In no particular order, we start with the lovely alt-folk vocalist Feist, who found chart success via the adorable "1,2,3,4" promo used for the iPod Nano ads... best track: "How My Heart Behaves".

Award for Most Outspoken Pop Star goes to M.I.A. courtesy of a genre-busting album embracing electro, hip-hop and Bollywood amongst other elements to create an angry new sound... highlight: "$20".

Another customarily solid album from Grammy winning dance gurus Groove Armada featuring some of the more accessible moments of their career so far (not a bad thing!) ... highlight: "Paris"

Operatic rock at its most heart-rendingly poignant and fiercely political as Canada's finest rock outfit of the moment deliver a stellar sophomore album ... highlight: "No Cars Go"

From the film "Once", a musical for people who love music but hate musicals, this soundtrack showcases songwriters Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova marvelously well ... highlight: "Falling Slowly"

Unforseen circumstance have prompted an update, so aplogies for the latecomers! First up is a typical return to sparking form from Radiohead ... highlight: "Nude".

Nothing new from the UK's favourite adopted Aussie, but a welcome return to the euphoric disco and edgy sultriness that movingly sounds like the last few years never happened ... highlight: "Stars".

It can't be seen as a credible evolution of Britney's public persona, but you'd still be hardpressed to find an album filled with more finer pop moments this year ... highlight: "Heaven On Earth".