The 25 best albums of 2012

5 April 2023, 21:00 | Updated: 4 August 2023, 19:06

Let's look back to the year we were listening to new music from Jack White, Alt-J, Lana Del Rey, and The xx.

1. The Maccabees - Given To The Wild: released 9th January 2012

   The band's third album includes the classic Pelican, Feel To Follow and Ayla.

   

2. Lana Del Rey - Born To Die: released 27th January 2012

   The second studio album from the US singer featured the moody title track, Blue Jeans and Video Games.

   

3. Django Django - Django Django: released 30th January 2012

   The art rockers released their debut album which featured the banger Default.

   

4. Paul McCartney - Kisses On The Bottom: released 6th February 2012

   Macca got nostalgic (and a bit risqué) for his fifteenth solo album, with a selection of classic covers, including Bye Bye Blackbird and I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.

   

5. Band Of Skulls - Sweet Sour: released 20th February 2012

   The second album from the Southampton blues rockers includes the tracks Sweet Sour and Bruises.

   

6. Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again: released 12th March 2012

   The debut album from the London singer-songwriter was nominated for the Mercury Prize included I'm Getting Ready and I'll Get Along.

   

7. Paul Weller - Sonik Kicks: released 19th March 2012

   The Modfather's eleventh solo album featured guest appearances from Graham Coxon and Noel Gallagher.

   

8. Graham Coxon - A+E: released 2nd April 2012

   The Blur guitarist's eighth solo album features the single What'll It Take.

   

9. Jack White - Blunderbuss: released 20th April 2012

   The White Stripes man's debut solo album included the hits Sixteen Saltines, Love Interruption and Freedom At 21.

   

10. The Cribs - In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull: released 7th May 2012

    The fifth album from the Jarman brothers included Come On Be A No-One, Anna and Glitters Like Gold.

    

11. The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap: released 18th May 2012

    The second album from the Australian rock band included the tracks Need Your Love and Trembling Hands.

    

12. Alt-J - An Awesome Wave: released 25th May 2012

    The Mercury Prize-winning debut album from the Leeds band included Tessellate, Breezeblocks and Matilda.

    

13. Public Image Ltd - This is PiL: released 28th May 2012

    John Lydon's first album with his post-Sex Pistols project in 20 years included the single One Drop.

    

14. Hot Chip - In Our Heads: released 6th June 2012

    The fifth album from the British electronica outfit included the tracks Night & Day and Don't Deny Your Heart.

    

15. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten: released 23rd July 2012

    The fourth album from the New Jersey rockers included the singles 45 and Here Comes My Man.

    

16. Plan B - Ill Manors: released 23rd July 2012

    The British rapper released the soundtrack to the film of the same name, which included the tracks Lost My Way and Deepest Shame.

    

17. Spector - Enjoy It While It Lasts: released 13th August 2012

    The debut album from the quirky British rockers included the classic Chevy Thunder.

    

18. Bloc Party - Four: released 20th August 2012

    The fourth album from Kele Okereke and co included Octopus and V.A.L.I.S.

    

19. 31st August 2012: Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

    The second studio album from the Northern Irish indie band included the tracks Sleep Alone and Next Year.

    

20. The Vaccines - Come Of Age: released 3rd September 2012

    The second album from Justin Young and co included the hits Teenage Icon, Bad Mood and I Always Knew.

    

21. The xx - Coexist: released 3rd September 2012

    The second album from the acclaimed British group included the tracks Angels and Chained.

    

22. The Killers - Battle Born: released 17th September 2012

    The fourth studio album from the Las Vegas band included the epics Runaways, Miss Atomic Bomb and Here With Me.

    

23. Mumford & Sons - Babel: released 21st September 2012

    The follow-up to the acclaimed debut Sigh No More included the tracks I Will Wait, Whispers In The Dark and Lover Of The Light.

    

24. Muse - The 2nd Law: released 28th September 2012

    The sixth album from the trio featured Supremacy, Madness and Panic Station.

    

25. Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg: released 15th October 2012

    The Nottingham singer-songwriter's debut album included the tracks Lightning Bolt, Country Song, Seen It All and Taste It.