Best Music of 2010 - Overview

1. Frightened Rabbit-The Winter of Mixed Drinks, 96

2. Mumford & Sons-Sigh No More, 94

3. The National-High Violet, 91

4. The Tallest Man On Earth-The Wild Hunt, 89

5. Kanye West-My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 83

6. Jonsi-Go, 82

7. David Ford-Let The Hard Times Roll, 78

8. Josh Ritter-So Runs The World, 77

9. Hold Steady-Heaven Is Whatever, 77

10. Broken Social Scene-Forgiveness Rock Record, 76

11. Arcade Fire-The Suburbs, 76

12. Gorillaz-Plastic Beach, 75

13. The Tallest Man On Earth-Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird, 75

14. Local Natives-Gorilla Manor, 74

15. Deer Tick-The Black Dirt Sessions

16. Ray LaMontagne & Pariah Dogs-God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, 73

17. Band of Horses-Infinite Arms, 71

18. Titus Andronicus-The Monitor, 70

19. Goo Goo Dolls-Something For The Rest Of Us, 69

20. Stars-The Five Ghosts, 68

21. Hot Chip-One Life Stand, 68

22. The Black Keys-Brothers, 68

23. Kate Nash-My Best Friend Is You, 67

24. Horse Feathers-Thistled Spring, 67

25. Athlete-Black Swan, 66

26. Beach House-Teen Dream, 66

27. Barenaked Ladies-All In Good Time, 66

28. Meat Loaf-Hang Cool Teddy Bear

29. OK Go-Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky, 66

30. Janelle Monae-The ArchAndroid, 66

31. Deerhunter-Halycon Digest, 66

32. Eminem-Recovery, 65

33. Jimmy Eat World-Inverted, 65

34. Roky Erickson-True Love Cast Out All Evil, 64

35. Editors-In This Light and On This Evening, 64

36. CeeLo Green-The Lady Killer, 64

37. Eels-End Times, 63

38. Ben Folds & Nick Hornsby-Lonely Avenue, 63

39. LCD Soundsystem-This Is Happening, 63

40. Katy Perry-Teenage Dream, 63

41. New Pornographers-Together, 63

42. Regina Spektor-Live In London, 63

43. Yeasayer-Odd Blood, 62

44. Neon Trees-Habits, 61

45. Mark Ronson and the Business Intl-Record Collection, 61

46. Villagers-Becoming A Jackal, 61

47. Seabear-We Built A Fire, 60

48. Foals-Total Life Forever, 60

49. Travis Kingma Band-Speed Record, 60

50. Butch Walker-I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart, 60

51. Matt & Kim-Sidewalks, 59

52. Ratatat-LP4, 58

53. Delta Spirit-History From Below, 58

54. Plants and Animals-La La Land, 58

55. B.o.B.-The Adventures of Bobby Ray, 57

56. Surfer Blood-Astro Coast, 57

57. Sufjan Stevens-The Age of Adz, 57

58. Nada Surf-If I Had A Hi-Fi, 57

59. Sara Bareilles-Kaleidoscope Heart, 56

60. Flogging Molly-Live at the Greek Theatre

61. Weezer-Hurley, 56

62. Tokyo Police Club-Champ, 56

63. Midlake-Courage of Others, 56

64. Jackson Browne-Love Is Strange, 56

65. Ra Ra Riot-The Orchard, 55

66. The Roots-How I Got Over, 55

67. Broken Bells-Broken Bells, 55

68. Brandon Flowers-Flamingo, 54

69. Lil Wayne-I Am Not A Human Being, 54

70. Lil' Jon-Crunk Rock, 54

71. Jakob Dylan-Women and Country, 53

72. Norah Jones-Featuring, 53

73. Sugarland-The Incredible Machine, 52

74. Sufjan Stevens-All Delighted People EP, 52

75. Ke$ha-Cannibal, 52

76. Chiddy Bang-The Preview, 51

77. The White Stripes-Under Great White Northern Lights, 51

78. Blitzen Trapper-Destroyer of the Void, 51

79. Shearwater-The Golden Archipelago, 51

