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JamieZolanski's Best of 2012 | Album #18
Member Since: 9/10/2012
Posts: 373
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JamieZolanski's Best of 2012 | Album #18
JamieZolanski's Best of 2012
This is my first year really being involved in music. Before, I was mostly ambivalent about music, but this year has resulted in a firestorm of new interests and music just happened to be one of them. Don't get me wrong, I liked music before. But this is the first year that I started to dissect songs, albums and overall music industry habits. I soon found myself caught up in Stan culture. My music taste has evolved throughout the course of the year, but I feel fairly confident that I have reached a conclusion of what I believe to be the best 25 albums and 50 songs of 2012. Please bear with me and enjoy the countdown!!!!
Recap
Albums
25. Fortune - Chris Brown
24. MDNA - Madonna
23. Breakfast - Chiddy Bang
22. 1991 - Azealia Banks
21. Based on a T.R.U. Story - 2 Chainz
20. Believe - Justin Bieber
19. Glassheart - Leona Lewis
18. Red - Taylor Swift
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Member Since: 6/2/2012
Posts: 37,284
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Can't wait!
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Member Since: 9/10/2012
Posts: 373
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HONORABLE MENTIONS
| Ne-Yo / R.E.D.
I have always liked Ne-Yo ever since I heard "Closer," so when the lead mainstream single of his new album, "Let Me Love You," came out, I was interested. This track was remarkable in that the beat was that of a dance song, but Ne-Yo's vocals were very R&B heavy. I enjoyed this song so much, I decided to check out the whole album. Now, even though the album did not meet the success or enjoyment of the lead single, I still found a few bops on here. I respect Ne-Yo for going back to his R&B roots on here. Unfortunately, this did not break my top 25 for that very reason. I was expecting more tracks like "LMLY," so I was let down. However, many R&B fans will love this album due to its current production and savory vocals from Ne-Yo.
Favorite Tracks: "Lazy Love," "Let Me Love You," "Don't Make Em Like You," "Be the One" and "Forever Now" |
| Calvin Harris / 18 Months
For those unfamiliar with EDM, most of us discovered Calvin Harris when he was credited as a featured artist on the flawless "We Found Love." That was also the case with me, and I quickly started to love him and EDM in general. This album has many stars on it: Rihanna, Ellie Goulding, Florence Welch and Ne-Yo to name some. The tracks with these big artists on them tend to be the best on this album. However, "Feel So Close" came out and featured amazing vocals from the producer himself. I thought this album would have more of that. However, it did not. The reason why this album does not crack my top 25 is because the solo tracks are lacking. They are very short and are not what we're used to from this mega-producer. Nevertheless, there are some hits on this nice album from the Scottish EDM mogul, and it is definitely worth a listen, even if you are just a casual music fan.
Favorite Tracks: "Feel So Close," "Iron," "Drinking From the Bottle" and "Sweet Nothing" |
| Flo Rida / Wild Ones
Flo Rida has a bad reputation. He is known for creating basic music and unoriginal lyrics. But, looking past his image, this album is an absolute party record. The focus here is not the verses. It is the radio-killing hooks and bridges. Wild Ones completely accomplishes it. The first track, "Whistle," hit #1 on the Hot 100 for the year's requisite whistling chorus. Powerhouse vocalist Sia steals the show on the title track, which happens to be one of my favorite songs of the year. The rest of the album is filled with juicy dance production and just makes you want to dance. The reason, though, why this didn't break the top 25 is because of the lack of substance. These songs are perfect for when you aren't coherent and just want to party (even though it is even hard to understand what he's saying even when you're completely sober). I say good job Flo Rida, and keep giving us music that we can dance our brains out to.
Favorite Tracks: "Wild Ones," "Good Feeling," "Thinking of You" and "I Cry" |
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Member Since: 8/27/2006
Posts: 4,802
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Great banner and layout , No Doubt
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Member Since: 9/10/2012
Posts: 373
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I wasn't happy with my first entry, so I revised it. Hope you all enjoy this countdown!!!
