It is that time of year again! Time to count down the top 10 albums from this past year. If you were wondering if any good music came out in 2012, you missed some great stuff and my hope is that as you read this post you'll find something you may have missed and you can check it out. Please keep in mind that these are my picks from 2012 and not yours, so if you disagree with me, feel free to leave a comment and tell me what albums you think I should have included.
Honorable Mentions
Lincoln Brewster - Joy To The World
Genre - Christmas / Holiday Music
Favorite Tracks - "Miraculum", "Joy To The World"
Lincoln Brewster finally does a Christmas Album! One of the best Electric Guitarists I have ever heard. If you are a fan of Carlos Santana, Joe Satriani, or Steve Vai, check out any of Lincoln's stuff. I promise you that you will highly enjoy it. Especially snag it if you are looking for some new Holiday Music. We have done two of his arrangements at ACC this year and probably will do another two next year...
Soundgarden - King Animal
Genre - Rock
Favorite Tracks - "Been Away Too Long", "By Crooked Steps"
Rock fans celebrate! Soundgarden returns after over a decade away from their instruments to thunder once more. It is so good to hear this band putting out new stuff. I was excited when they scored the single "Live to Rise" for the Avengers movie, but this album cranks up the old Soundgarden style to eleven. It would have made the top ten, but those albums were just a bit better than this one I'm afraid to say.
Lindsey Stirling - Self Titled
Genre - Orchestral Dubstep
Favorite Tracks - "Moon Trance", "Stars Align"
I know you probably read the genre for this one and thought to yourself, "huh"? That's right music people - there's a new genre in town and this lady pulls it off very nicely. I heard her track "Crystalize" on the radio and after obtaining a free download of the song I proceeded to check out the rest of her album. It's really good, especially if you're into running and looking for something with a beat to push your pace faster.
Top Ten Albums of 2012
#10 - Pat Metheny - "Unity Band"
Genre - Jazz,
Favorite Tracks - "Roofdogs", "Come and See"
Jazz music is a staple for me. Early in the morning, late at night, it is always perfect music for a cup of coffee and unwinding. And there is no one better at it right now than Pat Metheny. This guitarist usually records with two or three musicians under different monikers, but this go around he brings some fresh sounds to the table. This quartet of musicians has put together a fantastic hour of some really complex jazz movements and it is awesome for just about any occasion. Pick this up if you're looking for good jazz.
Jazz music is a staple for me. Early in the morning, late at night, it is always perfect music for a cup of coffee and unwinding. And there is no one better at it right now than Pat Metheny. This guitarist usually records with two or three musicians under different monikers, but this go around he brings some fresh sounds to the table. This quartet of musicians has put together a fantastic hour of some really complex jazz movements and it is awesome for just about any occasion. Pick this up if you're looking for good jazz.
#9 - Tremonti - "All I Was"
Genre - Speed Metal
Favorite Tracks - "Doesn't Matter", "You Waste Your Time"
Creed. Alter Bridge. What do these two bands have in common? The same drummer, and bass guitarist, as well as their fantastic lead guitarist Mark Tremonti who brings forward a solo project this year with "All I Was." The signature Tremonti sound is there in all of its glory and the drumming and bass work are great as well. The big surprise for me on this album though, was Tremonti's vocal work which I actually vastly prefer to Scott Stapp of Creed and Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge. If you're looking for some music to get you going (whether exercising or sporting) this is the album to pick up.
Creed. Alter Bridge. What do these two bands have in common? The same drummer, and bass guitarist, as well as their fantastic lead guitarist Mark Tremonti who brings forward a solo project this year with "All I Was." The signature Tremonti sound is there in all of its glory and the drumming and bass work are great as well. The big surprise for me on this album though, was Tremonti's vocal work which I actually vastly prefer to Scott Stapp of Creed and Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge. If you're looking for some music to get you going (whether exercising or sporting) this is the album to pick up.
#8 - Hans Zimmer - "The Dark Knight Rises"
Genre - Soundtrack
Favorite Tracks - "Gotham's Reckoning", "Rise"
"There's a storm coming Mr Wayne..." That's what Selina Kyle told us in 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises". What she didn't tell us was that the soundtrack was on it's way also. What a wonderful finish to what is quite possibly the greatest trilogy of films since Star Wars and what a stellar soundtrack accompanies it. Hans Zimmer has done some marvelous orchestrating for this film which brings in a very dark choral chant to compliment the very familiar themes we find in his score. If instrumental music is your thing (specifically if you like film scores) this one is the soundtrack of the year to buy.