80. Spoon-Transference, 51

81. Neil Young-Le Noise, 50

82. Black Eyed Peas-The Beginning, 49

83. David Gray-Foundling, 48

84. Guster-Easy Wonderful, 47

85. Wolf Parade-Expo 86, 46

86. Matt Costa-Mobile Chateau, 46

87. Bruno Mars-Doo Wops and Hooligans, 45

88. Eels-Tomorrow Morning, 44

89. Joshua Radin-The Rock and the Tide, 44

90. Sleigh Bells-Treats, 43

91. Jamie Cullum-The Pursuit, 42

92. Kings of Leon-Come Around Sundown, 42

93. She & Him-Volume Two, 42

94. Dr. Dog-Shame, Shame, 42

95. MGMT-Congratulations, 41

96. Sam Adams-Boston's Boy, 41

97. Laura Veirs-July Flame, 41

98. David Byrne & Fatboy Slim-Here Lie Love, 40

99. Keane-Night Train, 39

100. Joanna Newsom-Have One On Me, 39

101. The Jayhawks-The Jayhawks (Aka The Bunkhouse Album), 39

102. Josh Rouse-El Turista, 38

103. Gogol Bordello-Trans-Continental Hustle, 38

104. Rufus Wainwright-All Days Or Nights, 38

105. Zac Brown Band-You Get What You Give, 37

106. David Archuleta-The Other Side of Down, 37

107. Jack Johnson-To The Sea, 36

108. Lifehouse-Smoke & Mirrors, 36

109. Citizen Cope-The Rainwater LP, 36

110. Glee Cast-The Music, Vol. 3, 35

111. Wakey!Wakey!-Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said, 35

112. Cypress Hill-Rise Up, 35

113. Jars of Clay-The Shelter, 35

114. Rocky Votolato-True Devotion, 35

115. Gucci Mane-The Appeal, 34

116. Kenny Chesney-Hemingway's Whiskey, 34

117. Juvenile-Beast Mode, 34

118. Blonde Redhead-Penny Sparkle, 34

119. Various-Almost Alice, 33

120. Ludacris-Battle of the Sexes, 33

121. Lecrae-Rehab, 32

122. Matt White-It's The Good Crazy, 32

123. Darius Rucker-Charleston SC, 1966, 31

124. Linkin Park-A Thousand Suns, 31

125. Corinne Bailey Rae-The Sea, 31

126. Vampire Weekend-Contra, 30

127. Clem Snide-The Meat of Like, 30

128. Flobots-Survival Story, 29

129. Belle & Sebastian-Write About Love, 28

130. Massive Attack-Heligoland, 26

131. DJ Khaled-Victory, 25

132. Circa Survive-Blue Sky Noise, 24

133. Maroon 5-Misery, 23

134. Usher-Raymond v. Raymond, 21

135. Mercy Me-The Generous Mr. Lovewell, 21

136. Soundgarden-Telephantasm, 21

137. La Roux-La Roux, 19

138. Drake-Thank Me Later, 19

139. Justin Bieber-My World 2.0, 18

140. Florence + The Machine-Lungs, 17

141. Train-Save Me San Francisco, 15

142. Coheed and Cambria-Year of the Black Rainbow, 13

143. Black Prairie-Feast of the Hunters' Moon, 12

Best Music of 2010 (1-5)

1. Frightened Rabbit-The Winter of Mixed Drinks, 96

#1, just as "The Midnight Organ"was a year ago. Frightened Rabbit is my favorite band to see live. The energy runs off the stage and courses through your veins. Their music is unbelievably joyous, but fraught with despair and darkness. "Things" tells us we don't need the things of this life. "The Loneliness and the Scream" bellows again and again: 'Fell down, found love, but I can lose it again. I'll never calm your old heart, it beats miles from here.' Frightened Rabbit simply has a sound that you can listen to whenever. It doesn't matter if you want to run to the top of a mountain or just off that mountain, the music always fits. As someone who listens to music that fits my mood, there is no better artist than Frightened Rabbit.

