John Grant's 'Queen of Denmark' Tops Mojo's 2010 Albums List

John Grant has spoken of his joy at having his debut solo album 'Queen of Denmark' named Album of the Year by Mojo magazine and the importance of Midlake's contribution to the project.

"I really can't believe it," he told the British music magazine. "I'm speechless. It's a very, very, very big deal for me. I tell myself it's a mistake, or that the staff feels sorry for me."

Formerly the lead singer of the Czars, 'Queen of Denmark' found Grant himself being backed by Texans Midlake -- themselves in the magazine's Top 10 with 'The Courage of Others' -- and the resulting album, full of moving autobiographical incites and tales of self-loathing and abuse, has been one of the sleeper hits of the year.

For Grant, Midlake's contribution was crucial to the album's success and overall sound. "It can't be overstated," he said. "At a time in my life when I was filled with self-loathing and self-doubt, especially with regards to the music industry, they said, 'You're amazing. People need to hear your voice and what you have to say because you have a great way of saying it. And we want to make sure that happens.'"

And happen it has with memorable results.

Mojo's Top 10 Albums of the Year are:

1. 'Queen of Denmark' -- John Grant
2. 'The Suburbs' -- Arcade Fire
3. 'Congratulations' -- MGMT
4. 'Losing Sleep' -- Edwyn Collins
5. 'Brothers' -- the Black Keys
6. 'Wake Up the Nation' -- Paul Weller
7. 'The Courage of Others' -- Midlake
8. 'Here's to Taking it Easy' -- Phosphorescent
9. 'Butterfly House' -- the Coral
10. 'Constant Companion' -- Doug Paisley