2012 was a year that resonated with diverse sounds and breakthrough artists, marking a significant chapter in music history. From infectious pop anthems to introspective indie tracks, the year offered a rich tapestry of melodies that captured the zeitgeist. Let’s delve into a curated list of good songs from 2012 that not only topped charts but also left a lasting impact on the music landscape. This collection highlights the sonic variety and lyrical depth that made 2012 a memorable year for music enthusiasts worldwide.
Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen performing Call Me Maybe, a defining pop anthem of 2012
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” emerged as an unexpected yet universally adored pop sensation in 2012. This track encompassed all the essential elements of a perfect pop song: a catchy disco guitar riff, a Chic-inspired bassline, Philly soul-esque synth strings, and lyrics that perfectly encapsulated the exhilarating rush of youthful infatuation. It was more than just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon, proving that in 2012, a genuinely infectious and universally appealing pop hit could still capture the hearts of everyone.
Merry Go Round – Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves performing her poignant country hit Merry Go Round in 2012
Kacey Musgraves stepped onto the country music scene as a fresh voice with “Merry Go Round,” her debut single in 2012. This song offered a poignant and insightful look into small-town stagnation and boredom, delivered with a beautifully melancholic melody. While the lyrical content painted a bleak picture of life’s monotonous cycle, the tune itself was undeniably gorgeous, showcasing Musgraves’ unique ability to blend sharp social commentary with captivating musicality, marking it as one of the standout Good Songs 2012 in the country genre.
The Veldt – Deadmau5
Deadmau5 performing The Veldt at a concert in 2012, showcasing his electronic music mastery
Deadmau5’s “The Veldt” featuring Chris James was a pioneering track in 2012, blending EDM with crowd-sourced creativity. Chris James’s vocals wryly praised the “digital family” amidst a backdrop of electronic sounds crafted by Deadmau5. Interestingly, Deadmau5 discovered James on Twitter, making “The Veldt” a likely first for a charting single built from crowd-sourced lyrics and vocals. This innovative approach and the song’s unique sound solidified its place among the good songs 2012, hinting at future trends in music collaboration and production.
This Summer – Superchunk
Indie-rock veterans Superchunk delivered a burst of youthful energy with “This Summer” in 2012. This track perfectly encapsulated the feeling of school’s out freedom and beach-bound teenage excitement. It’s a raw and exhilarating mix of good times, sun-kissed shoulders, and powerful guitar riffs that could cut through the summer heat. “This Summer” was a testament to Superchunk’s enduring ability to create infectious and energetic indie rock, making it a quintessential summer anthem and one of the good songs 2012 for those seeking an upbeat, nostalgic vibe.
Payphone – Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa
Maroon 5 performing Payphone with Adam Levine in 2012, a popular pop-rap collaboration
Maroon 5’s “Payphone,” featuring Wiz Khalifa, was a chart-topping hit in 2012 that blended pop and rap seamlessly. Despite its somewhat puzzling title in an era of ubiquitous smartphones, the song’s success was undeniable. It offered a burst of pure pop sweetness, filled with catchy hooks and a surprisingly cynical undertone beneath its sugary surface. The collaboration with Wiz Khalifa added an extra layer of appeal, making “Payphone” a memorable and commercially successful track, and definitely considered one of the good songs 2012 for mainstream audiences.
Die in Your Arms – Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber performing Die in Your Arms in 2012, showcasing his R&B influenced pop style
Justin Bieber showcased his vocal maturity with “Die in Your Arms” in 2012. His naturally soulful rasp, hinting at deeper emotions than his young age might suggest, was perfectly utilized in this throwback blue-eyed R&B single. The song’s vibe and lilting melody drew clear parallels to the classic Hall & Oates sound, demonstrating Bieber’s ability to tap into timeless musical influences. Considered by his manager as “hater-proof,” “Die in Your Arms” proved to be a strong and well-received track, solidifying its place among the good songs 2012.
