Best of 2012: Music

There were some great albums released in 2012, but here were my picks for top five:

5. Excellent by Propaganda

I don’t really like hip-hop. It just doesn’t appeal to me very much as a genre. occasionally I might have a nostalgic moment and enjoy something from the 90s, but mostly I just don’t listen to it. But then Propaganda’s album started blowing up the web, and I couldn’t resist checking it out. I was not disappointed. One of the most pointed lyricists I have heard in a long while, Propaganda offers insightful commentary on manhood, black culture, and Reformed Evangelicalism. It’s a great album because it confronts a number of my own weaknesses, failures, and frustrations head on, and in a compelling way. Favorite song: Forgive Me For Asking

4. Babel by Mumford & Sons

Not nearly as interesting as their first release, but still Babel contains some gems. Musically it’s not as exciting and creative, but the thought-provoking lyrics and the passionate vocals of Marcus Mumford make this a fun album to listen to. Favorite song: Whispers in the Dark

3. Ten Stories by Mewithoutyou

I love the way that Luke Larsen described this album in his review at Relevant Magazine. He said, “Even if Ten Stories isn’t a tried-and-true return to form, it’s consistently funny, sweet, aggressive, violent, honest, strange and imaginative—all the things we’ve come to expect from another fantastic mewithoutYou album.” This is such a compelling album, both musically and lyrically. The concept project approach, unpacking the story of a train of circus animals, is certainly not for the average pop music fan, but for those willing to listen and engage you will find something new to draw on each time you listen to the album.

2. The Lumineers by The Lumineers

Though they have a classic folk rock sound their music has that timeless feel. Their album is full of fun and energetic songs with great lyrical content. The drive of the piano accompanied by the soulful voice of Wesley Schultz makes this album one the most enjoyable folk albums of the year. Great songs include: Flowers in Your Hair and Stubborn Love.

1. Be Good by Gregory Porter

I am a sucker for good jazz music and Gregory Porter is a great new voice in jazz. Musically and lyrically this is a mature album, sounding often like the work of a seasoned jazz musician. Porter’s voice is stunning. The album is full of ballads, swingers, and mellow gospels. Great songs include: Be Good (Lion’s Song) and Real Good Hands.