1. “Blonde” – Frank Ocean: Four years after Ocean released “Channel Orange,” he dropped the long-awaited “Blonde” on August 20, 2016, a day after also releasing his video album “Endless.” The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 within its first week of release and was the third-largest debut of 201, and became certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2018. The album takes you through a journey – with all its complexity, layers, and raw emotion emitted from the lyrics and vocals – of heartbreak and loneliness that is simply beautiful. Even if you can’t relate to his experiences, it’s like reminiscing on memories that don’t exist, to realize your place in time in a moment as it becomes a memory.

2. “DAMN.” – Kendrick Lamar: During its release in 2017, Kendrick Lamar’s fourth studio album “DAMN.” managed to find itself at number one on the US Billboard 200 in its first week, sold 353,000 copies, and amassed 340 million streams. It was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA and was his third album in a row to reach number one on the Canadian Albums Chart. In this album, Lamar shares the struggles he has with his inner demons. His ability to tell a story through rap and flawless, quick rhymes shines through with this album and shows just how gifted he is as a rapper. “DAMN.” is timeless and an instant classic.

3. “21” – Adele: “21” is Adele’s second studio album which was released in 2011. The album was at the top of the charts in more than 30 countries and was the world’s best-selling album in 2011 and 2012. “21” broke the record for longest-charting album by a woman on the Billboard 200 and was certified Diamond by the RIAA. Songs “Rolling in the Deep”, “Set Fire to the Rain”, and “Someone Like You” all reached number one on the Hot 100. Adele’s powerful, fierce, heart-wrenching vocals in this album seem effortless in the way that she sings them, grabbing at the emotions of listeners everywhere. The album was a huge success and topped charts everywhere. 

4. “Invasion of Privacy” – Cardi B: Cardi B’s “Invasion of Privacy” was released in 2018 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. It became certified gold by the RIAA, and all the songs on the album also became certified gold or higher, making her the first female artist to achieve that. This album set the Apple Music Record for most streamed album by a female artist in one week with over a hundred million streams. Songs “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. “Invasion of Privacy” was undeniably one of the best and biggest rap albums of 2018.

5. “1989” – Taylor Swift: “1989” is Taylor Swift’s fifth studio album and had first-week sales of 1.287 million copies, debuting at the top of the US Billboard 200 as well. It even beat the soundtrack of “Frozen” as the top selling album of 2014. It was certified platinum by the RIAA. With “1989,” Swift completely transitioned from country to pop. Seven singles were promoted in this album and three of them – “Blank Space”, “Shake It Off”, and “Bad Blood” – charted at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. Swift manages to embody her art through several music videos and not just through songwriting. Her seven promoted singles were heard over and over again, but were catchy enough to not get annoying – in fact, you’d probably find yourself singing along to these memorable pop hits.

6. “Lemonade” – Beyoncé: Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” was released in 2016 and is a visual/concept album. It debuted number one on the US Billboard 200. It was her sixth consecutive number-one album on the chart and certified platinum by the RIAA. All 12 of the songs on this album debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Lemonade” is such a personal album, speaking about her cheating husband Jay-Z. This album became a pop culture phenomenon with a beautiful visually narrative film included.

7. “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” – Billie Eilish: Released in 2019, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” became a humongous hit for the young, 17-year-old Billie Eilish. It debuted number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified double Platinum by the RIAA. Her songwriting and vocals makes the album a memorable and game-changing debut record.

8. “Teenage Dream” – Katy Perry: “Teenage Dream” was released in 2010 as Katy Perry’s third studio album. It debuted number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA. It was the second album in history to produce five number-one singles, and Perry was the first by a woman to achieve this. “Teenage Dream” is a modern pop classic that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of 2010 more than any other album of that year.

9. “Pure Heroine” – Lorde: “Pure Heroine” released in 2013 and debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200. The lead single “Royals” was a huge commercial success, followed by singles “Tennis Court”, “Team”, and “Glory and Gore”. It had a huge impact and influence on pop music, with a unique production and fantastic writing and vocals.

10. “Take Care” – Drake: “Take Care” released in 2011 debuted number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Singles “Headlines”, “Make Me Proud”, “The Motto”, and “Take Care” reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album dealt with a lot of emotional themes and was heavily praised for its production, and ultimately changed the game of hip/hop and R&B like nothing else he ever put out.

Honorable Mentions:
“Anti” – Rihanna
“2014 Forest Hills Drive” – J. Cole
“Culture” – Migos