Glad You Came – The Wanted
The Wanted performing Glad You Came in 2012, a high-energy teen pop club anthem
The Wanted pushed the boundaries of teen pop with “Glad You Came” in 2012, delivering a club-ready anthem with a slightly edgy vibe. This Irish-English boy band dared to hint at underage drinking in their lyrics, adding a touch of naughtiness to their PG-13 genre. However, it was the undeniably catchy chorus and the straightforward 4/4 beats that truly drove the song’s popularity. Coupled with a salacious double entendre in the title, “Glad You Came” became a guilty pleasure and a notable entry in the list of good songs 2012.
All of Me – Tanlines
Tanlines performing All of Me live in 2012, highlighting their indie dance-pop sound
Brooklyn indie duo Tanlines captured mixed emotions perfectly with “All of Me” in 2012. This signature song from their album Mixed Emotions was driven by singer Eric Emm’s mournful yet compelling vocals. The music cleverly twisted Eighties dance-pop with witty elements, from chant-like backing vocals to a unique “steel drum” synth solo. “All of Me” showcased Tanlines’ ability to create complex and emotionally resonant indie dance tracks, securing its spot as one of the more nuanced and good songs 2012.
Bear Hug – The 2 Bears
The 2 Bears performing Bear Hug in 2012, bringing their disco-infused house music to the stage
The 2 Bears, a side project featuring Joe Goddard of Hot Chip, brought pure dancefloor joy with “Bear Hug” in 2012. This club-centric track, a collaboration with Raf Rundell, was a celebration of physical connection and lighthearted disco lyrics. With chants like “We’ve brought you all a gift/For maximum dance-floor uplift” over an irresistibly bouncy house groove, “Bear Hug” delivered exactly what it promised: an uplifting and fun dance track, making it one of the feel-good and good songs 2012 for club-goers.
Grown Up – Danny Brown
Danny Brown rapping Grown Up in 2012, showcasing his unique hip-hop style
Danny Brown celebrated his rise in the rap scene with “Grown Up” in 2012. This track was a boastful yet self-aware anthem about his journey from underdog to Detroit’s prominent rap figure since Eminem. With lyrics like “Scribbled in my notebook and never did homework/Low attention span/Guess these Adderall worked,” Brown exuded delicious self-satisfaction. Spiced with old-school scratching, “Grown Up” offered a sunny hip-hop nostalgia trip, and cemented itself as one of the standout and good songs 2012 in the hip-hop genre.
Rented Room – Craig Finn
Craig Finn performing Rented Room in 2012, delivering a narrative-driven rock ballad
Craig Finn, frontman of The Hold Steady, painted a vivid picture of heartbreak with “Rented Room” in 2012. This song tells the story of a struggling metalhead in a cheap motel after a breakup, immersing listeners in a tale of despair and isolation. References to playing records like Hotter Than Hell and Bark at the Moon add a layer of poignant detail. Finn’s guitar work, sounding like a mournful funeral bell, amplified the song’s somber mood, making “Rented Room” a deeply moving and narratively rich entry among the good songs 2012.
A Heart Like Mine – Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam performing A Heart Like Mine in 2012, blending traditional country with psychedelic influences
Dwight Yoakam surprised listeners with “A Heart Like Mine” in 2012, a track produced by Beck that marked a creative turn for the country traditionalist. This song blended Buck Owens-style California country with Sixties garage psychedelia, creating a ringing and clattering sound that was both familiar and refreshingly new. Yoakam’s collaboration with Beck resulted in a unique and impactful track, proving his ability to innovate within the country genre and delivering one of the more unexpected and good songs 2012.
Better – Teen
Teen performing Better in 2012, showcasing their low-fi girl group inspired sound
Brooklyn band Teen, despite their name, brought an adolescent spirit to their music with “Better” in 2012. Though the band members were in their twenties, “Better” captured a youthful bravado, blending swirling keyboards with a strong rhythmic foundation. The song gave classic girl group sounds a low-fi makeover, and the chorus, with its declaration “I’ll do it better than anybody else,” resonated with youthful confidence. “Better” stood out as a fresh take on neo-girl pop and a notable addition to the good songs 2012.
