2012 was an amazing year for music, but it was one filled with plenty of up and coming stars on the independent scene. Check out our list of the 12 best songs this year you haven’t probably heard yet.
12: Don Felder: “Fall From Grace”: The former Eagles guitarist crafts a fitting ballad of love and loss in a track that was featured on the Showtime mega-hit “Homeland.”
11: The Outlaws: “Alex’s Song”: This isn’t the same type of song you expect from the southern rock giants. A somber acoustic ballad, it’s immediately reminiscent of the classic Eagles track, “Love Will Keep Us Alive,” or Pure Prairie League’s “Amie.”
10: Adler: “The One That You Hated”: A radio friendly rock/pop gem from former Guns N Roses drummer Steven Adler and his new band. It’ll get you pumped and ready to fight.
9: Another Lost Year: “War on the Inside”: Another radio-friendly rocker anthem, although a bit grittier. ALY’s frontman Clinton Cunanan has a voice that mirrors Creed’s Scott Stapp.
8: Jake Bugg: “Simple as This”: The teenager from the UK is no Justin Bieber. Thank god. More McCartney with dirty nails, his old soul serenades on the six-string, accompanied by a great voice.
7: Jon Jonsson: “When You’re Around”: Iceland’s blonde-haired, blue-eyed version of Stevie Wonder, this is a soulful ballad that’ll help get your day off on the right foot.
6: Bento:Â “Words of Love”: Silverchair drummer Ben Gillies has come a long way from the mid-90s grunge scene. This song feels like a Beatles tune. A nostalgia-filled tune, but from an era you would expect from the writer.
5: Miggs: “Pretty”: The band’s album was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and it shows. A beautiful ballad, it’s inspiring.
4: Michi:Â “Warrior”: Another wonderful ballad sung by one of the industry’s undiscovered gems. Michiko Egger is an amazing guitarist, an excellent songwriter and the owner of a unique voice. It will be a rainy day favorite.
3: Gabriel Kelley:Â “When is Enough Enough”: Make no mistake, this is a sad song, but like James Taylor and Jim Croce and Harry Chapin before him, Kelley can engross you with his heart.
2: Charmed City Devils:Â “All You’ll Ever Need”: Firehouse meets Alter Bridge, CCD lead singer and former SR-71 drummer John Allen has the type of voice most young metal heads dream of. The fact that he can use his vocal cords in a way that make him accessible to the masses is also a testament to his ability.
1: Star City Meltdown: “Here With You”: Another rock anthem fueled by flawless vocals and equally as impressive musicianship. It’s like Journey meets The Lost Prophets. Your ears, will love it.
Honorable Mentions:
Dan Godlin: “Did She Look”?
Evolove: “Wake Up Call (Acoustic)”
Jenna Andrews: “Kiss and Run”
Keith Moody: “Do it Over Again”
Joshua Ketchmark: “All These Eyes”
Photo by Alan Hawkins
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