With 2012 closing up, it’s time to reflect on the year, musically. From Hip-Hop to Jazz to Rock, here are some of the best albums of 2012.
10. Animal Collective – Centipede HZ
If there’s one word to some up Animal Collectives new release, it would be “wild.” Their ninth studio LP is jam packed with explosive vocals, spermatic beats and head warbling sound effects, making it one of the most enjoyable and fun listens of 2012.
9. Jack White – Blunderbuss
Jack White’s solo debut tries to do everything. From Punk, to Country, to the usual blues rock that fans come to expect from a White record, Blunderbuss does it all. And the result is not only fantastic, but consistent, putting White back on track as one of the strongest players in modern music.
8. Beach House – Bloom
While it sounds a lot like their previous releases, Bloom still shows that Beach House knows what they’re doing when it comes to dream pop. The guitars are spacious creating that beautiful atmosphere fans look for in a Beach House record, and the vocals are catchy and powerfully emotive.
7. BadBadNotGood – BBNG Volume 2
On their first record, BadBadNotGood combined Hip Hop and Jazz and on Volume 2, they do the same, but only better. This time the solos are vicious, the bass is heavy and powerful, and the drums are fast and explosive, making this album one of the best Jazz pieces in recent memory
6. Tame Impala – Lonerism
Every sound on Lonerism is fine touched and perfected. Whether it’s the 1960’s-esque distortion or the airy synthesizers, Lonerism simply perfects everything sonically, and that’s not to downplay the song writing which strings modern pop and psychedelic rock quite well.
5. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Allelujah! Don’t Bend Ascend!
After 10 years Godspeed You! Black Emperor finally released a new record, and it met many expectations. In typical fashion the songs are long, and the builds and progression of each track is intense, which all adds up to some of the best material they’ve ever recorded.
4. Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
After eight years Fiona Apple has released her latest record and easily her best. Here, Apple presents herself riotously heartbroken over her piano. The vocals can be experimental at points, but the finished product is always powerful.
3. Aesop Rock – Skelethon
Aesop Rock has never made a bad album, and that stays the same with his latest release. With this being the first record he’s ever produced, Aesop Rock throws down some of the catchiest Hip-Hop beats all year, and as usual his abstract lyrics and topics make him one of the most unique rappers out there.
2. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. city
What could easily go down as a classic by a young and up-and-coming rapper, good kid m.A.A.d. city does everything perfectly while still being innovative. Kendrick Lamar takes a look at the city of Compton, the most notable city in Hip-Hop culture, and critically examines the culture of everything from gang violence to alcoholism. The result is some of the most ambitious and daring Hip-Hop projects in modern time.
1. Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory
Simply put, Attack on Memory is the best rock album in a while. Everything from the hooks, the energy, and the fantastic musicianship is top notch. In only eight tracks Cloud Nothings manage to make not only some of the most fun and energizing music of 2012, but in all of Rock music.
