This album came at exactly the right moment for me and helped me get through some rough moments. To be honest I've never been a fan of Norah, but this album somehow made me love her. Both lyrically and musically well-executed, I love how the whole album tells a story. It's a great laid back record, a little depressed at times maybe, but hey - we all have those moments so it's great that there's music like that to pick us up. Standouts include Good Morning, Say Goodbye, She's 22, Take It Back, After The Fall and Happy Pills.

Channel Orange, Red, Lotus, Warrior & Unorthodox Jukebox!!



Amazing layout!

Coming at number ten is the long-awaited return of No Doubt - Push And Shove. I love this album, I feel that it is consistent from beginning to end, delivering a great mixture of uptempos and some slower jams. The great production of the tracks, combined with Gwen's flawless vocals is always a guarantee for a great record. I feel like it's quite innovative and different but taking into consideration that this is a No Doubt record we are talking about it's a must. Even though it has failed to impress on the charts, I think that was not their main concern with this record - it is fun, has a great vibe and is true to what the group is all about. Some of my favourite tracks include Settle Down, Push And Shove, One More Summer, Easy, Gravity and Looking Hot.



Next in my countdown is Alicia Key's fifth studio album - Girl On Fire. I've always loved Alicia, she is a true talent in my eyes and someone who I definitely look up to, a real artist. This record defines what she is and is no different from her previous albums. The thing with Alicia is that I actually don't want her to experiement or try anyhing new - some people should just stick with what they know best. Back to the album, Girl on Fire is exactly what I want to listen at this time of the year - a relaxing record filled with great vocals. I love the first single - Girl on Fire, which is one of my top singles of the year as well. Other standouts include Brand New Me, When It's All Over, New Day, Fire We Make, Tears Always Win, Limitedless, One Thing and 101.

At number eight comes another stunning debut in 2012 - Lana Del Rey with Born To Die. I first discovered her with Video Games and Born To Die, which amazed me from the first listen. The songs pinpoint exactly what you can expect from the rest of the record. I love her voice and I think that it suits the style of the album perfectly. It is haunting and dark but still a great listen. I feel that The Paradise EP is quite good too, although I don't feel that it adds much to it. Apart from the first two singles I also love Off To The Races, Blue Jeans, Diet Mountain Dew, National Anthem, Summertime Sadness, Without You, Ride, American and Cola.



A great return from one of my favourite groups, at number seven comes Maroon 5's Overexposed. Even though it is far from their best, their fourth studio album is still amazing. Overexposed may lack a bit from their rock side and is mainly pop, but I feel that it really suits them and I guess charts all around the world agree. Payphone and One More Night are one of my favourite singles of the year and the rest of the record does not fail to impress as well. I love most of the tracks including Daylight, Lucky Strike, The Man Who Never Lied, Love Somebody, Sad, Tickets and Doin' Dirt .