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Well-Rounded Projects - The world declared the album dead some years ago, claiming that singles were the thing music lovers cared more about. This year, as some of our favorites came through with some of their best work, music lovers voraciously consumed it all, from debuts to triumphant returns. Check out our favorite albums this year so far. – Jon Reyes

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23. Zayn Malik, Mind of Mine - Zayn’s first solo album is an R&B declaration that justified his rapid departure from One Direction. Producer Malay — most notably known for his work on Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange — lent himself to the majority of the project. The result is subtle and sensual melodies, making it a smooth win for Zayn's solo debut. (Photo: RCA Records)

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22. Ariana Grande, Dangerous Woman - The petite pop princess returns with a project that ups the bedroom temperature ante. Chockful of R&B tunes and features by Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Future — alongside pop master Max Martin — this project shows Ariana in a whole new light.(Photo: Republic Records)

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21. Kaytranada, 99.9% - Producer and DJ Kaytranada flexes muscles possessed only by the greatest on this dance and soul debut. With various voices lent to the project, his talent relies on the brilliance of pushing his artistic ego aside and letting those voices shine. The result furthers his sharp production skillset.(Photo: XL Recordings)

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20. Corinne Bailey Rae, The Heart Speaks in Whispers - Soul takes a seat front and center on Corinne’s return to the spotlight. With guitar build-ups and poetry-worthy lyrics, the singer/songwriter adds another diamond to her decade long career catalog.(Photo: Caroline Records)

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19. KING, We Are KING - Ethereal R&B is what this L.A. trio has concocted with their indie debut, We Are KING. With songs like “Mister Chameleon” and “Red Eye,” the group adds needed newness to the Sunday morning playlist.(Photo: King Creative)

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18. 2 Chainz x Lil Wayne, Collegrove - This collaboration is equal parts Lil Wayne being influenced by 2 Chainz and 2 Chainz’s admiration for Lil Wayne on full display. It's one of the best in a trend of rappers joining forces to create one cool-as-a-fan project. (Photo: Def Jam Recordings)

Photo By Photo: Def Jam Recordings

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17. dvsn, SEPT. 5TH - Producer Nineteen85 is riding high this year with a number of his productions being included on Drake’s Views. But his team up with singer Daniel Delay – as the duo dvsn – showcases the pair's unbridled talent. Just check out “Too Deep.”(Photo: OVO Sound/Warner Bros. Records Inc.)

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16. Wiz Khalifa, Khalifa - Wiz’s latest effort finds him basking in the worldwide notoriety he enjoyed thanks to his 2015 hit “See You Again.” Full of introspective tracks, Khalifa stays true to all of the things that made Wiz, Wiz.(Photo: Atlantic Records)

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15. Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - The Broadway sensation is equally as riveting on wax as the live show itself. Hip-hop heads and Broadway aficionados alike get equal footing, as the melding of the two genres created one dynamic performance.(Photo: Atlantic Records)

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14. Royce Da 5'9, Layers - Royce’s first solo album since 2011’s critically acclaimed Success Is Certain has him in top form with an album that’s deep and socially conscious.(Photo: Bad Half Entertainment)

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13. Flatbush Zombies, 3001: A Laced Odyssey - Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice and Erick "The Architect" Elliott have been on rap's radar for a minute now and this full-length project is a testament to the fact that they're worth the hype.(Photo: Glorius Dead Recordings)

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12. Gallant, Ology - Hailing from Maryland, Gallant debuts with this masterful collection of songs that slowly etch their way into your brain and heart.(Photo: Mind of a Genius)

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11. Majid Jordan, Majid Jordan - As singing constituents of OVO, the pair deliver a debut full of sweltering vocals and melodies reminiscent of '90s R&B.(Photo: Warner Bros. Records)

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10. TWENTY88, TWENTY88 - This Big Sean and Jhené Aiko team-up resulted in a trap beat meets soul collection holding the rapper and the singer’s best work to date. Serving as an ode to relationships during times of pleasure and discord, the chemistry between the pair is unquestionable and begs a repeat from this duo in the future.(Photo: GOOD Music/Def Jam Recordings)

Photo By Photo: GOOD Music/Def Jam Recordings

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9. A$AP Ferg, Always Strive and Prosper - Harlem’s very own returns with epic beats, hooks and rhymes that color in his backstory and tribute those he loves most.(Photo: A$AP Worldwide)

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8. Ro James, ELDORADO - As a contributing writer to Miguel’s Kaleidoscope Dream, remnants of Ro James's unbridled sensuality are sprinkled into his debut ELDORADO with playful R&B beats and a distinct trap-bounce. The result is one of the year’s most colorful R&B debuts that serves as a canvas for Ro’s achingly powerful voice.(Photo: RCA Records)

Photo By (Photo: RCA Records)

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7. Anderson .Paak, Malibu - On his sophomore effort, the Southern California artist delivers bars and vocals on equal footing, allowing us to witness a star on the rise.(Photo: Steel Wool / OBE / Art Club / Empire Distribution)

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6. Chance the Rapper, Coloring Book - More than just a mixtape (and even more than just an album), Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book delivers on all the hype Chance has received since 2013’s Acid Rain. (Photo: Apple Music)

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5. Kendrick Lamar, untitled unmastered. - Rarely does the world get a chance to enjoy outtakes from hip-hop’s master of the moment. With this project, Kendrick proves that his talent isn’t manufactured; it just exists in greatness.(Photo: Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope)

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4. Rihanna, ANTI - Rihanna’s first effort outside of her Def Jam pop machine delivered just the right amounts of pop and artistic vision. Rich and eclectic, Rihanna made her dream project a reality.(Photo: Roc Nation)

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3. Kanye West, The Life of Pablo - Mr. West delivered content, controversy and trips to turbulent grounds. Still, his digital album lives and breathes with his tweaks and additions going live at any given moment. The future has arrived in real time. (Photo: GOOD Music)

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2. Drake, Views - Hip-hop’s biggest star has delivered one of the most prized albums of the year so far. Extraordinary chart activity aside, we got Drake’s manifesto with Views.(Photo: Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records)

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1. Beyoncé, Lemonade - When Lemonade arrived, it hit us hard. Beyoncé delved deeply into the psyche of Black women — tackling everything from societal perceptions, interpersonal love affairs and friendships that evolved into sisterhood. While everyone embraced this project, it was clear who Bey was really speaking to.(Photo: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)

Photo By (Photo: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)