When the calendar hit January 1, 2010, everything changed. The Aughts were over. The new decade gave musicians a chance to wipe the occasionally embarrassing lows of the 2000s from our memories, and after 12 months, it's safe to say things are off to a good start. The music team here at Complex had a hell of year ourselves: controversial interviews, epic Making Of features for some of the year's biggest albums, and endless lists that analyze the culture while it's happening. After critiquing every significant release and a few office debates, we're confident that this is the definitive list of 2010's best albums. A lot of great music came out this year across several genres. Kanye West made the comeback we were all waiting for, Best Coast and Sleigh Bells showed us that girls can rock, and everyone from bedroom-pop acts to Barbie-channeling MCs got their big break. Yeah, this was a year for the books. Without further ado, we present The 25 Best Albums of 2010. Can we get much higher? We'll find out in 2011, but check out the list—it'll be tough.
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