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Carey leads group of Top 10 '05 albums

Here are the albums that helped wear out the iPod battery of AP Music Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody in 2005.

1. "The Emancipation of Mimi," Mariah Carey:It's time for all the critics who declared Carey's career all but dead to eat some humble pie — so give me the first helping. Carey — who's biggest successes in her post-"Glitter" career had been crooning out breathy hooks on rap records — produced perhaps the best album of her 16-year career with "Mimi," an uncompromising, classic R&B album. Though it had several high-profile cameos from the likes of Snoop Dogg and Nelly, the most riveting components of "Mimi" were its stellar songwriting and Carey's luscious voice.

2. "Late Registration," Kanye West:West's ego seems to have swollen even more this year, if such a thing could be possible. But when you're making albums of the quality of "Late Registration," how can you be humble? West's follow-up to "The College Dropout" is just as witty, ear-catching and compelling as his debut (the only exception being the subpar skits). West expertly mixes political, social commentary ("Crack Music," "Roses") with wildly hilarious rhymes ("Gold Digger"), making him one of the most necessary figures on the music scene today.

3. "Dreaming Wide Awake," Lizz Wright:Dreamy is the best way to describe this album, the follow-up to the husky-voiced singer's dazzling 2003 debut, "Salt." This time around, Wright abandoned the jazzy, soulful elements of her predecessor for more folky fare. But whether backed by an elaborate horn section or the simple arrangement of piano and acoustic guitar, Wright's understated, smoldering voice still manages to enthrall.

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