ENTERTAINMENT
TV Show of the Year
4. The League – I never believed a show about fantasy football would be so amazing but The League is just that: amazing. With a stellar cast of comedic talents including Jon Lajoie as the loveable pothead Taco, Paul Scheer as the naïve and gullible hipster Andre, and Nick Kroll as the paranoid, crude, wicked, scheming, and forever unclean Ruxin, The League shows the ins and outs of life for a group of Chicago-based fantasy football fanatics. Easily one of the most underappreciated shows on television, I think The League is a show worthy of a spot in the Shiva Bowl of great television.
3. Breaking Bad / Justified (TIE) – While I was late to the party, I have to admit that I love Breaking Bad. The saga of former high school chemistry teacher turned crystal meth kingpin Walter White is captivating from the first to the final images in every episode. 2012 only featured eight episodes – half of the final season – but displayed enough of the twists and turns fans are accustomed to from the series to maintain its spot as one of television’s best. Meanwhile, a US Deputy Marshall from the hills of Harlan County continued to be one of television’s great heroes as the third season of Justified maintained the excellent standards of its previous seasons. Timothy Olyphant’s work as Raylan Givens is among the best in all of television. The addition of Mykelti Williamson and Neal McDonough as villains only added to the charm and terrific performances fans love and expect with Justified. Both shows are gritty, violent, and provide looks at the criminal underworld of locals not often explored in American television – the American southwest and hills of Kentucky respectively. Breaking Bad and Justified offered viewers charismatic villains, old school heroes, and two of the best dramas on television.
2. Modern Family – Another year, another Emmy win for Best Comedy, Modern Family continues to shine as the best comedy in all of television. The twists and turns of everyday life for the Dunphy, Pritchett, and Pritchett-Tucker families never cease to captivate or entertain viewers every Wednesday night. The pregnancy of Gloria (played by Sofia Vergara), maturity of the Dunphy children, and added significance of Cam and Mitchell’s daughter Lily have not hurt the show; something any of the three storylines would have done to a lesser show. Great writing helps Modern Family remain entertaining. However, for my money, the incredible cast – especially Ed O’Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, young Nolan Gould, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson – make Modern Family the best comedy on television. Lesser talents would not make simple glances, disapproving nods, or subtle insults so hilarious or so realistic that you think you are watching your own family on-screen.
1. The Walking Dead – For the second year in a row, The Walking Dead claims the title of best show on television. The premise remained simple: bloodthirsty zombies have overtaken the world and a group of survives try to survive in this apocalyptic setting. However, 2012 added a new sense of excitement with the sudden, shocking deaths of main characters Dale (played by Jeffrey DeMunn) and Shane (played by Jon Bernthal) at the end of season two and T-Dog (played by IronE Singleton) and Lori (played by Sarah Wayne Callies) during season three. Anybody can go at any time. The addition of important fixtures from the comic like The Governor (played wonderfully by David Morrissey) and Michonne (played by Danai Gurira) and return of villainous Merle (played by Michael Rooker) added to the show exponentially. The rise of popularity in Daryl Dixon (played by Norman Reedus) created a pop culture icon while Andrew Lincoln’s portrayal of leader Rick Grimes continues to evolve in ways a lesser actor would butcher. The performances are top notch and the evolution of the show from an interpretation of the famed comic book to a show on its own merits is complete. The Walking Dead is the best show on television currently and is on its way to being one of the best shows in the history of television. It is that good.
Movie of the Year
4. The Hunger Games – One of the biggest films of 2012, The Hunger Games was the film adaptation of the first novel in author Suzanne Collins’ dystopian and post-apocalyptic series that captured the imaginations of readers young and old alike over the last two years. Earning $685 million worldwide, the film was a tremendous box office success and garnered critical praise for many performances, especially that of Jennifer Lawrence as the heroic Katniss Everdeen. I loved the film from the time I watched it at a midnight showing on opening night. Despite slight differences making it lesser than the novel from which it is based, The Hunger Games remained an action-packed film set in the future with a realistic reflection on our current society that borders on chilling. The Hunger Games was one of the most anticipated films of the year and did not disappoint, as it was one of the best films of 2012.
