The Best Albums of 2012

Frank Ocean has the best-reviewed major album of 2012

It's not exactly a surprise, is it. An album that has been dominating music critic top-10 lists like no other release in recent years, Channel Orange 92 is officially Metacritic's top-ranked album of the year. The masterful R&B record comes from Southern California-based Frank Ocean, who was a go-to songwriter for artists ranging from John Legend to Brandy before joining L.A.'s Odd Future collective and launching a career as a solo artist.

Only Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy 94 stands in the way of Channel Orange being the highest-scoring album since 2006. But Ocean's LP is actually one of five albums to meet or exceed the score of 2011's best-reviewed album (Tom Waits' Bad As Me 88), making 2012 a very good year for music, indeed. A total of 104 out of 875 new studio albums in our database—or nearly 12%—received universal acclaim from critics (with a Metascore of 81 or greater), an improvement over the previous year's 11%.

Below is our annual ranking of the best albums of the past year (in Metacritic's database) as determined by their Metascores—an average of all reviews by professional critics at the time of each album's original release. Note that live albums, reissues, compilations, and the like are excluded from this chart.

The 25 best-reviewed albums of 2012 (min. 15 reviews)

Listen on Spotify1. Channel Orange 92 (Def Jam)
by Frank Ocean

"It stands tall as the best R&B album in a long while, if not the best album in a long while."

—Under the Radar More reviews...

One of the best-reviewed albums of the past decade, Frank Ocean's official studio album debut (following last year's mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra 83) earned the singer several Grammy nominations, including album of the year.

Listen on Spotify2. good kid, m.A.A.d city 91 (Aftermath)
by Kendrick Lamar

"Good Kid, m.A.A.d City impresses with its diversity and scope, but it's not just a record to admire: put simply, there's an embarrassment of killer material here."

—FACT More reviews...

The Dre. Dre-signed L.A. rapper's atmospheric second album chronicles his childhood in Compton. While his debut LP, last year's Section.80 80, was released independently on iTunes, Lamar's major-label follow-up turned him into one of hip hop's brightest up-and-coming stars, and has sold over half a million copies.

Listen on Spotify3. The Idler Wheel Is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do 89 (Epic)
by Fiona Apple

"It's essential 2012 listening for anyone interested in popular music as art."

—Los Angeles Times More reviews...

Its title doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but Wheel, the 34-year-old singer-songwriter's first album in seven years, may just be Apple's best album to date. The sparse production (courtesy of Apple and her touring drummer Charley Drayton) still manages to embrace a variety of musical styles, all tied together with her usual intelligent and confessional lyrics.

Listen on Spotify4. Lonerism 88 (Modular)
by Tame Impala

"Tame Impala saves itself from mere revivalism with 21st-century self-consciousness and, tucked amid the swirl and buzz, touching confessions of insecurity."

—The New York Times More reviews...

Tame Impala's debut Innerspeaker was one of 2010's most pleasant surprises, its swirling, reimagined '60s psychedelia filled with sticky hooks. On their Dave Fridmann-produced second album, the Australian band managed to outdo themselves with a poppier, more synth-based approach and strong songwriting.

Listen on Spotify5. All We Love We Leave Behind 88 (Epitaph)
by Converge

"As daring as it is confident and poignant in its execution, this album captures both the Converge we know and love and a Converge we're not quite accustomed to--leaving us with an album arguably as striking and challenging as anything the band has done before."

—Absolute Punk More reviews...

The eighth studio album from the Massachusetts hardcore band features a rawer, more live feel than its more heavily produced predecessors—while also embracing some stylistic diversity, relatively speaking—and finds the group working without collaborators for the first time in several albums.

Listen on Spotify6. The Seer 87 (Young God)
by Swans

"The Seer might not be the album you spend most time with this year—it's too emotionally demanding for heavy rotation—but it's one you'll be listening to for years to come."

—BBC More reviews...

Funded with proceeds from a double live album released earlier in 2012, double studio album The Seer might be the most intense two-hour listening experience you'll have all year. Swans leader Michael Gira is joined on the album by Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well as members of Low, Akron/Family, and Mercury Rev.

Listen on Spotify7. Life Is People 86 (Dead Oceans)
by Bill Fay

"An awe-inspiring experience."

—Q More reviews...

If you've never heard of Bill Fay, you're not alone; the obscure but talented English singer-songwriter last recorded a new solo album in 1971, after which he was dropped by his label. In recent years, his music has been championed by the likes of Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, whose "Jesus, Etc." is covered on Fay's impressive comeback album.

Listen on Spotify8. Koi No Yokan 86 (Reprise)
by Deftones

"Koi No Yokan is not only the year's best metal-rock-space-pop album--it's also the finest Deftones album, front to back, to date."

