The albums that made the first half of our year came at us from every direction (often, more than one at a time). We've collected our favorites into a handy little list that we're happy to share with you today. (There's plenty more mid-year coverage over here, including a list of our 50 favorite songs and a discussion of 2012's highlights at its midpoint.) If you're looking for a summer road trip album, a soundtrack to your hot summer nights or your dreams of winter, start here.
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1/8
Cover of Berlin Philharmonic: Bach's St. Matthew Passion ( / Berliner Philharmoniker)
2/8
Cover of Billy Hart's All Our Reasons ( / ECM Records)
3/8
Cover of Bobby Womack's The Bravest Man in the World ( / XL Recordings)
4/8
Cover of Death Grips' The Money Store. ( / Courtesy of Epic Records)
5/8
Cover of DJ Burn One's Where There's Smoke ( / Five Points Music Group)
6/8
Cover of Fun.'s Some Nights. ( / Courtesy of Fueled By Ramen)
7/8
Cover of Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music ( / Williams Street Records)
8/8
Cover of Spiritualized's Sweet Heart Sweet Light ( / Fat Possum Records)