20. God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs get so country and folksy they're almost funky!
"Beg, Borrow or Steal" - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
19. The Adventures of Bobby Ray - B.o.B
After all the hype he generated with his mixtape, B.o.B didn't fail to deliver. He shows emotion, without the uncontrolled anger. He plays multiple instruments on his albums and at his concerts and he's quite plainly a great entertainer.
"Magic" - B.o.B ft. Rivers Cuomo
18. What to Say - Daphne Willis
Daphne Willis is delightfully innocent and heartfelt. Her music is easy to take in and usually happy and optimistic. Who doesn't want to experience music like that? That's not to say that she is in any way disingenuous, on the contrary, but it does mean that this deserves several listens, and earns a spot on the Top 20.
"What to Say" - Daphne Willis
17. Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty - Big Boi
Big Boi made his understated return with Lucious Leftfoot in July of 2010 after disputes with his ex-label, Jive. The innovative sounds on the album are awesome, but of course, the best part is Big Boi's lyricism.
"Shine Blockas" - Big Boi ft. Gucci Mane
16. Kaleidoscope - Sara Bareilles
This album has perhaps the greatest opener and closer pair of any other album on this list. Obviously that's not the only reason this album is on this list, but her talents that are featured on both are. Both showcase her voice and simple, but beautiful writing. That fact that it's good pop is a happy coincidence.
"Uncharted" - Sara Bareilles
15. Business Casual - Chromeo
The Chromeo duo put out their third and best LP in 2010. They artfully manage synth beats and the talk box into an electrofunk club beast. It's the soundtrack to the Saturday night full of dancing, club-hopping and seduction.
"Don't Turn the Lights On" - Chromeo
14. The Sea - Corinne Bailey Rae
The Sea was a really important LP in Corinne Bailey Rae's career. Written while she was coming terms with her husband's accidental overdose. It's the same voice from "Put Your Records On," but you can feel the pain and the strength.
"Feels Like the First Time" - Corinne Bailey Rae
13. Volume Two - She & Him
After they generated so many expectations with Volume One, this perfectly balanced group rose to the occasion and put out this sunny, summery album. They're folksy in their ability to tell stories, funky with his guitar and bluesy with her vocals - and then they blur the lines.
"Ridin' in My Car" - She & Him
12. Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager - Kid Cudi
Sure, all he talks about is weed, but he's still got that appeal that reaches beyond just stoners. The ethereal beats and his sarcasm are easy to chill out with.
"Mojo So Dope"
11. The Lady Killer - Cee-Lo Green
"Fuck You" really kind of stole the spotlight away from the rest of this album. Cee-Lo Green is one hell of a soul singer, and the album itself is dramatic and old-school.
"Bright Lights Bigger City" - Cee-Lo Green
Top Ten coming up soon!
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