2. Mumford & Sons-Sigh No More, 94

Mumford & Sons was the surprise of the year, making iTunes top 5 most bought albums of the year, going up against behemoths like Katy Perry, Drake, and Sugarland. Sigh No More is a collection of heartfelt songs, tied together with an accordion and a banjo. "Sigh No More" sings of: 'man is a giddy thing' and a 'love that will not betray you , dismay or enslave you, it will set you free.' "The Cave" sings: 'I need freedom now, and I need to to know how, to live my life as it's meant to be.' "Winter Winds" gets a bit sappy but reminds you that: 'spring swaps snow for leaves.' I could go on and on as every track hits home. The one gripe is that it's a bit hard to differentiate between the songs.

3. The National-High Violet, 91

When High Violet was streamed early on the New York Times website, I listened to it close to 10 times a day. As the year dragged on, it fell back a bit, but came back with a vengeance when I listened to it again. Matt Berninger weaves woeful stories through every melody. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" is one of my favorite songs of the year. "Terrible Love", "Afraid Of Everyone", "England" and "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" are top-notch as well.

4. The Tallest Man On Earth-The Wild Hunt, 89

Kristian Matsson, monikored The Tallest Man On Earth, can hold people captive with his incredible voice. He commands the stage unlike any other. "The Wild Hunt" is the perfect strong opening track. "Burden of Tomorrow" is a beautiful song, spinning tales of 'I'm just a blind man on the plains, I drink my water when it rains, and live by chance among the lightning strikes.' "A Lion's Heart" and "Love Is All" are also wondrous tales.

5. Kanye West-My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 83

I've always been lukewarm when it comes to Kanye West. However, the first seconds of this album rang true. I think Kanye raised the bar for the entire genre of rap music. He crafted something original and talented. From the beauty of the "All of the Lights" interlude, to the cocky beats of "Power", and even to the haunting, driving "Runaway" Kanye amazes at every turn.

Best Music of 2010 (6-10) + 1

So I screwed up. I was listening to Jonsi last night and realized I absolutely love his album. So I surreptitiously moved it from 17 to 11. But that doesn't do it justice in my mind and I am rectifying that right now.

6. Jonsi-Go, 82

At first I though Go was Sigur Ros, but less so. But as I became enraptured with the final four tracks, I saw much more. They have wave after wave of crashing sound, glorious strings, and bright vocals. I simply cannot stop listening to Kolnidur and Hengilas. Hengilas makes me feel as if I'm standing alone in Sainte Chappelle, surrounded only by pure beauty. Truly wonderful stuff.

7. David Ford-Let The Hard Times Roll, 78

David Ford is one of my all-time favorites. His music is brutally honest and vulnerable. He exudes joy and passion on the stage. He's creative and unbelievably talented. "Panic" is a ripping diatribe of all sorts of things. "Making Up For Lost Time" is classically lovelorn, but littered with wry humor and an aw 'shucks attitude.' "Waiting For The Storm" is a personal cry, full of despair. "To Hell With The World" is one part separation from many things in this world and many parts an anthem to his girl, who's been 'crazy to stay by his side.' A favorite lyric: 'So let's stand and let's sing, and there are beautiful things, if you know the places they hide.' "Nothing At All" is full of personal reflection and probing questions. "Call To Arms" begins soft, and builds in both volume and emotion. It's a fitting way to end another great album.

8. Josh Ritter-So Runs The World, 77

Ritter is another one of my all-time favorites. I've had the privilege of seeing him in concert twice in the last year, both times amazing. This album did not measure up to his previous efforts, and even though his music grows on me more than almost any other, I don't see it rising too much. "The Curse" and "Southern Pacifica" mess up the flow for me; I can't seem to get into either one. I also didn't love love any specific track. That said, it shows the high standard and immense respect I have for Ritter, that I can write something seemingly negative and still love his album more than every album of 2010 but 7.