Madness – Muse
Muse performing Madness live in 2012, a pop-infused track from their album The 2nd Law
Muse experimented with a more pop-oriented sound with “Madness” in 2012, from their album The 2nd Law. Drawing comparisons to Radiohead’s Kid A era, Muse delivered a pop-ready track featuring Matt Bellamy’s sweet vocals, electronically processed backing vocals, and deep bass lines. While venturing into electronic territories, the song still retained Muse’s rock edge, especially when the guitar riffs kicked in. Chris Martin famously called it their best song ever, and it certainly resonated with many, making it one of the commercially successful and good songs 2012 from the rock genre.
Womyn – Himanshu
Himanshu performing Womyn in 2012, a humorous and likable hip-hop track
Himanshu, also known as Heems from Das Racist, delivered a charmingly goofy love song with “Womyn” in 2012. This track featured absurd, science-adjacent observations about women set to a Bollywood-influenced boom-bap beat. 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!'” exemplified its playful and somewhat foolish, yet ultimately endearing, take on gender dynamics. “Womyn” was a unique and lighthearted entry in the hip-hop landscape and one of the more fun and good songs 2012.
I Love It – Icona Pop
Icona Pop performing I Love It in 2012, the high-energy Euro club hit of the year
Icona Pop unleashed the ultimate Euro-club anthem of 2012 with “I Love It.” This track was pure energy, designed to get everyone on the dance floor. The Swedish synth-pop duo’s defiant lyrics 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,” resonated with a generation embracing 90s attitude. “I Love It” was a bold and unapologetically high-energy track, firmly establishing itself as one of the most electrifying and good songs 2012.
Swimming Pools (Drank) – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar performing Swimming Pools (Drank) in 2012, a breakthrough song exploring themes of alcoholism
Kendrick Lamar had a breakout year in 2012 with “Swimming Pools (Drank),” a complex and introspective track about alcohol consumption. The song captured the inner conflict of someone struggling with drinking, using both slow and hyper-speed verses to mirror the highs and lows of a drinking binge. The groove, flow, and chorus all contributed to a liquid and seductive feel, ironically or not making it a compelling “drinking song” while simultaneously exploring the darker side of alcohol abuse. “Swimming Pools (Drank)” marked Lamar as a major voice in hip-hop and a creator of profoundly thoughtful and good songs 2012.
Adorn – Miguel
Miguel performing Adorn in 2012, a smooth and soulful R&B slow jam
Miguel delivered a masterclass in modern R&B with “Adorn” in 2012. This baby-making slow jam sounded both contemporary and deeply rooted in soul traditions. Miguel showcased his mastery of the genre, coming across as a seasoned artist despite being relatively new on the scene. His vocal delivery, particularly the way he lingered over the “ll-l-let you” hook, added to the song’s sensuality and appeal. “Adorn” was a smooth, sophisticated, and undeniably sexy track, solidifying its place as one of the best R&B and good songs 2012.
We Take Care Of Our Own – Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen performing We Take Care Of Our Own in 2012, an anthem with a critical edge
Bruce Springsteen returned with a powerful and nuanced anthem in 2012, “We Take Care Of Our Own.” On the surface, it sounded like jingoism, but closer listening revealed a critique and a challenge. Lines like “From the shotgun shack to the Superdome/There ain’t no help, the cavalry stayed home” invoked Hurricane Katrina and broader societal neglect. Springsteen used this song to preach to both believers and skeptics, making it a thought-provoking and socially relevant entry among the good songs 2012.
Boozophilia – Low Cut Connie
Low Cut Connie performing Boozophilia in 2012, a piano-driven rock and roll party anthem
Low Cut Connie brought old-fashioned, piano-slapping rock & roll back with a punk spirit in “Boozophilia” in 2012. Imagine Jerry Lee Lewis fronting The Replacements, and you get the vibe of this raucous track. “Boozophilia” was an ode to lowbrow fun, with a raw and energetic sound that practically exuded the smell of cheap beer and dive bars from Philadelphia to Chicago. It was a fun, unpretentious, and undeniably rocking addition to the list of good songs 2012.