"There's a storm coming Mr Wayne..." That's what Selina Kyle told us in 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises". What she didn't tell us was that the soundtrack was on it's way also. What a wonderful finish to what is quite possibly the greatest trilogy of films since Star Wars and what a stellar soundtrack accompanies it. Hans Zimmer has done some marvelous orchestrating for this film which brings in a very dark choral chant to compliment the very familiar themes we find in his score. If instrumental music is your thing (specifically if you like film scores) this one is the soundtrack of the year to buy.
#7 - Gateway Worship - "Forever Yours"
Genre - Worship
Favorite Tracks - "Forever Yours", "Be Lifted Higher"
As a worship pastor, I am always looking for new worship songs I can lead at ACC and as a result, I listen heavily to the worship albums that are put out each year. This year had some great offerings and as with previous years (2011) and (2010), some worship albums definitely made the cut. This album by Gateway Worship from Gateway Church in TX has some very raw lyrics and heart-grabbing hooks. I had to listen to the title track "Forever Yours" several times before I had the rhythm down, but now it's ingrained in my head and I can't get it out. There is some really good corporate songs on here if you're a worship leader in any capacity, but if you're looking for something out of the box, this is the album for you.
As a worship pastor, I am always looking for new worship songs I can lead at ACC and as a result, I listen heavily to the worship albums that are put out each year. This year had some great offerings and as with previous years (2011) and (2010), some worship albums definitely made the cut. This album by Gateway Worship from Gateway Church in TX has some very raw lyrics and heart-grabbing hooks. I had to listen to the title track "Forever Yours" several times before I had the rhythm down, but now it's ingrained in my head and I can't get it out. There is some really good corporate songs on here if you're a worship leader in any capacity, but if you're looking for something out of the box, this is the album for you.
#6 - Hillsong Live - "Cornerstone"
Genre - Worship
Favorite Tracks - "Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)", "Cornerstone"
Hey hey, 2 worship albums back-to-back. Yes, that's right, Hillsong Live returns with their signature Australian sound to give us some new corporate songs to sing together as we praise God. There is some great upbeat stuff and some slower songs that really get at the heart behind why our faith is founded on Jesus as our Cornerstone. ACC, you can expect at least one of these to debut at our Church in early 2013. Which one you ask? You'll have to wait and see...
Hey hey, 2 worship albums back-to-back. Yes, that's right, Hillsong Live returns with their signature Australian sound to give us some new corporate songs to sing together as we praise God. There is some great upbeat stuff and some slower songs that really get at the heart behind why our faith is founded on Jesus as our Cornerstone. ACC, you can expect at least one of these to debut at our Church in early 2013. Which one you ask? You'll have to wait and see...
#5 - Nine Lashes - "World We View"
Genre - Hard Rock
Favorite Tracks - "Anthem of the Lonely", "Believe Your Eyes"
I got nervous about listening to this band at first because they were purported to sound like one of my favorite bands, RED (who are putting a new album out in early 2013). So, I dialed them up on Pandora and was expecting to hear a copycat of RED signed by Tooth and Nail Records. What I got what an extremely legit sounding band with some well focused lyrics and high octane rock sound. Yes, the RED overtones are there, but Nine Lashes stands on their own. A very well done album and one of the surprises of the year for me.
I got nervous about listening to this band at first because they were purported to sound like one of my favorite bands, RED (who are putting a new album out in early 2013). So, I dialed them up on Pandora and was expecting to hear a copycat of RED signed by Tooth and Nail Records. What I got what an extremely legit sounding band with some well focused lyrics and high octane rock sound. Yes, the RED overtones are there, but Nine Lashes stands on their own. A very well done album and one of the surprises of the year for me.
#4 - Tobymac - "Eye On It"
Genre - Pop/Rock/Dubstep
Favorite Tracks - "Eye On It", "Speak Life", "Unstoppable"
I love Tobymac because I never know what he's going to bring to the table in terms of his album. While I liked his last album, "Tonight", I wasn't thrilled with it as most of the hooks in the songs were very "Pop-ish". With 2012's "Eye On It", the former dc Talk frontman has brought forth something for everyone. I had a lot of fun listening to this album and my son absolutely loves it. It might be the one he has requested most in the car whenever we're headed somewhere. Great stuff from Toby.
I love Tobymac because I never know what he's going to bring to the table in terms of his album. While I liked his last album, "Tonight", I wasn't thrilled with it as most of the hooks in the songs were very "Pop-ish". With 2012's "Eye On It", the former dc Talk frontman has brought forth something for everyone. I had a lot of fun listening to this album and my son absolutely loves it. It might be the one he has requested most in the car whenever we're headed somewhere. Great stuff from Toby.
