Broken Bells (2010) - Broken Bells
The debut album from The Shins James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse. There’s not much to be said - it’s indie rock with sweet melodies that play to the strengths of both artists.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) - Kanye West
Flawed genius? As a complete album this is undoubtedly Kanye’s greatest accomplishment. Effortlessly leading hip-hop in new directions, not just within the genre but across the landscape of music in its entirety.

High Violet (2010) - The National
Very little description required here. It’s a continuation of incredible form for these expansive sounding indie rockers. While I’m finding it harder to keep up the passion for this style of music I can appreciate how exception this album is.

Relayted (2010) - Gayngs
It soft rock coming back? Not likely. What we have here is an ethereal soundscape that is very conscious of it’s roots and at the same time sounds modern and even futuristic. At times things can get lost in a self indulgent fantasy, but for the most part it’s just a familiar trip that’s a pleasure to revisit.

Sale el Sol (2010) - Shakira
Shakira hasn’t sounded so totally at ease with the latin sound since the Estoy Aqui days. Last year’s She Wolf was great, but sounds overproduced next to this eclectic blend of Merengue, classic rock, and traditional ballads. Mostly singing in Spanish, she calls on the talent of friends ranging from Pitbull and Dizzy Rascal, to Puerto Rican favourites, Calle 13. Where does she go from here?

Brothers (2010) - The Black Keys
With plenty of years and albums behind them The Black Keys have now made their version of blues drenched soul and garage rock sound effortless. With strong songwriting and plenty of hooks this is another stomping classic.

Systema Solar (2010) - Systema Solar
My favourite afro-caribbean album of the year. Infectious rhythm that treads much the same eclectic electronic cumbia/folkloric mix as the equally brilliant Bomba Estereo. The whole album is solid and these guys have a big future.

Obadiah (2010) - Frazey Ford
If you heart Americana, then this new album from Canadian singer-songwriter Frazey Ford (ex. Be Good Tanyas) should hit the spot nicely. Does that makes this Canadianana? Let’s just say this is the must-listen soul/folk/county album of the year.

I Speak Because I Can (2010) - Laura Marling
At only 20 years of age Laura Marling has released a second album of a maturity and musical prowess greater then most indie folk artists will ever achieve in their careers. Lyrically and musically this is a triumph.