It’s been an interesting year of music, there were highs, lows and disgraceful abominations that will not even be mentioned. Mark Roche of The Daily Shift asked the team what they felt were the highlights of 2012…

Comeback 

Maroon 5

Okay, so they didn’t really go anywhere and were here at the end of last year with ‘Moves Like Jagger but they haven’t put a foot wrong this year and are going from strength to strength after several years in the wilderness – Sean Defoe

Newcomer 

Emeli Sande

A beautiful voice which has loaned itself to some of the most poignant moments of 2012; Ms Sande’s voice is as impressive during her original tracks as it is reinterpreting the classics. – Mark Roche

Controversy 

Rihanna’s life

We were thinking of including Nicki Minaj telling Irish fans to ‘Fuck off and die’ or Green Day’s Billie-Joe breaking down on live TV. Then we realised that between Rihanna’s rekindling of her relationship with Chris Brown, her 777 tour, naked album covers or being named one of “the most influential people in the world” by Time magazine, the Barbadian beauty never ceases to impress when scandals and controversy are involved – Noor Alnaqeeb

Video 

Psy

Gangnam Style is now YouTube’s most watched video of all time with over 970 million views, thanks to the South Korean rapper’s hypnotic dance moves! – Kirstin Campbell

Concert

Jack White, 02 Arena

It was loud, it was brash but it was a lot of rock and roll. Jack White stormed the o2 last Halloween. Playing everything from his extensive back catalogue, White enthralled the crowd throughout. With an all female backing band, he included hits such as “Seven Nation Army”, “Blue Blood Blues” and “Hotel Yorba” – Eimear Shannon

Pop Album 

Ed Sheeran, +

From rags to riches, fuzzy head Ed has seen more success in 2012 than most and deservedly so. While I don’t particularly agree with the millions of doting teenagers, his ability to write a song and perform it are equally as impressive. He has written for Taylor Swift and One Direction while a recent Grammy nomination for ‘The A-Team’ will ensure that Ed won’t be sleeping on couches for a long while to come – Mark Roche

Rock Album

Jack White, Blunderbuss

The first solo album from Jack White sees a softer and more distinguished blues sound than ever before. Trying to sever ties with previous bands, White focuses on a more wholesome and rootsy sound, whilst still holding onto that rock n roll attitude. Inventive, unique and unlike other album this year or this decade – Cian Roche

Artist

Jack White

Raconteur and White Stripe, Jack White seems to have cleaned up with The Daily Shift team; victor of concert, album and overall artist of the year, there is certainly merit to the man’s musical madness. He’s been heralded as our generations Jimmy Page and furthermore described as a visionary. 2012 was certainly a year of dominance for Jack White; despite impending apocalyptic doom, we’re hopeful that 2013 will show more on this mans talents. – Mark Roche

*Lead image courtesy of Redcitymovement.com