The 2010s have been filled with incredible music and rising performers, as with any decade. I have discovered my love for so many artists, gone to several incredible concerts and have made many new friends through different fandoms. Music brings people together and gives people the chance to express themselves in a completely different way. With a new decade fast-approaching, here are my 10 favorite albums of the 2010s, in no particular order since it’s hard to choose an absolute favorite.

1) “Lover” by Taylor Swift – 2019

Taylor Swift’s 7th overall album and 1st with Universal Music Group after leaving Big Machine Records, “Lover” is probably Taylor’s most open album and shows us an inside look at what she’s feeling. With tracks like “You Need to Calm Down” and “ME!” there are some upbeat songs that make you want to dance like no one’s watching. With tracks like “Lover” and “Archer” they’re slow and more steady.

Honorable Mentions: “London Boy” and “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince”

2) “Happiness Begins” by Jonas Brothers – 2019

In 2013, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas, known as the Jonas Brothers, announced their breakup, going their separate ways personally and professionally. Both Nick and Joe explored solo projects while Kevin focused on his growing family. Nick found success as a solo artist, while Joe found success with group DNCE. In early 2019, the brothers surprised the world when they announced their reunion, releasing singles “Sucker” and “Cool” before releasing their first album in six years, “Happiness Begins” and embarking on their first full-length tour in years. Happiness really does begin with this album. It should also be noted that “Hesitate” is written for Joe’s wife, Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner, while “I Believe” was written for Nick’s wife, philanthropist and Quantico star Priyanka Chopra.

Honorable Mentions: “Comeback” and “Rollercoaster”

3) “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande – 2019

Ariana Grande’s surprise 5th album came after having a tough year with the tragedy at her Manchester concert, her breakup with Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson and the death of ex-flame, rapper Mac Miller. Having just released “Sweetener” just five months prior, “thank u, next” has some of Ariana’s most vulnerable songs like “ghostin’” and “needy” as well as new favorites like “thank u, next” and “7 rings.”

Honorable Mentions: “in my head” and “NASA”

4) “reputation” by Taylor Swift – 2017

“The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, she’s dead!” “reputation” felt like a new beginning for Taylor Swift. The lead single, “Look What You Made Me Do” was a major direction change for Taylor, including several of her past selves in the music video. “Dress” sounds like it could be part of any of the Fifty Shades of Grey movies while “…Ready For It?” has a futuristic vibe to it. Her stadium tour for the album also spawned a Netflix concert film.

Honorable Mentions: “Delicate” and “I Did Something Bad”

5) “Revival” by Selena Gomez – 2015

Definitely a revival. Selena Gomez’s second solo album and first with Interscope Records, Selena bares her heart and soul into this album, as well as herself on the cover. “Same Old Love” is obviously about her on again/off again relationship with singer Justin Bieber while “Hands to Myself” is a more sultry tune.

Honorable Mentions: “Sober” and “Me & My Girls”

6) “LM5” by Little Mix – 2018

Appropriately titled, “LM5” is British girl group Little Mix’s fifth album. The four auditioned separately for the The X Factor UK and were put together as a group, going on to win the show in 2011. This album is full of empowering songs like “Woman Like Me” and “Strip” as well as crush-filled songs like “More Than Words” and “American Boy.”

Honorable Mentions: “Monster In Me” and “Think About Us”

7) “MALA SANTA” by Becky G. – 2019

En su primer álbum de larga duración, Becky G muestra sus raíces latinas con todas las canciones españolas. No tienes que entender el idioma para amar el álbum. Cada canción es optimista y hará que cualquiera quiera bailar. “Sin Pijama” con Natti Natasha y “Mayores” con Bad Bunny demuestran que Becky puede golpear a cualquiera mientras que “VÁMANOS” y “24/7” pueden ayudar a cualquiera a levantarse.

In her very first full-length album, Becky G shows off her Latin roots with all Spanish songs. You don’t have to understand the language in order to love the album. Each song is upbeat and will make anyone want to dance. “Sin Pijama” with Natti Natasha and “Mayores” with Bad Bunny prove that Becky can make a hit with anyone while “VÁMANOS” and “24/7” can get anyone off their feet.

Honorable Mentions: “DOLLAR” and “MALA SANTA”

8) “Purpose” by Justin Bieber – 2015

The 2010s gave us Justin Bieber and in 2015, he gave us “Purpose.” The fourth studio album from the Canadian pop star turned out to be one of his best. Tracks like “Purpose” and “Life is Worth Living” show a softer and more vulnerable side to Justin while “Company” and “What Do You Mean?” are more upbeat. This album also had all tracks debut on the Billboard Hot 100 and included Justin’s first #1 songs.

Honorable Mentions: “No Pressure” and “Been You”

9) “Sweetener” by Ariana Grande – 2018

Ariana Grande’s first album since a traumatic year shows her healing through everything. “raindrops (an angel cried)” and “no tears left to cry” are said to be songs about the Manchester bombing after her concert in 2017 whereas the album’s final track, “get well soon” has 40 seconds of silence at the end of the song, ending the track at 5:22 to commemorate the date of the bombing, 5/22.

Honorable Mentions: “breathing” and “goodnight n go”

10) “All Is Vanity” by Christina Grimmie – 2017

After her tragic death after a concert in 2016, Christina Grimmie’s family still released her music, that way she still makes an impact on fans and everyone around the world. Songs like “Invisible” and “Echo” showcase Christina’s passion in her music while “Pressure” and “The Game” give off an eerie feel, making it seem like she’s still here, which she is, in her music and in everyone’s hearts.

Honorable Mentions: “I Only Miss You When I Breathe” and “Pressure”