2012 was a dynamic year in music, showcasing a diverse range of genres and breakout artists that resonated across the globe. From infectious pop anthems to introspective indie tracks and groundbreaking hip-hop, the songs of 2012 captured a unique moment in time. This curated list revisits some of the most memorable and impactful songs from that year, highlighting the tracks that defined the musical landscape and continue to be celebrated today. Dive into the best of 2012 Songs and rediscover the sounds that shaped the year.
Carly Rae Jepsen, ‘Call Me Maybe’
Carly Rae Jepsen performing her global hit song "Call Me Maybe" in 2012, a defining pop music moment of the year.
In 2012, Carly Rae Jepsen gifted the world with “Call Me Maybe,” an undeniably infectious pop song that became a universal sensation. Against all expectations, this track transcended genre boundaries and became a beloved anthem for everyone. It’s a perfect storm of pop elements: a driving disco guitar rhythm, a bassline reminiscent of Chic, lush Philly soul-inspired synth strings, all underpinning Jepsen’s brilliant and relatable lyrics about the exhilarating power of teenage infatuation and overheated hormones. “Call Me Maybe” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural reset, proving that pure, unadulterated pop could still capture hearts worldwide in 2012.
Kacey Musgraves, ‘Merry Go Round’
Kacey Musgraves in 2012, promoting her debut single "Merry Go Round," a critical song in country music that year.
Kacey Musgraves emerged as a significant voice in country music in 2012 with her debut single, “Merry Go Round.” This song offered a stark yet cleverly insightful perspective on the inertia and ennui prevalent in small-town life. While the lyrical content paints a somewhat bleak picture of a life going in circles, the melody itself is undeniably gorgeous and captivating. “Merry Go Round” established Musgraves as a country artist willing to explore deeper, more complex themes, marking a departure from mainstream country and solidifying her place as a leading voice in the genre in 2012.
Deadmau5, ‘The Veldt’
Deadmau5 performing live in 2012, showcasing his electronic music hit "The Veldt" from that year.
Deadmau5, the EDM kingpin known for his robot-rodent persona and knob-twisting mastery, delivered “The Veldt” in 2012, a track featuring Chris James. James’s vocals wryly celebrate a “happy life with the machines scattered around the room,” praising the “digital family” in an increasingly tech-dependent world. Interestingly, Deadmau5 discovered James through Twitter, making “The Veldt” a potential landmark as perhaps the first charting single to originate from crowd-sourced lyrics and vocals. This innovative approach to collaboration hinted at the future of music creation in 2012 and beyond.
Superchunk, ‘This Summer’
Superchunk performing in 2012, promoting their indie rock song "This Summer", a highlight of their year.
Indie-rock veterans Superchunk, hailing from North Carolina, brought a burst of youthful energy with “This Summer” in 2012. The song captures the spirit of school’s-out freedom and teenage fun, evoking images of storming the beach and carefree days. It’s a beautifully crafted mess of sand-in-your-Converse good times, complete with sun-kissed shoulders and well-honed guitar riffs that cut through the summer heat. “This Summer” served as a perfect reminder of Superchunk’s enduring appeal and relevance in the 2012 indie music scene.
Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa, ‘Payphone’
Maroon 5 performing "Payphone" featuring Wiz Khalifa in 2012, a chart-topping pop collaboration of the year.
“Payphone” by Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa became a massive hit in 2012, despite its somewhat anachronistic title in an increasingly mobile-first world. The song’s success is no mystery; it’s a burst of pure, spun-sugar pop perfection, filled with incredibly catchy hooks. Beneath its sweet, candied exterior, however, lies a surprisingly sour message, encapsulated in the line: “One more fucking love song, I’ll be sick.” This juxtaposition of upbeat pop and cynical undertones resonated widely, making “Payphone” one of the defining pop songs of 2012.
Justin Bieber, ‘Die in Your Arms’
Justin Bieber performing in 2012, showcasing "Die in Your Arms," a standout R&B influenced song from his album.
Justin Bieber showcased his evolving artistry in 2012 with “Die in Your Arms.” His most potent musical weapon has always been his distinctive vocal tone – a soulful rasp that hints at emotional depth beyond his young age. This vocal quality is used to stunning effect in this throwback blue-eyed R&B single. The song’s vibe and lilting melody are strongly reminiscent of prime-era Hall & Oates, demonstrating Bieber’s versatility and growth as an artist. His manager aptly labeled it “hater-proof,” and indeed, its undeniable charm made it a standout track of 2012.
