I have been realizing that the longer I stay in this business, the less time I spend actually listening to full albums.  I get so wrapped up in what we're doing on WPOC that I can't give any attention to other music.  I'm becoming a person that has a short attention span and I can't sit still to hear more than a couple of singles. 

This realization made making this year's list of my favorite albums very difficult.  I didn't get into very many so I had to dig deep.  Much like my list of favorite movies, I'm sure there are "better" albums that came out in 2012 (everyone seems to love Frank Ocean for some reason).  These 10 are not supposed to be "the best."  They are simply the albums that dominated my listening time this year.

fun. - Some Nights - The title track is easily one of my favorte songs of all time.  There is something special about this band, and I'm so happy to see them finally getting the love and respect they deserve. 

Check Out: "We Are Young," "Some Nights," and "Carry On"

Wade Bowen - The Given - I came across this album completely by accident.  I saw it pop up on a country music blog so I checked it out.  One of the best decisions I made all year.  Wade Bowen is from Texas.  He does really well down there but hasn't quite made it up our way yet.  Hopefully that will change soon.  I get a bit of a David Nail kind of vibe from him.

Check Out: "All That's Left," "Saturday Night," and, "Say Anything"

Justin Bieber - Believe - Say what you want, but this is a near perfect pop album.  There's a little something for everyone on it.  Bieber even channels some of the biggest pop sounds of the last 30 years with songs that sound similar to the Jackson 5, N'Sync, R Kelly and more.  I love it from start to finish.

Check Out: "Fall," "Catching Feelings," and, "Beauty and a Beat"

Deftones - Koi No Yokan - These guys are like a fine wine...they just keep geting better with age.  When I first heard their song "Bored" back in the 90's, I never thought they would progress to this.  Koi No Yokan is an incredible achievement.

The Cadillac Black - The Cadillac Black - Rock is back in country music, my friends.  I love their gritty southern rock style, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

Check Out: "Get Your Buzz On," and, "I'm Southern"

The Lumineers - The Lumineers - You have no doubt heard their hit "Ho Hey" at some point over the last year.  I had heard of them before but didn't know much about them.  "Ho Hey" inspired me to try and find out more..  I'm glad I did because this is a great album.

Green Day - Uno, Dos and Tre - If an artist can put together enough material for 3 full albums, they deserve to make a best of list.  I realize Green Day is not exactly reinventing the wheel, but that's still a tough task. 

Taylor Swift - Red - I told myself I wasn't going to put Red on this list, but I couldn't stop myself.  At first listen I wasn't all that impressed with it, but I listened more and really heard how great it is.  Red is definitely a step in a different direction for Taylor, but different doesn't mean bad. 

Check Out: "All Too Well," "I Almost Do," and "State Of Grace"

Converge - All We Love We Leave Behind - Some bands will always be on my best of list.  Converge could record the sound of a squirrel eating nuts and I'd probably think it's the greatest thing.  Probably.  Fair warning, this album is not for the faint of heart.

Neon Trees - Picture Show - This was the first album of the year that I said to myself, "This is going to be on my best of list."  It is a great pop rock achievement.

Check Out: "Everybody Talks" and "Lessons In Love"