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How did these records get on my 11 best albums of 2011? First, they had to be perfect listens from the first track to the last, no filler. Secondly, they had to have lyrics and melodies that pulled on my heartstrings. All these albums were made by real artists, who write their own music, sing live and (gasp) play an instrument. If you don't have some of these records, you should definitely pick them up for a listen. I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and I cannot wait to continue to fangirl over music for you all in the New Year!

• December 18, 2011Britney's Vegas Engagement Celebration
• December 16, 2011'The Dreamer/The Believer' Full Album Review
• December 16, 2011Big Time Voice: Katelyn Tarver
• December 15, 2011Check out The Roots' 'Undun' Short Film
• December 15, 2011Adam Lambert's Second Album Gets a Release Date
• December 15, 2011Britney Taking 'Time Off' in 2012

#11 -- Ryan Adams -- Ashes & Fire
This is the Ryan Adams that I love, his gentle, trembling, cracked, gritty, and melodic voice sounds fantastic here. Ryan does a lot of styles well, but this is the style at which he is the acknowledged master, and this set of music will make those who love his heartbroken tales of woe and love gone wrong very, very pleased that they have continued to listen.

#10 -- Mayer Hawthorne -- How Do You Do
This record is a perfect Sunday morning listen. If Al Green and Amy Winehouse had a musical love child it would be Mayer. No-frills, super sexy, old school jams. Perfection.

#9 -- Patrick Stump -- Soul Punk
Patrick took a huge risk on this record, and it was worth it. His song Allie has been on every single one of my mix tapes since I first heard it.

#8 -- Lights -- Siberia
The perfect mix of synth pop plus lyrics that will melt your heart.

#7 -- Panic At the Disco -- Vices and Virtues
I secretly was wishing that this record would sound a little more like Pretty. Odd, but I simply cannot listen to Ready to Go without dancing around my living room.

#6 -- The Kooks -- Junk of the Heart
The Kooks will always be one of my favorite UK imports. This record did not disappoint.

#4 -- Matt Nathanson -- Modern Love
The thing that makes this record great, is that there is zero filler. Every single song is a journey and affects your heartstrings. Matt is the best lyricist this year, hands down.

#3 -- Adele -- 21
There is a reason every single person on the planet bought this record. I don't need to tell you about it, you own it.

#2  -- The Cab -- Symphony Soldier
While everyone else in pop radio is making laser-voiced songs about going to the club, The Cab took a feather out of Maroon 5's hat. They made a pop-rock record with (gasp) instruments and super smart lyrics about stuff that actually matters. I love this record from beginning to end.

#1- Christina Perri -- Lovestrong
There isn't a fangirl in the world who didn't think Jar of Hearts was written for them. This entire record breaks my heart into a million little pieces over and over again, and I love it.