The 500 Greatest Albums of the 2010s to Now: The Top 50
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Welcome to AAA's thoughts on the greatest albums between 2010 and 2024, where the turntables spin a story, the coffee brews a beat, and the vibe is always set to high fidelity. As we dive into this mammoth task of curating the 500 greatest albums from the 2010s to now, we’re starting strong with the crème de la crème—the Top 50 albums that have defined our era.
This list isn’t just about big numbers or flashy headlines. It’s about the records that stick, the ones that resonate through your headphones and straight to your soul. Whether you’re browsing the vinyl racks at AAA or tuning into the Taylor system for a personalised playlist, these albums have earned their place in our jukebox of greatness.
Grab a coffee (or something stronger—we won’t judge), settle into your favourite chair, and let’s get started.
50. James Blake – Overgrown (2013)
When Blake's voice meets his haunting electronic soundscapes, it’s nothing short of alchemy. Overgrown feels like stepping into a dream you don’t want to leave—perfect for those late-night vinyl sessions in the Listening Library.
49. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019)
An album that turned pop on its head. Eilish’s whispery vocals and Finneas’s minimalist production changed the game. At AAA, we often play this one during our quieter daytime coffee runs—it’s hypnotic and oh-so-cool.
48. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City (2013)
Quirky, clever, and endlessly listenable, this indie gem feels like a summer stroll through a bustling city. If it’s playing at AAA, chances are there’s a cheeky debate about Ezra Koenig’s best lyric happening at the bar.
47. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You (2019)
Big voice, bigger energy. Lizzo brought empowerment and absolute bops with this record. Need a pick-me-up? Pop this on and watch the mood shift in an instant.
46. Solange – A Seat at the Table (2016)
A soulful, intricate masterpiece that demands your full attention. This is one of those albums we recommend for our hi-fi headphone booth—every layer, every lyric deserves to be savoured.
45. Taylor Swift – Folklore (2020)
The pandemic gave us sourdough and Folklore. Stripped-back and introspective, it’s a far cry from Swift’s pop heyday. At AAA, this record proves just how far a good story and a great voice can take you.
44. Rosalía – El Mal Querer (2018)
A Spanish flamenco-pop revolution. Rosalía’s fierce energy makes this album a standout—we love introducing it to customers looking to broaden their musical horizons.
43. Arctic Monkeys – AM (2013)
The Arctic Monkeys went sleek, sultry, and a little bit American with AM. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on the Taylor jukebox system.
42. SZA – Ctrl (2017)
Effortlessly cool and deeply personal, Ctrl is the soundtrack to self-discovery. A favourite for those who want their music with a side of relatability.
41. Lorde – Melodrama (2017)
A glittering, heart-wrenching ode to youth. We play this one often during our Album of the Month sessions—it’s perfect for an intimate group listen.
40. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories (2013)
This one's already got a special spot in AAA history as an Album of the Month. From the funky grooves of "Get Lucky" to the sweeping cinematic scope of "Touch," it’s a sonic journey like no other.
39. Frank Ocean – Blonde (2016)
Ethereal, raw, and utterly brilliant. Ocean’s second studio album is a modern classic. This is the kind of record that makes you stop mid-sip and just listen.
38. Kendrick Lamar – DAMN. (2017)
Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album is a masterclass in storytelling. At AAA, we celebrate its genius with frequent spins on the Taylor system—it’s a lyrical treasure trove.
37. Beyoncé – Lemonade (2016)
More than an album—it’s an event. From its searing visuals to its fusion of genres, Lemonade is iconic. We love seeing customers lose themselves in its brilliance during our listening sessions.
36. Tame Impala – Currents (2015)
Psychedelic pop perfection. This album pairs well with a flat white and a deep conversation about Kevin Parker’s genius.
35. The Weeknd – After Hours (2020)
Dark, glossy, and irresistibly moody. Perfect for those evenings when AAA transforms from a coffee house to a hi-fi jukebox by night.
34. Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)
Raw and rebellious, this record feels like a private conversation with a brilliant mind. A favourite for those who like their music bold and unapologetic.
33. Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher (2020)
Emotional, haunting, and surprisingly funny. Bridgers’ knack for storytelling shines here—it’s been a hit in our Listening Library booths.
32. Lana Del Rey – Norman Fing Rockwell!* (2019)**
Lush, cinematic, and endlessly cool. Lana’s magnum opus is one of those records you’ll want to live inside for a while.
31. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
A genre-defining masterpiece. West’s magnum opus is just as much about the drama as the music, and we’re here for it.
30. Adele – 25 (2015)
Because sometimes you just need a good cry. Adele’s voice has a way of cutting through everything else—it’s pure catharsis in album form.
29. Childish Gambino – "Awaken, My Love!" (2016)
Donald Glover gave us a psychedelic soul trip with this one. "Redbone" alone is worth its weight in vinyl, but the whole album? A masterpiece.