3. Ted – If you had told me a movie about a grown man’s relationship with his talking teddy bear would be one of the best films of 2012, I would have called you a liar. Then, I saw Ted. Mark Wahlberg stars as John, a man in his mid-30s living with his talking teddy bear (voiced by film director and writer Seth MacFarlane). In true MacFarlane fashion, Ted is a drug-fueled, sex-crazed, foul-mouthed teddy bear with a heart of gold. From the opening moments through the closing narration (done wonderfully by Patrick Stewart), Ted is hysterical. More than just an absurd comedy, Ted is also a film about friendship. As much as Ted focuses on frat boy humor, Ted also has heart. It is truly surprising how wonderful this movie is as Ted touches your heart as well as your funny bone. Ted was easily the best comedy of 2012. In addition, it reminded the world of Flash Gordon so it gets points for that.
2. Django Unchained – Quentin Tarantino’s ode to the spaghetti western, Django Unchained stood brightly as one of the most exciting, humorous, controversial, and satisfying films to come from Hollywood in 2012. Jamie Foxx stars as Django Freeman, a slave purchased by bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (played marvelously by Christoph Waltz). Working together as bounty hunters, Django and Schultz encountered many colorful and villainous characters through their journey in the American South during the time of slavery. Eventually, Django finds his wife, Broomhilda, in the company of the charming-yet-brutal plantation owner Calvin Candie (played by Leonardo DiCaprio). In Tarantino fashion, bloody gun violence ensues, bodies fall, and a hero rises in Django. Throughout the picture, Tarantino does little to sugarcoat the atrocities of slavery in this masterpiece while also maintaining that over-the-top feeling that makes even the most heinous of actions comical. That is a skill possessed by few and mastered by fewer. Quentin Tarantino mastered it. Django Unchained opened in the final week of 2012 but was an instant classic and one of the best films of 2012.
1. The Dark Knight Rises – The Avengers made more money. However, that film was but a mere toy commercial compared to the greatness that was The Dark Knight Rises. The conclusion of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman saga, The Dark Knight Rises witnessed Batman meet his matches physically in the monstrous Bane (played marvelously by Tom Hardy) and mentally in the effects of Father Time on his body and spirit. Anne Hathaway redefined the role of Catwoman with an amazing performance as Selina Kyle while Marion Cotillard’s turn as Miranda Tate / Talia al Ghul added dignity and beauty to the film (as if it needed more). Earning over $1 billion worldwide at the box office, The Dark Knight Rises helped Christopher Nolan in setting the new standard for superhero films. This film simply spoiled me on superhero films. The entire trilogy did really. These films, this one in particular, turned cartoonish stories made into films to sell toys into genuine films made to tell incredible stories using acting talents as much as CGI and other special effects. The Dark Knight Rises was a superhero movie for movie fans; not a superhero film made simply to kill two hours of a viewer’s time. This was a masterpiece – the final portion of the greatest trilogy in cinema history. The Dark Knight Rises was easily the best film of 2012.
MUSIC
Album of the Year
4. Four the Record – Miranda Lambert – Released in November 2011, Miranda Lambert’s fourth studio album unleashed hit after hit while helping Lambert’s star to reach new heights. Reaching Gold status, Lambert’s Four the Record had two singles place on the Billboard Top 10 Country charts in 2012 with “Over You” claiming the top spot and “Fastest Girl in Town” reaching number seven. I placed it third on last year’s list. The album definitely had legs as Four the Record was one of the best albums in all of 2012 too.
3. Night Train – Jason Aldean – The fifth studio release from Aldean, Night Train debuted to rave reviews and top of the Billboard 200 charts in October. The album’s first single, “Take A Little Ride,” became a number one country single while his collaboration with Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know,” is already a top ten single. Currently at Platinum status, Night Train is the quickest of Aldean’s albums to reach that status. Loaded with radio-friendly singles throughout the entire album, Night Train is one of the best albums to come out of Nashville in 2012. This album solidified Jason Aldean’s spot as one of the premiere male artists in country music today.
