Best Albums of 2012: Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls

Alabama Shakes is a band from Athens, Alabama. They were formed in 2009 and this album entitled Boys and Girls is only their debut album. And I gotta say, this band is the best new act of 2012 for me. The passion this band puts into the music and also incredible skills of every member of this group creates the best combination for awesomeness.

The album was released on April 9, 2012 and I almost immediately got my greedy little hands on these 11 tracks (plus one bonus). I knew this band a little since the beginning of 2012 and based on those couple of songs I had heard ahead of its release, I thought they are pretty good band.

However, after Boys and Girls came out, it blew my mind. Seriously, there is no track that sounds bad or at least not as good as the other tracks on this record. What I like about all those tracks is the incredible voice of singer and also main song writter Brittany Howard. Her voice is perfect addition to already incredible music and together they create something really unusual. The best way to describe their music is probably 'blues rock with badass female singer'.

Of course, Alabama Shakes aren't typical modern today's band because they just aren't, but they make real music with passion and that's what I like. I can listen to this album over and over again and it still sounds awesome, coherent and fresh. The opener "Hold On" may be even the best track of the entire year.

Their live performances are incredible as well - to prove for yourself just check their entire performance from KEXP at the bottom.

Tracklisting of Boys and Girls:

1. "Hold On"
2. "I Found You"
3. "Hang Loose"
4. "Rise To The Sun"
5. "You Ain’t Alone"
6. "Goin’ To The Party"
7. "Heartbreaker"
8. "Boys & Girls"
9. "Be Mine"
10. "I Ain’t The Same"
11. "On Your Way"

12. "Heavy Chevy" (Bonus)