Top Soul Music of 2012
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A look at the top soul music hits of 2012. Featuring artists like Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Maxwell.
Adele- “Someone Like You”
The 27-year-old singer became a global sensation with her 2011 album 21, and this was the lead single. A devastatingly powerful ballad, “Someone Like You” was co-written by Adele and Dan Wilson, and produced by Rick Rubin. It reached number one in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, spending five weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Alicia Keys- “Girl on Fire”
As one-half of the R&B duo that created the Grammy-winning soundtrack to Spike Lee’s film “Da 5 Bloods,” Alicia Keys decided to film her part of the “Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets” from a safe distance. Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” blazes with the energy and spirit of someone who’s escaped from drowning and wants to make sure everyone knows what she’s been through.
John Legend- “All of Me”
John Legend’s “All of Me” was one of the top soul songs of 2012. The song was released as a single in August 2013 and quickly rose to the top of the charts. The song is a ballad about love and devotion, and Legend’s powerful vocal performance helped make it one of the year’s most popular songs.
Bruno Mars- “Locked Out of Heaven”
Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven” is a produced by Jeff Bhasker, Emile Haynie, and Mark Ronson, with additional production by Paul Epworth, Diplo, and The Smeezingtons. The song was written by Mars, Bhasker, Haynie, Ronson and Epworth. “Locked Out of Heaven” is a new jack swing and funk rock song influenced by new wave music.
Miguel- “Adorn”
Miguel’s “Adorn” was one of the sexiest, most sensual R&B songs of 2012. With its minimal production and Miguel’s feathery falsetto, “Adorn” sounded like a lost ’90s baby-making jam, but with a 2012 twist. The song’s spare, low-key sound helped it become one of the year’s most memorable hits.
Rihanna- “Diamonds”
Rihanna’s seventh studio album, “Unapologetic,” produced this hit single that spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also topped the soul music charts and was one of the year’s best-selling singles. “Diamonds” was co-written by Sia Furler, who also wrote Rihanna’s previous hit, “S&M.”
Sam Smith- “Stay With Me”
The single “Stay With Me” by English singer Sam Smith was released in May 2014 as the second single from his debut studio album In the Lonely Hour (2014). The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
“Stay With Me” is a soul ballad written by Smith, James Napier, and William Phillips with lyrics describing the infatuation of a love-struck man towards his lover. Following its release, several listeners criticized its similarity to another one of Smith’s songs, “Lay Me Down”. Remixed versions of the song featuring rappers like Logic and Big Boi were also made available online.
The music video was directed by Jon Jon Augustavo and filmed in London’s financial district. It features cameos from England international footballers Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.
Usher- “Climax”
“Climax” is a song by American R&B singer Usher. It was written by Usher, Redd Stylez and Elton “Lil’ Tunechi” Flowers, with production handled by the latter two. The song was released on February 22, 2012, by LaFace Records as the lead single from Usher’s EP Versus (2011). “Climax” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its minimalist production and criticized its lyrical content. In June 2012, Usher performed “Climax” at BET Awards show. At the 55th Grammy Awards, the song won in the category of Best R&B Performance.
The Weeknd- “Earned It”
The Weeknd has become one of the most popular R&B acts in recent memory. His signature falsetto and eerie production have made him a favorite among fans of the genre. “Earned It” is one of his most successful singles to date, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was featured in the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, which helped it gain even more exposure.
Amy Winehouse- “Back to Black”
Amy Winehouse’s posthumous album “Back to Black” was released in 2012 to critical and commercial acclaim. The album won 5 Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album and Record of the Year.
