Looking for more tunes to help you ring in the new year? Here are some albums from 2012 that you should check out if you haven’t already!

Muse

Muse have always pushed boundaries and bent genres to their creative whim, but never as effectively and triumphantly as on their latest disc The 2nd Law. This record also had the distinction of being hotly scrutinized before anyone heard a single note, thanks to a quote from lead singer Matthew Bellamy that included the word “Dubstep”. Mere mention of this genre in relation to new material sent many Muse fans into a tailspin, but those who were patient with their beloved Prog-Rockers were rewarded tenfold with an album that rocks, rolls and all around knocks the listener out. If you managed to avoid lead single ‘Madness’ or the Olympics Theme ‘Survival’ this summer, they are both worth your time as well as ‘Supremacy’ and the Prince meets Queen rocker ‘Panic Station’. The 2nd Law is a truly wonderful listening experience that will demand your attention.

Listen on Spotify: The 2nd Law
 
 

Punch Brothers

You may not think Bluegrass is your cup of tea, but if you haven’t heard Who’s Feeling Young Now? by Punch Brothers, you should rethink your position. Let the transcendent ‘Movement and Location’ be your introduction to a world of acoustic instrumentation that will welcome you with open arms. Should you still need more prodding, the sweet pop of ‘This Girl’ or the tense harmony of the title track will help you along. In the odd event that these tunes still leave you on the fence, check out their cover of the Radiohead classic ‘Kid A’ near the albums end. Who’s Feeling Young Now? is an album from one of the most exciting genre innovators producing music today, one you shouldn’t miss.

Listen on Spotify: Who’s Feeling Young Now?
 
 

Big Boi

Big Boi is one of the most talented creators in Hip Hop today, and his latest record is wall to wall proof of that title. Every track has a memorable hook, a big groove, and sparkling production. The record is filled to the brim with guest stars, from B.O.B, Kelly Rowland, and Kid Cudi, to indie rockers like Phantogram, Little Dragon, and Wavves. ‘Apple Of My Eye’ and ‘Objectum Sexuality’ are great places to start before diving into one of the year’s most exciting records.

Listen on Spotify: Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors
 
 

David Byrne & St. Vincent

When two established artists collaborate, one of the artist’s styles will end up dominating the others. David Byrne and St. Vincent managed to create a sound that celebrates each other’s work and still sounds fresh. Big rhythms and catchy melodies are augmented by beautifully arranged horns that give a feeling of Big Band style records without ever straying too far into that territory. Lead track ‘Who’ and ‘Dinner For Two’ are two great standouts to whet your appetite, and once you have your foot in the door get ready to soak in all Love This Giant has to offer.

Listen on Spotify: Love This Giant
 
 

Beach House

Bloom is the kind of record that can relax you, but never to the point of boredom. Dreamy synthesizers and lush production augment the kind of sweet melodies that will take you over. A bed of gentle beats guides each track, and though they are electronic in origin, they feel as natural as anything else you’ve heard this year. ‘Myth’, ‘On The Sea’, and ‘Troublemaker’ are where you should look if you want a few highlights, but as a whole Bloom is a fine record that should be experienced in full.

Listen on Spotify: Bloom