The Wanted, ‘Glad You Came’
The Wanted performing "Glad You Came" in 2012, a popular teen pop club anthem of the year.
The Wanted, the Irish-English teen-pop group, pushed the boundaries of the genre in 2012 with “Glad You Came.” This club-ready track flirts with a PG-13 rating, daring to suggest underage drinking with lyrics like “Hand you another drink/Drink it if you can.” Despite its slightly edgy themes, the song’s unshakably catchy chorus and blunt 4/4 beats were irresistible. The title itself plays on a salacious double-entendre, contributing to its cheeky appeal and making it a memorable teen pop hit of 2012.
Tanlines, ‘All of Me’
Tanlines, the Brooklyn-based duo, performing in 2012, known for their song "All of Me" from that year.
Brooklyn indie duo Tanlines captured mixed emotions perfectly with their 2012 album, aptly titled Mixed Emotions, and its signature song “All of Me.” Driven by singer Eric Emm’s mournful yelp, the track blends Eighties dance-pop influences with witty and unexpected twists. From chant-like background vocals to a synth solo mimicking a steel drum, “All of Me” showcases Tanlines’ unique approach to indie pop, making it a standout indie track of 2012.
The 2 Bears, ‘Bear Hug’
The 2 Bears performing in 2012, promoting their club-centric disco track "Bear Hug".
The 2 Bears, a side project featuring Joe Goddard of Hot Chip and Raf Rundell, brought a celebration of full-body contact and cheesy disco lyrics to the club scene in 2012 with “Bear Hug.” This track is pure dance-floor uplift, with the duo chanting, “We’ve brought you all a gift/For maximum dance-floor uplift” over an undeniably rubbery house groove. “Bear Hug” was a playful and infectious addition to the 2012 electronic music landscape, perfect for letting loose on the dance floor.
Danny Brown, ‘Grown Up’
Danny Brown performing in 2012, promoting his hip hop track "Grown Up," a nostalgic standout of the year.
Danny Brown exuded delicious self-satisfaction in his 2012 track “Grown Up,” celebrating his transformation from underdog to Detroit’s most promising rap artist since Eminem. With lines like, “Scribbled in my notebook and never did homework/Low attention span/Guess these Adderall worked,” Brown’s lyrics are both witty and autobiographical. Spiced with old-school scratching, “Grown Up” served as a sunny hip-hop nostalgia trip in 2012, marking Brown’s ascent in the rap world.
Craig Finn, ‘Rented Room’
Craig Finn performing in 2012, known for his storytelling song "Rented Room" from that year.
Craig Finn, frontman of The Hold Steady, showcased his storytelling prowess in his 2012 song “Rented Room.” The track narrates the tale of a down-and-out metalhead stuck in a cheap motel after a breakup, vividly detailing his despair: “Playing records in a rented room/Hotter Than Hell into Bark at the Moon.” The darkest element of this already somber narrative is Finn’s guitar work, which tolls like a mournful funeral bell, adding a layer of emotional depth to this standout track from 2012.
Dwight Yoakam, ‘A Heart Like Mine’
Dwight Yoakam performing in 2012, promoting his Beck-produced country track "A Heart Like Mine".
Traditional country torchbearer Dwight Yoakam collaborated with Beck in 2012, resulting in the inspired track “A Heart Like Mine.” For his first album of original material in seven years, Yoakam’s collaboration with Beck proved to be a stroke of genius. “A Heart Like Mine” hits with the force of a linebacker, blending Buck Owens-style California country with Sixties garage psychedelia to create a ringing, clattering sound that was both fresh and classic in 2012.
Teen, ‘Better’
Teen, the Brooklyn-based band, performing in 2012, known for their girl-group inspired song "Better".
Despite their name, Teen, a Brooklyn-based band of twentysomethings, captured adolescent spirit in their 2012 song “Better.” The track layers swirling keyboards over a muscular, driving beat, giving the classic girl group sound a contemporary, lo-fi makeover. The chorus, with its pure youthful bravado – “I’ll do it better than anybody else” – perfectly encapsulates the confident energy of youth, making “Better” a noteworthy neo-girl pop track of 2012.
