In no particular order, here's my list for the best songs of 2012.
Ben Folds Five- Thank You For Breaking My Heart
Maybe my favorite song of the year. While I was underwhelmed by the new album as a whole (I had high hopes), this song is a ballad that only a songwriting master who has been through some serious relationship stuff could put together.
Cody Chesnutt- Til I Met Thee
This is a great throwback to 1970s soul. Great overall production.
Kishi Bashi- Manchester
This song pushes the boundaries of what you expect in pop production. The whole album is full of new sounds. Also, I saw Kishi Bashi live twice this year, and his live shows are charming and incredible.
Frank Ocean- Sweet Life
Perhaps my favorite chorus of 2012, with an album reminiscent of Prince at his most daring.
Norah Jones & The Punch Brothers- Always Judging
Great teaming of artists. I'd be curious to hear an entire album by them.
Fiona Apple- Hot Knife
Yet another great song and album by Fiona.
Chilly Gonzales- Othello
A throwback to piano jazz of the 1970s and 80s, with some new melodic ideas.
Patrick Watson- Into Giants
Amazing production, with glorious Beatlesque "Penny Lane" trumpet at the end.
Hot Chip- Don't Deny Your Heart
Like the Metronomy album last year, this group put out a great electronic pop record focused on melodies.
Regina Spektor- Firewood
This song kind of breaks my heart, as the best of Regina's songs tend to do.
The Shins- 40 Mark Strasse
The latest album by the Shins has more of a polished sound, which really works for them. Strong chord changes and melodies.
Esperanza Spalding- I Can't Help It
Dirty Projectors- Gun Has No Trigger
A great song from an even better overall album that pushes the envelope with vocal harmony and production.
Shearwater- Animal Life
Maybe the best straightforward rock album of the year, with amazing, passionate vocals.
Tallest Man On Earth- 1904
This song sucks me in to its story every time.
Michael Kiwanuka- I'm Getting Ready
Van Morrison and Bill Withers had a baby. His name is Michael Kiwanuka.
Punch Brothers- Who's Feeling Young Now
The Punch Brothers pick up where Nickel Creek left off- more fusion of pop-punk with bluegrass.
Alabama Shakes- Hold On
This song has two chords, and I love it.
Grouplove- Tongue Tied (2012 Gigamesh Remix)
The original came out last year. This remix is one for the clubs.
Fleetwood Mac- Dreams (2012 Psychemagik Remix)
Breathing new life into this classic. This is baby-making music to the max.
Carly Rae Jepsen- Call Me Maybe
Had to include it. If you haven't seen the Jimmy Fallon version, here it is.
Kendrick Lamar- Swimming Pools
This whole album is great, but this is the song that got me listening to Lamar, and I instantly wanted more.
Passion Pit- I'll Be Alright
Great electronic-rock album with interesting rhythms.
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