I could call this list "The 10 Best Albums of My Lifetime," because that's what I intended to explore in the onset, but as it turns out, the albums all fall within a very short period of time. This is not to say that I don't hold albums like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club" or "Houses of the Holy" or "Sounds of Silence" in high regard, because I do. Although I am very well acquainted with and appreciative of the best music of the past, it doesn't relate to me in the same way that the albums in the following list do. It goes without saying that this is purely an opinion article, but I do have plenty of reasoning behind my choices that I'm sure you can agree with. If nothing else, I hope this article has an impact on the way you approach music and the way it finds itself to you.

Let's begin.

10. "Good Kid, m.A.A.d City" - Kendrick Lamar (2012)

Kendrick had already made a name for himself with the album "Section.80" in 2011, but with "m.A.A.d City," the production quality was stepped up and what resulted was an instant classic hip hop album. Kendrick's mellow style is certainly unique, and he never leaves a word or syllable out of place. It's undeniable that this album was revolutionary in reviving the genre, specifically of the tired, typical, mindless lyricism that hip hop receives the most flak for. I would definitely go as far as saying that Kendrick took rap in the direction everyone had hoped Tyler, The Creator would back in 2011.

What It's Perfect For: Late night contemplation and relaxation.

Best Tracks: Money Trees, Poetic Justice, Swimming Pools (Drank)

9. "Yours Dreamily" - The Arcs (2015)

Patrick Carney, one half of The Black Keys, dislocated his shoulder in a swimming accident, and Dan Auerbach, the lead singer and creative mastermind behind the duo, decided to embark on a side project. He called it The Arcs. In September of 2015, they released their debut album, and to me, it was everything I hoped The Black Keys might do next. With blues rock roots, The Black Keys had been branching further and further into alternative rock, and while they're excellent either way, the sound of "Yours Dreamily" is exactly what music needed. The album has endless playability and it conjures a scene of the untamed west, long expanses of road, and wind in your hair.

What It's Perfect For: Driving. Certainly driving.

Best Tracks: Outta My Mind, Cold Companion, Put A Flower In Your Pocket

8. "Back To Black" - Amy Winehouse (2007)

Amy was incredible. It's simply stated. Her voice was one-of-a-kind, and considering all the turmoil in her life, it only made it more beautiful to hear her put all her soul into her music. "Back To Black" was only her second and final album, but it was her masterpiece. It's a blend of jazz, blues, and some magical element that can't be defined.

What It's Perfect For: Serious listening.

Best Tracks: Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, He Can Only Hold Her

7. "The Family Jewels" - Marina & The Diamonds (2010)

Marina Diamandis, known better as Marina & The Diamonds (she calls her fans the diamonds) had a late start in the industry after dropping out of university four times, but she managed to get signed to Atlantic records with her hit single "Obsessions." "The Family Jewels," her debut album, was what she herself has described as a "left-field pop album," but it really established her unique sound among all the other female artists that were rising to prominence at the time. She was even offered to appear on Kanye West's album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," but declined because she didn't want anyone to manufacture her fame for her; she wanted to do it herself. The album is equal parts strong and vulnerable, and is definitely her most underrated. Although never professionally trained, her voice is fantastic and operatic (especially live, as I can attest to). This won't be her last appearance on this list.

What It's Perfect For: When you feel like you're the worst, but you want to act like you're the best. In other words, all those odd times when you can't find your direction.

Best Tracks: I Am Not A Robot, Mowgli's Road, Numb

6. "Graduation" - Kanye West (2007)

If anybody knows musical production, it's Kanye West. In 2007, he was at his best. This was Kanye before he took the escalator to whatever plane of consciousness he's on right now. Although he's becoming increasingly experimental and still produces hits, no album of his has meshed so cohesively as "Graduation." (Some may argue that "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" would be the exception, but that's another topic of discussion.) There's soul influence as well as beats that are completely his own. And on top of that, the lyrics are as clever as ever.

What It's Perfect For: The gym, or any situation where you need to get pumped up.

Best Tracks: Can't Tell Me Nothing, The Glory, I Wonder

5. "AM" - Arctic Monkeys (2013)

After the darkness of "Humbug" and the balladry of "Suck It And See," Arctic Monkeys decided to release this incredible alternative rock album. "Instant classic" is an understatement. "AM" will make you feel things you never felt before. It's strong where it needs to be, vulnerable where necessary, and the lyrics are poetry at its finest. This is apparent particularly on "Arabella," which Alex Turner, who is pretty much responsible for everything that the band does, has considered to be the song whose lyrics he is most proud of.

What It's Perfect For: Lonely rainy nights when you're thinking about her or him. The wintertime. It's also incredible on road trips, especially when the sky is gray.

Best Tracks: Do I Wanna Know?, Arabella, One For The Road

4. "Born To Die" - Lana Del Rey (2012)

Her debut album, "Born To Die," made Elizabeth Woolridge Grant the Queen of Coney Island and transformed her into the artist we know today. Every song has a depressing undertone to it, but it's brilliant and lively at the same time. Lana's vocals sound as if they're enveloping you, and you can't help but fall in love with it. Unfortunately, Lana hasn't hit the same mark she did with this album in her three successive releases, but maybe it's because she set our expectations so high. Regardless, this album is just flooring.

What It's Perfect For: Sadness.

Best Tracks: Radio, Dark Paradise, Diet Mountain Dew

3. "Brothers" - The Black Keys (2010)

The Black Keys had, for a long time, been very gritty and garage-sounding. With "Attack And Release," they started exploring a cleaner sound and more conscious themes. With "Brothers," they did everything right. There is not a single track on this album that is out of place or has any weakness to it. It can be considered the cornerstone of modern alternative rock, and for good reason. It's immaculate.

What It's Perfect For: Play this in the car. Honestly. You couldn't ask for a better album for that purpose.

Best Tracks: Tighten Up, Howlin' For You, She's Long Gone, Unknown Brother

2. "Electra Heart" - Marina & The Diamonds (2012)

"Electra Heart" is as much a character as much as it is an album. It's a story of a heartbreaker as well as someone who's heartbroken. It's about lamentation and desolation. It's the alternative pop bible. Marina really changed the world with this album. As Electra Heart, she sported the heart on her cheek and adopted a 50s/60s housewife style. I've got to say, it's an era of time I will always have a soft spot for in my heart. The lyrics are certainly the most relatable of any musical piece that I know of. There really can't be enough said about the importance of "Electra Heart." I might as well include her live performance of "Teen Idle." It will bring you to tears. Interestingly enough, Marina has a more dedicated fan base in the United States than in her native United Kingdom.

What It's Perfect For: Relationship problems. Love and loss. Regretting your wasted youth.

Best Tracks: Bubblegum Bitch, Primadonna, How To Be A Heartbreaker, Starring Role

1. "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" - Arctic Monkeys (2006)

This was Arctic Monkeys' debut album, and boy, what a smash. For a long while, they flew under the radar in the U.S., but they've always been huge in the U.K. "Whatever People Say" broke the record for fastest-selling album across the pond and has only since been bested by Leona Lewis and Adele. The album plays like a night on the town with all your mates, hitting the clubs, getting kicked out, and observing the vice of the night in a seedy area. The jewel of the album, by far, is the song "A Certain Romance." It starts off intensely, but it transitions into perhaps the most beautifully-written song since The Beatles' "A Day In The Life." You've just got to listen to believe the hype.

What It's Perfect For: Any occasion.

Best Tracks: Mardy Bum, When The Sun Goes Down, From The Ritz To The Rubble, You Probably Couldn't See For The Lights But You Were Staring Straight At Me