To me, music is blood. It runs through me, providing life and warmth in even the coldest and loneliest times. Here are a few albums from the last year, with a song from each, that gave me life and color in 2012.

Lord Huron, Lonesome Dreams (Song: “Ends of the Earth”)

First Aid Kit, Lion’s Roar (Song: “Emmylou”)

Good Old War, Come Back As Rain (Song: “Amazing Eyes”)

Bruce Springsteen, Wrecking Ball (Song: “We Take Care Of Our Own”)

Michael Kiwanuka, Home Again (Song: “Always Waiting”)

Eric Whitacre, Water Night (Song: “Alleluia”)

Mumford & Sons, Babel (Song: “I Will Wait”)

(Image: Lord Huron)