Each update I'll post 3 albums that made an impression on me for 2010, but didn't make the cut because either they didn't make enough impression OR I haven't listened to them enough to honestly add to them my list.
Come Around Sundown, I was very excited for this new KOL album but it just doesn't match up with their last one. Maybe it can grow on me as more singles come from it. (Radioactive, Pyro, The End)
Loud, this album has made me a 'Rihanna hater' according to some stans here. But truly, I just don't like the regression from the last album. Nevertheless this album has a couple good tracks. (Cheers, Raining Men, Whats My Name?, Only Girl)
Bionic, mmm Xtina bombed & deserved it. Most of this album is kind of crappy, but it does have its highlights. Can't say "NMT" didn't grow on me a bit, as well as some other tracks. (I Am, Monday Morning, Prima Donna)
#8
Lady GaGa, The Fame Monster
GaGa! This 2009 release makes it here, because it was a huge part of 2010 for me as well. This is truly an almost 100% flawless album, some bumps here and there in a couple tracks.
It's consistency ***** on
The Fame, quality, lyrics, just about everything. Proving GaGa has some growth.
I will still never forgive her for not releasing "Monster", when CLEARLY there was time.
Standouts: "Bad Romance", "Monster", "So Happy I Could Die", "Alejandro"
#7
Marina & The Diamonds, The Family Jewels
I was very happy Mazen introduced her to me early this year, because since her album released in the Winter I've loved her endlessly & don't think I would've discovered her otherwise so soon.
The album is full of tracks about fame, love, acceptance, etc. Very underrated compared to that of P!nk/Ke$ha/Avril/GaGa and other artists who are mainstream about acceptance.
I also love this album because its very odd and quirky, yet catchy and listenable.
Standouts: "Rootless", "Oh No!", "I Am Not A Robot", "Mowgli's Road", "Guilty"
#6
Robyn, Body Talk
Probably the most underrated Pop creation we will see this year, in terms of success, because critics agree its THE ****.
I admit I didn't care to know who Robyn was before I found out she did work on Britney's "Piece Of Me", but hey its a win/win.
Since then, I've listened to her non-stop. So I was very excited to know she was doing this huge Body Talk project.
Each part of the series ***** on its own, and when you bring them all together on the last release, you really have a mess to clean up.
If you're STILL ignoring her because she's not #1 and #2 on the airplay charts, please take this time to download these albums.
Standouts: "Dancing On My Own", "Dancehall Queen", "In My Eyes", "Hang With Me", "Criminal Intent", "Time Machine", "Stars 4-Ever".
#5
Usher, Raymond v. Raymond
I honestly didn't expect Usher to captivate me this year, but he proved me wrong. I was a little worried after "Papers", but then followed "Hey Daddy", THEN followed "Lil Freak". Which not only certified he was gonna own 2010, but also helped me warm up to Nicki.
This is literally the best R&B album for me this year, out of what I've listened to.
It's a great listen from beginning to end, no dry points like Alicia or Beyonce. Keeps you IN.
Standouts: "There Goes My Baby", "Lil Freak", "Pro Lover", "So Many Girls", "Okay", "Mars vs. Venus"
Next Update: Top 4 Albums of 2010, and we kick off Top 12 Movies & Videos of the Year.