With 2010 halfway over, Soundcheck's music critics have selected the top 10 must-listen recordings of the year so far. Joining us to look at the period from January through June are Maura Johnston, freelance music writer, and Steve Smith, music editor of Time Out New York.

Maura Johnston's Picks

Tracey Thorn, Love And Its Opposite [Amazon.com]

Big Boi, Sir Lucious Left Foot... The Son Of Chico Dusty [Amazon.com]

Sleigh Bells, Treats [Amazon.com]    

Robyn, Body Talk Pt. 1 [Amazon.com]

Erykah Badu, New Amerykah Pt. 2 [Amazon.com]

Steve Smith's Picks

Scott Johnson, Americans [Amazon.com]

Yuja Wang, Transformations [Amazon.com]

Matt Marks, The Little Death, Vol. 1 [Amazon.com]

Janelle Monáe, The ArchAndroid [Amazon.com]

Chris Lightcap, Deluxe [Amazon.com]

Maura Johnston's Picks: Best Singles

Robyn, "Dancing On My Own"

Big Boi, "Shutterbugg"

Janelle Monáe, "Tightrope"

The-Dream, "Florida University"

Lady Gaga/Beyoncé, "Telephone"

Sade, "Soldier Of Love"

Raheem DeVaughn, "I Don't Care"

Also featured:

Wagner, Gotterdammerung, Brunhilde's Immolation scene

Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate, Ali & Toumani