Although we compiled our last year end list in the final quarter of 2011, we thought we would switch it up a little this time by drafting up our Best Songs of 2012 selection as we go along, month-by-month.
Our Best Songs of 2012 list will be the second time we have done this, and obviously we want it to be bigger and better than ever, Â therefore we really want more input from you this time around. So if there’s a track listed here that you don’t agree with, or you believe we have criminally overlooked someone else then we want to hear about it in the comments section!
High Contrast – “Not Waving, But Drowning”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Lincoln Barrett, better known by the stage name High Contrast, made a storming return to music in 2012 with the release of his sixth studio album “The Agony and The Ecstasy“.
One of our favourite cuts from the album was the dark and moody “Not Waving, But Drowning” which features the operatic vocals of Jessy Allen. High Contrast apparently signed her up to appear on the album after she came up and sung to him outside a nightclub. With a voice like that we’re guessing he found it very hard to say no.
alt-J – “Tessellate”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
It would be unheard of for there to exit, a song of 2012 blog post without the Indie quartet – or rather, Mercury Award Winners, alt-J. “Tessellate“, our favourite song from their debut album “An Awesome Wave“, is a post-modern sponge of various genres and sounds. “Tessellate“, which denotes a pattern of shapes fitting perfectly together, is extremely fitting, as these shapes happen to make noise…(figuratively of course).
WZRD – “Teleport 2 Me, Jamie”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Sampling the brilliant “Under Your Spell” by Desire (which was popularised by the fantastic 2011 film Drive), KiD CuDi & Dot Da Genius‘s collaborative project known as WZRD released their own take, which they called “Teleport To Me Jamie“.
This is the kind of instrumental that Kid CuDi excels on, so it was no surprise to us about how good it was.
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – “Tapes & Money”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After “Garden” had been pumping out of everybody’s speakers for the last two years we were expecting quite a lot from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs‘s new material, and Oxford-based genius Orlando Higginbottom definitely delivered with his brand new single “Tapes & Money“.
The track mixes some pulsating, uplifting synths, with his trademark melancholy vocals whilst all the time building towards an epic, electronic crescendo.
Redlight – “Get Out My Head”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After releasing two mega-anthems in 2010: “Stupid” featuring Roses Gabor, and “What You Talking About” which included Ms Dynamite, Redlight was clearly biding his time before unleashing the devilishly clever Get Out My Head on the world.
This is definitely one of those tracks that you have no excuses not to get up and dance to in the club.
Sub Focus – “Out The Blue”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After Sub Focus previewed this at several festivals last year under the slightly different alias of “Turn It Around“, we finally got to hear the studio version of “Out The Blue” in 2012, which also came complete with redesigned lyrics and vocals courtesy of Alice Gold.
Out The Blue is textbook Sub Focus, with polished production and soulful vocals, and trust me when I tell you that it goes off in a live setting too.
JMSN – “Alone”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The name JMSN may not necessarily ring any bells right now but he’s definitely an artist to watch out for in the future, as his debut album †Priscilla†is one of the more impressive efforts we have heard so far this year.
All of the tracks on †Priscilla†are self-produced, including the hauntingly beautiful “Alone“, which simply adds to the allure of the rising solo star.
Kendrick Lamar – “Cartoon & Cereal” feat. Gunplay
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After taking the plaudits with his debut solo album “Section. 80” last year, Kendrick Lamar has already put his case forward for inclusion on our Best Songs of 2012 list with his latest effort “Cartoon & Cereal“.
On “Cartoon & Cereal” Kendrick Lamar teams up with Maybach Music signee Gunplay to demonstrate yet again that he is one of the hottest properties in hip-hop right now, with his inimitable flow and captivating narrative.
Usher – “Climax”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After the disappointment that stemmed from Usher‘s recent solo releases, it was clear that creatively he was in need of a kick up the ass. Thankfully it seems that electronic producer extraordinaire Diplo is in possession of a rather large boot, as their brand new collaboration “Climax” is one of the most addictive R&B records we have heard for some time.
Usher goes full falsetto on this one, whilst Diplo laces the track with some slick and sultry electro.