Muse, ‘Madness’
Muse performing "Madness" in 2012, a pop-infused track from their album "The 2nd Law".
UK prog-rock giants Muse explored new sonic territories in 2012 with their album The 2nd Law, drawing comparisons to Radiohead’s Kid A. “Madness” stood out as the album’s pop-ready gem, featuring Matt Bellamy’s sweet Bono-esque vocals, electronically distorted backing vocals, and deep-space bass wobbles. Just when it leans too far into pop, a signature Muse guitar riff rips through, grounding the track back to Earth. Chris Martin himself reportedly called it their best song ever, a sentiment shared by many in 2012.
Himanshu, ‘Womyn’
Himanshu Suri (Heems) performing in 2012, known for his humorous and insightful song "Womyn".
Himanshu Suri, known as Heems from Das Racist, dropped the year’s most likeable and doofy love song in 2012, “Womyn.” Reeling off absurd, humorous observations about women over a Bollywood-inspired boom-bap beat, Heems delivers lines like, “Women like to watch You’ve Got Mail with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks/Women you’re great; on behalf of men, ‘Thanks!'” While playfully foolish, like much dude-talk about women, “Womyn” is also surprisingly wise in its humor, making it a unique track in 2012.
Icona Pop, ‘I Love It’
Icona Pop performing "I Love It" in 2012, a Euro-club anthem that gained massive popularity.
Icona Pop’s “I Love It” became the Euro-slut club jam of the summer in 2012, an anthem guaranteed to get the most spirited ladies onto the dance floor. The Swedish synth-pop duo pouts about a difficult boyfriend, declaring, “You’re so damn hard to please/We gotta kill this switch/You’re from the Seventies/But I’m a Nineties bitch.” With its raw energy and defiant attitude, “I Love It” became an empowering and unforgettable party track of 2012.
Kendrick Lamar, ‘Swimming Pools (Drank)’
Kendrick Lamar performing in 2012, showcasing "Swimming Pools (Drank)," a breakout hip-hop track of the year.
Kendrick Lamar’s breakout year in 2012 was marked by “Swimming Pools (Drank),” a woozy and introspective meditation on alcohol consumption. The song masterfully captures the inner conflict of a drinker, with verses alternating between slow-motion and hyperspeed, mirroring the arc of a bender. The groove, flow, and chorus possess a liquid seductiveness, ironically or not making it a compelling drinking song. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” demonstrated Lamar’s lyrical depth and innovative approach to hip-hop in 2012.
Miguel, ‘Adorn’
Miguel performing "Adorn" in 2012, a smooth R&B track that highlighted his emerging talent.
Miguel delivered a dose of single-payer sexual healing in 2012 with “Adorn.” This baby-making slow jam sounded both incredibly contemporary and deeply rooted in soul tradition. Miguel established himself as a master of R&B with this track, showcasing his vocal prowess and smooth delivery. Even the way he lingers over the “ll-l-let you” hook demonstrated a seasoned artistry, marking him as a significant R&B force in 2012.
Bruce Springsteen, ‘We Take Care Of Our Own’
Bruce Springsteen performing "We Take Care of Our Own" in 2012, an anthem with a powerful message.
Bruce Springsteen released “We Take Care Of Our Own” in 2012, a massive, double-edged anthem that initially sounds like jingoism, but reveals itself upon closer listening as both a critique and a challenge. Lines like, “From the shotgun shack to the Superdome/There ain’t no help, the cavalry stayed home,” directly invoke the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, preaching to both believers and skeptics. “We Take Care Of Our Own” became a powerful and thought-provoking anthem in the politically charged atmosphere of 2012.
Low Cut Connie, ‘Boozophilia’
Low Cut Connie performing in 2012, known for their raw rock and roll track "Boozophilia".
Low Cut Connie brought old-fashioned, piano-slapping rock & roll with a drunk-ass punk-rock spirit in 2012 with “Boozophilia.” Imagine Jerry Lee Lewis having a religious experience at a Replacements show, and you get close to the vibe of this track. “Boozophilia” is a skunky, slippery ode to lowbrow kicks from Philadelphia to Chicago’s South Side, embodying a raw and energetic rock sound that was distinct in 2012.