—The Phoenix More reviews...

Possibly the alt-metal band's best-reviewed album to date (at least since Metacritic started covering music in 2000), the Nick Raskulinecz-produced Koi No Yokan is huge-sounding and both accessible and adventurous.

Listen on Spotify9. Shields 86 (Warp)
by Grizzly Bear

"Shields is full of both genuine surprises and moments of transcendent beauty."

—musicOMH More reviews...

After a multi-year hiatus following their 2009 breakthrough hit Veckatimest, the Brooklynites returned to the studio and produced a worthy successor, once again showcasing the band's sonic mastery, experimental leanings, and vocal harmonies.

Listen on Spotify10. Locked Down 86 (Nonesuch)
by Dr. John

"The closest he has come to making a masterpiece in a very long time."

—Boston Globe More reviews...

A collaboration between the legendary New Orleans musician and The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach (who produces, plays guitar, and sings on the album), the funky and trippy Locked Down is Dr. John's best-reviewed release in years, and it earned a Grammy nomination for best blues album of the year.

11. Luxury Problems 85 (Modern Love)
by Andy Stott

"Though he's had plenty of strong releases in the past, this one has the inspired feeling of an artist truly finding his footing--a breakthrough, in other words."

—Resident Advisor More reviews...

The third album (and first in four years) from the Manchester, England-based techno artist is a minimalist affair that is enhanced by ethereal vocals from Alison Skidmore.

Listen on Spotify12. Kaleidoscope Dream 85 (RCA)
by Miguel

"Miguel has impeccable songwriting chops and a deceptively supple voice, not to mention total command of both."

—Spin More reviews...

R&B singer-songwriter Miguel, who made his debut in 2010 with All I Want Is You, became even more musically adventurous on this RCA debut. The only thing holding back Kaleidoscope Dream is that it repeats material found on several recent EPs.

Listen on Spotify13. De Vermis Mysteriis 85 (eOne)
by High on Fire

"They've found a way to be ambitious while also elemental, a difficult trick that Sleep pulled off on Holy Mountain and Dopesmoker, and one that High on Fire have nailed here."

—Pitchfork More reviews...

The sixth release for the Bay Area metal band has a loose concept based on time travel and H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. You may not notice, though, since you'll be too busy paying attention to the killer riffs.

Listen on Spotify14. Old Ideas 85 (Columbia)
by Leonard Cohen

"It is, in short, and as we might have expected, a work of genius."

—The Telegraph More reviews...

He might be 77, but Leonard Cohen emphatically proved that he isn't out of good ideas yet. The singer-songwriter's 12th studio album finds him working again with longtime collaborators Sharon Robinson, Anjani Thomas, and Jennifer Warnes, but it is his lyrics and still-incomparable voice that are once again the stars of the show.

15. Devotion 85 (Island)
by Jessie Ware

"Sensual, artful and accessible, it is easily one of the best pop albums of the year."

—Exclaim More reviews...

The highest-scoring debut album of the year, the Mercury Prize-nominated Devotion marked the 28-year-old English singer-songwriter as a major star in the UK. Look for her to make her American debut in 2013.

Listen on Spotify16. R.A.P. Music 85 (Williams Street)
by Killer Mike

"Not only is it essential listening for hip-hop in 2012, but also one of the few records that pushes musical and cultural boundaries in general."

—Sputnikmusic More reviews...

Easily one of the year's best hip-hop albums, R.A.P. Music (that's short for Rebellious African People, by the way) is the sixth release from Atlanta-based rapper Michael Render, and his first for the Adult Swim-affiliated Williams Street label after previously recording for T.I.'s Grand Hustle. Production is handled throughout by El-P, whose own 2012 album is next on our list.

Listen on Spotify17. Cancer 4 Cure 84 (Fat Possum)
by El-P

"Cancer For Cure is a triumph of imagination and intelligence in service of a pervasive sense of personal and political unease."

—A.V. Club More reviews...

Already an alternative hip-hop legend before the year even started, Def Jux co-founder El-P had one hell of a 2012 both behind the boards and as a performer—the latter, as evidenced by C4C, his first solo album in five years.

Listen on Spotify18. METZ 84 (Sub Pop)
by Metz

"Metz [have] easily made one of the finest and most ferocious punk albums in years on this sledgehammer of a debut."

—The Quietus More reviews...

The Canadian trio's self-titled debut is a noisy burst of post-punk (or maybe just punk) that serves as a reminder of Sub Pop's grungier past.

Listen on Spotify19. Slaughterhouse 83 (In the Red)
by Ty Segall Band

"Truly electrifying."

—No Ripcord More reviews...

We lost count of how many albums the Bay Area's ridiculously prolific Ty Segall released this year, but Slaughterhouse, which features a retro psych-gararage-punk sound, was his first studio album recorded with his touring band.