Madeon – “The City”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After being teased with previews of Madeon‘s first proper debut single “Icarus” several times in 2011, fans of the 17 year-old prodigy were over the moon with excitement when it was revealed that it would finally be made available for purchase in February.
However, the real gem of 2012 for Madeon was the release of “The City“, which featured guest vocals from Zak Waters. Even for one so young, the demand and expectation levels are enormously high for his new material, but with every new single he delivers time and time again.
DJ Fresh – “Hot Right Now” feat. Rita Ora
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
It has to be said that DJ Fresh is a man on fire at the moment. Not only did he claim the first ever ‘dubstep‘ #1 single in the UK with “Louder” last year, but he recruited Rita Ora in order to hit the top spot with the UK’s first ever Drum & Bass single “Hot Right Now” just a few weeks ago.
For that reason alone he is surely deserving of an inclusion in this year’s list?
Miguel – “Do You..”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Miguel released his critically acclaimed sophomore album “Kaleidoscope Dream” in the latter part of 2012, and one of the best songs to come from it was the fantastic “Do You..“, which featured easily the greatest bassline of the year.
Miguel proves once again that he is one of the biggest stars in R&B.
Disclosure – “Latch” feat. Sam Smith
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Earmarked in 2011 as ones to watch for 2012, Disclosure came out of the blocks with a number of underground smashes, yet it was their collaboration with vocalist Sam Smith on “Latch” which catapulted their name into the public domain.
Impressively achieved without compromising their trademark sound, and with some exceptional vocals to boot, this was undeniably one of the best songs of 2012.
Major Lazer – “Get Free” feat. Amber Coffman
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
2012 was always going to be a difficult year for Diplo and the Major Lazer project after the mysterious departure of his co-partner Switch back in late 2011.
You wouldn’t have been able to tell though as Major Lazer came straight out of the blocks with their brand new single “Get Free” which featured Amber Coffman (of The Dirty Projectors). Laid back and cool as hell.
Solange – “Losing You”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After two relatively unsuccessful studio album releases on major labels in the past decade, it was possibly time for a change of direction for Solange Knowles.
She found it in 2012, when together with her long-time collaborator Dev Hynes they produced her brand new EP “True“. If “Losing You” is the prelude to what we may be hearing from Solange in 2013, then we are set for something special.
Alpines – “Chances”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
There’s little argument that Catherine Pockson of Alpines has one of the best vocals out there at the moment, and when it’s combined with the production talents of Bob Matthews there’s going to be fireworks.
“Chances” is perfect evidence of that – a moody and evocative single that just cries out for repeat plays. We’re looking forward to these guys releasing a full blown album in 2013.
 
Kendrick Lamar – “The Art of Peer Pressure”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Kendrick Lamar is has already taken his place as one of the finest wordsmiths in the game, but on tracks such as “The Art of Peer Pressure” we discovered that he is one of the best storytellers too.
This is one of the finest tracks taken from one of the best albums of the year.
 
Haerts – “Wings”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Haerts‘s burst onto the scene with their debut single “Wings†earlier in the year, and it has been on heavy rotation ever since. This boy-girl duo enlisted labelmateSt. Lucia to help with production duties on this little number, and the end result is fantastic.
We predict big things from them in 2013, so keep your eyes open!
Kanye West – “White Dress”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
In the year of “Mercy“, “Clique” and “New God Flow” Mr. West’s best work may arguably be a cut off the soundtrack from RZA’s directorial debut The Man with the Iron Fists. RZA produces a tender track which brings out the soulful side of Kanye which has not been seen since his early albums.
The Neighbourhood – “Sweater Weather”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Despite releasing two massive tracks, not a lot is known about the Californian band, The Neighborhood. We are okay with the mystery as long as they keep giving us impressive tracks like “Sweater Weather” which is a sweet and catchy track that has garnered over a million plays on YouTube and made many best-of-2012 lists, including a spot on ours.
Rhye – “Open”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Another mysterious artist out from the California area, Rhye has delivered one of the most intimate slow jams of the year. The confessional and tender vocals with the minimalist beat is a perfect mix for those special playlists that each one of us has somewhere.