9. Hold Steady-Heaven Is Whatever, 77

Hold Steady is another artist I really hadn't listened to until this year. But prompted by the recommendations of two friends, I gave them a big try. Craig Finn's voice reminds me of the sound of Sum 41, American Hi-Fi, Stroke 9, Frickin A, and those types. Hold Steady produces a fun, fun sound that's easy to listen to. "Hurricane J" is a great song: 'but they didn't name her for a saint, they named her for a storm.' I also enjoy "The Weekenders."

10. Broken Social Scene-Forgiveness Rock Record, 76

I was first introduced to Broken Social Scene in London, where I listened to a bunch of their music in preparation for a concert that I never attended. (I think the terms "60£, and "sold out" nixed that plan). They write grand music that lasts for a while. Right off the bat "World Sick" catches your attention: 'We got a minefield of crippled affection.' The album flows really well and lends itself to seamless listening rather than jumping around the tracks.

11. Arcade Fire-The Suburbs, 76

I've always been a fan of Arcade Fire, but most of their albums fell in the 60's for me. The Suburbs had an advanced and more sophisticated sound, one that I loved. "Ready To Start", "Modern Man", "City With No Children" and "Sprawl" are my go-tos.

Best Music of 2010 (11-20)

12. Gorillaz-Plastic Beach, 75

Plastic Beach was an instant favorite of mine, mixing the classic funkiness of Gorillaz with a feeling of grandeur. They delved into many many sounds and made it all sound fantastic. It was orchestral at times, soundtrack-y at times, electronic at times, but always grabbing your ear. "Stylo" and "Pirate Jet" were my favorites.

13. The Tallest Man On Earth-Sometimes The Blues Is Just A Passing Bird, 75

This album is only this low because it's an EP. Whoops!, I just gave something away. Kristian Matsson will get his due from me soon enough so I'll keep this short. From "The Dreamer" likely one of my most favorite of the entire year, "oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be? Tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see, how you're the light over me."

14. Local Natives-Gorilla Manor, 74

Of the the best newcomers of the year, Local Natives already boasts a developed sound, and have a great time playing their music. Talented vocally, they back it up with creativity, and imagination within their own sound. "World News" and "Cards and Quarters" were wonderful tracks.

15. Deer Tick-The Black Dirt Sessions

The Black Dirt Sessions was one of the final albums I listened to. They do have a bit of twang to them, but they have soul, depth behind the music, and a memorable sound. "Goodbye Dear Friend" is a hauntingly beautiful tune, "Some stories break your heart, and some with such applaud, buried deep inside, where it's ok to cry. Some boys won't shed a tear, oh, but I can tell it like this here. It can break down and get me where it hurst the most." It sounds as if he's singing from that place.

16. Ray LaMontagne & Pariah Dogs-God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, 73

I agree with the NPR crew who felt that it was too soon for a LaMontagne album. However, you can't ignore a legendary voice like Ray's. It's smooth like the syrup from Cracker Barrel, gravelly like my hands after a fall on a playground, and deep like the only way to fry onion rings. "New York City's Killing Me", "Like Rock & Roll And Radio" and "This Love Is Over" were my favorites.

17. Band of Horses-Infinite Arms, 71

Band of Horses has a very full sound, with rare blank space. They have the ability to play at different levels of rock, sometimes more laid-back and other times ear-blasting. "Infinite Arms" and "NW Apt." make me smile the most.

18. Titus Andronicus-The Monitor, 70

The Monitor was another album in my final batch of listening. I really surprised myself with how much I liked this album. It's a fantastic angry album, one you throw on and yell along to. "Four Score And Seven" stuck out (in a good way).

19. Goo Goo Dolls-Something For The Rest Of Us, 69

I have always been a complete sucker for the Goo Goo Dolls. "Slide" is my favorite song of all-time. Something For The Rest Of Us was the same-old Goo Goo Dolls sound, and since they crafted it so long ago, I won't dock them for a lack of creativity like I do for newer artists. It's a feel good sound, throw it on and smile. "As I Am", "Now I Hear" and "Still Your Song" were my favorites.