#3 - Nightwish - "Imaginaerum"
Genre - Hard Rock
Favorite Tracks - "Storytime", "I Want My Tears Back", "Last Ride of the Day"
Two Words. CELTIC METAL. That's right. With a gritty Evanesence sound and a whole host of symphonic instruments backing them up, This quintet from Europe delivers on heavy metal, and big gang vocals. The only way to really give it any justice is to tell you to take Evanesence, Metallica, and Trans Siberian Orchestra and throw them all in a blender with Celtic Woman. Makes you want to check it out for curiosity's sake alone doesn't it?
Two Words. CELTIC METAL. That's right. With a gritty Evanesence sound and a whole host of symphonic instruments backing them up, This quintet from Europe delivers on heavy metal, and big gang vocals. The only way to really give it any justice is to tell you to take Evanesence, Metallica, and Trans Siberian Orchestra and throw them all in a blender with Celtic Woman. Makes you want to check it out for curiosity's sake alone doesn't it?
#2 - David Crowder*Band - "Give Us Rest or (a Requiem Mass in C [the happiest of all keys])"
Genre - Worship
Favorite Tracks - "Come Find Me", "After All (Holy)", "Sometimes"
Sadly, 2012 saw the demise of my all time favorite worship band, the DC*B. Interestingly, David Crowder has begun his own band simply called Crowder and the rest of the DC*B has formed what is being called the Digital Age. Wonderfully, as they faded into the sunset, they gave us a double disc album of pure awesomeness and gave my all time favorite worship album "A Collision" a run for it's money. This music is pure gold and I could sit down and listen to almost every song on these two CD's straight through. I am not kidding when I say that there is something on this album for everyone. Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, country, bluegrass, metal, or liturgy, you'll find it here. I was sad to see them go, but they gave us one of their best on the way out.
Sadly, 2012 saw the demise of my all time favorite worship band, the DC*B. Interestingly, David Crowder has begun his own band simply called Crowder and the rest of the DC*B has formed what is being called the Digital Age. Wonderfully, as they faded into the sunset, they gave us a double disc album of pure awesomeness and gave my all time favorite worship album "A Collision" a run for it's money. This music is pure gold and I could sit down and listen to almost every song on these two CD's straight through. I am not kidding when I say that there is something on this album for everyone. Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, country, bluegrass, metal, or liturgy, you'll find it here. I was sad to see them go, but they gave us one of their best on the way out.
#1 - Flyleaf - "New Horizons"
Genre - Rock
Favorite Tracks - The Whole Album, (Specifically - "Bury Your Heart", "Cage on the Ground")
This album was the surprise of the year for me and that is no small reason why it has garnered the number one spot on my 2012 list. I simply didn't see it coming. This album is just that good. I was suspect of Flyleaf because I really didn't care for their last album "Memento Mori". Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it, I just didn't expect them to turn around and give me one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. Lyrically, it's gold. Straight scripture at times, challenging culture instead of going along with it. Flyleaf has an uncanny ability to make you think the song is about one thing and then flipping it with a twist at the end, giving the whole song new perspective. It's like listening to music that is Christopher Nolan approved. If there is one downside it's that, you will never hear this band in this form again. Their lead singer, Lacey Sturm, has since announced that she's leaving the band (Don't worry, it was a very amicable parting and they've since found another lead singer). This album is worth a listen. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, I dare you to find lyrical flaw with it.
This album was the surprise of the year for me and that is no small reason why it has garnered the number one spot on my 2012 list. I simply didn't see it coming. This album is just that good. I was suspect of Flyleaf because I really didn't care for their last album "Memento Mori". Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it, I just didn't expect them to turn around and give me one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. Lyrically, it's gold. Straight scripture at times, challenging culture instead of going along with it. Flyleaf has an uncanny ability to make you think the song is about one thing and then flipping it with a twist at the end, giving the whole song new perspective. It's like listening to music that is Christopher Nolan approved. If there is one downside it's that, you will never hear this band in this form again. Their lead singer, Lacey Sturm, has since announced that she's leaving the band (Don't worry, it was a very amicable parting and they've since found another lead singer). This album is worth a listen. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, I dare you to find lyrical flaw with it.
So, there you have it. My 2012 list. Did I leave something out? What would you have put on here? Let me know so that I can discover the music you listen to as I hope I've been able to do for you.
Want more music?
You can check out Brian's Top Ten from 2011 by clicking here,
and the 2010 list by clicking here.