Pusha-T, Kanye West & Ghostface Killah – “New God Flow”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The G.O.O.D Music golden child Pusha-T teams up with head honcho Mr. West himself on this fiery and bombastic track that pulls no punches. Pusha-T once again aims his sights on the rival YMCMB crew and Kanye West goes in with his signature mix of bravado and grandiose. The album cut also features Ghostface Killah (who voiced the original sample) which is also another reason to love this track.
Julio Bashmore – “Au Seve”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
If you’ve been out clubbing in the UK during 2012 then we’re willing to bet that you’ve come across Julio Bashmore‘s monster single “Au Seve“. This track has been crushing dancefloors across the land – and for good reason too.
Once again Bristol is on the rise in the dance music world.
Jai Paul – “Jasmine”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
If there was ever a musical equivalent of a cock tease then the dictionary definition would be Jai Paul. Averaging a single release every two years, his fan base have been tearing their hair out to get their hands on any sort of new material.
“Jasmine” was his scheduled release for this year, and once again we were blown away with their uniquely unorthodox production. It’s pretty much guaranteed that they will drop an album in 2013, and we are already sure it will be one of the best of the year.
Joey Bada$$ – “Waves”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Who said hip-hop is dead? As far as we can tell it’s more alive than ever.
2012 saw a slew of fresh young artists looking to reinvigorate a stagnating genre, and Joey Bada$$ is right up as the poster-boy, ushering in a new era of MCs. Definitely an artist to look out for in 2013 if his instant classic “Waves” is anything to go by.
Hot Natured – “Benediction” feat. Ali Love
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
What happens when you stick Jamie Jones and Lee Foss together in the studio? Just the biggest anthem of the summer.
With vocals from manof the moment Ali Love, “Benediction” proved to be the surprise smash of 2012 thanks to heavy rotation in the Balaerics as well as domestic radio. Simply immense.
 
The XX – “Angels”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After their eponymous debut album hit the jackpot of the Mercury Prize in 2010, it was clear to see that the The xx needed to come up with something a little bit special in order to match their previous effort. And the first single taken from the follow-up Coexist, entitled “Angels†did just that.
Beautiful guitar melodies laced between stunningly hushed vocals ensured that this one went down a treat. The record didn’t quite live up to the expectations that went hand in hand with this one, but still managed to be one of the more notable releases of the past 12 months.
 
XXYYXX – “About You”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
With a video that looks like the illegitimate offspring of Tumblr and an LA model directory, XXYYXX’s “About You†was definitely one of the surprise packages of 2012, bringing the tempo down with some reversed Beyonce thrown in for good measure.
The 17 year old, real name Marcel Everett, came out of nowhere with this one and looks set for big things in the coming 12 months.
 
Haim – “Forever”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Everyone and their dog (ourselves included) have earmarked LA-hailing four-piece Haim as ones to watch in 2013, but one can’t forget that they did indeed put out some stellar records this year, including the perky and effortlessly cool “Foreverâ€.
With a video complete with an abundance of suave moves and copious amounts of bikes (the likes of which not seen since Mark Ronson had his way), this has been in constant rotation for us and we can’t quite wait until the album drops in 2013.
Baauer – “Harlem Shake”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
With the ‘trap-buzz’ at levels at a noticeable low right now, it’s possible to objectively look at what came out in that 9 month fuckfest without any real amount of bias. And let’s be honest, most of it was complete garbage, but Baauer managed to keep things ticking over with his smash “Harlem Shakeâ€, a track which achieved the unique position of being played on daytime radio as well as being dropped in every club set imaginable.
TNGHT – “Higher Ground”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Similar to “Harlem Shake†in its bewildering level of daytime radio play, TNGHT’s “Higher Ground†was the standout track from their self-titled EP that spread faster than some dickwad could ask where the fuck they found it.
For those not in the know, TNGHT is the collaborative side-project of messrs Hudson Mohawke and Lunice, who both had a fairly amazing 2012 in their own right – the former produced a not insignificant portion of G.O.O.D Music’s “Cruel Summer“, while the latter reached the peak of superstardom after dancing around a bit in Azealia Banks’ “212†video.
