My Favorite Albums of 2012
Please note that, in constructing this list, I intend to be nothing but subjective. Don't assume I'm trying to play music critic. These albums are likely not the objective best of 2012 (especially because I've only listened to, by my count, fifty-seven albums released that year); they're just the ones that I, myself, most enjoyed. (Note: I will certainly edit this list as I come across other good albums of 2012.) |
| 25 |  | Heath McNease
Thrift Store Jesus
I envy McNease's flow. A lot. Also, he samples "Sinister Kid" by The Black Keys -- automatic win. |
| 24 |  | Lecrae
Gravity
This is the first Christian rap album I've listened to all the way through, and a good album it is. |
| 23 |  | Linkin Park
Living Things
Yes, Linkin Park is still alive. I don't mind. |
| 22 |  | Jack White
Blunderbuss
A good rock album. I wish Jack White had tried a little harder to sing, but maybe that's just me. |
| 21 |  | Coheed and Cambria
The Afterman: Ascension
This album makes me think of a younger, post-hardcore-influenced Rush. |
| 20 |  | The Classic Crime
Phoenix
Sometimes, pop rock has trouble taking itself seriously. This album is an exception. |
| 19 |  | fun.
Some Nights
Bombastic and quite obviously inspired by classic rock acts such as Queen. No wonder the band is called "fun." |
| 18 |  | Kendrick Lamar
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Lamar showcases his lyrical prowess in a tale of city life that reveals the bad things for what they are rather than glorifying them. |
| 17 |  | Anathema
Weather Systems
I dig awesome build-ups. You dig awesome build-ups. Chicks dig awesome build-ups. |
| 16 |  | House of Heroes
Cold Hard Want
Driving, catchy, enjoyable. Why can't more Christian artists make music as good as this? |
| 15 |  | Silversun Pickups
Neck of the Woods
Neck of the Woods introduces to us a newer Silversun Pickups: more cautious, more electronic, but still really good. |
| 14 | | The Piano Guys
The Piano Guys
It's surprising how good some pop songs can sound when they're provided with classical instrumentation. |
| 13 |  | Les Friction
Les Friction
Yes, I do like over-the-top epic symphonic rock; why do you ask? |
| 12 |  | Frank Ocean
Channel Orange
If it brings you to your knees, it's a bad religion... but a great album. |
| 11 |  | The Smashing Pumpkins
Oceania
Alternative rock, how I love thee. |
| 10 |  | Katatonia
Dead End Kings
"Restraint" and "symphonic rock / metal" aren't terms often paired. Katatonia doesn't care. |
| 9 |  | Dave Matthews Band
Away from the World
This isn't Under the Table and Dreaming, but it's almost as great. |
| 8 |  | Rush
Clockwork Angels
This album is great by itself, but think about how long Rush has been around before making this album, and you will realize how good of a band they really are. |
| 7 |  | Regina Spektor
What We Saw from the Cheap Seats
Quirky, fun, awesome. Besides, I'm a sucker for piano-led pop. |
| 6 |  | Passion Pit
Gossamer
One could complain about the dissonance between this album's downer lyrics and optimistic electronic indie pop tunes, but one would also be forgetting to enjoy such a great album. |
| 5 |  | The American Dollar
Awake in the City
Dreamy and remarkably consistent. This album was my first experience listening to post rock, and a good experience it was. |
| 4 |  | Yellowcard
Southern Air
Pop punk at its finest: a breath of summer air, if you will, optimistic and nostalgic. |
| 3 |  | David Crowder Band
Give Us Rest
I generally don't listen to contemporary Christian worship music. This band, if Give Us Rest can be used as a benchmark, will likely become an exception. |
| 2 |  | Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
The Heist
To quote this album's hit single "Thrift Shop": "This is ****ing awesome." |
| 1 |  | Two Steps From Hell
SkyWorld
Neoclassical brilliance. Also, the bass drop in "All Is Hell That Ends Well" is utterly glorious. |
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