Listen on Spotify20. Ekstasis 83 (RVNG)
by Julia Holter

"A work of transcendent pop beauty."

—Mojo More reviews...

The second album from the Los Angeles-based artist still finds her firmly in avant-pop territory (those Laurie Anderson comparisons aren't there for nothing), but the beauty of the music provides a bit of accessibility.

Listen on Spotify21. Celebration Rock 83 (Polyvinyl)
by Japandroids

"Celebration Rock is in perpetual motion, driven by a visceral sense of urgency that most modern guitar music is so sorely lacking."

—BPM More reviews...

A concise, eight-song set, this second studio album (following 2009's Post-Nothing 82) from the Canadian guitar-drums duo of Brian King and David Prowse impressed critics as one of the best pure rock records released this year, which certainly sounds like a reason to celebrate.

Listen on Spotify22. Harmonicraft 83 (Volcom)
by Torche

"Harmonicraft isn't just the best Torche release: It's a contender for one of the best loud rock releases of the year."

—CMJ More reviews...

Despite losing guitarist Juan Montoya after an acrimonious split, the Florida-based heavy rock outfit Torche managed to follow their critically acclaimed 2008 sophomore set Meanderthal with another well-received collection of guitar-driven songs.

Listen on Spotify23. Ugly 83 (Don Giovanni)
by Screaming Females

"Indie rock albums with this uniquely developed a voice don't come around often, especially not when it's this much fun."

—Consequence of Sound More reviews...

Album number five from the New Jersey indie-punk trio was recorded with Steve Albini, and he seems to bring out the best in the band.

Listen on Spotify24. Tempest 83 (Columbia)
by Bob Dylan

"Thirty-five albums in, Dylan remains as magical and mysterious as ever."

—Entertainment Weekly More reviews...

Dylan's 35th album arrived a mere 50 years after his first, and is notable for its title track, a 14-minute, chorus-free, epic retelling of the sinking of the Titanic.

Listen on Spotify25. Blunderbuss 83 (Columbia/Third Man)
by Jack White

"Familiar yet thrilling, Blunderbuss is a masterful introduction to a man we've known all along."

—Filter More reviews...

Who needs a band? The White Stripes frontman and Dead Weather and Raconteurs member had no problem captivating critics on his solo debut, which also proved to be a hit upon its release.

... and a few more:

Album		Label	Metascore
26	Until the Quiet Comes by Flying Lotus	Warp	83
27	Open Your Heart by The Men	Sacred Bones	83
28	Attack on Memory by Cloud Nothings	Carpark	83
29	Fear Fun by Father John Misty	Sub Pop	83
30	Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light, Vol. 2 by Earth	Southern Lord	83
31	Yellow & Green by Baroness	Relapse	82
32	Europe by Allo Darlin'	Slumberland	82
33	America by Dan Deacon	Domino	82
34	Theatre Is Evil by Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra	8ft. Records	82
35	One Day I'm Going To Soar by Dexys	BMG	82
36	Words & Music by Saint Etienne by Saint Etienne	Universal	82
37	'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! by Godspeed You! Black Emperor	Constellation	82
38	Banga by Patti Smith	Columbia	81
39	Tramp by Sharon Van Etten	Jagjaguwar	81
40	R.I.P. by Actress	Honest Jon's	81

What about albums with fewer reviews?

Here is a look at the albums that received extremely positive reviews, but not enough of them to qualify for our list above. (In other words, consider them the year's best under-the-radar releases.) Albums on this list received 7-14 critic reviews. (Titles with fewer than 7 reviews are excluded from all year-end charts.)

	Album		Label	Metascore	Listen
	1	Ten Freedom Summers by Wadada Leo Smith	Cuneiform	99
	Written over 35 years but recorded in just three days, this 4-disc, 5-hour album examines the Civil Rights Movement through a blend of jazz and classical styles.
	2	On the Impossible Past by The Menzingers	Epitaph	93	Spotify
	The Scranton, Penn. punk band move to Epitaph for their third album, and the results are as accomplished as ever.
	3	Accelerando by Vijay Iyer Trio	Act Music + Vision	88
	The jazz piano trio blends originals with a handful of unlikely covers, including takes on Flying Lotus' "MmmHmm" and Michael Jackson's "Human Nature."
	4	Crown and Treaty by Sweet Billy Pilgrim	EMI	88
	The English art-rockers add actress/folk rocker Jana Carpenter to their lineup for the follow-up to the 2009 Mercury Prize-shortlisted Twice Born Men.
	5	Fetch by Moritz von Oswald Trio	Honest Jon's	87	Spotify
	The fourth album from the electronic music trio features just four (lengthy) tracks that incorporate elements of jazz and dub.
	6	Bouger le Monde! by Staff Benda Bilili	Crammed Discs	87	Spotify
	Fronted by four paraplegic vocalist/guitarists, the Kinshasa-based group of Congolese street musicians return with a second international release.
	7	Book Burner by Pig Destroyer	Relapse	86	Spotify
	The D.C.-area grindcore band plays "skull-crushing, no-frills metal" (AMG) on its fifth studio album.
	8	Young Man In America by Anais Mitchell	Wilderland	86	Spotify
	The New England singer-songwriter returns with another critically acclaimed set of modern folk tunes.
	9	3 Pears by Dwight Yoakam	Warner Bros.	86	Spotify
	The country music superstar's first album of originals in seven years (and his first major-label release in over a decade) includes collaborations with Kid Rock and Beck.
	10	L'Enfant Sauvage by Gojira	Roadrunner	86	Spotify
	The French heavy metal outfit makes its debut for Roadrunner with its fifth album overall.