That’s Why God Made The Radio – The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys performing That's Why God Made The Radio in 2012, a nostalgic return to their classic sound
The Beach Boys made a nostalgic comeback in 2012 with “That’s Why God Made The Radio.” This song was a hymn to a deity that sounded a lot like Phil Spector, celebrating rock & roll as “The soundtrack of falling in love.” The Beach Boys’ signature harmonies were as stunning as ever, invoking a sense of sun-soaked nostalgia and timeless musical craftsmanship. “That’s Why God Made The Radio” was a welcome return from music legends and one of the more heartwarming and good songs 2012.
Yet Again – Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear performing Yet Again in 2012, a taut and emotionally resonant indie rock track
Grizzly Bear distilled their signature sound into five powerful minutes with “Yet Again” in 2012. Ed Droste’s tender vocals shone on what might be his most eloquent melody, contrasted beautifully with the band’s restless musical energy. The song built tension and emotion, culminating in a cathartic feedback-laden climax. “Yet Again” showcased Grizzly Bear’s ability to create richly textured and emotionally impactful indie rock, making it one of the more artistically compelling and good songs 2012.
Oblivion – Grimes
Grimes performing Oblivion in 2012, a dreamy yet unsettling electro-pop breakthrough
Grimes broke through to a wider audience with “Oblivion” in 2012, a track that juxtaposed dreamy vocals with unsettling lyrics. Claire Boucher’s sugar-sweet voice floated over a hypnotic synth loop, creating a seemingly ethereal atmosphere. However, the lyrics hinted at a darker reality, addressing fears of violence and vulnerability. This contrast between catchy sound and unsettling content made “Oblivion” a uniquely compelling and slightly creepy track, establishing Grimes as a singular voice and delivering one of the more distinctive and good songs 2012.
Goldie – A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky performing Goldie in 2012, a stylish and boastful hip-hop track
A$AP Rocky delivered a masterclass in style and swagger with “Goldie” in 2012. This brag-heavy track about sex, drugs, and luxury goods was delivered with a wink and an undeniable charisma. The song’s magic was in the details: the slick production, the witty non sequiturs in the lyrics, and Rocky’s vocal inflections. “Goldie” established A$AP Rocky as a new master of style in hip-hop and a creator of effortlessly cool and good songs 2012.
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
The Lumineers performing Ho Hey in 2012, their breakthrough folk-pop hit
The Lumineers introduced their rootsy folk-pop sound to the world with “Ho Hey” in 2012. Often compared to Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers offered a more stripped-down, heart-on-sleeve approach. “Ho Hey,” with its simple but infectious melody, barn-stomp rhythm, and singalong chorus, became an instant hit. Wesley Schultz’s vocals conveyed a sense of longing and sincerity, making “Ho Hey” a relatable and widely appealing track, and one of the breakthrough and good songs 2012 in the folk-pop genre.
Gangnam Style – Psy
Psy performing Gangnam Style in 2012, the global viral sensation
Psy’s “Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon in 2012, transcending language barriers and cultural boundaries. This Korean disco track, complete with its now-iconic horse-riding dance, exploded on YouTube and became a Top 10 hit in numerous countries, including the US. “Gangnam Style” proved the power of a catchy beat and a viral dance craze, making Psy an international superstar and delivering one of the most globally recognized and good songs 2012.
The House That Heaven Built – Japandroids
Japandroids performing The House That Heaven Built in 2012, an energetic indie rock anthem
Japandroids delivered a high-energy indie rock anthem with “The House That Heaven Built” in 2012. This Vancouver duo created a fist-pumping scorcher reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen with a punk edge. Brian King’s raw vocals and the song’s driving energy created an exhilarating experience. “The House That Heaven Built” was a powerful and cathartic rock track, and one of the more energetic and good songs 2012 for indie rock fans.
