10.
Night Visions-Imagine Dragons
Sept. 4, 2012
-The highest charting album of a new discovery this year. When I first heard their songs, I fell in love with the entire album completely. The first half is an instant pleasure but the second half also grew on me quickly after a few spins. They remind me of Safetysuit which is a good thing.
Listen to: Tiptoe
9.
The World From The Side Of The Moon-Phillip Phillips
Nov. 19, 2012
-I never thought a debut album by an AI contestant will chart high especially since I didn't like the two male winners that came before this past season but Phillip was so good and delivered an album that shows his artistry and not just some plain and generic album. I certainly hope that he'll find more success in the future and break the flopping streak from AI.
Listen to: Gone Gone Gone
8.
Close The Distance-Go Radio
Sept. 18, 2012
-The album didn't stray too far away from their first album which is not necessarily a bad move. It's still filled with catchy tracks and emotional ballads but the real showcase here is the vocals and lyrics plus the songs are radio-friendly if that matters. It may sound a bit monotonous since most songs have the same pace and some songs have tunes that sounds similar to other songs, like
The Ending's opening sounds like Katy Perry's
Firework Listen to: I Won't Lie
7.
Scars & Stories-The Fray
Feb. 7, 2012
-I was a little underwhelmed when their first single, Heartbeat, was released but when I listened to the full album, all the other tracks were very strong and Isaac's vocals were still on point and able to draw emotion from the song. But having emotional songs does not mean this album is too depressing, there are some upbeat tracks on the album that kept the album lively and prevented it from being too dull. Seeing them live and hearing them perform some of the songs made me like this album even more.
Listen to: The Fighter
6.
Overexposed-Maroon 5
June 26, 2012
-I don't get why many people are disappointed by this album. They've always been sounding pop to me and they still delivered quite a solid album this time around. Though there are only very few fillers like the overrated fan favorite
Sad and the bunch of Payphone remixes on the deluxe edition, it still contains some very catchy and fun songs that grew on me fast enough. They're doing a good job for the singles selection but I hope they release more. I think it's my second favorite album from them. I also love the album cover.
Listen to: Tickets
5.
Southern Air-Yellowcard
Aug. 14, 2012
-They placed high on the 2011 chart with their previous album and they are able to achieve that success with their latest album too. It's full of strong tracks with good messages and I can't not mention the use of violins which is already their trademark. I hope they'll release an acoustic version of this album like they did with the previous one.
Listen to: Sleep In The Snow
4.
Pioneer + Good Love EP-The Maine
Sept. 11, 2012 +
-When Pioneer was released late 2011, it charted that year but it was already bound to rechart on this countdown. They rereleased it with an additional EP with new songs included and further proved why they should rank high on the list. I've loved them ever since I discovered them here and I've seen them live three times already! They released this after leaving their old label but the songs aren't exactly themed with bitterness that one would expect. It's still filled with fun and catchy songs with a dash of maturity.
Listen to: When I'm At Home
3.
Some Nights-fun.
Feb. 21, 2012
-I never thought fun. would release an album like this. Everything on this album is quite anthemic. They give me life everytime and it's so nice to finally see fun. see some success and recognition. I just wish he tones down the autotune on some songs.
Listen to: It Gets Better
2.
Dying To Live-Joel Piper
July 31, 2012
-He charted in the top 3 territory with his EP on the EP chart last 2011 and he barges into the top 2 spot on the album chart this time with this his first full-length solo effort. I don't really know much about him aside from the fact that he is the former drummer of a band called Confide and went solo after they broke up(?). I really like all the songs, they're sweet and his smooth vocals makes it pleasing. It's mostly filled with romantic themes but with a certain perkiness that doesn't make it too cheesy.
Listen to: Can Anyone Hear Me?
1.
Don't Panic-All Time Low
Oct. 9, 2012
-They came back last year with a new album right after releasing an album in 2011 and parting ways with Interscope. Unlike other people, I actually liked Dirty Work just as much as their older records so I was worried that this album will feel so rushed. But they did try to go back to their older sound but still retained some of the pop influences which I think makes the album show a good combination of their old and recent sound. I also loved the artwork and they had collaborated with good artists on this album. The only problem I have is that this reeks of bitterness towards their old label and takes the fun out of them but it's still a great album nonetheless. I guess there wasn't any reason to panic about the release of this album after all.
Listen to: Outlines
Legend:
* Eligible to chart in 2013
+ Charted in the 2011 yearend cd