Well, it’s almost the end of 2012, and can you believe
another year has passed? I certainly can’t! One of my favourite parts of this
year has been the music, (I’m aware One Direction and Justin Bieber released
new albums but let’s pretend that never happened) so I’d like to share with you
some of my favourite albums of 2012. Let me know in the comments what yours
have been, whether it’s Bieber or not!
Just a quick note, I’m not a music expert/reviewer, so if I
don’t sound like I know what I’m talking about... then I tried, haha. Enjoy!
Top 10
1. Muse – The 2nd Law
My favourite album by far this year has been The 2nd Law,
and can you really question that? Whether you loved it or loathed it, it was
certainly one of this year’s most over-the-top, ambitious and bombastic albums,
and I think you’ll all agree that I’m mainly talking about the track Survival
when I say that. I could quite easily do an in-depth, track by track review,
because every single track has its own unique aspect, whether it’s the
experimental rock/dubstep in The 2nd Law: Unsustainable, the haunting opening
of Animals or the pompous falsettos in Supremacy and Survival, it’s proved that
it’s more than worthy of the Grammys it has been nominated for in 2013. The
album cover in itself is in your face, eye-catching and somewhat unidentifiable,
(I mean yeah it looks a bit like a brain, but seriously, what is it?) which
relates to the music perfectly.
I was lucky enough to see Muse perform in Manchester this
year, and I would also like to credit them for one of the best concerts I have
ever witnessed, and they truly deserve the Q Award they received for Best Live
Act in the World Today. Congratulations Muse, and thank you for proving to me
over and over again why you’re my favourite band of all time!
Favourite/Recommended Tracks:
I genuinely can’t choose favourite tracks; I’d just end up
listing them all. I honestly believe this is a must-have album, so if you haven’t
heard it, listen to it now!
2. Coldplay – Live 2012
Wow. This year, Coldplay embarked on their worldwide Mylo
Xylotour, (which I was lucky enough to attend in Sunderland) and have released
an album of recordings from Paris, Montreal and Glastonbury Festival to involve
everyone who wasn’t lucky enough to see them, and for those who did see them, relive
every moment. Although some people wouldn’t technically class this as a new
album, I think it’s phenomenal in every way shape and form because it flaunts
Coldplay’s ability to engage with the crowd, by making them do everything from
screaming with happiness to being moved to tears. Of course you can only see
this by watching the accompanying DVD, however, the audio is enough to showcase
their outstanding musical ability; the only thing that gets me is, how are they
going to top it? I have faith that they can do it because, after all, this is
Coldplay we’re talking about. If you’ve never really listened to Coldplay, then
I recommend you listen to/watch Live 2012, because I can guarantee it’ll
impress you.
Favourite/Recommended Tracks:
Again, I’d just end up listing them, so listen to/watch the
whole performance if you’re interested. Trust me, it’ll be worth your while.
3. Lianne La Havas –
Is Your Love Big Enough?
I really don’t want to sound like one of those people who
are like “Ooh I heard of this before everyone look at me look at me aren’t I
awesome!!!1!1” because let’s face it, they all get on our nerves, BUT I want to
throw out there that I heard of, saw and met Lianne in May before her album was
released, and I feel very privileged. Of course I know I wasn’t the only person
who had heard of her, because I’m not far enough up my own arse to imply that.
Anyway, onto the review...
This is my favourite debut album of the year, and definitely
one of the best I’ve ever heard. Lianne’s vocals in this album are raw,
heartfelt and flawless, and I know there’s a bright future for her; each track
is one of a kind, and the lyrics are truly moving. Also, her guitar work is
beautiful, and accompanies her vocals perfectly. Is Your Love Big Enough? has
been featured as iTunes Album of the Year, and I can completely understand why!
If you haven’t yet heard of her, I wholeheartedly recommend you buy this album
because it’s a masterpiece in its own right.
Favourite/Recommended Tracks:
I’m so bad at this omg, why do I even bother with a
Favourite Tracks section? Haha! Just listen to the whole album; you’ll be
hooked on her in no time!
4. Emeli Sandé – Our Version
of Events
As I’m sure you know, this was (understandably) the biggest
selling album of 2012. It’s very easy listening, but when you listen to it
deeply, you can hear Emeli’s emotions throughout every song; her vocals are
flawless. Some songs, namely Breaking The Law, consist primarily of vocals and
very little instrumentation, which really makes her voice stand out and send
shivers up your spine. I would recommend this album to anyone because I believe
it’s a universal album that will appeal to almost everyone; let me know if you
disagree, you’d be the first I’d heard!