I’m Dreaming – Randy Newman
Randy Newman performing I'm Dreaming in 2012, a satirical song with classic Newman wit
Randy Newman brought his signature satire to the forefront with “I’m Dreaming” in 2012. Sung in a style reminiscent of Bing Crosby, the song’s seemingly innocent lyrics, “I’m dreaming of a white president,” were loaded with social commentary. In classic Newman fashion, the song used humor to address a painful truth about certain segments of the American electorate. “I’m Dreaming” was a clever and deceptively breezy track, and one of the more politically charged and good songs 2012.
Bangarang – Skrillex feat. Sirah
Skrillex performing Bangarang in 2012, a speaker-blasting dubstep track
Skrillex pushed dubstep into the mainstream with “Bangarang” featuring Sirah in 2012. While some dubstep purists might have balked, “Bangarang” was undeniably speaker-blasting thud-funk, unapologetically loud and energetic. It took elements of Daft Punk’s electronic innovation and amplified them into a more aggressive and populist direction. “Bangarang” was a bold statement for EDM, and one of the more commercially successful and good songs 2012 in the genre.
Weather in My Head – Donald Fagen
Donald Fagen performing Weather in My Head in 2012, a smooth and cynical jazz-infused track
Donald Fagen, of Steely Dan fame, delivered his signature smooth cynicism with “Weather in My Head” in 2012. This track featured a perfectly crafted R&B groove and wry lyrics that hinted at ecological optimism while remaining grounded in personal anxieties. Fagen’s lyrics were as sharp and insightful as ever, delivered with his effortlessly cool vocal style. “Weather in My Head” was a sophisticated and subtly complex track, and one of the more lyrically rich and good songs 2012.
Going Home – Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen performing Going Home in 2012, a reflective and wise folk-poetry piece
Leonard Cohen, at 78, offered a profound meditation on mortality with “Going Home” in 2012. This folk-poetry piece imagined a conversation with God, reminding Cohen that it was time to prepare for the end. Cohen’s voice, deep and resonant with age, conveyed ancient wisdom, supported by gentle background vocals and a restful organ melody. “Going Home” was a deeply moving and reflective track, and one of the more poignant and good songs 2012.
Other People – Beach House
Beach House performing Other People in 2012, a minimalist and ethereal dream-pop track
Beach House refined their gorgeous minimalism with “Other People” in 2012. Victoria Legrand’s cryptic lyrics about love floated over vaporous organ sounds, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The song’s beauty was in its subtlety and restraint, culminating in moments of near silence punctuated by a single cymbal strike. “Other People” was a mesmerizing and subtly powerful track, and one of the more atmospheric and good songs 2012.
Doom and Gloom – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones performing Doom and Gloom in 2012, a raw and powerful blues-rock return
The Rolling Stones made a powerful return in 2012 with “Doom and Gloom,” a raw and energetic blues-rock track. After seven years, The Stones proved they could still deliver a punch, offering an apocalyptic vision set to a stripped-down “Start Me Up” vibe. Mick Jagger’s vocals were as potent as ever, conveying a sense of urgency and grit. “Doom and Gloom” was a welcome reminder of The Stones’ enduring power and one of the more vital and good songs 2012 from rock legends.
Okay Cupid – Kitty Pryde
Kitty Pryde performing Okay Cupid in 2012, a viral teen-rap mumblecore hit
Kitty Pryde went viral with “Okay Cupid” in 2012, a lo-fi teen-rap track that captured the ennui of suburban youth. This homemade mumblecore hit, delivered in the voice of a bored Florida teen, was full of witty observations and mall-rat ambience. “Okay Cupid” resonated with a generation navigating love and boredom in the digital age, making it a uniquely authentic and good song 2012.