Albums released between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 with 7 or more reviews (15 or more for the first chart) in Metacritic's database were eligible for inclusion. Reissues and other older material, EPs, live albums, holiday albums, greatest hits albums, multi-artist soundtracks, and other compilations are excluded. The Metascore is a weighted average of scores from top professional critics, on a scale from 0 (bad) to 100 (good). Albums are ranked by Metascore prior to rounding. All scores on this page are from December 20, 2012.

More bests and worsts

Now that we've heard from the critics, what about Metacritic users? Here are the 2012 releases receiving the highest average user scores:

2012 Releases Most Liked by Metacritic Users (Min. 15 User Reviews)

Album/Artist		Label	Metascore	User Score
1	True [EP] by Solange	Terrible	77	9.1
2	Kaleidoscope Dream by Miguel	RCA	85	9.0
3	Bloom by Beach House	Sub Pop	78	8.9
	Visions by Grimes	4AD	80	8.9
	Celebration Rock by Japandroids	Polyvinyl	83	8.9
	Gossamer by Passion Pit	Columbia	76	8.9
	Shrines by Purity Ring	4AD	76	8.9
	TNGHT [EP] by TNGHT	Warp	83	8.9
	Confess by Twin Shadow	4AD	76	8.9
10	10 more tied with			8.8

User scores represent an average of scores assigned by Metacritic.com site visitors, from 0 (bad) to 10 (good).

If you read the tiny print under our list of high-scoring albums above, you noticed that reissues, compilations, and other album types were excluded from our best-reviewed albums charts (which are intended to include only new full-length studio albums). Here are the highest-scoring "disqualified" albums of the year:

Best-Reviewed Reissues, Box Sets, and Compilations of 2012 (Min. 7 Reviews)

Album		Label	Metascore
1	Blue Lines [2012 Mix/Master] by Massive Attack	Virgin	98
2	Graceland [25th Anniversary Edition] by Paul Simon	Sony	98
3	Copper Blue [Deluxe Edition] by Sugar	Merge	95
4	Dopesmoker [Reissue] by Sleep	Southern Lord	94
5	Loveless [Reissue] by My Bloody Valentine	Sony	93
6	L.A. Woman [40th Anniversary Edition] by The Doors	Elektra	93
7	Biokinetics [Reissue] by Porter Ricks	Type	93
8	Blur 21 [Box Set] by Blur	Parlophone	92
9	Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial by Woody Guthrie	Smithsonian Folkways	92
10	The Complete Beat [Box Set] by The [English] Beat	Shout! Factory	90

Thousands of albums are released each year, and most of those don't even make their way to reviewers; as a result, the vast majority of the awful albums recorded each year do not show up on Metacritic. However, there are always some major releases this year that fail to impress critics, and we now share with you the 10 albums receiving the worst reviews in 2012:

The Lowest-Scoring Albums of 2012 (Min. 7 Reviews)

Album		Label	Metascore	Users
1	Fortune by Chris Brown	RCA	38	3.6
2	Somethin' 'Bout Kreay by Kreayshawn	Columbia	42	n/a
3	Hell in a Handbasket by Meat Loaf	Sony	44	n/a
4	Shape Shifter by Santana	Starfaith	45	n/a
5	Days Go By by The Offspring	Columbia	50	6.5
6	This Machine by The Dandy Warhols	The End	50	6.8
	WZRD by WZRD	Republic	50	7.0
8	Medicine by Pop Levi	Counter	50	n/a
9	Matricidal Sons Of Bitches by Matthew Friedberger	Thrill Jockey	50	n/a
10	Body Faucet by Reptar	Vagrant	51	n/a

What do you think?

What were your favorite and least favorite albums of 2012? Let us know in the comments section below, and don't forget to vote for your favorite albums, songs, and more in our Best of 2012 User Poll.