By: Jacob Elyachar
Out of all of the albums that were released this year, there were only 12 records that made my Best Albums of 2012 list.
The albums that I selected showcased impressive musicianship, strong vocal performances and amazing songs. If you have not downloaded or purchased these albums, you are missing out on some quality music.
Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” brought the Motown legend back to his roots as he collaborated with some of country’s biggest stars to sing his classic hits. (Album cover property of Mercury Nashville Records)
Tuskegee by Lionel Richie
The Motown legend returned to his roots as he collaborated with some of the biggest names in country to perform duets on some of his classic songs. Several highlights from this album include his collaborations with Blake Shelton, Jennifer Nettles and Rascal Flatts.
Other tracks to check out: “Sail On” (with Tim McGraw) & “Endless Love” (with Shania Twain)
California 37 by Train
San Francisco’s favorite pop rock band returned to the scene with their sixth studio album. While “This’ll Be My Year” has a “We Didn’t Start the Fire” aspect to it, Pat Monahan’s songwriting hit strides with “Drive By” and “50 Ways to Say Goodbye.” Overall, this is one of Train’s better albums musically and lyrically.
Other tracks to check out: “Bruises” & “Mermaid.”
Wild Ones by Flo Rida
Wild Ones showcased Flo Rida at his best as he reunited with some of his favorite A-list producers: Dr. Luke, Crikut, SoFLY & Nius and recruited Redfoo, Jennifer Lopez and Sia to record catchy songs. This hip-hop/dance album was the perfect album to workout to and cemented Flo Rida’s place in the hip-hop/dance community.
Tracks to Download: “Whistle,” “Wild Ones (feat. Sia),” “I Cry,” “Good Feeling”& “Run to You.”
Christina Aguilera’s “Lotus” showcased the singer’s signature vocals and two duets with her fellow “Voice” coaches. (Album cover property of RCA Records)
Lotus by Christina Aguilera
Christina’s fourth studio album was the perfect hybrid between two of her previous albums: Stripped and Bionic. The divalicious former Voice coach showcased her vocals and songwriting abilities all through out the album thanks to the help of several talented producers including Max Martin, Shellback, Alex da Kid and Sia.
Tracks to Download: “Army of Me,” “Make the World Move” (feat. Cee Lo Green), “Your Body,” “Let There Be Love” & “Just A Fool” (feat. Blake Shelton).
Rebel Soul by Kid Rock
Rebel Soul continues Kid Rock’s five-year-hot-streak that the Michigan native has been on since released his last two studio albums: Rock n Roll Jesus and Born Free. Listeners will find that Kid Rock and his team delivered an incredible homage to the world of rock and roll in his ninth studio album, which range from the hard-hitting “Let’s Ride” to the celebratory country rock track: “Detroit, Michigan.”
Other tracks to check out: “3 CATT Boogie,” “Cucci Galore” & “God Save Rock & Roll.”
The Abbey Road Sessions by Kylie Minogue
It is very rare when a celebrated pop artist goes to an orchestra and rework some of their some of their hits. Australia’s impeccable pop icon Kylie Minogue delivered pitch perfect covers of several classics including “All the Lovers” and “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” which will have listeners dancing and falling under Kylie’s seductive spell.
Other tracks to check out: “On A Night Like This,” “The Locomotion” & “Love At First Sight.”
P!nk’s “The Truth About Love” is her most honest and aggressive record yet. (Album cover property of RCA Records)
The Truth About Love by P!nk
The Grammy-winning pop rocker’s sixth studio album showcases the Pennsylvania native at her best. The Truth About Love is peppered with impressive and aggressive vocals and strong tracks, which include cameos from fun’s Nate Ruess, Lily Allen and Eminem. Currently, the album is up for Best Pop Vocal Album and I hope that P!nk receives another Grammy for this superb album.
Tracks to Download: “Try,” “How Come You’re Not Here,” “Slut Like You,” “Give Me A Reason” (feat. Fun’s Nate Ruess) & “Here Comes the Weekend” (feat. Eminem)
Music from Another Dimension by Aerosmith
America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band released its 15th studio album that featured Aerosmith’s signature sound in several incredible high-octane rock tracks including “Oh Yeah!,” “Legendary Child,” and “Lover Alot.” In addition, listeners would love listening to two amazing ballads that include the Diane Warren-penned “We All Fall Down” and the band’s collaboration with Carrie Underwood: “Can’t Stop Loving You.”
Restating the Question by The GoAround
One rising band that I had the chance to interview this year was The GoAround. Pennsylvania natives Alexander and Anthony Saddic will amaze listeners with their superb songs that contain great lyrics and superior musicianship. I expect that 2013 will bring great things for this band.
Tracks to Download: “Make It Loud,” “When I Hit the Bottom,” “Her Love is like Glass,” “Remedy” & “The Sunflower Song.”
Bruno Mars continues his dominance as a singer-songwriter through his sophomore album: “Unorthodox Jukebox.” (Album cover property of Atlantic Records)
Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ sophomore album is one of the best pop rock albums of the year! The Grammy-winning singer harnessed different musical styles including 80s synthpop and rock/reggae that is sprinkled throughout the album. All of the songs that are in Unorthodox Jukebox showcase why Mars and his fellow Smeezington production team members Ari Levine and Philip Lawrence are some of the hottest songwriters and producers in the music industry.
Songs to Download: “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Gorilla,” “Treasure,” “Natalie,” & “Money Makes Her Smile.”
Blown Away by Carrie Underwood
One studio album that will blow its listeners away is Carrie Underwood’s fourth studio album. Blown Away showcases not only her amazing vocals but also her ability to write catchy and meaningful tracks that transports anyone listening to it into the song.
Songs to Download: “Good Girl,” “Blown Away,” “Two Black Cadillacs,” “Good in Goodbye” & “Cupid’s Got A Shotgun”
Black Oxygen’s debut album showcases that the band is ready to be their generation’s ambassadors to the hard rock recording industry. (Album cover property of Black Oxygen)
The American Dream by Black Oxygen
The best debut album that came out in 2012 is The American Dream by Black Oxygen. This Kansas City power rock trio showcases that they graduated with honors from the School of Rock and are phenomenal musicians that represent the next generation of hard rock and heavy metal music.
Songs to Download: “The American Dream,” “Tonight,” “Take It to the Limit,” “Insane” & “Better Place”