Stay Frosty – Van Halen
Van Halen performing Stay Frosty in 2012, proving their reunion was worth the wait
Van Halen proved their reunion was worthwhile with “Stay Frosty” in 2012. This track featured Diamond Dave at his charismatic best, riding atop some of the Van Halen brothers’ flashiest riffs in decades. The lyrics were filled with witty one-liners delivered with a Zen-master-meets-strip-club vibe. “Stay Frosty” was a high-energy and thoroughly entertaining rock track, and one of the more triumphant and good songs 2012 from returning rock icons.
Climax – Usher
Usher performing Climax in 2012, showcasing his vocal sensitivity on a Diplo beat
Usher demonstrated his ear for contemporary sounds with “Climax” in 2012, collaborating with Diplo on this track. The understated electro beat brought out a stunning vulnerability in Usher’s vocals. Despite lyrics about a harsh breakup, the delivery was so smooth and almost heavenly that the pain was subtly conveyed rather than overtly dramatic. “Climax” was a sophisticated and emotionally nuanced R&B track, and one of the more vocally impressive and good songs 2012.
Teenage Icon – The Vaccines
The Vaccines performing Teenage Icon in 2012, a self-deprecating punk-rock anthem
The Vaccines brought a self-aware humor to their punk-rock sound with “Teenage Icon” in 2012. This track blended tight, Strokes-esque tunes with self-deprecating lyrics about being a poseur. Justin Young’s vocals and the song’s breakneck energy created a fun and relatable anthem for anyone feeling slightly out of place. “Teenage Icon” was a witty and energetic punk-rock track, and one of the more humorous and good songs 2012.
I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons performing I Will Wait in 2012, their soaring folk-rock ballad
Mumford & Sons delivered a grand and ambitious folk-rock ballad with “I Will Wait” in 2012. This track showcased their signature blend of banjo-driven folk with stadium-ready anthemic scope. The lyrics explored themes of isolation and longing with a soul-wrenching intensity, proving that music could be heavy and impactful without relying on electric guitars or power chords. “I Will Wait” was a powerful and emotionally resonant track, and one of the more epic and good songs 2012 in the folk-rock genre.
Hot Knife – Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple pushed musical boundaries with “Hot Knife” in 2012. This track was a complex and experimental blend of chattering drums, rolling jazz piano, and Apple’s multitracked vocals. The lyrics were playful and suggestive, using double entendres and exploring the “genesis of rhythm.” “Hot Knife” was a unique and adventurous track, and one of the more artistically daring and good songs 2012.
Some Nights – fun.
fun. performing Some Nights in 2012, their anthemic and melancholic follow-up hit
fun. followed up their smash hit “We Are Young” with another skywriting anthem, “Some Nights,” in 2012. This track was even more melancholic, exploring young-adult angst with relatable lyrics about feeling underappreciated. Despite the themes of entropy and struggle, the song’s martial beat and soaring vocals created an uplifting and anthemic feel. “Some Nights” was a powerful and emotionally resonant pop anthem, and one of the more commercially successful and good songs 2012.
Emmylou – First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit performing Emmylou in 2012, a harmonious tribute to country music legends
First Aid Kit, Swedish sisters, delivered a beautiful tribute to country music legends with “Emmylou” in 2012. This song name-checked iconic country partnerships like Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and Johnny Cash and June Carter, in stunning harmonies. “Emmylou” was a reminder of the enduring power of American musical heritage, delivered by voices from afar. It was a heartfelt and harmonically rich track, and one of the more charming and good songs 2012.
Pay in Blood – Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan performing Pay in Blood in 2012, a vicious and politically charged track
Bob Dylan delivered one of his most vicious and politically charged songs ever with “Pay in Blood” in 2012. This track conjured a demonic figure of power and corruption, with guitars that glinted like a switchblade. Dylan’s lyrics were direct and scathing, offering a dark commentary on power and sacrifice. “Pay in Blood” was a powerful and unsettling track, and one of the more politically potent and good songs 2012.
