Top 20 Albums Of 2012: 8-7

8. Carly Rae Jepsen - Kiss



Undoubtedly the poppiest on my pop countdown, I'm almost surprised an album this bubblegum was released by a bestselling artist. That's not at all a complaint, because the indelible melodies and expensive, expansive production make this a definite "guilty pleasure." Call Me Maybe was only the tip of the iceberg.

7. EXO-K - Mama



Worthy of its place if just for the opening three tracks, which span multiple genres but are uniformly awesome. The most exciting new K-Pop act of the year, mostly in the way the group's been packaged. I've professed my love for sci-fi influences in music before. Exo's image certainly fits the bill. Luckily, they've got more to offer than just style.