The Beach Boys, ‘That’s Why God Made The Radio’
The Beach Boys performing in 2012, celebrating their nostalgic track "That's Why God Made The Radio".
The Beach Boys returned in 2012 for one more dose of sun-baked nostalgia with “That’s Why God Made The Radio.” This hymn to a deity that sounds suspiciously like Phil Spector, with lines like, “He waved his hand, gave us rock & roll/The soundtrack of falling in love,” is pure Beach Boys magic. Their signature Sistine-ceiling harmonies are as captivating as ever, making “That’s Why God Made The Radio” a welcome return and a reminder of their timeless appeal in 2012.
Grizzly Bear, ‘Yet Again’
Grizzly Bear performing in 2012, known for their intricate and powerful song "Yet Again".
Grizzly Bear condensed everything that makes them great into five taut minutes with their 2012 rocker “Yet Again.” Lead singer Ed Droste’s tender tenor shines on what might be his most eloquently yearning melody, playing off the band’s restless musical energy. The track culminates in a richly cathartic feedback freakout, making “Yet Again” a powerful and representative song of Grizzly Bear’s artistry in 2012.
Grimes, ‘Oblivion’
Grimes performing in 2012, promoting her breakthrough single "Oblivion" from that year.
Grimes, the electro-pop savant Claire Boucher, achieved a breakthrough in 2012 with “Oblivion.” She layers sugar-dust vocals over a thwunking synth loop, creating a dreamy soundscape. However, a closer listen to the lyrics reveals a darker undertone: “I never walk alone after dark. . . . /Someone could break your neck/Coming up behind you and you’d never have a clue.” This contrast between catchy melody and unsettling lyrics makes “Oblivion” uniquely captivating and slightly creepy, solidifying Grimes’ position in the 2012 music scene.
A$AP Rocky, ‘Goldie’
A$AP Rocky performing in 2012, showcasing his stylish and boastful track "Goldie".
A$AP Rocky delivered the year’s best sex’n’drugs’n’luxury-goods bragfest in 2012 with “Goldie,” rapping with a knowing wink. The magic of the track lies in the details: the wicked groove, punch-line non sequiturs like “Got a condo out in space/Open up your legs, tell me how it taste,” and the vocal inflection on the word “dick.” “Goldie” established A$AP Rocky as a new master of style and swagger in the hip-hop world of 2012.
The Lumineers, ‘Ho Hey’
The Lumineers performing "Ho Hey" in 2012, a folk-rock anthem that gained widespread popularity.
The Lumineers introduced themselves to America in 2012 with “Ho Hey,” often seen as the nation’s answer to Mumford & Sons. Complete with roots-rock barn-stomp, chain-gang choir vocals, and lyrics about waiting for a girl in Chinatown, “Ho Hey” became an instant folk-pop anthem. Wesley Schultz’s heartfelt delivery of lines like, “I don’t know where I belong. . . ./I know I can write a song,” resonated deeply, making The Lumineers a prominent name in 2012 music.
Psy, ‘Gangnam Style’
Psy performing "Gangnam Style" in 2012, the global phenomenon that dominated charts and internet culture.
Psy’s “Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon in 2012, inventing a dance craze and conquering America, a market that had previously resisted Korean disco. Exploding on YouTube, “Gangnam Style” became a Top 10 hit in numerous countries, including South Korea, Mexico, Ireland, and the U.S. Its infectious beat and humorous video resonated worldwide, making “Gangnam Style” a defining and unforgettable song of 2012.
Japandroids, ‘The House That Heaven Built’
Japandroids performing in 2012, known for their high-energy indie rock track "The House That Heaven Built".
Japandroids, a duo from Vancouver, delivered the year’s most fist-pumping indie-rock song in 2012 with “The House That Heaven Built.” A scorcher that evokes images of Springsteen with a sore throat and heightened energy, the song features atomic-buzz-saw chords and a raggedly catchy hook. Brian King’s vocals railing against a “lifeless life,” culminating in the defiant line, “If they try to slow you down, tell ’em all to go to hell,” made this an empowering anthem in 2012.
Randy Newman, ‘I’m Dreaming’
Randy Newman performing in 2012, known for his satirical and thought-provoking song "I'm Dreaming".
