2012: A Look Back In Music

If there’s one thing that moves me, its music.  Certain songs usually mirror whatever I am going through in my life at the time. Music heals me when I’m heartbroken; it gets me pumped when I am ready for a night out, and it relaxes me when I need to kick back and chill.  Music truly is the soundtrack to life.

Whenever I compile a “Best of” list for the year, it undoubtedly is always music based. 

I listened to a variety of genres this year- pop, R&B, hip hop, soca and reggae.  All had a profound effect on me.  I can distinctly remember when I first heard each and every one of these songs.  That’s why it was so easy for me to assemble this list of songs.

So without further delay, here’s my list of my most cherished songs of 2012. Enjoy!

Take Care- Drake feat. Rihanna

This song was released earlier on in the year, but it still makes me shiver whenever I hear it.  I felt this song. I lived this song.  I love this song.

We Are Young- Fun feat. Janelle Monae

I don’t care what genre of music you listen to, you gotta love this song. It is sooooo much fun to sing.  It’s such an anthem for anyone –young or old. This song rocks!

Thinkin Bout You- Frank Ocean

There really are no words to say.... this song speaks for itself.  It is amazingly perfect.

Somebody That I Used To Know- Gotye feat. Kimbra

There is no question that this is probably the awesomest song I heard in about 5 years!  I love the use of the xylophone, the authentic breakup lyrics, and the overall playful, child-like quality of the song.  Too cool!

Where Have YouBeen- Rihanna

If you read this blog religiously and if you know me, you know I had to include a song from RiRi.  I pretty much liked all of her songs, but this is the standout.

Mercy- Kanye West feat. Big Sean Pusha T and 2 Chainz

Damn, I love this song. Love the braggadocio, love the machismo (I don’t normally love machismo, but it works on this song!). This song is arrogance at its best. There’s no surprise that it’s a Kanye track!

Mr. Fete- Machel Montano

Since I am a semi-Trinidadian (pssst...my family hails from the gorgeous island), I had to big up my roots with a soca song.  I listened to more soca this year than ever, and this song always had me wining up!  This is true party music!  (FYI - To wine- it’s a form of dance, involves gyration of hips, can be slow or fast and must always be sexy.)  

Only Man She Wants- Popcaan

Continuing with the island vibe, I had to rep Jamaica and give some love to this reggae song.  Although this song came out in late 2011, it’s been a staple on my phone and my iPods.  I love it. It’s incredibly infectious and fun to listen to. It’s the song I listen to on my way to work.

Adorn- Miguel

Sexy, sexy, sexy song.  Miguel is the second coming of Prince. 

The Motto- Drake feat. Lil Wayne and Tyga

Yes, my boy Drake made the list again!  This is the song that I blast when I need to feel super confident.

and I can't forget.....

Kelly Clarkson.  So glad she came out with another amazing CD this year and her concert this summer in Toronto was awesome!

Okay, y’all just read what I loooved about 2012, now here’s a few things that made me say WTF!

Snoop changing his name to Snoop Lion and pretending to be a reggae artist.

Snoop + reggae= Fail. Oh, and no one is ever calling him Snoop Lion. Ever.

2 Chainz

This name is even worse than Snoop Lion

Wyclef Jean on his motorcycle in his undies to celebrate his 43^rd birthday!

I appreciate the fact that Wyclef feels good about himself and his body at the tender age of 43 years old, but this pic is waaay too creepy. Why, Wyclef, why???

Darwin and his infamous coat!

Darwin, a.k.a.The Ikea Monkey

Why is it that someone actually owns a pet monkey?  And more importantly, why does this lil primate have a waaaay better coat than I do?

Lindsay Lohan having the audacity to play Elizabeth Taylor in the biopic- Liz and Dick. 

I actually like Lindsay Lohan (can’t help it. Mean Girls is tha ish!), but she is not creatively nor emotionally equipped to play Elizabeth Taylor. Don’t know if I am angry with her, or the casting director.

Hangover 3

The Hangover was awesome, Hangover 2 was a waste of money and a waste of film.   Now can someone tell me why the F*@! they are making Hangover 3??

The new hosts of 106& Park

 Yes, this show targets preteens as well as teens, but I like to check it out from time to time (I’m sooo not even close to the demographics!). Not sure why there are 4 hosts as opposed to 2.  (rapper Bow Wow is actually one of the hosts!) Fail!

So that’s my take on 2012.  What did you think?  Let me know which songs and artists you thought were the best 2012 to offer.

Michelle