Culture Atlas Explore the world of culture culture-atlas.com Culture Atlas
← All collections
Collections · Music

The Top 100 Albums of the 2010s

Streaming-era pop, conscious hip-hop, alternative R&B and global sounds, ranked.

100 albums

  1. 1
    To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
    Hip-hop

    To Pimp a Butterfly

    Kendrick Lamar · 2015 · Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope

    Jazz, funk and spoken word in a searching record about Black America.

    Released 15 Mar 2015 · 17 tracks

  2. 2
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West
    Hip-hop

    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

    Kanye West · 2010 · Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam

    Maximalist, self-examining hip-hop with a huge cast of collaborators.

    Released 1 Jan 2010 · 16 tracks

  3. 3
    Blonde by Frank Ocean
    Soul & R&B

    Blonde

    Frank Ocean · 2016 · Boys Don’t Cry

    Minimal, dreamlike R&B about love and memory.

    Released 26 Jul 2024 · 10 tracks

  4. 4
    Lemonade by Beyoncé
    Pop

    Lemonade

    Beyoncé · 2016 · Parkwood / Columbia

    A visual album moving through betrayal, anger and healing.

    Released 23 Apr 2016 · 15 tracks

  5. 5
    Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
    Soul & R&B

    Channel Orange

    Frank Ocean · 2012 · Def Jam

    Inventive R&B storytelling, including “Thinkin Bout You”.

    Released 1 Jun 2004 · 15 tracks

  6. 6
    Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar
    Hip-hop

    Good Kid, M.A.A.D City

    Kendrick Lamar · 2012 · Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope

    A coming-of-age story set in Compton.

    Released 22 Oct 2012 · 14 tracks

  7. 7
    A Seat at the Table by Solange
    Soul & R&B

    A Seat at the Table

    Solange · 2016 · Saint / Columbia

    Graceful R&B meditations on Black identity.

    Released 23 Apr 2026 · 18 tracks

  8. 8
    Blackstar by David Bowie
    Rock

    Blackstar

    David Bowie · 2016 · ISO / Columbia

    Jazz-inflected farewell released two days before Bowie’s death.

    Released 31 Oct 2019 · 17 tracks

  9. 9
    Melodrama by Lorde
    Pop

    Melodrama

    Lorde · 2017 · Lava / Republic

    A night-long party album about heartbreak and growing up.

    Released 16 Jun 2017 · 11 tracks

  10. 10
    Currents by Tame Impala
    Alternative & indie

    Currents

    Tame Impala · 2015 · Modular

    Synth-driven psychedelic pop.

    Released 16 Nov 2017 · 5 tracks

  11. 11
    Random Access Memories by Daft Punk
    Electronic

    Random Access Memories

    Daft Punk · 2013 · Columbia

    A tribute to live-played disco, including “Get Lucky”.

    Released 17 May 2013 · 14 tracks

  12. 12
    Body Talk by Robyn
    Pop

    Body Talk

    Robyn · 2010 · Konichiwa

    Heartbroken dance-pop, including “Dancing On My Own”.

    Released 1 Jan 1981 · 7 tracks

  13. 13
    Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Carrie & Lowell

    Sufjan Stevens · 2015 · Asthmatic Kitty

    Hushed songs of grief for his mother.

    Released 28 Apr 2017 · 16 tracks

  14. 14
    Norman Fucking Rockwell! by Lana Del Rey
    Pop

    Norman Fucking Rockwell!

    Lana Del Rey · 2019 · Polydor / Interscope

    Lana Del Rey’s richest songwriting, produced with Jack Antonoff.

    Released 30 Aug 2019

  15. 15
    Ctrl by SZA
    Soul & R&B

    Ctrl

    SZA · 2017 · Top Dawg / RCA

    Candid, contemporary R&B about insecurity and desire.

    Released 4 Sep 2012 · 11 tracks

  16. 16
    Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
    Alternative & indie

    Let England Shake

    PJ Harvey · 2011 · Island

    Songs of war and national identity.

