2012, Top Albums And Awards
So I had high hopes for 2012. A lot of my favorite artists were releasing
albums; Tame Impala, Grizzly Bear, and P.O.S. to name a few. While there
were a lot of albums that I enjoyed, there weren't really any that I had a
strong connection with and really loved, which is a shame.
However, it was still a great year for music and had a lot of strong albums.
That being said, here's my top ten, along with a couple "awards." |
| 14 |  | Kendrick Lamar
good kid, m.A.A.d city
---Most Overrated Album---
There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy on this album, from the catchy
"Backstreet Freestyle" to "Money Trees," which samples Beach House. However, to
call it this generation's Illmatic is a bit of an overstatement. I guess I just didn't
connect with it as much as others did.
Runner up: Frank Ocean - Channel Orange |
| 13 |  | Dirty Projectors
Swing Lo Magellan
---Most Underrated Album---
This record completely took my by surprise. Every song here is insanely catchy, and
sees Dirty Projectors innovating their sound. The whole thing is just a breath of fresh
air. Also, "Just From Chevron" is my song of the year. I can't get enough of the dude's
voice.
Runner-up: The Shins - Port of Morrow |
| 12 |  | P.O.S.
We Don't Even Live Here
---Biggest Disappointment---
His past two records have contained some of my favorite hip-hop songs of this
generation, so I was extremely excited for this. After I heard the first single,
"Bumper," I was in love and this increased my expectations even more.
However, the record is quite dull and has some decent tracks, but none that really
stuck out like his previous efforts. It's truly a shame; I was about to call him my
favorite rapper if he had released something on-par with "Never Better."
Runner-up: Some Nights - fun. (how did they get this shitty after releasing "Aim and
Ignite"?!) |
| 11 |  | Band
Album
TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2012 |
| 10 |  | Godspeed You! Black Emperor
'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!
While it's solid, I still expected more from them. Still great to get new material after
all these years though.
Favorite track: We Drift Like Worried Fire |
| 9 |  | Killer Mike
R.A.P. Music
Really solid album; I liked this one a lot the first time I heard it. The production is
great and I really enjoy his flow.
Favorite track: Southern Fried |
| 8 |  | Regina Spektor
What We Saw From the Cheap Seats
While it's not as impressive as her earlier albums, it's pretty much exactly what I
expected from her at this point. Not too many standout tracks but the album as a
whole is quite consistent.
Favorite track: Firewood |
| 7 |  | The Shins
Port of Morrow
James Mercer may be the most consistent artist around. It's up to par with earlier
Shins albums, and might even be a little more catchy.
Favorite track: The Rifle's Spiral |
| 6 |  | Aesop Rock
Skelethon
I had always tried to get into Aesop Rock before but I never could that much, save a
couple songs. That changed with Skelethon. The beats are fantastic and his lyricism is
at its finest, as he has made his best record yet here. He also showcased how triplets
in rap verses are fucking cool.
Favorite Track: ZZZ Top |
| 5 | | Dirty Projectors
Swing Lo Magellan
So my top five is very equal, there was not much separating them. This is a testament
to my problem with 2012 - nothing really stuck out from the rest of the pack. I've
already explained my love for this album above.
Favorite Track (as well as my Song of the Year): Just From Chevron |
| 4 |  | Alt-J
An Awesome Wave
This album came out of nowhere, and I didn't expect much from it. However, it
captured my interest immediately, combining a variety of styles for their own unique
sound. Debut album of the year, no question in my mind.
Favorite Track: Breezeblocks |
| 3 |  | Grizzly Bear
Shields
I can't find anything wrong with this album. One of the most consistent albums I've
heard in years, and another great album from Grizzly Bear, even if it doesn't quite
reach the greatness of 2009's "Veckatimest."
Favorite Track: Gun-Shy |
| 2 |  | Japandroids
Celebration Rock
This is exactly what I wanted Japandroids to release for their sophomore effort. I am
still shocked they can get this huge sound from two people, and I love it.
Favorite Track: Fire's Highway |
| 1 |  | Tame Impala
Lonerism
My most anticipated album of 2012 is also my album of the year. The first time I
heard it, I was disappointed and didn't even think it came close to 2010's
"Innerspeaker." However, with each listen, it grew on me and I found an impressive
record that is worthy of all the praise it receives. Their sound is one of the best in
music today. It still doesn't surpass "Innerspeaker," though, but what could?
Favorite Track: Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could
Control
Also, side note - "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" is easily the best music video of
2012. |
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