Bondax – “Baby I Got That”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Heralded by Annie Mac as one of her new favourite tunes back in summer, production duo Bondax cemented their names as ones to watch next year with their slowed-down and undeniably sexy “Baby I Got Thatâ€.
Released via their own label Just Us, it even got the Noisey treatment with an equally sexy video that seems to have been filmed almost exclusively underwater. Nevertheless, this one deserves it’s place as one of 2012’s top tunes, and it appears as though we can expect big things from these two come next year.
Jessie Ware – “110%”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
One of the standout figures from the past 12 months, Jessie Ware, dropped this beauty of a track back in April, the Julio Bashmore-produced “110%â€. Simple but oh-so-effective production intertwined with Jessie’s lush vocals made this one a standout cut from her debut record Devotion.
Such a shame, therefore, that the official video seems to have been pulled from her YouTube channel over ‘clearance issues’ over the Big Pun sample. Naughty.
Frank Ocean – “Pyramids”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“Channel Orange” was a cracker of a record, but Mr. Frank Ocean recently informed us all that it might possibly be his last. Whilst that would be a travesty, we’ve still got tracks like the 10 minute epic “Pyramids†to drown the wails.
An injection of uptempo-ness pervades the beginning which soon transcends into the more traditional R&B feel that we’ve been accustomed to hearing from ol’ Frank. Best of both worlds really. Unfortunately it looks like he’ll be having a slightly quieter 2013, but we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of some (possibly shorter, goddamn it) material of his rearing its smooth-as-hell head in the forthcoming 12 months.
Swindle – “Mischief”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Mala’s label Deep Medi dropped some fire in 2012, and none more so than Swindle’s EP, which in turn offered up the outstandingly jazzy “Mischiefâ€. Having more in common with the Pink Panther theme tune than anything that dubstep’s old-schoolers could muster, this guy knocked it out the park recently when he proceeded to play an impromptu keyboard solo over one of his tracks during a set at Cable. Madman.
Frightened Rabbit – “State Hospital”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
After a number of records that went painfully under-appreciated, Scottish indie outfit Frightened Rabbit finally hit their stride with the sensational “State Hospitalâ€. Scott’s voice hasn’t lost a thread of its native twang and we love him even more for it. Hard to deny that this is an insanely beautiful song and the accompanying visuals are moving to boot.
This one’s taken from their forthcoming record “Pedestrian Verse” that is out in February, which will hopefully give us more of the same.
Big Sean, Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Clique”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Clique, Clique, Clique, Clique… one of the most infectious and explosive tracks of the year will leave you with that one word in your head. It’s catchy, arrogant, rude yet one of the biggest tracks of the year. Each rapper drops a great verse but Kanye West is in prime form with rhymes about ignorant riches, CIA meetings and building Rome in a day.
Porter Robinson – “Language”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Even though he has said in the past that he isn’t interested in making pop music, “Language” is this was the closest that Porter Robinson has come to it so far.
His gamble paid off, with “Language” becoming his biggest single to date rising to a formidable #9 in the UK charts this Summer. Even if he chooses not to make hits like this in the future, he can definitely use this as a springboard on to bigger and better things in 2013.
Mikky Ekko – “Pull Me Down”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Clams Casino‘s brand of music has so far been associated with mostly hip-hop artists, but his decision to link up with Mikky Ekko on “Pull Me Down” was a masterstroke that has resulted in one of the singles of the year with the dreamy “Pull Me Down“.
Apparently the talented pair have a series of songs recorded between them, which we can expect to get our hands on in 2013.
Russ Chimes – “Back 2 You”
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Although Russ Chimes only gave us one official single release in 2012 he still managed to get the most airplay he has ever had in his career. This was indeed thanks to the stellar single “Back 2 You” – an incredible 8-bit inspired electro number, which has had unsuspecting Radio 1 listeners trembling with excitement every time it hits the airwaves.
Please Mr. Chimes, I want some more.
