The Top Electronic Music of 2012
A look at the top electronic music of 2012 and what made it so great.
Introduction
When it comes to electronic music, 2012 was a special year. While the mainstream is still getting used to the idea of dance music, those of us in the know have been enjoying its sounds for some time now. And 2012 was a great year for the genre, with a wealth of new talent and established artists alike releasing some truly outstanding music.
So, without further ado, here are the top 10 electronic albums of 2012, as chosen by the editors of Electronic Music Magazine.
1. Burial – Kindred
2. Boards of Canada – Tomorrow’s Harvest
3. Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes
4. Four Tet – Pink
5. Mount Kimbie – Cold Spring Fault Less Youth
6. James Holden – The Animal Spirits
7. Maya Jane Coles – Comfort
8. Solar Bears – Outer Clouds
9. Jamie xx – Far Nearer / All Under One Roof Raving EP
10
Top Picks of 2012
There were so many great electronic tracks released this year! It was hard to narrow it down, but here are our top picks of 2012. These tracks will get you moving and maybe even inspire you to create your own music.
Best Albums
In no particular order, here are our top picks for the best albums of 2012.
1) DJ Koze – Amygdala
Amygdala is the fourth studio album by German electronic music producer DJ Koze. It was released on 13 March 2013 by Pampa Records. Upon its release, the album received critical acclaim from music critics.
2) Ultraísta – Ultraísta
Ultraísta is the debut studio album by English electronic music trio Ultraísta, consisting of Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, drummer Joey Waronker, and vocalist Laura Betancourt. It was released on 5 March 2013 by Temporary Residence Limited. The album received positive reviews from music critics upon its release.
3) Four Tet – Pink
Pink is the eighth studio album by English electronic musician Kieran Hebden, released under his alias Four Tet on 2 April 2018 by Text Records. The album follows a more uptempo, club-oriented direction than his previous releases, while also mixing in more experimental-style tracks. Upon its release, Pink was widely acclaimed by critics, and was named one of the best albums of 2018 by several publications.
4) ODESZA – A Moment Apart
A Moment Apart is the third studio album by American electronic music duo ODESZA, released on 8 September 2017 through Counter Records and Ninja Tune. The album features guest vocals from Leon Bridges, Regina Spektor and Jenn Wasner among others, and was preceded by four singles: “Line of Sight”, “Late Night”, “Higher Ground” and “Meridian”. A deluxe edition of the album containing four bonus tracks was also released concurrently. Upon its release, A Moment Apart received critical acclaim from music critics and debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart.
5) Bonobo – Migration
Migration is the sixth studio album by English musician Bonobo, released on 13 January 2017 by Ninja Tune Records
Best Songs
It’s been an amazing year for electronic music, with so many great tracks released it’s hard to keep track. Here are our top picks of the best songs of 2012.
– ‘Climax’ by Usher
– ‘Levels’ by Avicii
– ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ by Swedish House Mafia
– ‘Spectrum’ by Zedd ft. Matthew Koma
– ‘Sweet Nothing’ by Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch
– ‘I Love It’ byIcona Pop ft. Charli XCX
– ‘Get Lucky’ Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers
– ‘Recess’ Skrillex ft. Sirah
– ‘Latch’ Disclosure ft. Sam Smith
Best Remixes
The top three remixes of 2012, according to Spin magazine, are:
1. Disclosure – “Latch” (feat. Sam Smith) [TEED Remix]
2. Mario Basanov – “We Are Child Of Love” (Tensnake Remix)
3. Nicolas Jaar – “Mi Mujer” (John Talabot’s Stripped Mix)
Conclusion
Overall, 2012 was a good year for electronic music. Some of the top songs were “Levels” by Avicii, “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia, and “I Could Be the One” by Avicii and Nicky Romero. These songs were all extremely popular and are still being played today. Other notable songs from 2012 include “Alive” by Krewella, “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk, and “harlem Shake” by Baauer.
