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For all the more recent music aficionados, here are the top 10 albums of the 2010’s based on rankings in the “Best of the 10’s” album lists from NME, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. Perfect to get you started for the Top Albums Of The Decade (2010s) quiz.
1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (Aggregate Rank: 1, Points: 288)
Released in 2010, Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a bold and ambitious album that blends hip-hop with orchestral and experimental elements. Tracks like “Power,” “Runaway,” and “All of the Lights” showcase West’s complex production and introspective lyrics.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, it redefined the possibilities of hip-hop, earning universal acclaim and multiple awards. This masterpiece remains a cornerstone of 2010s music, influencing countless artists across genres.
2. Lorde – Melodrama (Aggregate Rank: 2, Points: 280)
Lorde’s 2017 album Melodrama is a stunning exploration of youth, heartbreak, and self-discovery. With hits like “Green Light,” “Liability,” and “Supercut,” the album combines sharp lyricism with lush production.
Acclaimed for its emotional depth and artistic maturity, Melodrama solidified Lorde’s position as one of the most innovative pop artists of the decade. Its cinematic quality and introspective themes resonate with listeners worldwide.
3. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (Aggregate Rank: 3, Points: 275)
Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly is a groundbreaking work that fuses hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Alright,” “King Kunta,” and “The Blacker the Berry” tackle themes of race, identity, and empowerment.
Hailed as a modern classic, the album received widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Its cultural impact and powerful messages make it one of the most important albums of the decade.
4. Kanye West – Yeezus (Aggregate Rank: 4, Points: 272)
Yeezus, released in 2013, is Kanye West at his most experimental and abrasive. Tracks like “Black Skinhead,” “Bound 2,” and “New Slaves” push the boundaries of hip-hop with industrial beats and raw energy.
The album’s minimalist production and confrontational themes earned both controversy and critical acclaim. Yeezus remains a divisive yet influential work, reflecting West’s fearless approach to artistry.
5. Drake – Take Care (Aggregate Rank: 5, Points: 258)
Drake’s 2011 album Take Care is a defining work of introspective hip-hop and R&B. Featuring hits like “Marvins Room,” “Take Care,” and “Crew Love,” the album explores themes of love, fame, and vulnerability.
Produced by longtime collaborator Noah “40” Shebib, Take Care earned widespread acclaim and cemented Drake’s status as a global superstar. Its moody, atmospheric sound influenced countless artists in the 2010s.
6. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange (Aggregate Rank: 6, Points: 249)
Frank Ocean’s 2012 debut album Channel Orange is a genre-defying masterpiece that blends R&B, soul, and pop. Tracks like “Thinkin Bout You,” “Pyramids,” and “Super Rich Kids” showcase Ocean’s poetic storytelling and emotional depth.
Praised for its innovative sound and lyrical brilliance, Channel Orange won a Grammy and established Ocean as one of the most important voices of his generation.
7. David Bowie – Blackstar (Aggregate Rank: 7, Points: 248)
Released just days before his passing in 2016, David Bowie’s Blackstar is a haunting and experimental farewell. Songs like “Lazarus,” “Blackstar,” and “I Can’t Give Everything Away” explore themes of mortality and legacy.
The album received universal acclaim for its bold artistic vision and emotional resonance. Blackstar stands as a fitting final chapter in Bowie’s legendary career.
8. Robyn – Body Talk (Aggregate Rank: 8, Points: 244)
Robyn’s 2010 album Body Talk is a dance-pop triumph filled with heartbreak and empowerment. Tracks like “Dancing On My Own,” “Call Your Girlfriend,” and “Indestructible” showcase her knack for crafting emotionally charged anthems.
Acclaimed for its innovative production and relatable themes, Body Talk became a defining album of the 2010s pop landscape.
9. Beyoncé – Lemonade (Aggregate Rank: 9, Points: 243)
Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade is a powerful exploration of identity, betrayal, and resilience. Featuring tracks like “Formation,” “Sorry,” and “Hold Up,” the album blends elements of R&B, rock, and country.
Praised for its cinematic storytelling and genre-defying sound, Lemonade became a cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
10. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City (Aggregate Rank: 10, Points: 230)
Vampire Weekend’s 2013 album Modern Vampires of the City is a sophisticated and introspective work that blends indie rock with baroque pop. Tracks like “Diane Young,” “Step,” and “Hannah Hunt” showcase the band’s lyrical wit and melodic innovation.
Hailed as their most mature and accomplished album, Modern Vampires of the City earned a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and solidified Vampire Weekend’s place in indie music history.
