Year in Review: UCN’s Favorite Album Releases of 2012
11 years ago Liv Carter 2
The closing of a year always invites lists of favorites of all sorts of things, so this is the perfect time to share a few country music releases which especially impressed in 2012. This is not a ranked countdown but just a couple of albums which I believe should be part of the record collection of any mainstream country music fan.
I did say this was not ranked, but there is one album which held my attention like no other and is my undisputed favorite release of 2012: the self-titled debut album of Nashville trio The Cadillac Black. As written in the original review: “It is a masterclass in how to produce a richly-layered sound without unnecessary compression and giving the musicians plenty of space to play. Uncontaminated by mainstream-Nashville’s love of polish and sheen, this raw, swampy record is nevertheless a jewel.” Eight months after its release, I am still amazed by how good this record is. The Cadillac Black will be touring extensively in 2013, make sure you catch at least one show!
Standouts: Every single track. Really (but if you insist, ‘Life,’ ‘Tennessee Mojo,’ ‘Turn it On,’ ‘Whiskey Soaked Redemption’).
Add The Cadillac Black to your collection here.
For the last few years, Kip Moore has developed as a songwriter and performer under the mentorship of Brett James. This past year, he graduated from that learning experience summa cum laude with the release of his debut album, Up all Night. The record combines his (and James’) love of solid rock with a modern production. This is pretty unapologetically a rock album, on the edge of what many will embrace as country music, but it is above all an incredibly impressive effort, especially for a debut. If I have to pick my favorite major label release of 2012, this would be it!
Standouts: ‘Faith When I Fall,’ ‘Reckless,’ ‘Hey Pretty Girl,’ ‘Drive Me Crazy’
Grab your copy of Up All Night here.
Gloriana started out as a quartet, more pop than country, and enjoyed runaway success with their 2009 debut. Stripped of much of their pop gloss, and reduced to a trio, the group delivered a surprising follow-up with A Thousand Miles Left Behind. Thanks to the outstanding work of producer Matt Serletic, there is not one superfluous note on the record. He helped create a much more organic sound for the trio, one that feels uncoerced and leaves these three talented songwriters and musicians plenty of space to develop themselves.
Standouts: ‘(Kissed You) Good Night,’ ‘Wanna Take You Home,’ ‘Turn My World Around.’
Download A Thousand Miles Left Behind here.
They may be a folk-rock quartet at heart, but Mumford & Sons use pop music structures and honest-yet-accessible lyrics in a way which very much puts them in line with much of contemporary country music. Their sophomore album, Babel, was an astounding commercial success, further evidence that roots music is increasing its popularity, and skillfully blends British pop-rock influences with American folk resulting in an almost perfect album. Nominated for several Grammy Awards, this album will stand the test of time.
Standouts: ‘Babel,’ ‘I Will Wait,’ ‘Broken Crown,’ ‘Lovers’ Eyes’
Pick up the must-have Babel here.
One of the artists most damaged by the image-building done in her name is Kellie Pickler. A short while ago, I wouldn’t have considered any album of hers ever making it to a year-end favorites list. That is until 100 Proof arrived. Pickler shook off the vacuous celebrity glitz, settled into her own identity, and went back to the basics: no-frills, old-school, neo-traditional country songs. In contrast to many of her male contemporaries who insist on shouting to us how country they are, while accompanied by Van Halen guitars, Pickler is not trying to convince anyone of anything; she is just making the music she wants to make. Country radio, shamefully, overlooked this album, probably due in part to record label drama. Now that she is settled in at a new label, Black River, I hope Pickler will continue to produce beautiful material of this quality.
Standouts: ‘100 Proof,’ ‘Rockaway,’ ‘Unlock that Honky Tonk’
Find all you need to get 100 Proof here.
Other notable contributions to music in 2012:
Home – Dierks Bentley
Not quite up there with Up on the Ridge, but a very strong album with well-chosen material which lets Bentley combine radio-friendly material with expert songwriting.
Stars and Satellites – Trampled by Turtles
Amped-up bluegrass for the 21st century, this record will change your mind if you have any misgivings about the genre.
Hard 2 Love – Lee Brice
A perfect example of the importance of being surrounded by a great team, Brice writes with Nashville’s best, selects the best-matched outside songs, and play to his strengths.
Casey James – Casey James
A wonderful bluesy voice and outstanding bluesrock guitar, tied together with southern rock influences, show off James’ unmistakable talent, and result in a fresh and accomplished debut.
Liv Carter
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
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