2. Blown Away – Carrie Underwood – Carrie Underwood’s fourth studio effort debuted in May to spectacular sales and praise from many critics for the maturity shown in Underwood’s sound. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts and remained there for two weeks, a rarity for a country artist. The debut single, “Good Girl,” reached the top of the Billboard Country charts and became another of Carrie’s many fun, energetic country-rock female anthems. Another number one single, the much-darker title track “Blown Away,” followed this quickly. Underwood said in promoting the album that she took so long to record this in order to mature as an artist. That showed throughout the album – from the current revenge-fueled single “Two Black Cadillacs” to softer ode to hometowns “Thank God for Hometowns.” With over a million copies sold, Blown Away already has Platinum status. Loaded from top to bottom with excellent tracks, Blown Away is one of Carrie Underwood’s most impressive efforts yet and one of the best albums of 2012.
1. Red – Taylor Swift – Another year, another victory in the Album of the Year category, Taylor Swift owns this award. Selling 1,208,000 copies in the first week along, Red opened to critical acclaim and phenomenal record sales. Personally, I look at the 16-track album as being two albums in one. Swift’s transformation into a pop artist is in full swing as singles like “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “22,” and the Billboard Hot 100 chart topping “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” scream pop music for the masses. Meanwhile, Swift’s second single, the ballad “Begin Again,” is among many tracks like “All Too Well,” “I Almost Do,” and “Treacherous” that show the country artist fans fell for years ago still resides within Swift. From beginning to end, Red is an experience that fans of both country and pop can enjoy. Outside of the boy drama and relationship coverage from the media that borders on comical, Taylor Swift is still an amazing songwriter, singer, and poet laurite of this generation. Red displays her talents gloriously with the best album of 2012.
Song of the Year – Pop / Rock
4. “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen – If you went anywhere in 2012 and did not hear this infectious number, consider yourself lucky as “Call Me Maybe” was everywhere. Covered by everybody from Kelly Clarkson to Mumford and Sons with millions of YouTube parodies along the way, “Call Me Maybe” became a part of American culture in 2012; ironic considering the singer is a Canadian. While popular to mock the song’s catchy hook, the truth is that the song is actually good. Topping the Billboard Top 100 over the summer, Carly Rae Jepsen comes in fourth on this year-end list.
3. “Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye (featuring Kimbra) – In the early part of 2012, everybody attempted to reach the falsetto on display in this single as “Somebody That I Used to Know” topped the Billboard Top 100. A simplistic ballad about loss and heartbreak, this European import became a staple of pop and adult contemporary radio. Finely crafted, both instrumentally and lyrically, this song will definitely not lose any of its charm in the years ahead. “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a beautiful work worthy of its spot on this list.
2. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Taylor Swift – The debut single off Swift’s Red album immediately took both the pop and country charts by storm. Rumored to be about former Swift beau Jake Gyllenhaal, many related to the infectious and fun “kiss off” record. Initially, I found myself weary of the song because of its drastic dive into the pop sound Swift previously flirted with before having the song grow on me. We may never ever get back together but I will play this song over and over again.
1. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson – For a woman who found love in 2012 and recently got engaged, she sure can sing about the beauty and power of independence. Kelly Clarkson topped the charts with one of the biggest hits of her career in “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Covered by many online and in concerts, Clarkson’s single woman (or man) anthem became one of the songs of the summer. Clarkson’s vocals, matched by a terrific arrangement, made for an amazing song that will go down as one of Clarkson’s finest works. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is the top pop / rock song of 2012.
Song of the Year - Country
4. “Dancin’ Away with My Heart” – Lady Antebellum – Released early in 2012, Lady Antebellum’s “Dancin’ Away with My Heart” quickly found itself in heavy rotation on radio, television, and at proms and weddings all over the country. The romantic ballad of remembering young love highlighted the blend of Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott’s vocals perfectly in a song that was quintessentially Lady A. Peaking at number two on the Billboard Country charts, “Dancin’ Away with My Heart” was one of my favorite country songs of 2012.
3. “Pontoon” – Little Big Town – Easily the biggest hit of Little Big Town’s career, “Pontoon” was the song of the summer as country fans around the world all went “Mmm motor boating.” Innuendo aside, the imagery within the lyrics show many of the things we all love about summer crafted into a terrific country song that inspires a desire to party with every listen. The song reached number one on the Billboard Country charts – the first song to do so for Little Big Town in their 13-year career.
