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Liz’s top 5 albums of 2012 (in no particular order):

Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

This is by far one of my favourite albums of the year because it’s perfect in so many ways. Ellie’s voice is so unique and the album takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. From the sad and emotional song “I know You Care,” to the pounding dark “Figure 8,” to the uplifting and motivational song “Anything Could Happen.” This album is unreal from front to back.

Top Track: “Figure 8″

Lana Del Rey – Born to Die – The Paradise Edition

Regardless of all of the bad press Lana received for her SNL performance earlier this year, she came out with one hell of an album and I will stand behind it 100%. Born to Die – The Paradise Edition is like a movie. Lana’s voice lures you in and tells you stories of pride, love, heartbreak, seduction, and sex. Lana has a way of describing her words and setting the scene for each song. You can visualize what exactly she is talking about in each song and for that, I love Lana Del Rey.

Top Track: “National Anthem”

Ed Sheeran – +

Ed Sheeran is a singer/songwriter God. I’d like to thank Jesse Giddings and Phoebe Dykstra for introducing me to the voice that would sing me to sleep on multiple occasions. Yes, I know this album came out in 2011 in the UK but its Canadian release was this year so that’s what I’ll go with. There’s something about Ed’s voice that makes you visualize him at home, in his bedroom, holding a guitar, and singing his emotions. My favourite track is “Give Me Love” or “Small Bump.” Both of these music videos brought me to tears when I first saw them and the lyrics melt my heart and soul.

Top Track: “Give Me Love”

Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE

channel ORANGE? More like Channel Awesome. Frank Ocean deserves every ounce of buzz he’s received this year. There was a hole in the R&B world that only Frank could fill. My favourite song on the album (along with everyone else’s fave) is “Thinkin Bout You.” I sing this song in the shower and I’m pretty sure my roommate thinks I sound like a drowning cat. Frank’s voice is the definition of ‘sexy time.’ If it were up to me, I’d lock Frank in a room and make him serenade me until I don’t need anymore serenading. Ughhhhhh FRANK <3!

Top Track: “Thinkin Bout You”

Calvin Harris – 18 Months

This album can pick me up from any bad mood. Songs like “Feel So Close,” “We Found Love,” and “Sweet Nothing” have all become my personal anthems of the moment at some point throughout the year. Calvin Harris has a way of making a song mainstream that’s both unique and simple. I’m never disappointed in anything he’s done.

Top Track: “Feel So Close”

Honourable Mentions:

Mumford & Sons – Babel

Dragonette – Bodyparts

No Doubt – Push and Shove

Deadmau5 – Album Title Goes Here

Swedish House Mafia – Until Now

Ke$ha – Warrior

The XX – Coexist

Justin Bieber – Believe

Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten

Santigold – Master of My Make-Believe

Alt-J – An Awesome Wave

Miike Snow – Happy to You