It's no secret that I am a huge Mariah Carey fan. But this does not mean that it's only her music that I appreciate and listen to. On the contrary, I enjoy other artists' materials as well, because I am a music lover first and foremost.
Having said that, the albums I kept on my music players this year was a mix of efforts from long-time favorite artists as well as newbies. In 2011, Rihanna's "Talk that talk" topped the list. But her latest set, "Unapologetic" (released last November) didn't even register on my radar.
Another rather surprising absence in this year's list is Bruno Mars' "Unorthodox Jukebox." It's an album that I expected to fall in love with, but several repeats and I have warmed up to barely half of the songs in there. His debut album "Doowops & Hooligans" was my favorite album in 2010. I think this proves the saying that an artist is only as good as his last material.
So how does an album get on this list? It all depends on my taste. Yeah! I mean, this was never a "best of" compilation but rather a summary of the collection of music that moved me in the past 12 months. That simple :) With no further ado, here are my top 10 favorite albums for 2012. Enjoy! :)
This band has consistently delivered the goods ever since they burst into the music scene a decade ago (can you believe it has been that long?). I'll even go as far as saying that Maroon 5 is perhaps my favorite band of all time. I like the group's transition into a more pop-ish sound though I never minded their more alternative-leaning sound. Their last album, "Hands all over," placed sixth in a similar list I did back in 2010.
Key tracks: "Lucky strike," "One more night," "Daylight"
When I think of Pink, the first thing that comes to mind is the feisty, punk, edgy singer we've all come to know her by. But in this latest set, I must commend Pink's strong vocals, especially on her slower songs. My current jam is "Just give me a reason" (featuring Nate Reuss). Kudos to Pink for remaining in the spotlight and having chart success, outliving many of her contemporaries.
Key tracks: "Just give me a reason," "Here comes the weekend," Blow me (one last kiss)"
I wasn't a big fan of Kris Allen's season of "American Idol" so I didn't know him until I heard his debut song "Live like we're dying." I liked his first album but loved this new set. It has a more mature sound, more relatable songs. He also looks more charming now. I was hoping the album would have more commercial success (to ensure he'll have another one), but I guess the millions of fans who voted for him has gotten over him (unfortunately).
Key tracks: "Better with you," "The Vision of love," "Out alive"
After a gazillion of articles and TV features you've encountered about the supposed Mariah-Nicki feud in "American Idol," it's easy to forget that Ms Minaj actually does a good job at making music. Yes, her vocals will never compare to Mariah's--but that was never the point. I love her rapping skills and the beats she uses in her songs. I like that she experiments with her sound and her looks.
Key tracks: "Beez in the traps," "Pound the alarm," "Va va voom"
Another "American Idol" winner graces this year's list, and rightly so. I knew he was going to find success but he exceeded my expectations. Commercial success aside, Phillips delivered a solid album full of harmony and catchy melodies, touching lyrics, and a rawness that is hard to manufacture, if at all. Great job for a debut album.
Key tracks: "Gone, gone, gone," "Tell me a story," "Home"
This is obviously a much darker, more mature sound and look for the country superstar, who has consistently released impressive material over the years. She has a more pop-ish, more experimental (she has a raggae-inspired song) sound here, which isn't at all bad. Even the topics she talks about in her songs are more daring.
Key tracks: "One way ticket," "Forever changed," "Thank God for hometowns"
I love how an artist perseveres to continue a career that has experienced great highs and deep lows. Alanis is such a unique singer-songwriter that I always look forward to hearing new material from her. She does have a more mellow sound in this new set. It's interesting how she has incorporated motherhood in some of her songs.
Key tracks: "Celebrity," "Woman down," "Receive"
Haley has always been my favorite contestant in "American Idol" Season 10. Though she didn't win the title, she placed third--thanks to her untouchable pipes. The result is an album full of raw, impressive vocals and catchy melodies. I would have hoped the album had received more commercial success, but so far, its chart fortunes hasn't quite taken off as I'd hoped.
Key tracks: "Liar," "Hit the ground running," "Free"
This diva likes to take her time releasing new material, sometimes having her fans wait for four years. Good thing she didn't do it this time. Her last album "Bionic" came out two years ago, and also placed second in a similar countdown I made in 2010. With "Lotus," Christina is back with that big voice on top of head-bopping pop melodies. Her faster-paced songs, though, outshine her ballads in this one.
Key tracks: "Let there be love," "Shut up," "Army of me"
I was introduced to Conor's debut album when I first heard of his first single, "Can't say no" (which was on repeat in my music players for months). When I heard the album in its entirety, I learned it was packed with smooth vocals, clever lyrics, and grooving tunes. Though the album has been out in the UK for a while now, the album has just been released in the USA. Here's to hoping "Contrast" finds similar success that side of the world.
Key tracks: "Pictures," "Can't say no," "Lift off"
Runners-up and Special mentions: Bruno Mars' "Unorthodox Jukebox"; Taylor Swift's "Red"; Adam Lambert's "Trespassing." I decided not to include albums that feature collection of previously released materials. If I had not made that decision, Kelly Clarkson's "Greatest Hits" would have made the list. :)
RELATED BLOG ENTRY:
- TWIST's Top 10 favorite albums of 2011
- TWIST's Top 10 favorite songs of 2011
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