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 4/24/2011
Posts: 8,547
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Member Since: 9/10/2012
Posts: 373
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25 | Chris Brown
Fortune
Released: June 29, 2012
Billboard 200 Peak: #1 (debut)
Genre: R&B, Dance, Pop
Tracklist
1. Turn Up the Music BB Hot 100 Peak: 10
2. Bassline
3. Till I Die (feat. Big Sean & Wiz Khalifa)
4. Mirage (feat. Nas)
5. Don't Judge Me BB Hot 100 Peak: 79
6. 2012
7. Biggest Fan
8. Sweet Love BB Hot 100 Peak: 89
9. Strip (feat. Kevin McCall) BB Hot 100 Peak: 37
10. Stuck On Stupid
11. 4 Years Old
12. Party Hard / Cadillac (Interlude) [feat. Sevyn]
13. Don't Wake Me Up BB Hot 100 Peak: 10
14. Trumpet Lights (feat. Sabrina Antoinette)
Bold indicates a single | |
Chris Brown's stock has been falling. F.A.M.E., even though it won a Grammy, was not his best work. His follow-up is not much better. His lyrics are mainly focused on partying and sex, and are a far cry from the Breezy we came to love pre-RihannaGate. There are, however, quite a few enjoyable songs on this album. The first track, "Turn Up the Music," features a very danceable beat and an irresistible bridge, but lacks the extra oomph provided on the remix featuring Rihanna herself. The second track has an amazing beat and 2nd verse, but it is wasted with Chris's lazy lyrics. "Till I Die" also has catchy production and Big Sean steals the show with his verse, but the song seems to be trying too hard. The next track features a attention-grabbing and real verse from Nas and has a dynamic chorus, but the verses seem to sag yet again. The album takes a turn for the good on the next song, the ballad "Don't Judge Me," which features oceanic production and the best lyrics by Breezy on the entire album. The next two tracks are forgettable and turned my off with excessively raunchy lyrics. Breezy finally hits a home run on a bedroom track with "Sweet Love," which has one of the best beats on the album. The lead single, "Strip," is next and while it has a catchy beat, the lyrics are basic and K-Mac's verse is entirely unnecessary. The highlight of the album follows in "Stuck On Stupid." Chris really shows off his vocals and delivers a beautiful mid-tempo track that reminded me of the Breezy of old. "4 Years Old" has nice vocals, but doesn't do much for me. Another album standout is next. "Party Hard / Cadillac (Interlude)" is parallel to another two-parter by none other than Rihanna. This is very much like "Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary" in that it is just a sonically pleasing track. Chris gets the upper hand in that the better portion is also the longer, unlike Rihanna's. Sevyn also surprises by stealing the show in the interlude. The next track is the Benny Benassi-produced dance song "Don't Wake Me Up," a song that dominated the radiowaves. This song has great production and the acoustic guitars that back the verses are very nice. I could do without the autotune during the hook, but this is another album standout. The final track has a grimy beat and is saved by a glorious breakdown at the end, but the trumpets the title refers to are quite messy. Overall, this album had enough bops on it to crack my top 25 this year. While it may have been disappointing, the album is cohesive enough to please pop and R&B fans alike.
Favorite Tracks: "Don't Judge Me," "Stuck On Stupid," "Party Hard / Cadillac (Interlude)" and "Don't Wake Me Up"
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Member Since: 10/24/2010
Posts: 11,668
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So classy. Love it so far!
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Member Since: 7/15/2005
Posts: 27,703
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18 months.
I don't like Chris Brown, but Turn Up The Music is a nice song.
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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18 Months
I knew Calvin way before he worked with Rihanna, in 2009 actually and I fell in love with him because his music was awesome! He was a producer who SANG! that made Calvin so awesome but the new stuff... is really bad (if we compare it to his old work) I really miss his amazing vocals, that's the reason why my fave tracks are Feel so Close & the amazing Iron... it's a good album, but a big letdown for me
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 12/7/2008
Posts: 87,284
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WOW Great reviews
LOVE ALL OF these albums!
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Member Since: 11/28/2011
Posts: 10,662
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I'm excited for your list, we have pretty much the same taste in music!
I'm hoping to see some Nicki, Kesha, B.o.B, Usher, Big Sean, Drake, Tinie, and dare I say 2 Chainz on here!
