If we've learnt one thing this year it is that the death of the album has been greatly exaggerated. Our Hot Press critics' poll below is proof enough - a whole host of great long-players from Irish and international acts alike. Top of the list is our Album Of The Year, Villagers' fantastic Becoming A Jackal. It has had to fend off considerable competition from the likes of The National, LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire, and is the highlight of an incredible 12 months in Irish music with acts such as Cathy Davey and Cast Of Cheers deservedly taking their places on the poll. So see our critics' top 30 (in order) for yourself, and if there are any you missed out on, what are you waiting for? Get listening.

The Hot Press Critics Albums of the Year are voted for by the contributors to Hot Press Magazine and are included in the HMV 'Poll of Polls' along with other such titles as Q and The Guardian.