The 2010s is the most recent decade in our memories and a time of defining music. The 2010s made way for new pop stars with rock and rap becoming more mainstream than ever before. This article considers any album released between 2010-2019 that was an original studio album and not a compilation or re-release. These are the top 10 albums of the 2010s.

10- Cry Baby by Melanie Martinez (2015)

Cry Baby by Melanie Martinez succeeded in launching the young 20-year-old into stardom. This album weaves an intricate story through its songs which many artists aren’t able to do. Everything about this album came together to make it spectacular, including meaningful lyrics, explosive imagery, and a cohesiveness that pulls it all together and makes the album such a masterpiece. Stand-out tracks include “Pity Party,” “Mrs. Potato Head,” and “Pacify Her.”

9- AM by Arctic Monkeys (2013)

AM by Arctic Monkeys is not only full of fun, energetic hits but is incredibly well-made. Every track features spectacular production and instrumentation. AM is cohesive and brings together every song with good beats and entertaining lyrics. If there is one Arctic Monkeys album you have to listen to, it is AM. Stand-out tracks include “Do I Wanna Know?”, “R U Mine?”, and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

8- “Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino (2016)

A distinctive record in Childish Gambino’s discography, “Awaken, My Love!” is a flawless mix of R&B and hip-hop. This album shows off Donald Glover’s artistic abilities and what a fantastic writer and musician he is. “Awaken, My Love!” has a great rhythm and pace and each song is unique while still completing the entire album. Stand-out tracks include “Me and Your Mama,” “Redbone,” and “Have Some Love.”

7- Lemonade by Beyonce (2016)

The ultimate comeback from personal tragedy, Beyonce’s Lemonade went above and beyond what you would expect from the pop star. Lemonade is the most personal album from the singer and displays her talent. A blend of rap and pop, Lemonade is full of fun hits while also having great production and good lyricism. The quality of this album makes it stand out from all other Beyonce albums and earns it a spot on this list. Stand-out tracks include “Pray You Catch Me,” “Hold Up,” and “Formation.”

6- Melodrama by Lorde (2017)

Lorde’s best work yet, Melodrama is a breath of fresh air. The craftsmanship of this album is on point and every song has interesting lyrics, fun instrumentation, good production, and shows off Lorde’s great vocals. Lorde definitely didn’t suffer from the sophomore slump, and this album will continue to be a work of art. Stand-out tracks include “Green Light,” “Homemade Dynamite,” and “Perfect Places.”

5- Flower Boy by Tyler, The Creator (2017)

Flower Boy is an excellent, well-made album that officially made Tyler, The Creator a hip-hop star. This album contains a lot of fun collaborations while leaving plenty of room for Tyler, The Creator to shine. The album contains thoughtful lyrics while bringing you in with engaging instrumentation and beats. Stand-out tracks include “Where This Flower Blooms,” “Foreword,” and “See You Again.”

4- Electra Heart by Marina and the Diamonds (2012)

The second album by Marina Diamandis, Electra Heart is a perfect record. The lyrics and complex story-telling of each song stand out the most and show how music can be used to create enthralling narratives. The production is top-tier and the instrumentation is as fresh and fun as when the album was released. Stand-out tracks include “Primadonna,” “Homewrecker,” and “Teen Idle.”

3- To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar (2015)

Kendrick Lamar truly shows off his abilities as a rapper on To Pimp a Butterfly. Every track has a fantastic beat, rhythm, and production and the lyrics are hard-hitting. Full of plenty of fun rap songs with deeper meaning, To Pimp a Butterfly shows the true artistry of the rap genre. The rapping, lyrics, instrumentation, and production are all amazing. Stand-out tracks include “Wesley’s Theory,” “King Kunta,” and “Alright.”

2- Am I a Girl? by Poppy (2018)

Am I a Girl? is the epitome of bubblegum pop. Poppy blends together pop, electronic music, and a little bit of metal to create an impeccable album. Am I a Girl? is pure fun while having excellent production. Each song has an addictive beat and amusing lyrics, and the instrumentation and production bring the entire album together under one cohesive sound. Stand-out tracks include “Am I a Girl?”, “Girls in Bikinis,” and “Time Is Up.”

Before revealing our top spot, there are many fantastic 2010s albums that did not make the list. Honorable mentions go to WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? by Billie Eilish, Neotheater by AJR, BADLANDS by Halsey, Because the Internet by Childish Gambino, Hozier by Hozier, and All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend by AURORA.

1- DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar (2017)

With DAMN., Kendrick Lamar not only proved he is a great musician but will have a long-lasting impact on rap. A beautiful album like no other, it truly did leave a lasting impression on any listener. Upon its release and even today, everyone understands DAMN. is a work of art that brought Kendrick Lamar even farther into the spotlight and shows how far rap can go. This is the best album of the 2010s and one of the best albums of all time. Stand-out tracks include “DNA.”, “PRIDE.”, “ELEMENT”, and “HUMBLE.”