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Top Songs Of 2012 -- a music playlist for you

By Gary Wien

originally published: 12/31/2012


It's that time of the year again when music journalists and critics praise their favorite songs and albums of the year. Personally, I simply can't rank the songs of the year, I prefer to put them together for a true music playlist. Thus, the songs listed here aren't in any particular order other than I liked the way they flowed together. I love all of these tunes and I hope you get the chance to check out these great artists. The full mix comes out to about 3 hours and will be aired on ThePenguinRocks.com several times in January.

Top Songs of 2012 Playlist

Justin Townes Earle - Am I That Lonely Tonight?
Smalltown Poets - Charlie Brown's Lament
Keith Monacchio - Coffee House
Mike June & The Wilson Street Refugees - Death of New York
Kate Earl - One Woman Army
The Deadfields - Till the Next Time
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
The Decemberists - One Engine - The Decemberists
Tony Tedesco & Full Fathom 5 - Virginia
The Stamps - The Continuing Story of How I Learned to Smoke With My Left Hand
Imagine Dragons - It's Time
George Wirth - Righteous Man
Bob Burger - Piano At The Bottom
The Dirty Panties - Pretty In Pink
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
JD McPherson - North Side Gal
Arlan Feiles - Tomorrow's Gonna Be A Better Day
James Deely - Last Ride
Stellar Corpses - Dead Stars Drive In
Lo Kloza - Hot Air Balloon
Ryan Culwell - Walking Away
John K. Samson - When I Write My Master's Thesis
Hey Rosetta! - Seeds
fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)
Val Emmich - Audience
Neon Trees - Everybody Talks
Metric - Youth Without Youth
Here & Sea - My Estella Stone
Scott Miller and Rayna Gellert - Someday Sometime
The Gaslight Anthem - "45"
Anthony D'Amato - On the Banks of the River Where I Died
The Avett Brothers - Live And Die
Radio Drive - Rising
Red Wanting Blue - Audition
John Eddie - Just A Song
Playmaker - Helicopter
Zak Smith - Brand New Party
Kyle Adem - Sunlight & The Sea
The Killers - Runaways
Kevin John Allen (with Jerzy Jung) - The Big Goodbye!
Moon Motel - Blanket
Mike June - The Lucky One
Japandroids - The House That Heaven Built
Elevator Art - Tent City
The Shins - Simple Song
Bruce Springsteen - Land of Hope and Dreams


Listen to great tunes like these every day on The Penguin



Gary Wien is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist. He currently writes for NewJerseyStage.com and Jersey Arts, and serves as Program Director for ThePenguinRocks.com, an online radio station spinning indie rock and roll.




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About the author:

Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.

Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.

Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday

(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Free Summer Event: Bollywood Dance Party with DJ Arjun

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza
Morristown, NJ


"The Antoinette Montague Experience: Here's to the Ladies Who Swing and Bling" as part of North to Shore

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Erin Harpe Blues Duo

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


James Gedeon - Performing The Music of James Taylor

Friday, June 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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