Sixteen Saltines – Jack White
Jack White performing Sixteen Saltines in 2012, an unhinged and aggressive rock track
Jack White unleashed his raw energy and unhinged creativity with “Sixteen Saltines” in 2012. This track featured his most aggressive riffs since “Seven Nation Army” and a wild falsetto vocal performance. “Sixteen Saltines” was a raw and exhilarating rock track, and one of the more energetic and good songs 2012, showcasing White’s signature sound.
Rocky Ground – Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen performing Rocky Ground in 2012, a song blending gospel, folk, and hip-hop
Bruce Springsteen continued to experiment and innovate with “Rocky Ground” in 2012. This track boldly melded church hymn, folk lament, and hip-hop protest. The song addressed social inequality and the state of America, offering a somber assessment but also a glimmer of hope. “Rocky Ground” was a genre-bending and socially conscious track, and one of the more ambitious and good songs 2012.
Mercy – Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz
Kanye West performing Mercy with Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz in 2012, a fun and catchy hip-hop collaboration
Kanye West took a backseat and let his collaborators shine on “Mercy” in 2012. This track was a fun and energetic collaboration with Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz, filled with catchy nonsense lyrics about cars and women, set to a beat sampling reggae and deep bass. “Mercy” was a lighthearted and infectious hip-hop track, and one of the more fun and good songs 2012.
Ramada Inn – Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Neil Young performing Ramada Inn in 2012, an epic 17-minute rock exploration of long-term relationships
Neil Young and Crazy Horse delivered an epic 17-minute track, “Ramada Inn,” in 2012. This sprawling song explored the complexities of a long-term relationship, dealing with time, aging, and the challenges of maintaining love. Musically expansive and lyrically rich, “Ramada Inn” was a journey and one of the more ambitious and good songs 2012 for those seeking a deeper listening experience.
Thinkin Bout You – Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean performing Thinkin Bout You in 2012, a deeply emotional and gender-bending love song
Frank Ocean delivered a deeply moving and universally relatable love song with “Thinkin Bout You” in 2012. The song’s subtle gender-flipping in the opening verse was just the beginning of its lyrical depth. Ocean’s vocals were achingly beautiful, especially the leap into falsetto, conveying vulnerability and longing. “Thinkin Bout You” was a profoundly emotional and universally appealing track, and one of the more impactful and good songs 2012.
Take a Walk – Passion Pit
Passion Pit performing Take a Walk in 2012, a synth-pop song reflecting the anxieties of the Great Recession
Passion Pit captured the anxieties of the Great Recession with “Take a Walk” in 2012. This synth-pop track addressed financial worries and economic uncertainty with lyrics that resonated with many. Despite the heavy themes, the song’s bright and upbeat chorus offered a sense of hope and resilience. “Take a Walk” was a poignant and timely track, and one of the more socially relevant and good songs 2012.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift performing We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together in 2012, a chart-topping breakup anthem
Taylor Swift teamed up with pop maestro Max Martin to create “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” in 2012. The result was a perfect teen tantrum in song form, a breakup anthem that topped charts globally. Swift’s songwriting combined with Martin’s pop sensibilities created an irresistible and stadium-ready track. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” solidified Swift’s pop dominance and was undeniably one of the biggest and good songs 2012.
Hold On – Alabama Shakes
Alabama Shakes performing Hold On in 2012, Brittany Howard's powerful vocals leading the soul-rock track
Alabama Shakes and Brittany Howard burst onto the scene with “Hold On” in 2012. Howard’s powerful vocals channeled the spirit of Sixties rock and soul without resorting to imitation. “Hold On” was a raw and emotionally charged track, a battle cry against adversity and a testament to resilience. Alabama Shakes and “Hold On” were a breath of fresh air in the music landscape, making it one of the most impactful and good songs 2012.
In conclusion, 2012 was a year of remarkable musical diversity and innovation. From global pop sensations to introspective indie gems, the good songs 2012 showcased a wide spectrum of genres and artistic expressions. This list serves as a reminder of the rich sonic tapestry that defined the year and continues to resonate with listeners today.