20. Stars-The Five Ghosts, 68

No one sounds like Stars. They write exquisitely beautiful music paired with some of the most soul-ripping lyrics you will ever hear. Here are a few choice samples: "I could say it but you won't believe me, you say you do but you don't deceive me." "Sunrise, oh sunrise, when will you ever come?" "We didn't know we knew you 'til we lost you. You tried to leave us all alone, we wish you had failed."

Best Music of 2010 (21-30)

21. Hot Chip-One Life Stand, 68

Hot Chip brings the inane and it really works. I can't explain well why I enjoy this album, but the songs bring a degree of joy to me.

22. The Black Keys-Brothers, 68

One of the most heralded albums of the year, the musical performance is exceptional. I do need a certain mood to listen to them, which knocks them down a few notches.

23. Kate Nash-My Best Friend Is You, 67

I'd never really listened to Kate Nash much, but based on the recommendation of a friend, I tried her out. She's got a great edge to her and her lyrics.

24. Horse Feathers-Thistled Spring, 67

Thistled Spring is an easy listen, but still retains a level of complexity. They are able to mix a laid-back sound with splashes of rock-out merriment.

25. Athlete-Black Swan, 66

Athlete has always been a favorite of mine. I'm a huge fan of voices, and Joel Pott's fits my ear. Good stuff.

26. Beach House-Teen Dream, 66

Teen Dream was one of the first albums I listened to all year. It was an instant favorite, and even though it faded down the stretch, I'm excited for follow-up albums.

27. Barenaked Ladies-All In Good Time, 66

These guys have immense amounts of fun making music and it's easily evident. They're getting into weird territory, being quite a few years removed from their biggest hits. But I still think they're great.

28. Meat Loaf-Hang Cool Teddy Bear

Meat Loaf is one of my favorite artists of all time. They put sappy love songs to shame, cranking out line after line of the most ridiculous lyrics you will ever hear. This song isn't from this album, but it's a classic portrait of the band. Here are the opening lyrics from one of the best tracks of the year, If I Can't Have You: "To say it's love would be too simple, too obvious. It's more like a calling a vocation, something I was put on this earth to do. Now I'm shooting with the stars and I'm flying with the angels, and my heartbeat is a symphony, the closer I get to you."

29. OK Go-Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky, 66

They keep wowing us with their originality and musical spice. "This Too Shall Pass" boasted a fantastic music video, and a similarly fantastic take on the song.

30. Janelle Monae-The ArchAndroid, 66

Watch this video of Monae on Letterman, and just try not to love her. She's got the voice, the showmanship, the looks, the moves, and the band. She could be destined for big things.

Best Music of 2010 (31-40)

31. Deerhunter-Halycon Digest, 66

This was another album loved by masses of critics. It's an album that takes some time to get into, so there's a good chance it gets better and better in my mind.

32. Eminem-Recovery, 65

After taking a long time off before releasing Relapse, which wasn't that great, Mathers strikes back in a big way with Recovery. His timing is one of the best in all of rap music, rarely artificially shortening or lengthening syllables to make them fit.

33. Jimmy Eat World-Inverted, 65

This album was very similar to Neon Trees in that, although having a pretty normal pop-rock sound, it kept me interested in entertained.

34. Roky Erickson-True Love Cast Out All Evil, 64

Erickson's drawl and passionate lyricism make for a delightful listen. "Please Judge" is a favorite.

35. Editors-In This Light and On This Evening, 64

Editors has a very distinctive sound, built on a super deep voice reminiscent of Matt Berninger of The National. It's not a sound for wide ranges of audiences, but one that I enjoy.

36. CeeLo Green-The Lady Killer, 64

I loved Gnarls Barkley, and I love Green's gravelly voice. F*** You was one of the major hits of the year and deservedly so. Both music videos were brilliant.

37. Eels-End Times, 63

This is just an easy listening album. Throw it on after a Jayhawks album on a rainy Saturday.