Randy Newman sparked controversy and conversation in 2012 with “I’m Dreaming.” Singing like a mush-mouthed Bing Crosby, Newman delivers lines like “I’m dreaming of a white president.” While some YouTube commenters missed the satirical point, it’s classic Newman, reminiscent of “Short People,” offering a funny yet biting take on a painful truth about a segment of the American electorate. “I’m Dreaming” stood out as a piece of sharp social commentary in the music of 2012.
Skrillex feat. Sirah, ‘Bangarang’
Skrillex performing "Bangarang" featuring Sirah in 2012, a dubstep track that pushed genre boundaries.
Skrillex pushed the boundaries of dubstep in 2012 with “Bangarang” featuring Sirah. For dubstep purists, it might have been a controversial moment, but for many, it was speaker-blasting thud-funk at its finest. Rewiring Daft Punk in the same way Daft Punk rewired Chic, Skrillex threw down a populist gauntlet for EDM, embracing all-out superstar-DJ flash and making “Bangarang” a defining track in the EDM explosion of 2012.
Donald Fagen, “Weather in My Head’
Donald Fagen performing in 2012, promoting his smooth and cynical track "Weather in My Head".
Donald Fagen, Steely Dan’s master of smooth cynicism, delivered “Weather in My Head” in 2012. The track features a perfectly manicured, casually sleek R&B groove and wry lyrics that even hint at ecological optimism: “They may fix the weather in the world, just like Mr. Gore said.” However, the weather in Mr. Fagen’s head remains perpetually stormy, making “Weather in My Head” a quintessential Fagen track in 2012.
Leonard Cohen, ‘Going Home’
Leonard Cohen performing in 2012, known for his reflective and profound song "Going Home".
Leonard Cohen, the 78-year-old folk-poet OG, contemplated mortality in his 2012 song “Going Home.” The track imagines a collect call from God himself, reminding the “lazy bastard living in a suit” that it’s almost time to go home for good. Cohen’s voice rumbles with ancient wisdom, supported by gentle background vocals and a restful organ, paving his path towards heaven – suitless and burdenless. “Going Home” was a deeply moving and introspective offering in the music landscape of 2012.
Beach House, ‘Other People’
Beach House performing in 2012, known for their dreamy and minimalist track "Other People".
Beach House continued to refine their gorgeous minimalism in 2012 with “Other People.” Victoria Legrand cryptically ponders love over vaporous organ sounds, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The track builds to a moment of near silence, broken only by a drumstick hitting a cymbal, a sound that feels entirely novel. The chorus then blooms like a fireworks fountain, making the world feel new again, showcasing Beach House’s unique sonic artistry in 2012.
The Rolling Stones, ‘Doom and Gloom’
The Rolling Stones performing in 2012, marking their return with the bluesy track "Doom and Gloom".
The Rolling Stones made a comeback in 2012 after seven years with “Doom and Gloom.” This apocalypse-blues kick-in-the-teeth is something only The Stones could deliver. “Doom and Gloom” feels like “Start Me Up” stripped raw for a near-future filled with zombies, war, and environmental chaos. Mick Jagger stretches out the word “screw” as if slowly tightening a screw into the world itself, making this a powerful and timely return for the legendary band in 2012.
Kitty Pryde, ‘Okay Cupid’
Kitty Pryde (now Kitty) performing in 2012, known for her viral teen rap track "Okay Cupid".
Kitty Pryde, a suburban teen-rap every-girl, went viral in 2012 with “Okay Cupid.” This homemade mumblecore hit, delivered in the voice of a bored kid from Florida, perfectly captured teen angst. Full of wit (“It’s my party, couldn’t cry if I wanted to”) and mall-rat ambience, the song depicts waiting for drunk-dials at 3:30 a.m. “Okay Cupid” became a relatable and culturally significant teen anthem in 2012.
Van Halen, ‘Stay Frosty’
Van Halen performing in 2012, proving their reunion with the energetic track "Stay Frosty".
