1. Kanye West, Graduation

No matter what direction hip-hop takes, Kanye West proves his beats age like a fine wine. West infuses a multitude of different artists on his third album, like Daft Punk on his single “”Stronger.”” West thrives with his ability to collaborate and create a consistent album. With the help of John Mayer, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and T-Pain, West’s album stands out from most popular hip-hop or rap albums. West’s songs, most notably “”The Good Life”” and “”Can’t Tell Me Nothing,”” have catchy melodies and lyrics about pride and success – in a realistic manner. Music fans of any genre can easily become addicted to West’s genius ability to write, produce and create an album that is continuously played not only on the radio, but also through just about any speaker.

2. The Arcade Fire, Neon Bible

The Arcade Fire’s highly anticipated second album was no disappointment. The almost flawless collection of organ-heavy tracks bodes the sense that the band has been around forever. Worldly themes of violence and paranoia don’t overshadow the intricate orchestration and production, and tracks like the expansive opener “”Black Mirror”” or literal “”Ocean of Noise,”” this band overachieved – in the best sense of the word possible.

3. Radiohead, In Rainbows

Radiohead fans experienced the surprise of a lifetime when the band announced its seventh studio album release – with just a week’s notice. The album, which is a cohesive blend of electronics and guitar sampling, was offered only on the Internet, and for whatever price a listener chose. Tracks like “”Reckoner”” and “”Videotape”” represent a band that continues to reinvent its sound – and effortlessly at that.

4. Chris Brown, Exclusive

After the MTV Video Music Awards, anticipation for the new Chris Brown album had anti-radio listeners scouring iTunes for the singles “”Kiss Kiss”” and “”Wall to Wall.”” Sure you’d heard of him prior to the performance, but Brown, who is a mere 18 years old, blew away the audience with his hip-hop moves and catchy anthems. Exclusive features not only the No. 1 single, “”Kiss Kiss,”” but a myriad of hits, featuring hip-hop’s elite, like will.i.am and Kanye West.

5. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver

Dance music would not be the same without LCD Soundsystem, producer James Murphy’s synthesis of dance and punk. His second album, Sound of Silver, fuses electronic sounds that register the dance freak within you. With upbeat tracks like “”All My Friends,”” and “”Watch the Tapes,”” the disco balls suddenly seem a blur.