38. Ben Folds & Nick Hornsby-Lonely Avenue, 63

I expected a lot more from Ben Folds. It was a good effort, but his talent level is far far above Lonely Avenue.

39. LCD Soundsystem-This Is Happening, 63

Many critics loved this album, but I found their sound repetitive and not too dissimilar from past albums. Definitely a good disc, but not a great one.

40. Katy Perry-Teenage Dream, 63

It's really to the benefit of the secular music scene that Katy Perry didn't make it in Christian music. Her fantastic voice and starlet qualities bring vibrant life to the world of music.

Best Music of 2010 (41-50)

41. New Pornographers-Together, 63

I liken them to Mates of State, who I love, but who have been described as being "bombarded with candy." I do agree, but New Pornographers brings a more, pardon the pun, "adult" sound to the candy barrage. A definite step up from past albums, Together is a "rip-your-pants-dancing" fun album. Also, I never pass up a chance to poke fun at Calvin College.

42. Regina Spektor-Live In London, 63

Ok, here's the deal. I love Regina, her voice is unbelievably captivating. Even though she mixes in a rare song that I just don't like, the other ones are such masterpieces it more than makes up for it. But I just couldn't give a top score to an album with nothing new. Had all of these songs been original, Live In London would have been a top 10 or top 5 album.

43. Yeasayer-Odd Blood, 62

Odd Blood has one of the most unique sounds of any 2010 album. An ethereal mix of electronica, odd beats, and a great voice come together to an album I really enjoyed. You won't be able to stay still listening to "Mondegreen."

44. Neon Trees-Habits, 61

This was an interesting album for me. As soon as I put it on, I could tell it was of the level of Linkin Park, Daughtry, and other popular rock of the day. But every song entertained me, never letting me down.

45. Mark Ronson and the Business Intl-Record Collection, 61

I don't know where to start. Ronson has his hands in everything. His sound is a little bit Roots, a little bit Gorillaz, a hint of Muse, and a large part all his own. "Record Collection" is a must listen.

46. Villagers-Becoming A Jackal, 61

Villagers rely on their lyrics, and what lyrics they are! Every song is a spun tale, a journey. Becoming a Jackal is a very easy to record to listen to, filled with upbeat sounds.

47. Seabear-We Built A Fire, 60

Seabear has a warm sound, and now that I'm giving it another listen, his voice reminds me of Sufjan Stevens. That really shouldn't be a positive in my eyes, but it works here. "Wooden Teeth" is a favorite.

48. Foals-Total Life Forever, 60

Foals mixes rocking with curious musical arrangements and a healthy dose of quirk. It's not a super easy to record to listen to, but one that gets better with each listen.

49. Travis Kingma Band-Speed Record, 60

I didn't really know where to go with this record. TK is definitely growing into his voice, resulting in a stronger and clearer sound. But to me, this feels like an extension of Nightride, not much has changed.

50. Butch Walker-I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart, 60

Walker write happy sounding music with usually happy lyrics, paired with a clean sound that evokes memories of the 90's. It's a great record to throw on in the background.

Best Music of 2010 (51-75)

51. Matt & Kim-Sidewalks, 59

52. Ratatat-LP4, 58

53. Delta Spirit-History From Below, 58

54. Plants and Animals-La La Land, 58

55. B.o.B.-The Adventures of Bobby Ray, 57

56. Surfer Blood-Astro Coast, 57

57. Sufjan Stevens-The Age of Adz, 57

58. Nada Surf-If I Had A Hi-Fi, 57

59. Sara Bareilles-Kaleidoscope Heart, 56

60. Flogging Molly-Live at the Greek Theatre

61. Weezer-Hurley, 56

62. Tokyo Police Club-Champ, 56

63. Midlake-Courage of Others, 56

64. Jackson Browne-Love Is Strange, 56

65. Ra Ra Riot-The Orchard, 55

66. The Roots-How I Got Over, 55

67. Broken Bells-Broken Bells, 55

68. Brandon Flowers-Flamingo, 54

69. Lil Wayne-I Am Not A Human Being, 54

70. Lil' Jon-Crunk Rock, 54

71. Jakob Dylan-Women and Country, 53

72. Norah Jones-Featuring, 53

73. Sugarland-The Incredible Machine, 52

74. Sufjan Stevens-All Delighted People EP, 52

75. Ke$ha-Cannibal, 52

Best Music of 2010 (76-100)