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Member Since: 9/10/2012
Posts: 373
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24 | Madonna
MDNA
Released: March 26, 2012
Billboard 200 Peak: #1 (debut)
Genre: Pop, Dance, Electronic, House
Tracklist
1. Girl Gone Wild
2. Gang Bang
3. I'm Addicted
4. Turn Up the Radio
5. Give Me All Your Luvin' (feat. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A.) BB Hot 100 Peak: 10
6. Some Girls
7. Superstar
8. I Don't Give A (feat. Nicki Minaj)
9. I'm a Sinner
10. Love Spent
11. Masterpiece
12. Falling Free
Bold indicates a single | |
Madonna has been heralded the queen of pop for a couple decades now, so when she announced she was releasing a new album in 2012, people were naturally interested. MDNA as a whole focuses on Madonna trying so desperately hard to feel young again. The major themes of the album as a whole are dancing, partying and life of the famous. While these may become tiresome as the album progresses, the music is never bad to listen to. Madonna recruits some of the best producers for this project, with the likes of Benny Benassi and Martin Solveig. The first track shows off some producer power. The beat is very synth heavy, but subtle enough to complement Madge's vocals. This track begins with one of my favorite moments in music this year: Madonna's updated take on the Act of Contrition. This is one of the reasons why this track stands out. The next track is a lyrical departure from the normal Madonna with lyrics that detail killing someone who she seeks a vengeance against. The dubstep breakdown is very chilling and the song overall is haunting, with scathing lines such as, "Die, bitch!" reverberating against the vehicle sound effects. Another great track here. The next track features heavy modern-disco production and overpowers Madonna's vocals, but the beat is very danceable and it works. "Turn Up the Radio" is the third single from the album and happens to be one of the most basic tracks. The lead single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'," features a cheerleader beat and lyrically is about Madonna demanding love from all. Rap verses from Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. work here, and Minaj takes the upper hand. Overall, this is a very nice track with a catchy hook, just not lead single worthy. The next track has nice house production and a catchy hook. The post chorus breakdown is very reminiscent of Lady Gaga's "I Like It Rough," which is not a bad track at all. The next track sounds very much like the Madonna of old, but the vocals and lyrics are a bit lazy and the beat doesn't do much. Another standout track, "I Don't Give A," is very good lyrically, depicting Madge's life post-divorce. The beat is very catchy and original, and Nicki Minaj, once again, steals the show with a fierce rap over a simple guitar riff and dubstep wobbles. A surprisingly upbeat and summery description of being a sinner follows, and does not work at all, except a few moments with brilliantly used vocoder effects. The next track starts off puzzling with a banjo, but soon gets much better with a flute backing the verses. The post chorus breakdown is catchy and the bridge is very nice. This is a very good late album track. The next track, as the title suggests, is Madonna comparing a man to a work of art. The R&B sound and acoustic guitar makes this a pleasant listen. Her lyrics and vocals (including some great, subtle harmonies) are some of the best on the album here, and the departure from the main theme is a welcome one. The warped piano and string intro to the next song is very beautiful. The vocals and lyrics are very nice, but the minimal production leaves you wanting more. The track feels disjointed at times, but the instrumentals and harmonies are quite pleasing, making this a definitely listenable song. MDNA as a whole is not the Madonna that many were expecting (especially lyrically), but she will continue to experiment with her sound, and MDNA delivers a nice, current record that satisfies a lot of areas. It may have not been the comeback Madge was hoping for, but MDNA provides a fun listening experience that may end up with some songs stuck in your head.
Favorite Tracks: "Girl Gone Wild," "Gang Bang," "I Don't Give A" and "Masterpiece"
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Member Since: 12/22/2008
Posts: 14,438
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Member Since: 7/15/2005
Posts: 27,703
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MDNA. Even though I think Madonna can do better, I like it.
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Member Since: 11/28/2011
Posts: 10,662
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In the nick of time I can say a second rhyme
Cuz it's time for change like a nickel or a dime!
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Member Since: 2/11/2008
Posts: 10,964
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Wow, your reviews.
I loved the 3 singles from MDNA.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 12/7/2008
Posts: 87,284
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I enjoyed MDNA
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Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
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Amazing review I'm not a big fan of Madonna, but I liked the singles from MDNA
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Member Since: 10/3/2009
Posts: 35,844
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Very impressive reviews.
"Girl Gone Wild" as one of your favorite songs from MDNA.
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