28. Arctic Monkeys – Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018)
Divisive, yes, but undeniably bold. This lounge-pop concept album sees the Monkeys reimagining themselves as cosmic crooners, and we’re here for it.
27. Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever (2021)
Eilish’s second album is darker, moodier, and more introspective. The title track? An instant classic—and we’ve seen AAA visitors lose themselves in its crescendo.
26. Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia (2020)
Disco revival done right. This album lit up dance floors (and living rooms) during the pandemic. At AAA, it’s a go-to for uplifting the vibe.
25. Mitski – Be the Cowboy (2018)
Emotionally devastating yet strangely empowering, Mitski’s breakout album is an indie-pop marvel. Perfect for headphone listening in our booths.
24. Lizzo – Special (2022)
Lizzo doubled down on positivity and self-love, delivering infectious anthems that stick with you. You’ll catch us singing along behind the counter.
23. Bon Iver – 22, A Million (2016)
Justin Vernon got experimental here, blending cryptic lyrics with distorted folk-electronica. It’s a headphone must—layers upon layers of sonic brilliance.
22. BTS – Map of the Soul: 7 (2020)
Love them or not, BTS redefined global pop. This sprawling, genre-hopping album is their magnum opus, packed with bangers and introspective gems.
21. Taylor Swift – 1989 (2014)
The album that made Taylor a bona fide pop powerhouse. 1989 is hit after hit, with just enough melancholy to keep it grounded.
20. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die (2012)
The blueprint for sad-girl glamour. Lana’s debut is cinematic, tragic, and irresistibly beautiful—a foundational album of the 2010s.
19. Lorde – Pure Heroine (2013)
Minimalist beats meet teenage poetry. Lorde’s debut reshaped pop music for a generation, and its influence is still felt today.
18. Tyler, The Creator – Igor (2019)
A kaleidoscopic journey through heartbreak and self-discovery. Tyler’s evolution as an artist shines here—it’s bold, vulnerable, and utterly unique.
17. Haim – Women in Music Pt. III (2020)
The Haim sisters poured their hearts into this genre-blending masterpiece. It’s breezy yet deeply personal—a Listening Library favourite.
16. Harry Styles – Fine Line (2019)
From the soaring "Watermelon Sugar" to the poignant "Falling," Styles proved he’s more than just a boyband alum—he’s a bona fide rockstar.
15. The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018)
A zeitgeist-capturing mix of earnest ballads and electronic chaos. This is the sound of a band daring to push boundaries.
14. Rosalía – Motomami (2022)
Experimental, eclectic, and effortlessly cool, Motomami cements Rosalía’s status as a genre-defying force.
13. Florence + The Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Lush, grand, and emotive, this album feels like an open sky—a soaring triumph from Florence Welch.
12. Beyoncé – Renaissance (2022)
Queen Bey goes full dancefloor diva. Renaissance is a love letter to club culture, and we can’t stop spinning it at AAA’s evening sessions.
11. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
A genre-blurring opus that tackles race, fame, and self-worth. It’s more than an album—it’s a cultural milestone.
10. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange (2012)
Ocean’s debut is an R&B masterpiece. The storytelling, the production, the vulnerability—pure genius.
9. Adele – 21 (2011)
The heartbreak album that ruled the world. If you’ve ever been in your feelings, this one’s for you.
8. Kanye West – Yeezus (2013)
Polarising but undeniably bold, Yeezus is Kanye at his most experimental. It’s abrasive, confrontational, and impossible to ignore.
7. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019)
Eilish deserves a second mention for the way she shook up the industry. The album feels like a quiet revolution.
6. Tame Impala – Lonerism (2012)
Kevin Parker redefined psych-rock with this dreamy, introspective record. It’s a vinyl must-have for your collection.
5. Beyoncé – Lemonade (2016)
Raw, powerful, and genre-defying, Lemonade is peak Beyoncé—a cultural reset in every sense.
4. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012)
Lamar’s breakout album is cinematic storytelling at its finest. Every listen feels like you’re stepping into his world.
3. Taylor Swift – Folklore (2020)
Swift trades pop gloss for acoustic intimacy, delivering one of the most beautiful records of her career.
2. Frank Ocean – Blonde (2016)
Ocean’s magnum opus is tender, fragmented, and utterly brilliant. It’s an album that rewards patient, attentive listening.
1. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)
Because no other album captures the last decade like this one. It’s as bold and complex as the times we live in—a masterwork.
And that's just a taste of what’s to come. Whether it’s Kendrick spitting fire, Tame Impala warping reality, or Beyoncé rewriting the rulebook, these 50 albums prove that music since 2010 has been a glorious ride.
If you’re feeling inspired, swing by AAA at 129 Cold Bath Road and immerse yourself in some of these records, come and add a tune to TAYLOR our Hifi Jukebox. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for parts two and three of this series—there’s plenty more greatness to uncover.
Let us know your thoughts. Did we miss your favourite? Drop a suggestion, grab a flat white, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Cheers,
The AAA Team