2. “Springsteen” – Eric Church – Eric Church had hits before. However, “Springsteen” became the song that put Eric Church on the map. A mid-tempo song about remembering a simpler time in life with the music of The Boss in the background, “Springsteen” became the soundtrack to many summer nights in 2012. Church reached number one on the Billboard Country charts in June. Between the easy sounding vibe and the powerful lyrics, Eric Church’s biggest hit established him as a country rocker who can reach the masses with a rough tenderness too. “Springsteen” lands at number two for 2012.
1. “Glass” – Thompson Square – I cannot think of a more beautiful song to come out in 2012. In fact, “Glass” is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard period. Off their self-titled debut album, “Glass” peaked at 15 on the Billboard Country charts over the summer. Frankly, I do not understand how this song did not top the charts. Shawna Thompson’s voice was glorious as her words of tenderness and care reached through the airwaves and grabbed my heart with every listen. Keifer is definitely a lucky man. Beautiful from the first strums of Keifer’s guitar through the last syllables from Shawna’s mouth, “Glass” was the best country song of 2012. It is an amazing song, one without equal in 2012.
Artist of the Year
4. Jason Aldean – A tremendous 2012 earned Jason Aldean this spot on my list. Aldean was a road warrior in 2012 with his My Kinda Party tour selling out venues across the country throughout the spring and summer. In 2012, Aldean reached the top of the Billboard Country charts with “Fly Over States” off the My Kinda Party album and “Take A Little Ride” off the Night Train album. Speaking of Night Train, Aldean’s newest studio release debuted at the top of the charts with one of the biggest debuts in 2012. Flirting with the upper echelon of country music for a while now, 2012 was the year Jason Aldean established himself as one of the premiere stars in all of music.
3. Carrie Underwood – Carrie Underwood had an amazing 2012. Carrie’s outstanding 2012 started Super Bowl weekend with the most watched CMT Crossroads special in a decade as she joined Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in a concert special. Her fourth studio album, Blown Away, debuted at the top of the Billboard Top 200 charts in May with some of the biggest sales numbers of her career. This accomplishment placed Underwood along Faith Hill and Linda Ronstadt as the only female artists in Billboard history to have three country albums reach the top of the Billboard charts. “Good Girl” and “Blown Away” both reached number one on the Country singles charts. In addition, Carrie’s Blown Away tour stretched the country and internationally with sold out shows that entertained the masses – including yours truly in Greensboro in November. 2012 was an outstanding year for the cutie from Oklahoma.
2. Blake Shelton – Blake Shelton was everywhere in 2012. Despite a successful country career spanning a decade, 2012 was the breakout year for Shelton as his star reached new heights. Shelton opened 2012 alongside wife Miranda Lambert performing at the Super Bowl. Then, Shelton reached new audiences through his judging role on NBC’s hit show The Voice. “Drink On It” and “Over” both topped the Billboard Country charts while Shelton played to sold out audiences throughout the summer with sporadic concert dates. His biggest accomplishment yet came in November when the Country Music Association named him Entertainer of the Year for 2012. Whether you looked on television, on the charts, or turned on the radio, you could not miss Blake Shelton in 2012. It was a huge year for one of country’s brightest crossover talents.
1. Taylor Swift – When you think about it, 2012 was another spectacular year for Taylor Swift. Starting the year on the road, Swift’s Speak Now tour ended with records for international touring success. In February, Swift won a pair of Grammy Awards for the song “Mean.” Swift followed that with two singles on The Hunger Games motion picture soundtrack – “Eyes Open” and “Safe and Sound” with The Civil Wars, the latter of which garnered critical acclaim. The summer months saw Swift reach the top of the Billboard Country charts again with “Ours” while she landed on tabloids everywhere for her relationship with 18-year-old Conor Kennedy. Swift’s fourth studio album, Red, opened to record-setting sales numbers in October behind the popularity and success of chart-topping singles “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “Begin Again,” and “I Knew You Were Trouble.” As her sound is evolving to a more polished pop sound that risks alienating her loyal country fan base, Swift continues to make music that comes from her heart first; a trait that fans have come to expect and appreciate. I do not know how much longer Swift can continue to dominate the music scene. However, for right now, no act is a more successful phenomenon in the world of music than Taylor Swift is. She is the Artist of the Year for 2012.
For the next part of The Highlight Reel 2012 Year in Review, click here…
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