So
looking back on 2012, I did not love a lot of the music released these past 12
months. Although, the mainstream did make me proud here and there (fun., Gotye,
and Ellie Goulding’s successes were awesome). But overall, my 2K12 favorite
music is just as radio(iTunes)-friendly as under-the-radar. And thank god for
Spotify, am I right? And without further delay, here are my favorites (in true Grammy-fashion in the top 4 categories):
Record
fun. feat. Janelle
Monáe – We Are Young
Karmin – Brokenhearted
Maroon 5 – Payphone
Icona Pop – I Love It
Brendan James – Nightlife*
Considering the listed
songs, I really enjoy a record to which one can faux-dance. “We Are Young” and “Payphone”
were super popular and infiltrated my barriers with catchy melodies, but the
latter has some questionable/borderline terrible lyrics and a truly awful,
out-of-place cameo from Wiz Khalifa. Yet, overall, that tune’s talons snatched
me. “We Are Young” is sonically anthemic and vocally soaring; what a dreamboat
of a song. Karmin’s charisma pulses
through “Brokenhearted” and, as stated before, I am a sucker for a dance beat.
Similarly, Icona Pop’s groove is dancy although much grungier; the repetitive revenge
musings are addictive. Lastly, Brendan James’ simple and beautiful vocals on a
celebration of the here+now won me over the most.
Song
The Magnetic Fields – Andrew
in Drag*
Brendan James – Nightlife
Gotye feat. Kimbra
– Somebody That I Used to Know
Jay Brannan – The Spanglish
Song
Ed Sheeran – Drunk
“Andrew in Drag” is
high concept coupled with simple execution; the rhyming couplets and subversive, playful
imagery are genius and last year’s best. Brendan James always uses vastly open
lyrics to wonderful effect; “Nightlife” really scores despite one minor
annoying line in the chorus. “Somebody That I Used to Know” reads exactly like
the bitter breakup note (email) it is; bonus points for adding the second point
of view. Brannan combines humorous elementary Spanish with his already sexually
charged, romantic lyrics; the result is endearing and distinctly him. Ed
Sheeran’s lyrics are as scattered and messy as his subject matter; he’s such a
great mix of Lily Allen’s ballsiness, Kate Nash’s simple poetry/storytelling,
and (bizzarly) Amy Winehouse’s breakup blues.
Album
fun.: Some Nights
Marina and the
Diamonds: Electra Heart
Santigold: Master of
My Make-Believe*
Brendan James: Hope in
Transition
The Royalty: Lovers
It was difficult to
choose 5 for this category because I didn’t love many albums all the way
through. “Some Nights” and “Master of My Make-Believe” are the two strongest by
far, but Santigold’s songs as a collective whole are inspired, cohesive, and my
favorite. The Royalty has some great songs, but need more diversity in
execution; as a debut full-length effort though, “Lovers” is rockin’. Brendan
James and Marina and the Diamonds are two old favorites of mine; their albums
are satisfying and nicely progress each of their discographies.
New Artist
Lianne La Havas
Emile Sandé
Alabama Shakes
Ed Sheeran*
The Royalty
Lianne LaHavas and
Emile Sandé have tremendous potential even though I was not in love with their
albums. Their songwriting and singing abilities astound. Alabama Shakes is
everything wonderful about Americana all wrapped into one band: twangy
instrumentation, Bible-Belt sensibilities, and powerhouse, bluesy vocals. Ed
Sheeran and The Royalty are the two that impressed me the most. While the
latter’s album is better, Ed Sheeran is the artist whose work I most
anticipate hearing mature.
*denotes my most
favorite amongst my favorites