    Released 1 Jan 2011 · 12 tracks

  17. 17
    21 by Adele
    Pop

    21

    Adele · 2011 · XL

    Heartbreak ballads, including “Someone Like You”.

    Released 21 Jan 2011 · 12 tracks

  18. 18
    DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar
    Hip-hop

    DAMN.

    Kendrick Lamar · 2017 · Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope

    Pulitzer Prize-winning hip-hop, including “Humble.”.

    Released 14 Apr 2017 · 15 tracks

  19. 19
    The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
    Soul & R&B

    The ArchAndroid

    Janelle Monáe · 2010 · Wondaland / Bad Boy

    An Afrofuturist concept album spanning soul, funk and orchestral pop.

    Released 18 May 2010 · 20 tracks

  20. 20
    Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe
    Soul & R&B

    Dirty Computer

    Janelle Monáe · 2018 · Wondaland / Bad Boy / Atlantic

    A joyful, queer celebration of freedom.

    Released 5 Jan 2023 · 20 tracks

  21. 21
    Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
    Country

    Golden Hour

    Kacey Musgraves · 2018 · MCA Nashville

    Shimmering country-pop and a Grammy Album of the Year.

    Released 30 Mar 2018 · 14 tracks

  22. 22
    El Mal Querer by Rosalía
    Latin & Brazilian

    El Mal Querer

    Rosalía · 2018 · Sony Music

    Flamenco reimagined with modern production.

    Released 2 Nov 2018 · 11 tracks

  23. 23
    When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilish
    Pop

    When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

    Billie Eilish · 2019 · Darkroom / Interscope

    Whispered, bass-heavy pop made with her brother Finneas.

    Released 29 Mar 2019 · 14 tracks

  24. 24
    Igor by Tyler, the Creator
    Hip-hop

    Igor

    Tyler, the Creator · 2019 · Columbia

    Lovesick, genre-blurring hip-hop and soul.

    Released 17 May 2019

  25. 25
    Anti by Rihanna
    Pop

    Anti

    Rihanna · 2016 · Westbury Road / Roc Nation

    Moody, adventurous R&B-pop.

    Released 28 Jan 2016 · 16 tracks

  26. 26
    Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Stranger in the Alps

    Phoebe Bridgers · 2017 · Dead Oceans

    Wry, haunting songs from a striking debut.

    Released 4 Feb 2013 · 9 tracks

  27. 27
    Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood
    Alternative & indie

    Titanic Rising

    Weyes Blood · 2019 · Sub Pop

    Lush, ’70s-inspired songs about modern anxiety.

    Released 5 Apr 2019 · 11 tracks

  28. 28
    The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do by Fiona Apple
    Alternative & indie

    The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do

    Fiona Apple · 2012 · Epic

    Raw, percussive songs stripped to their bones.

    Released 18 Jun 2012 · 11 tracks

  29. 29
    Black Radio by Robert Glasper Experiment
    Soul & R&B

    Black Radio

    Robert Glasper Experiment · 2012 · Blue Note

    A Grammy-winning fusion of jazz, R&B and hip-hop.

    Released 5 Oct 2012 · 6 tracks

  30. 30
    The Epic by Kamasi Washington
    Jazz

    The Epic

    Kamasi Washington · 2015 · Brainfeeder

    A nearly three-hour album that revived wide interest in spiritual jazz.

    Released 4 May 2015 · 17 tracks

  31. 31
    Your Queen Is a Reptile by Sons of Kemet
    Jazz

    Your Queen Is a Reptile

    Sons of Kemet · 2018 · Impulse!

    Shabaka Hutchings’s London band, powered by tuba and two drummers.

    Released 30 Mar 2018

  32. 32
    Gang Signs & Prayer by Stormzy
    Hip-hop

    Gang Signs & Prayer

    Stormzy · 2017 · #Merky

    Grime and gospel in a chart-topping debut.

