It's coming round to that time of year again, where we reflect on just what we've seen, heard, done and regretted. Looking back at the amount of great albums this year, it's been harder than ever to pick out just 10 that have delivered well, but we've managed to whittle down our list. Read on to see who made the cut...
Sam Smith - 'In The Lonely Hour'
What we said: "Sam plays to his strengths and proves why he's stolen the hearts of the nation and scored a host of fans not only in the UK, but over the globe following successful performances on shows including Saturday Night Live.
'In The Lonely Hour' is a painful listen, but for all the right reasons. It will resonate with that hole or pit in your stomach you've more than likely experienced at moments of loneliness throughout your life. Sam captures that pain in his voice and screams - without screaming - his past worries and upsets."
Bruce Springsteen - 'High Hopes'
Springsteen actually managed to put together a collection of material that despite not 'flowing' or being originally conceptualised as an album impressed with sharp edges, a melancholy tone and the usual hugely evocative vocals throughout.
Dark, dreamy, magical and without apologies, Springsteen's back to doing what he does best and reigniting the industry with that little something that's missing from the work of the superstars of today.
Sia - '1000 Forms Of Fear'
What we said: "After first listen I'm exhausted. Sia transports you so that you are taken on this journey with her throughout the ups and downs, and it's a rough ride but one that's completely worthwhile.
It's a shame that Sia stipulated in her contract that she would not have to tour or do press for this album, because a live show would be something fantastic to behold if any of her recent performances are something to go by, but completely understandable that the star is wary of another breakdown.
If there is such a thing as 'The X Factor', Sia has it. She's easy to like, hugely talented, unique in her tone and approach and more than most, she's real. You hear moments of her voice cracking and there's no attempt to try and smooth over them - it's utterly raw and compelling."
AC/DC - 'Rock Or Bust'
Though it's sadly their first ever album not to feature Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar due to his ongoing health struggles with dementia, this could be one of the best records AC/DC have produced in their entire career - certainly the best to come from the past couple of decades.
Sitting in for Malcolm is Angus Young's nephew Stevie, and the two talents are joined by the incredible lead vocalist Brian Johnson, who together create magic and engineer an LP that could put many others to shame.
One Direction - 'FOUR'
What we said: "Their previous offerings have been catchy pop tunes that appeal to the mass market and audience without really holding any substantial ground - for me at least - and so when I settled down for my first listen of this new LP I simply expected more of the same.
But here with 'FOUR' the five boys sound better than ever, picking up a different sound on songs they admit themselves are finally ones they'd enjoy listening to. It shines through as they genuinely sound like they're invested in each and every song."
Ed Sheeran - 'X'
Though I found the lead single disappointing, everything else on the record 'X' was exactly what I and all the other fans wanted from who could be considered the biggest talent in the UK today. Ed manages to pull off something special in 90% of the tunes involved, and it's clear to see just why his popularity has boomed so much.
Now the man behind some of the catchiest ballads and tunes to ride their way to the top of the charts, it's difficult to imagine a world without Ed - he's certainly somebody that's going to be sticking around for quite some time.
La Roux - 'Trouble In Paradise'
What we said: "Elly notes that this record has a "warm, kind of sexual energy to it." and she hits the nail right on the head. The disco influence that stems from her studio session with Nile Rodgers and 2012 Montreux Festival performance alongside him is very apparent, but this isn't a collection of songs with disco at their core. Instead, they simply take hints of that genre and blend it with others. It's really quite a magnificent move.
Personality comes across with each move, whether that's through opening track 'Uptight Downtown' which explores the part of south London that Elly calls home, or follow-up tunes 'Kiss And Not Tell' and 'Cruel Sexuality' which detail conflict between couples."
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga - 'Cheek To Cheek'
What we said: "Vulnerable at times (whilst Bennett is confident and further cements his position as one of the greats), Gaga is at her best in tracks such as 'Lush Life' (a song she does solo) which allow her to expose depths of her voice many haven't yet heard.
No auto-tune's needed here. Gaga will benefit immensely from this new offering, but it's not only she who will feel the effects, but the world of jazz. She's opening the doors to a side of music many of her fans may not have given a chance in the past and in doing so, she's giving it the exposure that it so deserves."
RuPaul - 'Born Naked'
What we said: "If you know RuPaul and have ever caught a season of RuPaul's Drag Race, this album will absolutely have you gagging on its eleganza, and of course the uniqueness, nerve and talent woven throughout.
"Ru's back and with a bang, and 'Born Naked' is just another diamond moment in her fabulous career."
FKA Twigs - 'LP1'
With a superb vocal that nobody was expecting, Tahlia Barnett AKA FKA Twigs is worthy of all the hype and commotion building around her since her seemingly overnight success.
Creating music that takes time and effort to put together as well as decipher and bring meaning to, she's a philosopher of her craft, and one that needs to be heard to be explained. If you haven't listened to 'LP1' just yet, make it a mission to do so before 2015 comes round.