Although 2010 isnt over quite yet with a few big releases expected before the new year (Kanye Wests Good A** Job, My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy, and also a full album with Jay-Z) I thought I could do a round up of the top Hip Hop albums so far.

Backbreaker is the debut album from Sydney singer songwriter John Vella due for release November 2010. This album is a breath of fresh air, Its real, it has soul and it is honest. The opening track New Years Eve is the first single release off the album and the film clip represents John Vella and his music best with its no frills no special effects approach, just a man and his band doing what they do.

I have been waiting to hear this release from The Lazys, it has had some real industry hype. I have been told The Lazys are the new Grinspoon (that I found quite remarkable as Grinspoon are still going strong as ever and seem to get better with age and every Album).

Ive been a fan of Italian pop singer Eros Ramazzotti for about ten years now; I discovered his music whilst living back in Europe briefly a few years ago and was given a CD of his music for my birthday. I had never heard of him before and could not understand the lyrics of his songs as he records in Italian and Spanish and I speak neither but something moved me about his music. The beautiful melodies captivated me and I became curious to hear more. I since have heard or acquired most of his albums and prefer to listen to them in his native tongue, this is just a personal preference as I love all things Italian! Ive enjoyed his music enough to translate the lyrics of each song to English and have been impressed also by the lyrics as they are usually highly autobiographical, honest, heartfelt and very moving. Here are my top ten favorite songs, in no particular order.