The time has come for the World Wide Interwebs to be filled with those retrospective kinds of posts. For me, when I get reflective, it usually seems to involve music. I like to say that, given my personality type, “music is how I feel,” so my year end, best of lists are going to be my nominees for Music of the Year.
Today: Songs.
Lots of goodness to choose from this year. These picks are a surprise to me, but they are the ones I returned to over and over.
The heart wants what the heart wants, I guess…
1) Gotye, “Somebody that I used to know.”
When I first heard this tune on the radio last January, I knew it was going to be The One. I have not heard a pop song so expertly crafted since anything by John and Paul.
“you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough”
2) Kimbra, “Settle Down”
Gotye’s NZ conspirator is making me love pop music again. Her vocal acrobatics are unreal.
“We’ll call her Nebraska, Nebraska Jones”
3) The Lumineers, “Ho Hey”
I missed a chance to see them when they came to town this Fall, and I am still kicking myself.
“I belong with you, you belong with me/you’re my sweetheart”
4) Phillip Phillips, “Home”
I know what this pick says about me: My hipster cred is gone. But – DAMN! – that boy can lay down a tune.
“Don’t pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear”
5) Good Old War, “Calling Me Names”
I’m proud of this find. Real damn proud.
“Instead of making sense, and talking like we’re friends, you think it’s a better idea: calling me names”
Honorable Mention – Sara Bareilles “Sweet as Whole”
Totally NSFW, but funny as hell. And true. Too true!
“I say what I think, ’cause it’s more economic than drugs or a drink”
landon whitsitt 
Thanks for sharing! All songs were new for me except the first one (of course). Phillip Phillips’ ‘Home, Home’ in particular resonated with me. I was recently thinking what a great year for music 2012 was.
Great pics and no need to feel ashamed about Phillip Phillips. But what about: I Will Wait or Lover of the Light by Mumford and Sons (granted the album just came out so it might catch on more in 2013); Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men; It’s Time and/or Radioactive by Imagine Dragons; Live and Die by The Avett Bros; Some Nights by .fun (talk about great dark soul of the night songs); The A Team by Ed Sheeran and Shake it Out by Flo + Machine. If you are unfamiliar, you gotta check em out. They are quality
I found Mumford’s latest very wanting. Don’t get me wrong: It was a solid piece of business, but it sounded like “Sigh No More” Side 2. My expectations ruined any hope that disc had.
I think “Some nights” is the best song on fun.’s album, no doubt. But none of them did for me what these tunes did.
Looking them over, it says to me that I had a pretty stressful year and needed some serious levity in my life.
gotcha. That makes sense.
For what it’s worth, keep listening to Babel. I felt the same thing at first but more I listened, more it’s grown on me. I’m definitely taking up your recommendation on Lumineers album. I had two tracks but now downloading whole album. I also discovered Grizzly Bear’s recent album Shield. Just getting into it but good stuff