While the latter part of 2012 has proposed some difficult challenges for me, there is one great thing I can take away from it and that is music.
This has been one of the best years for music that I can recall in quite some time.
I have found many new artists that are quite enjoyable, some of the best albums, and also a new one breaking into my top 5 of all time.
Just jumping right into it I will start with the top 5 newly discovered artists for this year.
1. Meiko - One of my goals this year was to venture out and find some female artists that would appeal to my ears. She has in fact done that and much more. Her style of writing is unique and honest. For now, she stands above any other female artists I've listened to. If she manages to churn out a third full length album half as good as her first two, she could very well be the first female artist in my top 5 of all time.
Recommended Songs -
Lie To Me, I'm Not Sorry, Boys With Girlfriends, I'm In Love... (everything she does is good)
2. Scars on 45 - I thought I was finally past my British pop band stage but I can't deny this up and coming group's talent. I've always been a sucker for bands with male and female vocalists, but these guys do it better than any other I've heard. Yes, better than Straylight Run, The Hush Sound, The Civil Wars, and even the popular Lady Antebellum. It's hard to express what it is they do quite so well, it may just be the simplicity of their music with the subtle hint of piano and acoustic guitars driven by simple drum patterns. Their lyrics can be quite poetic at times also which is always a plus for me.
Recommended Songs -
Give Me Something, Heart On Fire, Warning Sign
3. Jenny Owen Youngs - Funny how some artists never hit your radar until you hear a song on a show or movie and you have to discover who the artist is. Well, that was me for this artist. Her music is some of the most interesting style of poetry and folk mix I've heard. For right now she is one of the better female artists I enjoy more than most I have discovered this year.
Recommended Songs -
Voice On Tape, F*** Was I, Here Is A Heart
4. Priscilla Ahn - Continuing the trend of female artists here. Priscilla Ahn is definitely worth a look. She is a bit more chill than the previous two artists mentioned, but pleasant to enjoy as well. Her style is subtle, floaty, and carefree. For something that you just want to relax to she fits the bill perfectly.
Recommended Songs -
Dream, I Don't Think So, In A Tree
5. Honestly, I have a couple of artists I could put here but they aren't good enough and won't last long enough to make the top 5 in this category. Therefore, I will only have four here.
***
This was such a good year for album releases. So to pick an order for these five will be quite difficult.
Top 5 Albums released in 2012
1. Marina and the Diamonds - Electra Heart :
To put this at number one was a bit hard since it isn't really an album I listen to as much these last couple of months. But at the same time I cannot put any other album next to it that I can say is as honest as this one. (that is of all-time) It is blunt, raw, and contagious. Her debut album was excellent and I did not consider for a second the sophomore album would have fared nearly as well. This was the biggest and best surprise in music for me this year.
Best song off this album - Starring Role
2. Motion City Soundtrack - Go :
I have been a fan of Motion City Soundtrack for years now and they seem to get better with age. This was their fifth full length album and definitely the best to date. Unlike their past albums this one had much more structure as often their music feels a bit chaotic. Lyrically it has been their best also. Not sure how older fans took this album but I thought the changes the occurred were for the better.
Best song off the album - Timelines
3. Scars on 45 - Scars on 45 :
Not only did they make my top 5 newest artists list, they also made the best album list. This is one album that I would recommend to any music lover. It is the type of album that anyone would enjoy. It falls under the same as Augustana's Can't Love Can't Hurt and The Fray's How To Save a Life albums. Just go buy it, you won't regret it.
Best song off the album - Give Me Something
4. Meiko - The Bright Side :
She made number one on the best new artists list so it is no surprise to see her 2012 album on this list. This is a very good album. Not a bad song on it. I highly recommend it.
Best song on the album - (very hard pick) Lie to Me
5. Joshua Radin - Underwater :
So this is the type of artist that I envy. His ability to right is phenomenal. I have thoroughly enjoyed every album he has put out, but this has got to be his best to date. His music is slow, soft, and beautiful. He can write the best love songs of any artist I know consistently.
Best song on the album - Anywhere Your Love Goes
Best albums that just missed the cut - Regina Spektor - What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, Safetysuit - These Times, Jeremy Fisher - Mint Juleps
Originally I intended to include a top 5 songs and top 5 artists that have been forgotten this year but perhaps another time will come for those lists.
