It’s “Best Music of 2012″ time


Selecting the “best” music of a given year is never an easy undertaking. Did I forget something/someone? Do I focus on genre? How can you not include more Polaris shortlisters given you were on this year’s Grand Jury?

The good thing is, there was a veritable avalanche of good music out this past year. Regardless of genre taste or inclination, you probably found something that got your attention in 2012.

Here’s my list for best music of 2012. It’s based solely on music released in the calendar year and on both Canadian and non-Canadian (read: US mostly) artists. Frank’s not at the top by default: his was a highly impactful and solid record. To not have him somewhere on your list means you’re either being contrarian for contrarian’s sake, or haven’t been paying attention to music in 2012. No matter.

That said, ask me tomorrow and this list might be different. And that’s a good thing. (I think)

Best Music of 2012 (released in calendar year):

  1. Frank Ocean, Channel Orange
  2. Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city
  3. Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream
  4. THEESatisfaction, aWe Naturale
  5. The Slakadeliqs, The Other Side of Tomorrow
  6. Grimes, Visions
  7. Michael Kiwanuka, Home Again
  8. The Robert Glasper Experiment, Black Radio
  9. D-Sisive, Jonestown 3: The Dream is Over
  10. A Tribe Called Red, A Tribe Called Red

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