Thanks so much everyone! If you commented on my BO2012 and I didn't comment back on yours don't be afraid to wall me or something!
Next up will be the first and only Honorable Mention of the year. I felt that it wasn't fair to include it as I already heard most of the music from it last year although the album was released this year. I'm sure that sounds confusing but you'll see in the next update!
Abel is much too genius for myself I sometimes find. I have a pop mind, whereas much of The Weeknd's music is dark, not very catchy, and apocalyptic. Despite this, the three mixtapes that comprise 'Trilogy' REALLY captured my attention in 2011. The hard part for me is trying to digest the whole body of work, which clocks in at over two and a half hours. I've only listed to 'Trilogy' once all the way through and it was pretty dramatic and tiring. That said, the album has a lot of highlights, especially in the 'House of Balloons' portion of the LP (first 10 songs) and I knew that in some way, shape, or form I had to acknowledge Abel in my Best of 2012. I can't really put into words how ready I am for his real debut album which I assume will be released next year.
The Essential tracks: "The Morning", "High For This", "The Party & The After Party", "D.D", "Lonely Star"
The Weeknd's Trilogy is one of the most amazing things that came out this year. Perfect choices for the essential tracks, though I would include "The Zone".