    Released 24 Feb 2017

  33. 33
    Konnichiwa by Skepta
    Hip-hop

    Konnichiwa

    Skepta · 2016 · Boy Better Know

    Independent grime that won the Mercury Prize.

    Released 18 Apr 2016 · 20 tracks

  34. 34
    Psychodrama by Dave
    Hip-hop

    Psychodrama

    Dave · 2019 · Neighbourhood

    A conceptual, confessional rap album framed as therapy.

    Released 21 Jan 2024 · 1 tracks

  35. 35
    The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
    Alternative & indie

    The Suburbs

    Arcade Fire · 2010 · Merge

    A Grammy-winning meditation on growing up.

    Released 2 Aug 2010 · 16 tracks

  36. 36
    Teen Dream by Beach House
    Alternative & indie

    Teen Dream

    Beach House · 2010 · Sub Pop

    Hazy, luminous dream pop.

    Released 26 Jan 2010 · 10 tracks

  37. 37
    Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend
    Alternative & indie

    Modern Vampires of the City

    Vampire Weekend · 2013 · XL

    Mature indie pop about faith and mortality.

    Released 14 May 2013 · 12 tracks

  38. 38
    AM by Arctic Monkeys
    Rock

    AM

    Arctic Monkeys · 2013 · Domino

    Swaggering, R&B-influenced rock including “Do I Wanna Know?”.

    Released 9 Sep 2013 · 12 tracks

  39. 39
    Lonerism by Tame Impala
    Alternative & indie

    Lonerism

    Tame Impala · 2012 · Modular

    Psychedelic rock about isolation.

    Released 5 Oct 2012 · 14 tracks

  40. 40
    Bon Iver, Bon Iver by Bon Iver
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Bon Iver, Bon Iver

    Bon Iver · 2011 · Jagjaguwar

    Expansive, place-named songs.

    Released 20 Jun 2011

  41. 41
    Visions by Grimes
    Electronic

    Visions

    Grimes · 2012 · 4AD

    DIY electro-pop including “Oblivion”.

    Released 20 Feb 2012 · 13 tracks

  42. 42
    Cosmogramma by Flying Lotus
    Electronic

    Cosmogramma

    Flying Lotus · 2010 · Warp

    Cosmic beats and jazz.

    Released 3 May 2010 · 17 tracks

  43. 43
    Immunity by Jon Hopkins
    Electronic

    Immunity

    Jon Hopkins · 2013 · Domino

    Techno and ambient in a single arc.

    Released 2 Jun 2023 · 17 tracks

  44. 44
    Singles by Future Islands
    Alternative & indie

    Singles

    Future Islands · 2014 · 4AD

    Heartfelt synth-pop including “Seasons (Waiting on You)”.

    Released 24 Mar 2014 · 10 tracks

  45. 45
    Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
    Rock

    Lost in the Dream

    The War on Drugs · 2014 · Secretly Canadian

    Hazy, driving heartland rock.

    Released 17 Mar 2014 · 11 tracks

  46. 46
    A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead
    Alternative & indie

    A Moon Shaped Pool

    Radiohead · 2016 · XL

    Orchestral, elegiac Radiohead.

    Released 8 May 2016 · 11 tracks

  47. 47
    Skeleton Tree by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
    Rock

    Skeleton Tree

    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds · 2016 · Bad Seed Ltd

    Songs shadowed by grief.

    Released 9 Sep 2016 · 8 tracks

  48. 48
    You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    You Want It Darker

    Leonard Cohen · 2016 · Columbia

    Cohen’s final album, released weeks before his death.

    Released 21 Oct 2016 · 9 tracks

  49. 49
    Beyoncé by Beyoncé
    Pop

    Beyoncé

    Beyoncé · 2013 · Parkwood / Columbia

    A surprise-released visual album.

