Best Productions Of 2012 [Part 1]

I've been itching to do this post for quite some time. 2012 is already besting 2011 in music and it's not even halfway through the year yet. Here are, in no particular order, some of the best overall productions that we've had this year. Also, look forward to Part 2 of this list coming in December.

Kanye West - "Mercy" (Produced by Lifted, Kanye West & Mike Dean)

Kanye's beat making ability has obviously grown over the years, but he's still not afraid to call on the help of producer friends to help whip up a monster beat when he needs to. "Mercy" is nothing short of perfect, the way it builds up throughout the song to Kanye's outer space breakdown, but then levels off magnificently to compliment the best bars on the track, delivered by 2Chainz.

Marina & the Diamonds - "Lies" (Produced by Diplo & Dr. Luke)

Dr. Luke was bound to make this list. He produces every-fucking-thing. Still, this track follows in the footsteps of Britney Spears track "Inside Out" and Rihanna's radio folly "You Da One," except it puts them to shame. I think it was the addition of Diplo's added urban spin that really pushed this track over the edge and make it the best Dr. Luke production to date.

Diplo - "Express Yourself" (Produced by Diplo)

Speaking of Diplo, can we talk about how epic this EP is going to be. This is not only one of the strongest productions of the year so far, but is easily the best beat. Not many people can try a new style and dominate it on the first try, but he really put a great pop spin on New Orleans bounce.

Carrie Underwood - "Blown Away" (Produced by Mark Bright)

My favorite non-pop song this year, though I think it will have an impact on the pop charts. "Blown Away" is Underwood's greatest song since her multiplatinum megahit, "Before He Cheats." Bright does a flawless job capturing the imagery of this song, with the howling strings and dripping piano keys, and much like the song title, Carrie's vocal delivery blows away any doubt that she is one of the strongest vocalist in the music industry.

Nicki Minaj - "Va Va Voom" (Dr. Luke & Cirkut, With Added Production by Kool Kojak)

To be honest, this track is quintessential Nicki Minaj. I feel like this is the artist she wants to be the most. A pop star with heavy rap undertones. Much like "Superbass," this will undeniably be her biggest hit from her Roman Reloaded LP and will probably be her first #1 record (though every time I say that, she misses the top spot by just a little bit). Despite it being the homewrecker's nation anthem, this song is one of the most robust and crisp pop songs of the past year or so. If only the album had focused more on tracks like these instead of hokey diluted pop rap crossover songs like "Roman Holiday" and "Beautiful Sinner."

Madonna - "I Fucked Up" (Produced by Martin Solveig)

Definitely far from the best track on MDNA, there is something about "I Fucked Up" that seems to growl at you the same way Madonna's eyes do. The track boasts a sexy R&B inspired production that I could see an artist like Rihanna spinning it into a chart-topper. It's just unfortunate that Madonna's fans are particularly fond of the R&B undertones and that radio doesn't love her like they used to. I'd love to hear an edited version of this song on the radio. 

Usher - "Climax" (Produced by Diplo)

Usher is the King of R&B and arguably the King of Pop since Justin Timberlake seems to have given up on music and Chris Brown is too busy worrying about petty twitter wars to step into Michael Jackson's shoes. "Climax" is just another smooth, well produced track that allows Usher to add another notch on his hit singles belt, reminding us of his smooth transition between pop and R&B much like "Love In This Club."

Maybe I have a crush on Diplo.

Cassie - "King of Hearts" (Produced by J2)

Say what you want about Cassie's airy vocals, the J2 produced track is one of 2012's most underrated dance tracks, especially went compared side-by-side with dozens are dance tracks that are in rotation on major radio stations today. Plus, she got praise from Beyoncé and she hardly recommends anyone's music that isn't hers.

Swedish House Mafia - "Greyhound"

This track is the epitome of house music and at this point no one is doing house music better than Swedish House Mafia. The bass drop after the intro is so explosive that my house shook the first time I listened to this song. I can imagine how frustratingly tedious it was detailing this track. Each piano key is place crisply to sync perfectly with this synths. It's a masterpiece.

[Thanks to ElectroLov3 for some contributions to the list!]


Keep in mind. I don't think these are the best songs of 2012 per say, just the best productions.

Tell me your favorites in the comments and whether you agree or disagree with my list!