As we move closer to the end of 2011, we look back to the best albums of the year that made 2011 an amazing year for music. Here are our top picks:

HURRY UP WE'RE DREAMING by M83
The sixth studio album from the French electro-pop/shoegaze group is probably one of their best. This 2-CD album starts off with a dreamy "Intro" featuring the wonderful Zola Jesus, followed by the hit single, "Midnight City". Their most commercially-successful album to date shows the heavy influence of touring with bands like Depeche Mode and The Killers. There is a generous dollop of the atmospheric sound heard on their third album, Before The Dawn Heals Us, with a smattering of the synth pop sound heard on my favorite M83 album, saturdays=youth.
The Filter Picks: "Midnight City", "OK Pal", "Year One, One UFO", "Claudia Lewis"

CULTS by Cults
The eponymous debut album from the indie pop duo from New York City has got to be on a number of top albums lists. Their album is reminiscent of the surf pop sound that dominated 1960's California with a 2011 rock edge. This is hands down, the best album from last summer.
The Filter Picks: "Abducted", "Go Outside", "Most Wanted", "Oh My God", "You Know What I Mean"

BORN TO DIE by Lana Del Rey
Though not officially released till 2012, this amazingly beautiful album deserves mention. Lana del Rey is probably 2k11's most controversial figure. Born as Lizzy Grant, she had minor success with her smooth and sultry alto. However, in 2010, under the guidance of industry insiders, she got a makeover and was rebranded as Lana Del Rey. Despite the negative press surrounding her questionable origins, the album is breathtaking, and stunningly flawless. Trust your ears.
The Filter Picks: "Video Games", "Blue Jeans", "Mermaid Motel", "Put Me In a Movie"

WITHIN AND WITHOUT by Washed Out
The full length debut album from chillwave pioneer, Ernest Greene, exceeds all expectations. The album is suffused with dreamy, predominantly synth pop tracks featuring Greene's introspective, melancholy vocals.
The Filter Picks: "Eyes Be Closed", "Echoes", "Amor Fati", "Before", "You And I"

SBTRKT by SBTRKT
Another eponymous debut album makes our list. Also known as Aaron Jerome, SBTRKT is a musician and producer from London. He is known for being expressly private and values his anonymity. During shows and album cover photos, he is seen wearing a native ceremonial mask. The album is a  perfect mix of dubstup, house, RnB.
The Filter Picks: "Hold On", "Trials of the Past", "Sanctuary", "Right Thing To Do", "Something Goes Right"