    Released 20 Dec 2013

  50. 50
    Take Care by Drake
    Hip-hop

    Take Care

    Drake · 2011 · Young Money / Cash Money

    Moody, melodic rap and R&B.

    Released 15 Nov 2011 · 21 tracks

  51. 51
    Yeezus by Kanye West
    Hip-hop

    Yeezus

    Kanye West · 2013 · Def Jam

    Abrasive, industrial hip-hop.

    Released 6 Jun 2018 · 7 tracks

  52. 52
    Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
    Hip-hop

    Run the Jewels 2

    Run the Jewels · 2014 · Mass Appeal

    El-P and Killer Mike’s ferocious, political rap.

    Released 26 Jun 2013 · 10 tracks

  53. 53
    Acid Rap by Chance the Rapper
    Hip-hop

    Acid Rap

    Chance the Rapper · 2013 · Self-released

    A joyful, psychedelic Chicago mixtape.

    Released 25 Aug 2025 · 13 tracks

  54. 54
    Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown
    Hip-hop

    Atrocity Exhibition

    Danny Brown · 2016 · Warp

    Unhinged, experimental rap.

    Released 30 Sep 2016

  55. 55
    Culture by Migos
    Hip-hop

    Culture

    Migos · 2017 · Quality Control

    Triplet-flow trap including “Bad and Boujee”.

    Released 27 Jan 2017 · 13 tracks

  56. 56
    Astroworld by Travis Scott
    Hip-hop

    Astroworld

    Travis Scott · 2018 · Epic

    Psychedelic trap including “Sicko Mode”.

    Released 3 Aug 2018

  57. 57
    Flower Boy by Tyler, the Creator
    Hip-hop

    Flower Boy

    Tyler, the Creator · 2017 · Columbia

    Lush, introspective hip-hop.

    Released 21 Jul 2017

  58. 58
    Some Rap Songs by Earl Sweatshirt
    Hip-hop

    Some Rap Songs

    Earl Sweatshirt · 2018 · Columbia

    Fragmented, soulful sample-based rap.

    Released 30 Nov 2018

  59. 59
    “Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino
    Soul & R&B

    “Awaken, My Love!”

    Childish Gambino · 2016 · Glassnote

    Psychedelic funk including “Redbone”.

    Released 2 Dec 2016

  60. 60
    Malibu by Anderson .Paak
    Soul & R&B

    Malibu

    Anderson .Paak · 2016 · Steel Wool

    Sunny, soulful funk and hip-hop.

    Released 15 Jan 2016 · 16 tracks

  61. 61
    Soul & R&B

    Freetown Sound

    Blood Orange · 2016 · Domino

    A collage of Black and queer identity.

  62. 62
    Emotion by Carly Rae Jepsen
    Pop

    Emotion

    Carly Rae Jepsen · 2015 · 604 / Interscope

    A cult classic of ’80s-inspired pop.

    Released 25 Sep 2015 · 16 tracks

  63. 63
    1989 by Taylor Swift
    Pop

    1989

    Taylor Swift · 2014 · Big Machine

    Swift’s full move into synth-pop.

    Released 1 Jan 2014 · 14 tracks

  64. 64
    Red by Taylor Swift
    Pop

    Red

    Taylor Swift · 2012 · Big Machine

    Country and pop collide, including “All Too Well”.

    Released 1 Jan 2012 · 17 tracks

  65. 65
    Pure Heroine by Lorde
    Pop

    Pure Heroine

    Lorde · 2013 · Lava / Republic

    Minimal teenage pop including “Royals”.

    Released 5 Jan 2024 · 12 tracks

  66. 66
    House of Balloons by The Weeknd
    Soul & R&B

    House of Balloons

    The Weeknd · 2011 · Self-released

    A dark, narcotic R&B mixtape.

    Released 21 Mar 2011

  67. 67
    Be the Cowboy by Mitski
    Alternative & indie

    Be the Cowboy

    Mitski · 2018 · Dead Oceans

    Short, piercing songs of loneliness.

