2012 was a big year for the music industry. We managed to fall in love with new artists, while some of our old favorites made their daring comeback. There was drama to keep you talking at the water cooler for days and some amazing albums were released. We also lost musicians who made a deep impact on the scene way too soon. Here's a look back at some of the most talked about moments from the world of music.
If there's anything about 2012 people will remember is that it's the year where boy bands made their comeback. Bands like Britain's One Direction and The Wanted were plastered all over magazines, their faces were all over TV, and you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing one of their songs. Old school boy band fans were happy to hear that the Backstreet Boys not only returned as a five piece since member Kevin Richardson returned to the group, but they're also working on a new album. Will the boy band trend remain hot for 2013? We'll just have to wait and see.
It was a huge year for pop music as Taylor Swift once again proved she's here to stay, as long as she has a new boyfriend to write songs about. Her fourth studio album “Red” became a huge success with 1,208,000 copies selling in the first week alone. It also spawned the hooked filled single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” But new pop sensations gained much success also. No matter where you went, you couldn't escape Carly Ray Jepsen's “Call Me Maybe.” It even spawned several parodies and memes all over the web and Youtube. And no one can forget overseas sensation Psy who had everyone dancing this year with his catchy “Gangnam Style.” It even earned the record of the most viewed Youtube video ever.
This year was also full of reunions and break ups. No Doubt reunited and released their first album “Push and Shove” in over ten years. Unfortunately, it didn't impress No Doubt's fans. The forgotten Matchbox 20 also reunited this year and released their new album “North,” which also failed to stir up interest in the band. Green Day planned a massive comeback by releasing three studio albums, but the trilogy was plagued by front man Billie Joe Armstrong submitting himself to rehab for substance abuse. Because of this their upcoming North American tour was postponed. This year bands INXS and LMFAO called it quits, but no one seemed to be crying over these losses.
We also lost a lot of music pioneers this year. Divas Whitney Houston, Etta James, and Donna Summer all passed away earlier this year along with Soul Train host Don Cornelius. The Bee Gee's Robin Gibb lost his battle with cancer this year and the beloved Monkee Davy Jones succumbed to a heart attack. Other notable deaths of the year include Jim Marshall, maker of Marshall amps loved by rock stars all over, Dick Clark, and Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch.
Chris Brown continued his reign as most hated man in music by releasing an atrocious album, starting up several immature Twitter wars with music journalists who disapprove of him, getting a tattoo of what appears to be a beaten woman on his neck, and dressing up in a Taliban costume for Halloween. Things got even worse when Rhianna posted several pictures of him and her together online. I think everyone would be happy if he laid low next year.
Some other music moments that had tongues wagging were the Nicki Minaj/Mariah Carey feud, Jack White releasing his first solo album “Blunderbuss”, the infamous Tupac hologram that managed to amaze and creep people out, Madonna's several controversies on her MDNA tour including a feud with Lady Gaga, Pussy Riot being sent to jail in Russia, and the London Olympic music ceremonies, which boasted appearances from Muse, the Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys, Annie Lennox, One Direction, Russell Brand, and even Mr. Bean.
What will 2013 hold for music? More drama? More break ups and reunions? We'll just have to wait and see. Have a happy and safe New year!
For reviews on some of the biggest releases of 2012 visit Radio Not Found.
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