Van Halen’s reunion in 2012 was validated by “Stay Frosty.” This single-handedly proved the reunion was worth the wait, with Diamond Dave riding the Van Halen brothers’ flashiest riffs in decades. David Lee Roth delivers one-liners with the wisdom of a strip-club Zen master, from “You want to be a monk, you got to cook a lot of rice” to “Look beyond that kung-fu fighting/God is love, but get it in writing.” “Stay Frosty” was a triumphant return for Van Halen and a hard rock highlight of 2012.
Usher, ‘Climax’
Usher performing "Climax" in 2012, a Diplo-produced R&B track that showcased his vocal sensitivity.
Usher demonstrated his keen ear for contemporary sounds in 2012 by collaborating with Diplo on “Climax.” Jumping on a Diplo beat for this single proved to be a savvy move, with the understated electro production bringing out a stunning sensitivity in Usher’s vocals. While lyrically about a harsh breakup, the heavenly delivery almost makes you miss the pain, establishing “Climax” as a standout R&B track of 2012.
The Vaccines, ‘Teenage Icon’
The Vaccines performing in 2012, known for their punk-rock inspired track "Teenage Icon".
The Vaccines, hailing from London, blended Strokes-tight tunes with self-deprecating humor in their 2012 song “Teenage Icon.” Justin Young sings against itchy, breakneck guitar riffs, adding to the canon of punk-rock songs about being a poseur. “Teenage Icon” became a witty and energetic addition to the punk-rock inspired music of 2012.
Mumford & Sons, ‘I Will Wait’
Mumford & Sons performing "I Will Wait" in 2012, a folk-rock anthem that showcased their ambitious sound.
Mumford & Sons brought scope and ambition to rock music in 2012 with “I Will Wait.” Their soaring Bono-meets-banjos brand of old-timey folk reached new heights with this track. The isolation and longing in this road-weary ballad proved that music could be soul-wrenchingly heavy without electric guitars. “I Will Wait” became a defining folk-rock anthem of 2012, showcasing Mumford & Sons’ powerful sound.
Fiona Apple, ‘Hot Knife’
Fiona Apple performing in 2012, showcasing her experimental and rhythmic track "Hot Knife".
Fiona Apple explored rhythmic and vocal experimentation in her 2012 track “Hot Knife.” Over chattering jungle drums and rolling jazz piano, Apple scats, murmurs, and hollers a double-entendre (“I’m a hot knife, he’s a pad of butter”) while searching for “the genesis of rhythm.” She sounds like a mythic blues Eve who has just tasted forbidden fruit and enjoys it, making “Hot Knife” a uniquely captivating and primal track in 2012.
fun., ‘Some Nights’
fun. performing "Some Nights" in 2012, an anthem that captured youthful angst and melancholy.
fun. followed up their debut hit “We Are Young” with another skywriting anthem in 2012, “Some Nights.” This track is even more tinged with lush melancholy, capturing young-adult angst relatable to anyone in their early twenties. Lines like “I try twice as hard and I’m half as liked” resonate deeply. Despite the entropy in the lyrics, the martial beat and soaring vocals made it feel awesome, making “Some Nights” an anthem for youthful struggle in 2012.
First Aid Kit, ‘Emmylou’
First Aid Kit performing in 2012, known for their harmonious folk track "Emmylou".
First Aid Kit, Swedish sisters, paid tribute to country music partnerships in 2012 with “Emmylou.” Singing in stunning harmony, they name-check Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, June Carter and Johnny Cash, declaring, “I’ll be your Emmylou and I’ll be your June/If you’ll be my Gram and my Johnny, too.” “Emmylou” served as a reminder of America’s rich musical heritage, delivered by insightful outsiders in 2012.
Bob Dylan, ‘Pay in Blood’
Bob Dylan performing in 2012, known for his vicious and politically charged song "Pay in Blood".
Bob Dylan released one of his most vicious songs ever in 2012 with “Pay in Blood.” Conjuring a demonic figure – be it military brass, politician, or CEO – Dylan’s lyrics are razor-sharp, while guitars glint like a switchblade. Announcing, “Our nation must be saved and freed,” he explains the deal with “I pay in blood, but not my own.” “Pay in Blood” felt like a pilot pitch for a “Masters of War” miniseries, showcasing Dylan’s enduring power as a protest singer in 2012.
Jack White, ‘Sixteen Saltines’
Jack White performing in 2012, known for his energetic and unhinged track "Sixteen Saltines".