76. Chiddy Bang-The Preview, 51

77. The White Stripes-Under Great White Northern Lights, 51

78. Blitzen Trapper-Destroyer of the Void, 51

79. Shearwater-The Golden Archipelago, 51

80. Spoon-Transference, 51

81. Neil Young-Le Noise, 50

82. Black Eyed Peas-The Beginning, 49

83. David Gray-Foundling, 48

84. Guster-Easy Wonderful, 47

85. Wolf Parade-Expo 86, 46

86. Matt Costa-Mobile Chateau, 46

87. Bruno Mars-Doo Wops and Hooligans, 45

88. Eels-Tomorrow Morning, 44

89. Joshua Radin-The Rock and the Tide, 44

90. Sleigh Bells-Treats, 43

91. Jamie Cullum-The Pursuit, 42

92. Kings of Leon-Come Around Sundown, 42

93. She & Him-Volume Two, 42

94. Dr. Dog-Shame, Shame, 42

95. MGMT-Congratulations, 41

96. Sam Adams-Boston's Boy, 41

97. Laura Veirs-July Flame, 41

98. David Byrne & Fatboy Slim-Here Lie Love, 40

99. Keane-Night Train, 39

100. Joanna Newsom-Have One On Me, 39

Best Music of 2010 (101-143)

Each album is given a score on a 1-100 scale.

Albums 101-143

101. The Jayhawks-The Jayhawks (Aka The Bunkhouse Album), 39

102. Josh Rouse-El Turista, 38

103. Gogol Bordello-Trans-Continental Hustle, 38

104. Rufus Wainwright-All Days Or Nights, 38

105. Zac Brown Band-You Get What You Give, 37

106. David Archuleta-The Other Side of Down, 37

107. Jack Johnson-To The Sea, 36

108. Lifehouse-Smoke & Mirrors, 36

109. Citizen Cope-The Rainwater LP, 36

110. Glee Cast-The Music, Vol. 3, 35

111. Wakey!Wakey!-Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said, 35

112. Cypress Hill-Rise Up, 35

113. Jars of Clay-The Shelter, 35

114. Rocky Votolato-True Devotion, 35

115. Gucci Mane-The Appeal, 34

116. Kenny Chesney-Hemingway's Whiskey, 34

117. Juvenile-Beast Mode, 34

118. Blonde Redhead-Penny Sparkle, 34

119. Various-Almost Alice, 33

120. Ludacris-Battle of the Sexes, 33

121. Lecrae-Rehab, 32

122. Matt White-It's The Good Crazy, 32

123. Darius Rucker-Charleston SC, 1966, 31

124. Linkin Park-A Thousand Suns, 31

125. Corinne Bailey Rae-The Sea, 31

126. Vampire Weekend-Contra, 30

127. Clem Snide-The Meat of Like, 30

128. Flobots-Survival Story, 29

129. Belle & Sebastian-Write About Love, 28

130. Massive Attack-Heligoland, 26

131. DJ Khaled-Victory, 25

132. Circa Survive-Blue Sky Noise, 24

133. Maroon 5-Misery, 23

134. Usher-Raymond v. Raymond, 21

135. Mercy Me-The Generous Mr. Lovewell, 21

136. Soundgarden-Telephantasm, 21

137. La Roux-La Roux, 19

138. Drake-Thank Me Later, 19

139. Justin Bieber-My World 2.0, 18

140. Florence + The Machine-Lungs, 17

141. Train-Save Me San Francisco, 15

142. Coheed and Cambria-Year of the Black Rainbow, 13

143. Black Prairie-Feast of the Hunters' Moon, 12