Best Albums Of 2011

Adele - 21

The biggest selling album of 2011, made by the nicest most unaffected pop star on the planet. 21 delivered everyday heartache in both ballad and barnstormer form, sung with a voice capable of reducing all of us to a wibbling, snot-nosed mess. Sheer class.

Beyonce - 4

I wasn't sure about this the first time I heard it but now it's definitely one of my favourites of the year. With a more grown up sound than we're use to, Beyoncé stayed away from the safe, familiar sounds a lot of mainstream artists are choosing at the moment, went wild with Diplo for Run the World and stamped her empowering style all over it. With ballads pulled from the core of her heart, faster tracks to evoke the good times, and some perfectly judged mid-tempo tunes, this is a wonderful coming-of-age record from mum-to-be B.

Jessie J - Who You Are

Marmite for many perhaps, but I've been loving the 'ghetto pop' and more emotional songs served up on Who You Are, the biggest-selling debut album of the year. Jessie J takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, being brash and ballsy, comedic, and hater-targeting, then vulnerable, philosophical and deeply emotional. Great pop songwriting, powerful diva-esque vocal styling and tons of character perfectly complement the world-class production. She was voted top in the Sound Of poll at the beginning of the year and she ended it on top too. Nice one, Jessie.

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

Don't be fooled by the outfits and silly stage shenanigans, Gaga is one of the greatest artists of our time. From thumping euro-dance to country-tinged tunes and heartfelt ballads, she brings her own special brand of kook and laces it with emotion and killer beats on sophomore album Born This Way which, in my opinion, cements her position as the modern Queen of Pop. There are still parts of the album that make you go 'WTF?!' but that's part of the appeal: pure entertainment which leaves everyone wanting more.

Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven

In their decade-long dominance of popular culture, TV talent shows have unearthed a couple of exceptional singing voices and made stars of a lucky few. With Rebecca Ferguson, who co-wrote every track on this astonishingly accomplished debut, they've finally found an artist. Although only released a few weeks ago, the album has made such an impression already it can stand along side any other album of the year.