    Released 17 Jul 2018

  68. 68
    Masseduction by St. Vincent
    Alternative & indie

    Masseduction

    St. Vincent · 2017 · Loma Vista

    Glossy, anxious art-pop.

    Released 13 Oct 2017

  69. 69
    Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes
    Rock

    Sound & Color

    Alabama Shakes · 2015 · ATO

    Brittany Howard’s powerful soul-rock.

    Released 1 Jan 2015 · 19 tracks

  70. 70
    Traveller by Chris Stapleton
    Country

    Traveller

    Chris Stapleton · 2015 · Mercury Nashville

    A soulful country breakthrough.

    Released 5 May 2015 · 14 tracks

  71. 71
    Southeastern by Jason Isbell
    Country

    Southeastern

    Jason Isbell · 2013 · Southeastern

    Sober, searching Americana.

    Released 11 Jun 2013

  72. 72
    Same Trailer Different Park by Kacey Musgraves
    Country

    Same Trailer Different Park

    Kacey Musgraves · 2013 · Mercury Nashville

    Witty, progressive country.

    Released 19 Mar 2013 · 12 tracks

  73. 73
    Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson
    Country

    Metamodern Sounds in Country Music

    Sturgill Simpson · 2014 · High Top Mountain

    Psychedelic outlaw country.

    Released 13 May 2014 · 10 tracks

  74. 74
    X 100pre by Bad Bunny
    Latin & Brazilian

    X 100pre

    Bad Bunny · 2018 · Rimas

    The debut of Latin music’s biggest star.

    Released 28 Sep 2018 · 1 tracks

  75. 75
    Residente by Residente
    Latin & Brazilian

    Residente

    Residente · 2017 · Sony Music Latin

    A global musical journey guided by DNA ancestry.

    Released 31 Mar 2017 · 13 tracks

  76. 76
    African Giant by Burna Boy
    African

    African Giant

    Burna Boy · 2019 · Atlantic

    Afrofusion that carried Nigerian pop worldwide.

    Released 1 Mar 2019 · 1 tracks

  77. 77
    Tassili by Tinariwen
    African

    Tassili

    Tinariwen · 2011 · Anti-

    Acoustic Tuareg blues recorded in the Algerian desert.

    Released 29 Aug 2011 · 12 tracks

  78. 78
    Fenfo by Fatoumata Diawara
    African

    Fenfo

    Fatoumata Diawara · 2018 · Wagram

    Modern Malian songs of great warmth.

    Released 18 May 2018 · 11 tracks

  79. 79
    Choose Your Weapon by Hiatus Kaiyote
    Soul & R&B

    Choose Your Weapon

    Hiatus Kaiyote · 2015 · Flying Buddha

    Kaleidoscopic future soul.

    Released 1 May 2015 · 19 tracks

  80. 80
    Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit by Courtney Barnett
    Alternative & indie

    Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit

    Courtney Barnett · 2015 · Milk!

    Deadpan, observational guitar rock.

    Released 23 Mar 2015 · 11 tracks

  81. 81
    Chaleur Humaine by Christine and the Queens
    Pop

    Chaleur Humaine

    Christine and the Queens · 2014 · Because

    Elegant French synth-pop.

    Released 2 Jun 2014 · 12 tracks

  82. 82
    Racine carrée by Stromae
    Pop

    Racine carrée

    Stromae · 2013 · Mosaert

    Danceable songs with dark lyrics, including “Papaoutai”.

    Released 16 Aug 2013

  83. 83
    Honey by Robyn
    Pop

    Honey

    Robyn · 2018 · Konichiwa

    Tender, healing dance-pop.

    Released 30 Nov 2018 · 1 tracks

  84. 84
    Pop 2 by Charli XCX
    Pop

    Pop 2

    Charli XCX · 2017 · Asylum

    A futuristic mixtape that shaped hyperpop.

