Here we go, reaching the halfway stage, and beyond, as we look back at at the best 50 albums released in the first six months of 2010. Cripes, if the second half of the year is as good as this, it’s gonna be a vintage year. Don’t forget, the order here is strictly alphabetical.

The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang (SideOneDummy)

“This is the sound of a band growing, moving up on up and taking us with them.” 8/10 – Sian Llewellyn

Watch the making of the album here.

Gun – Popkiller (Townsend Records)

“Popkiller is packed with killer hooks, irresistible choruses, and wall-to-wall drums and guitars.” 7/10 – Neil Jeffries

Visit their website here.

H.E.A.T. – Freedom Music (Ear Music/Edel)

“Those who bought H.E.A.T.’s debut will love Freedom Rock, a successor that places them firmly on the map.” 8/10 – Dave Ling

Visit their website here.

The Hold Steady – Heaven Is Whenever (Rough Trade)

“Heavily influenced by the 70s rock of Thin Lizzy and The E Street Band… the most life-affirming and strangely triumphant rock’n’roll of the decade so far.” 8/10 – Johnny Dee

Visit their website here.

Izzy Stradlin – Smoke (iTunes)

“No, this won’t generate the sort of interest that Slash’s new album will. Does Izzy care? What do you think? He enjoys the musical freedom that comparative anonymity has given him – and so do we.” 7/10 – Malcolm Dome 

Hear Smoke here.

Jason & The Scorchers – Halcyon Times (JCPL)

“Not so much a return to form then, more a statement of future intent, which is promising news for fans.” 8/10 – Max Bell

Listen here.

Joe Bonamassa – Black Rock (Provogue)

“Undeniably a great modern blues album.” 8/10 – Ed Mitchell

Watch Joe talk about the making of Black Rock here.

Kellermensch – Kellermensch (Target)

“Walls of distortion meet piano and violin and throat-ripping vocals are counterbalanced by sexy, mournful choruses guaranteed to stick to your medulla.” 7/10 – Alexander Milas

Listen here.

Marcus Bonfanti – What Good Am I To You? (P3 Music)

“The music press is scrabbling for comparisons – Seasick Steve, Jack Johnson, Tom Waits – but Bonfanti could yet carve his own groove. What good is he to us? Plenty, actually.” 8/10 – Henry Yates

Watch the video for Give Me Your Cash here.

Melissa Auf der Maur – Out Of Our Minds (Phi/Roadrunner)

“Out Of Our Minds is immersive rather than instant, a proggy jigsaw piece of a bigger picture that will be fun to put together in the coming months.” 7/10 – Emma Johnston

Listen to the full album here.