Jack White unleashed his unhinged energy in 2012 with “Sixteen Saltines.” Frisky, loud, and utterly unrestrained, he unleashes his most aggressive riff since “Seven Nation Army” and reaches into his wiggiest falsetto to testify about being under a demon lady’s sexual spell. Lines like, “Spike heels make a hole in a lifeboat,” delivered with gleeful abandon, made “Sixteen Saltines” a raw and exciting rock track of 2012.
Bruce Springsteen, ‘Rocky Ground’
Bruce Springsteen performing "Rocky Ground" in 2012, a song blending gospel, folk, and hip-hop influences.
Bruce Springsteen boldly melded church hymn, plain-folks lament, and hip-hop protest in his 2012 song “Rocky Ground.” Blooming even more powerfully live as Springsteen embraced his arena-preacher persona, the song somberly assesses America’s state of equality. Live performances amplified the light and promise within the song, proving that “Rocky Ground” was best experienced beyond digital formats in 2012.
Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz, ‘Mercy’
Kanye West performing in 2012, known for the collaborative and energetic track "Mercy".
Kanye West took a backseat on “Mercy” in 2012, letting Yeezy and pals Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz have wild fun. The track is pure energy, with catchy nonsense about cars and women flowing over old reggae samples and deep bass stabs. “Mercy” was an invitation to stop thinking and start bouncing, becoming a party anthem of 2012 hip-hop.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse, ‘Ramada Inn’
Neil Young performing with Crazy Horse in 2012, known for their epic and reflective track "Ramada Inn".
Neil Young and Crazy Horse delivered a 17-minute epic in 2012 with “Ramada Inn.” On the scale of “Like a Hurricane,” the song surveys a long-term relationship in the wake of grown kids. Time and drinking take their toll, love offers salvation, and a road trip becomes a revelation without easy answers. “Every morning comes the sun,” Young sings, as the guitars play on, making “Ramada Inn” a profound and sprawling track of 2012.
Frank Ocean, ‘Thinkin Bout You’
Frank Ocean performing in 2012, known for his deeply emotional and genre-bending song "Thinkin Bout You".
Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” became the year’s deepest love song in 2012. Winning listeners over with subtle gender-flipping in the opening verse, the lyrics only get richer from there. “Since you think I don’t love you, I just thought you were cute, that’s why I kissed you,” Ocean sings. The leap into aching falsetto moments later is universally resonant, establishing “Thinkin Bout You” as a modern classic love song from 2012.
Passion Pit, ‘Take a Walk’
Passion Pit performing in 2012, known for their synth-pop track "Take a Walk," reflecting economic anxieties.
Passion Pit’s “Take a Walk” became an anthem for the Great Recession era in 2012. “My partner called to say the pension funds were gone,” sings Michael Angelakos with barely suppressed panic. The bright, upwardly mobile chorus then kicks in, reminding listeners why pop songs exist: to help mute the pain of reality. “Take a Walk” became a poignant and relatable synth-pop track in the economic climate of 2012.
Taylor Swift, ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’
Taylor Swift performing "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" in 2012, a chart-topping pop breakup anthem.
Taylor Swift teamed up with pop maestro Max Martin in 2012 for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” The result was a perfect three-minute teen tantrum about country girls getting mad at high-strung indie boys, topping charts with lightning speed. A stadium-chant breakup song, it arguably had less to do with a specific ex and more to do with Swift’s massive, ever-growing audience of “raging-cowgirl” fans she was leading to pop music’s pinnacle. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” solidified Swift’s pop dominance in 2012.
Alabama Shakes, ‘Hold On’
Alabama Shakes performing "Hold On" in 2012, a soul-rock track that showcased Brittany Howard's powerful vocals.
In a year of post-Gaga spectacle, Alabama Shakes emerged in 2012 with Brittany Howard at the helm. Reincarnating the spirit of Sixties rock and soul without resorting to histrionics, Howard’s husky, moaning-in-the-moonlight drawl captivated listeners. “Bless my heart, bless my soul/Didn’t think I’d make it to 22 years old,” she sings, riding a groove steeped in Muscle Shoals and Stax-Volt. “Hold On” became a battle cry against failure, resonating with anyone facing steep odds in 2012 and beyond, establishing Alabama Shakes as a vital new voice in rock and soul.