    Released 15 Dec 2017 · 10 tracks

  85. 85
    LP1 by FKA twigs
    Soul & R&B

    LP1

    FKA twigs · 2014 · Young Turks

    Otherworldly, avant-garde R&B.

    Released 15 Jun 2018 · 13 tracks

  86. 86
    Process by Sampha
    Soul & R&B

    Process

    Sampha · 2017 · Young Turks

    Grief and piano in a Mercury Prize winner.

    Released 14 Sep 2025 · 9 tracks

  87. 87
    Grey Area by Little Simz
    Hip-hop

    Grey Area

    Little Simz · 2019 · Age 101

    Sharp, confident North London rap.

    Released 1 Nov 2014 · 11 tracks

  88. 88
    Nothing Great About Britain by slowthai
    Hip-hop

    Nothing Great About Britain

    slowthai · 2019 · Method

    An abrasive portrait of Brexit-era Britain.

    Released 3 May 2019

  89. 89
    James Blake by James Blake
    Electronic

    James Blake

    James Blake · 2011 · Atlas

    Post-dubstep soul built on silence.

    Released 1 Jan 2011 · 19 tracks

  90. 90
    In Colour by Jamie xx
    Electronic

    In Colour

    Jamie xx · 2015 · Young Turks

    Nostalgic dance music about rave culture.

    Released 21 Mar 2025 · 9 tracks

  91. 91
    Hip-hop

    Let Them Eat Chaos

    Kate Tempest · 2016 · Fiction

    A spoken-word epic set at 4:18am.

  92. 92
    Ceremonials by Florence + the Machine
    Pop

    Ceremonials

    Florence + the Machine · 2011 · Island

    Gothic, soaring art-pop.

    Released 1 Jan 2012 · 24 tracks

  93. 93
    U.F.O.F. by Big Thief
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    U.F.O.F.

    Big Thief · 2019 · 4AD

    Mysterious, intimate folk-rock.

    Released 3 May 2019 · 12 tracks

  94. 94
    Are We There by Sharon Van Etten
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Are We There

    Sharon Van Etten · 2014 · Jagjaguwar

    Self-produced songs of love and endurance.

    Released 27 May 2014 · 12 tracks

  95. 95
    My Woman by Angel Olsen
    Alternative & indie

    My Woman

    Angel Olsen · 2016 · Jagjaguwar

    Bold, vintage-tinged rock and ballads.

    Released 2 Sep 2016 · 11 tracks

  96. 96
    Joy as an Act of Resistance by IDLES
    Alternative & indie

    Joy as an Act of Resistance

    IDLES · 2018 · Partisan

    Big-hearted, confrontational post-punk.

    Released 31 Aug 2018

  97. 97
    Sunbather by Deafheaven
    Metal

    Sunbather

    Deafheaven · 2013 · Deathwish

    Black metal turned radiant and shoegazey.

    Released 11 Jun 2013 · 7 tracks

  98. 98
    Magma by Gojira
    Metal

    Magma

    Gojira · 2016 · Roadrunner

    Heavy, grief-stricken progressive metal.

    Released 17 Jun 2016 · 10 tracks

  99. 99
    Drunk by Thundercat
    Soul & R&B

    Drunk

    Thundercat · 2017 · Brainfeeder

    Funny, virtuosic bass-led funk.

    Released 24 Feb 2017

  100. 100
    Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides by SOPHIE
    Electronic

    Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides

    SOPHIE · 2018 · Future Classic

    Hyper-real, boundary-breaking pop.

    Released 15 Jun 2018 · 9 tracks

An editorial selection by Culture Atlas. Years are original release dates. Album tiles are designed placeholders; cover artwork belongs to the respective rights holders and is not reproduced here. 98 Apple Music links go straight to the album; the rest open a search. Availability varies by country. Favourite counts and comments are visible to other visitors. Sign in to keep your favourites in My Atlas.