The 10 Best Albums of the Year -- ACCORDING TO BILLBOARD (critic's choice)

10. TIE:

Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter III" (Cash Money/Universal)
MGMT - "Oracular Spectacular" (Columbia)


Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III," which sold more than 1 million copies in its debut week, and Brooklyn rock band MGMT's aptly titled "Oracular Spectacular" both drew raves from the Billboard staff. Correspondent Diane Coetzer calls Lil Wayne's set "irresistible melodic hip-hop from the genre's most intriguing act," while writer Alexandra Cahill says MGMT's opus is filled with "progressive, highly addictive tunes."

"THA CARTER III" BILLBOARD REVIEW:
He's the self-proclaimed "best rapper alive," has made more than 40 guest appearances since 1999 and has been the most hyped hip-hop artist in recent memory. But with help from A-list guest stars (T-Pain, Robin Thicke) and producers (Kanye West, Swizz Beatz), Lil Wayne backs up the boasts on the oft-delayed "Tha Carter III." FULL REVIEW

"ORACULAR SPECTACULAR" BILLBOARD REVIEW:
Joining fellow hotly tipped Brooklyn bands Vampire Weekend and Yeasayer, MGMT (pronounced "management") merits just as much attention for its psychedelic experimentation as it does for its melodies and hooks. FULL REVIEW


Stay tuned for 9 - 1 ...... PEACE