Top 10 of 2012

It's that time again! Where I give you what I loved in 2012. Before you start asking where x, y and z bands are on this list, this is only stuff that I've heard. I know I will likely love Fireflight's new one, Flyleafs, Future of Forestry's, The Classic Crime's and Anchor and Braille (Anberlin's side project) however, I have yet to hear them.
This is my list based on what I have heard.
If you should feel compelled, leave me your list in the comments.

10. KJ-52 - Dangerous 

We get things rolling with some rap...and rock...and techno...and dubstep. This album really is all over the map stylistically, but, it never feels out of place. My only grips are the second and third song. I know they probably sound good to a fan of heavy rap, I'm not much of a fan of heavy rap. Too rappy, not enough singiness. Otherwise, I have no complaints.

9. Owl City - The Midsummer Station

Listening to this album in the middle of winter is kinda funny considering the name... seriously though, back to the review... If you've been looking for some Christian Top 40 dance pop, this is your album.
It wont be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like to pound your foot to a four on the floor kick with synths all over the place, check 'er out!

8. Thousand Foot Krutch - The End Is Where We Begin

This was a Kickstarted album. I expected it to look and sound like it was. Thankfully, the guys made good use of their goal smashing $100,000. Not only is the album art worth the price of admission, the cd ain't so bad either. It's not constantly profound or cutting edge, but it is a good album to throw on and unwind with.
Besides, Be Somebody may have been one of my favorite singles of the year. War of Change is also really good.

7. For King and Country - Crave

I saw these guys at Kingdom Bound last year. After just one song, I was hooked. The band is a duo of brothers (who are also the brothers of Rebecca St. James). Not only are the harmonies really good, the lyrics are AMAZING. The Proof of Love is a great example of that. Taking 1 Corinthians 13 and making it more accessible and relatable. Also of note is Fine Fine Life and Pushing On A Pull Door.

6. Children 18:3 - Always on the Run

I love how fun these guys are. Nothing overly professional, just good old fashioned rock punk. It's not so much an album to listen to during the winter, but come summer.... It will be cranked!
Check out tracks like We'll Never Say Goodbye, Always on the Run and Why Are You Afraid of the Dark.

5. Andrew Peterson - Light for the Lost Boy

I love vivid lyrics. Especially when they deal with weighty subject matter. Throw in really ambient music some folk roots and you get Light for the Lost Boy. It deals mostly with straying from God and then returning. Great images. Come Back Soon, Cornerstone and Day By Day are all great to relax to or listen to if you feel like chewing on some lyrics. Plus it may have the best artwork of the year.

4. David Crowder* Band - Give Us Rest

This album got the year started in awe. It's a work of art from start to finish. Classical piano thrown into a fray of guitars, synths, drums and moving lyrics. The sequence tracks alone make it worth buying. Plus the fact it's not one but TWO(!) cds long. Check out I Am A Seed, Blessedness of Everlasting Light and Come Find Me. The only reason this didn't hit #1 was the overuse of bluegrass. I like it, just not on half the second disc.

3. Anberlin - Vital

Don't tell Scott Jackson, but I love this album. It's wrapped not only in soundscapes of soaring guitars and vocals, synth rifts, ambient pads but, lyrics that are cleaver and sometimes
(by sometime, I mean almost always) cryptic. It's Anberlin almost at their best.
The main problem with it is the fact it can be a little too cryptic and "muddy" sounding at times. If you can get past the "mud" on the songs. You'll love it.

2. Paper Route - Peace Of The Wild Things

No, not the book (or the too freaky for kids movie). This is a triumph in pop. It's not their debut Absence, which turned me off on the first listen. However, upon countless repeats, I realize it's special in it's own way. While Absence was mostly about toxic love, this is about redemption. Seeking forgiveness when we mess up our relationships. Plus it's uber catchy. It's not the most "Christian" album on this list, however Glass Heart Hymn and Calm My Soul still give me chills/encouragement

1. House of Heroes - Cold Hard Want

This album was everything I wanted it to be and more. A foot stoppin' rock fest with awesome lyrics and a lot of grit. It's not "The End Is Not The End" but I doubt anything ever will be. This is a great album. Look for highlight tracks Remember The Empire, the single Touch This Light and the chilling Suspect... plus everything else

Most Anticipated 2012

While most of these albums don't have a name yet (or in most cases a release date) I'm still stoked!

5. Relient K - Untitled
I wont lie, I wasn't a huge fan of the stuff that I heard on Forget and Not Slow Down. Not as fun and goofy as the Relient K I know and love. Here's hoping that when this album comes out, that will change!

4. Gungor - Live
Since I discovered how awesome these guys are in 2010, they have released an album every year (yes, I'm pretty sure that is a coincidence... maybe not though...) This year it's going to be a live cd/dvd combo. I've actually already purchased this glorious worship compilation through Kickstarter. Now, to wait for a release date...

3. Anberlin - Untitled
Every since these guys left Tooth and Nail, they've gone from being all rock to more of an alt rock deal. I'm not complaining. Dark Is The Way Light Is The Place was stellar. Ballads, soaring rock tracks, twists, turns, all juggled in a very nice balance. Plus, this one will include guest appearances from random fans on vocals!

2. Owl City - OCTMS (I think???) 
Adam Young doesn't stop. The odds of him being a machine that just makes music day and night are pretty good at this point. After the catchy/summery/dreamy All Things Bright And Beautiful that came out last year, he has said this will be more of a dance album. BRING IT! (And I love Shooting Star... just saying)

1. House of Heroes - Cold Hard Want
By just saying "new House of Heroes" to me, you will cause me to as excited as a squirrel on Red Bull! Really weird analogy aside... There are very few rock bands that get the mix of deep and cleaver lyrics with insanely well planned out and executed music. House of Heroes is one of those bands! Proof of this can be found on the single Touch This Light (You can catch it on the Slam and 3SN) or the really hard to find Comfort Trap. It's awesome! Seriously, try to find it online. If you do, it will be worth the effort! Bring on July 10th!!!!