It's far ahead enough of that competition, intellectually and inspirationally, to exist on another plane of appreciation altogether.

Fortunately, the remainder of the album is a powerful, intimate, sumptuous delight in which the orchestra enhances the innate grandeur of Antony's music.

Shaking the Habitual is something else, but it’s hard not to find that profoundly exhilarating.

He may just have produced his best album.

Whether as the fanfare arrival of a unique new voice or the peculiar indulgence of a future cult classic, this is an album that has to be heard to be believed.

Senior makes a strong claim to be 2010's best electronic album. It's a record to lie back and drown in.

Overall, Black Radio surpasses the excellence of Double Booked, which is a brilliant album in its own right.

ECM may have its detractors, but they've given us an unexpected gem here and maybe one of the jazz records of the year so far.

That OutKast comeback will surely be killer, but for now respect is due the way of this splendid solo adventure.

Surrender your mind, body and soul to the Goat and one of the year's best albums so far.

There are more ideas here than many bands manage in their entire career, but in inimitable Maiden style, it's woven together beautifully.

One of the essential debuts of the year so far.

With staggering live versions of Spoon and Mushroom to boot, The Lost Tapes turns out to be even rarer than its contents: a collection almost as vital as Can's official album output.

The result a stunning, profound, moving and soulful record.

The first genuinely exciting, no-filler, pure pop full-length album since The Fame.

Its charms are subtle, its grip soft and easily shrugged by those who choose to pay it only passing attention. Live with it a while, though, and High Violet rewards patience with songs that colour one's waking existence, becoming vivid night-time narratives when curtains are drawn.

Forget the boycotts and controversy, and marvel once again at the magic that Simon conjured up on Graceland.

It's a vast, revealing monument to the genius of Ray Davies and one of the greatest British bands of all time.

With its extra content engineered to appeal to collectors and casual fans alike, this is a justified addition to the many Rumours already making the rounds.

Gojira is one of the finest bands of our generation, and with L'Enfant Sauvage they've created another album to suit such a reputation.

The results are every bit as enthrallingly out of step with the group's "mainstream" catalogue as previous SYR releases, but fashioned into something that's perfectly coherent, and really quite a delightful listen.

It's the most uniquely sublime, meticulous and heroic 40 minutes of 2011.

For the flagrant pop thrill-seeker--judging by this incredible, irrepressible, ecstatic, brilliant record--neither will they ever disappoint. Don't believe the anti-hype: pop album of the year, by at least a dozen choruses.

This is about as good and sustained a riposte to the grubby, grabbing times we live in as any artist has mustered, which makes it essential listening.

If this isn't one of the albums of 2010, then it is certainly the album of their career.

One of 'dance'-in-2012's very best albums.

This is the most exciting and substantial Coleman release of the last few years, rigorously challenging, pumped with insinuating melodies, sleek with propulsive energies and pulsating with a uniquely globular funkiness.

Understated and thoughtful, The Violence is a true folk record that should rightfully see Hayman recognised as the national treasure that he clearly is.