Top 10 Albums Of The Decade
So, not only are we seeing out the year but we’re also seeing out the decade too. The 2010s are done and dusted, and us here at YANOS don’t know what to make of it. The past 10 years have by far been our best, after all we launched YANOS in the first half of the decade. But the decade has also thrown up some surprises and opened our eyes too. We look forward to seeing what the 2020s have in store and we wish all of our customers a happy 2020 from us here at YANOS.
Looking back on the past decade we have seen some big changes! Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, the very first iPad was released, Sir Alex Fergusons retired as Man United boss after 26 years and the end of the world didn’t happen back in 2012. The decade has thrown up some surprises but one thing is for sure, we have been spoilt with music. Choosing our top 10 very best albums of the decade was no easy task, and the list constantly changed. In fact, I’m sure our minds will change again after this article is published, but here goes… Checkout our top 10 albums of the decade below:
10. Awaken, My Love – Childish Gambino
Awaken, My Love is the third studio album from Donald Glover under his stage name Childish Gambino. The album sees Glover, a true lyricist, bring a hip hop sound to vocals and melodies, leaving the rapping behind. Donald Glover has carved out a real name for himself over the last decade, with stints writing, acting and generally being an all-round likeable guy.
Awaken, My Love experienced widespread critical acclaim and was also nominated for the Album Of The Year award at the 60th Grammy Awards.
Our favourite tracks from Awaken, My Love include: Me and Your Mama, Redbone, and California.
9. Chaos 93 – Ocean Wisdom
Coming straight outta Brighton, Ocean Wisdom has made quite a name for himself this decade, not least with the release of his Chaos 93’ album back in 2016. Breaking on to the scene when he dropped the Dirty Dike Produced track, “Walkin”, Wisdom has gone from strength to strength this decade.
Chaos 93 sees Wizzy lays down beats filled with nostalgic vibes, taking us on a journey through his life and experiences. The album experienced reasonable success throughout the UK and Europe.
Some of YANOS’ favourite tracks from the album are: High Street, Splittin’ the Racket and Heskey
8. Still Striving – A$AP Ferg
Still Striving is the second mixtape from A$AP Ferg, released back in 2017. The mixtape features the likes of Cam’ron, Busta Rhymes and Snop Dogg. Not technically an album but rather a mixtape, some believe this to be an indication of how Ferg perceives the record’s quality or maybe how much time he spent on it. One thing is for sure, we think it is a great listen whether it’s an album or a mixtape.
Still Striving was reasonably well received, reaching number 7 in the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart in 2017 and charting in the top 100 in various countries across the world.
Our favourite tracks from Still Striving include: Olympian, Plain Jane and Mattress REMIX
7. No More Idols – Chase & status
The second studio album for Chase & Status, No More Idols released back at the start of 2011. The album features various vocals from primarily UK talent with a constant Drum & Bass sound that we would expect. The album will definitely join the history books in terms of its influence on the UK dance scene.
The album was met with a generally good response and it peaked at number 2 in the UK Albums Chart back in 2011.
Some of our favourite tracks from No More Idols include: No Problem, Hitz and Flashing Lights.
6. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was released back in 2010 and is the fifth studio album from Kanye West. The album sees Kanye team up with the likes of Pusha T, Kid Cudi and Nicki Manaj to create an album of tracks that are still as popular today as they were upon their release.
The album won a Grammy Award for the Best Rap Album at the 54th Grammy Awards back in 2012. The Album also won BET Hip Hop Awards’ CD of the Year in 2011.
Some of our favourite tracks from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy include: Gorgeous, All Of The Lights and Lost In the World.
5. Made In The Manor – Kano
Made In The Manor, the fifth Studio Album from Kano, released back in March 2016. This album was the East London artist’s first album since his 2010 release, Method To The Maadness. Although staying true to himself, Kano’s Made In The Manor project has appealed to a wider audience.
The album received positive reviews from critics and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 8. Made In The Manor won ‘Best Album’ at the 2016 MOBO Awards.
Some of our favourite tracks from Made In The Manor include: This Is England, Little Sis, A Roadman’s Hymn, and Seashells in the East.
4. Blond – Frank Ocean
Blond, potentially the most highly anticipated album of the decade was finally released back in 2016. Frank Ocean finally came out of hiding to debut his first album since 2012, and there couldn’t have been more speculation and excitement around the album’s release. There were numerous rumoured dates, a pre-album album and generally a whole lot of secrecy when it came to blond’s launch.
The album did very well for itself, reaching number one in various charts across the globe and going platinum. The album was also named as the best album of the decade by Pitchfork.
Our favourite tracks from blond are: Solo (Reprise), Ivy and White Ferrari
3. Good Kid, m.A.A.d City – Kendrick Lamar
Good Kid, m.A.A.d City was the second studio album from Kendrick Lamar which released back in October 2012, the first also releasing earlier this decade. Good Kid, m.A.A.d City saw Kendrick Lamar turn to his Compton roots to create an album that is filled with nostalgic tracks and local showcases.
The album has done incredibly well for itself, featuring in the US Billboard 200 each year since its release. The album earned Kendrick Lamar five Grammy Award nominations at the 56th Grammy Awards.
Our favourite tracks from Good Kid, m.A.A.d City include: The Recipe, Backseat Freestyle and Money Tree.
2. Channel ORANGE – Frank Ocean
Channel ORANGE was the debut studio album from Frank Ocean. It’s weird to think that at the beginning of the decade hardly any of us knew who this guy was. Channel ORANGE was regarded as unconventional upon its release, but has certainly proved itself. Frank Ocean has gone from strength to strength and has cemented himself as one of the most influential people of the decade.
Channel Orange was generally well received with various publications such as Billboard and The Guardian naming it the best album of 2012.
Some of our favourite tracks from Channel ORANGE here at YANOS include: Thinkin Bout You, Super Rich Kids and Pyramids.
1. Watch The Throne – Jay Z & Kanye West
Watch The Throne is a collaborative project between Jay Z and Kanye West which was released back at the beginning of the decade. The collaborative album followed successful individual albums for both artists, and features a long list of features, producers and samples.
The album was met with critical acclaim, winning BET Hip Hop Awards’ CD of the year and being nominated for 2 Grammy Awards in 2012. The album has stood the test of time and we have previously been teased with a part 2, something Kanye and Jay Z fans are excited for.
Our favourite tracks from Watch The Throne include: No Church In The Wild, Ni** In Paris and Otis.
So there we have it, our top 10 albums of the decade. As we say, this was no easy list to create and so many good albums unfortunately couldn’t make the cut. The above 10 albums were chosen as the best of the decade for various reasons, including their influence, and we realise that not everyone will agree. Why not let us know your favourite albums of the decade? You can get in touch today by using our contact form or by emailing us at YANOS.Contact@gmail.com, and as always please recommend artists for our YANOS Artist Of The Month Feature. We wish all of our customers the best of luck in 2020 and throughout the decade. Stay tuned to see what’s to come.