Favourite/Recommended Tracks:
Okay I’m just going to stop doing this bit because I can’t
choose favourite tracks they’re just all so gooooooood
5. The Killers –
Battle Born
After a long wait since their last album in 2009, The
Killers finally returned with Battle Born, and it was well worth the wait! The
album begins with a false impression as the beginning of Flesh and Bone is quiet
and subtle, but the reason I say it’s false is because the album is everything
but quiet and subtle; it’s full of fantastic guitar riffs, drum fills and vocals
which are far from subtle! Of course, it’s not as bombastic as The 2nd Law
because Muse almost have their own genre in that sense, but Battle Born is an extraordinary
album in its own right, and I was lucky enough to see The Killers live in
Newcastle to see most of the album performed at its full potential. Welcome
back The Killers, you have been missed!
6. The xx – Coexist
When Coexist was announced, I was doubtful as to whether The
xx could top their debut album... well, I had nothing to worry about. I can’t
decide which is better, which I suppose proves that it lives up to its predecessor’s
reputation! It carries the same unique sound that The xx is known and renowned for,
and wow, it truly is phenomenal. I can listen to this album over and over and
never get bored because I’ve heard nothing like their sound.
Also, I saw them live at the O2 Academy in Newcastle, and
they were nothing like what I expected! I was expecting the whole gig to be
chilled and mellow like their music, but somehow they managed to throw in some
strobe lighting and heavy beats here and there, and it was absolutely amazing! There
are some photos on my Instagram if you want to check them out. If you get the
chance, GO AND SEE THEM!
7. Nicki Minaj – Pink
Friday: Roman Reloaded
I KNOW THIS SEEMS SO OUT OF PLACE AMONGST ALL OF THESE OTHER
ALBUMS BUT HEAR ME OUT PLEASE DON’T JUDGE ME
Okay, I guess I’ve got a lot of explaining to do. Basically,
this is a great album full of rap and fun dance tracks, and I honestly believe
Nicki is the most talented female rapper out there. Yes she might not be the
greatest role model or whatever, but that’s irrelevant to her outstanding rap
skills! That’s all I can say to explain myself really, I can feel the knives at
my throattttt
As a side note though, I’m not really a fan of her as a
person or the album cover, (because omg just look at it) but I love this album and
really enjoyed seeing her at the Metro Radio Arena because the atmosphere was
amazing, and she only mimed a little bit. She’s so talented! I wouldn’t
recommend this album to everyone because I know a LOT of people can’t stand her
music, but if you’re open minded or just enjoy mindless pop/rap, then go ahead!
8. Ke$ha – Warrior
I don’t think everyone realises that Ke$ha writes her own
music... she’s so talented! Warrior is full of addictive beats and lyrics, and
she doesn’t sound too auto-tuned. There’s definitely a mixture of soulless, fun
pop and the odd ballad, but Ke$ha never disappoints; if you need a pick-me-up
or just something fun to listen to, this album’s perfect, as are her other
albums. Definitely worth a listen, there’s going to be some more HUGE singles!
If you say you’ve never danced to a Ke$ha song, I know you’re lying.
9. The Script - #3
As always, The Script have made a beautiful album that you
can’t help but fall in love with. At the moment, my favourite track is
Kaleidoscope because it has an addictive sound (you’ll get what I mean if you’ve
heard it) but every track is amazing in a different way. Danny’s vocals are
perfect as always, however, there’s a lot of rapping which I don’t think sounds
right for The Script... on a first listen, I really didn’t like it and I was disappointed,
but the album really grew on me and I really love it. Hooray!
I believe this is an album that, after a few listens,
everyone can enjoy. The Script have a distinctive sound that’s definitely
showcased in this album, and it’s a must-have!
10. Rita Ora – ORA
I first heard of Rita Ora when I saw her supporting Coldplay
at the Stadium of Light, and wow, she really impressed! She got the crowd
going, and her vocals were absolutely amazing. I can see big things in the future
for Rita!
All of the songs are extremely catchy, and her voice is
amazing. My only gripe is that although Facemelt is a brilliant opening track, it’s
extremely short and abruptly ends... such a shame because it’s got a really fun
beat! Every time I listen to ORA I’ve got a different favourite, they’re all so
catchy and really get stuck in your head. It’s definitely worth a listen, and
one of the best debut albums of the year.
Can’t wait to see what she has in store for the future!
Other Notable Albums
- Marina and the Diamonds – Electra Heart
- Paloma Faith – Fall to Grace
- Calvin Harris – 18 Months
- Lana Del Rey – Born To Die
- Jessie Ware – Devotion
- Lulu James – Rope Mirage (EP)