad that they’re not performing as animated characters anymore. This album is a bit inconsistent, but it has some really great tracks. You have to appreciate that they mix in some hip-hop, Lou Reed, and electronic beats with their indie-rock sound. I blogged one of their tracks earlier this year.

Twitter: @gorillazband

Robots and Dinosaurs (Kokayi)

I had never heard of this brilliant rapper until I discovered (and blogged) his album earlier this year. I can’t stop listening to him. This is some of the best new hip-hop I’ve heard in a long time. Each song is beautiful, positive, and smart. This album deserves its place as my number one rap album of 2010.

Twitter: @kokayi

Dragon Slayer (Pigeon John)

Pigeon John is one of my all-time favorite rappers. I don’t know if this album is his best work, but it’s growing on me. Pigeon john is a unique voice in hip-hop; he’s upbeat and funny, and also very Christian. Most of the songs on this album showcase his ability to tell great stories. I’ve posted my favorite song from this album.

Twitter: @dothepigeon

Contra (Vampire Weekend)

This is very similar stuff to Vampire Weekend’s first album. Vampire Weekend’s first album is very good, and this one is just as good. There’s nothing revolutionary here, but I like this album nonetheless.

Twitter: @vampireweekend

The Anchorman Mixtape (K-OS)

I feel like K-OS has gone downhill from his early albums. It’s nice to see him return to the hip-hop sound that got him started. There are some good songs on this free mixtape. I blogged one of them. Download the rest from his website for free.

Twitter: @kosinception

As U Were (Lyrics Born)

This isn’t the best Lyrics Born album, but there are some good songs and I love the artist so much that I just had to include this. Lyrics Born is one of the best rappers out there.

Twitter: @lyricsborn

Doublethink (Akala)

Akala is a British rapper that I discovered this year. His music is very passionate, political and ambitious. I feel like he’s just starting out and could improve his art, but I still really admire the passion he puts into this album.

Twitter: @akalamusic