2012 is coming to an end, and what better way to celebrate the end of an amazing year with a little recap on some of the best music albums that really stuck to us. 2012 introduced to some of the rising of indie stars who certainly earned our attention and praise, and we found the need to return the favor by sharing just how much we enjoyed what they had to offer this year! There’s certainly a lot of female domination in this list, but let’s make it clear that it’s not gender-biased, but we’re excited that this year’s chart toppers are in fact amazing female icons, and that’s always a yes in our books!
Here are our favorite albums of 2012!
Unapologetic by Rihanna
Rihanna’s seventh record, Unapologetic shot up the Billboard chart in a split second, and sold over 230,000 copies in just hours after it was released on iTunes. Despite the great record sales, critics were not all impressed with Unapologetic due to Rihanna’s sound and close-to-home lyrics (let’s not forget, she also unleashes her first F-word in her album). However, the album must’ve been the highlight of music history in 2012 when Rihanna collaborated with her ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown for the track Nobody’s Business. Rihanna’s Unapologetic is certainly one to have, as 2012 comes to end.
Halcyon by Ellie Goulding
Halcyon is a little something new by Ellie Goulding, stepping out of her usual comfort zone and mixing her usual light-hearted sound with a touch of dub step, spanning a whirlwind of emotions into one album, but just with the right balance of what everyone wants to hear.
Some Nights by Fun
They creeped their way into our hearts with their infectious singer, We Are Young that boasted youthful optimism, but let’s just say that Some Nights has to be one of the most well-loved albums of the year. With their military-strength percussions and clap-worthy beats, FUN. is one bad that’s hard to miss – they’re energetic, gleeful and anthemic on stage. Despite the use of Auto-Tune, you’ll still be glad to know that Some Nights carries just enough of it to make it cheerful and fun.
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
In 2011, music critics were certain that Lana Del Rey would be a savior to pop music with a sex-kitten persona, dagger nails and larger-than-life nails. And let’s not forget that apart from just being a new fashion icon, Lana impressed us with her sultry and breathy vocals that in at the atmosphere of the glitz of 1960’s Americana. Born to Die was certainly a chart-topper, and despite being an indie-pop star, Lana certainly became a household name and one of the most influential stars to marry art and glamor to her music videos.
Picture Show by Neon Trees
American synth-rock outfit who stole our hearts with their hit ‘Animal’ in 2010 gave us something new to jam to in 2012 with their sophomore album, Picture Show. The album leaves us with the simplistic sensibility of pop-rock melodies while marrying 80s textures. It’s like listening to Talking Heads, but more current. Everybody Talks symbolizes that description just right – the prominent single is the perfect track that carries bright, and dare we say, neon sparks!
The Spirit Indestructible by Nelly Furtado
The Spirit Indestructible is an album that is both upbeat and full of energy. Drawing inspiration from her childhood and teenage memories, the album is full of honesty told in an upbeat story. Nelly describes it as “a punch in the face’, pulling memories from her diary when she was 16 and reminiscing about her youth and even hear how she feels about living the high life.
The Lumineers by The Lumineers
The Lumineers are a band that performs with such passion and accessibility. Their rustic indie-folk stylings has earned them a sizable following around the world. Their folksy romanticism makes the album what it is. Ho Hey is an instantly memorable track, that will cast you under its spell immediately. The Denver duo is certainly a band to watch, and we simply can’t get enough of their self-titled album!
Red by Taylor Swift
Not even 20, and Taylor’s certainly got a long success. Red is Taylor’s fourth studio album, and it’s already certified platinum-plus just after one week after it released. With the lead single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, Red is a set of tracks that are beautifully penned country-pop music that we will always cherish in our rooms!
Take Care by Drake
Drake’s a must-have in our hip hop playlist, sharing his smooth, tender yet introspective touch to his music. Take Care was one of those albums to finally give hope back to hip hop. The album incorporated fine elements of minimalism in the music, and most of all, Drake’s haunting introspective lyrics about family, wealth and even leading a hollow life. We can’t get enough of this album, and we feel you will love it too.
Overexposed by Maroon 5
Taking 2012 with their fourth album, the hunky Adam Levine and gang comes back with bigger and bolder record. Who could ever say no to Adam’s pipes, begging for “One More Night”? Overexposed boasts a lot of funk, some raggae and of course some good ol’ disco to keep that body moving!
For more info on Universal Music artists:
Website – http://www.universalmusic.
FB – http://www.facebook.com/
Digital tracks can be downloaded at:
MAXIS – http://www.musicunlimited.
CELCOM – http://www.thecube.my/mdp/
DiGi – http://music.digi.com.my/
UMobile – http://www.u.com.my/
TuneTalk – http://tunes.tunetalk.com/
