Man‚ we've all really fallen back in love with the blues these past few years‚ and luckily that means the Alabama Shakes aren't stuck playing dive bars in Alabama. The androgynous snarl of Brittany Howard's lead vocals is angelic in its attack‚ and there's no denying its power in "Hold On." Saying you don't like this track is like saying you don't like beer‚ but then you get caught pounding a 6-pack in your driveway with this tune blaring out the car stereo. Undeniable power.

photo by Pieter M. van Hattem
related articles
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Vijay Iyer - "The Star of a Story"
Features: Best Songs of 2012
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Dan Deacon - "U.S.A. I-IV"
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Sleepy Sun - "Creature"
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Punch Brothers - "Movement and Location"
More on: Best Songs of 2012, Alabama Shakes
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Vijay Iyer - "The Star of a Story"
Features: Best Songs of 2012
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Dan Deacon - "U.S.A. I-IV"
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Sleepy Sun - "Creature"
Blog: Best Songs of 2012: Punch Brothers - "Movement and Location"
More on: Best Songs of 2012, Alabama Shakes
new to state of mind
Shows: moe.
Shows: Yonder Mountain String Band
Shows: Grand Point North 2014
Shows: Catskill Chill 2014
Shows: moe.down 15
Shows: Gov't Mule
Shows: Umphrey's McGee
Shows: Newport Folk Festival 2014
Shows: Widespread Panic
Albums: Phish - Fuego
Shows: moe.
Shows: Yonder Mountain String Band
Shows: Grand Point North 2014
Shows: Catskill Chill 2014
Shows: moe.down 15
Shows: Gov't Mule
Shows: Umphrey's McGee
Shows: Newport Folk Festival 2014
Shows: Widespread Panic
Albums: Phish - Fuego
random awesomeness
Shows: Phish
Blog: Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey - Promotional Video for Ludwig
Albums: Liars - WIXIW
Blog: On the Horizon: Camp Bisco 12
Shows: Kaki King
Blog: James Brown's Jumpsuits
Shows: Grand Point North Festival 2012
Shows: Phish - Festival 8
Albums: Carl Broemel - All Birds Say
Albums: The Leaves - Saving Your Side
Shows: Phish
Blog: Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey - Promotional Video for Ludwig
Albums: Liars - WIXIW
Blog: On the Horizon: Camp Bisco 12
Shows: Kaki King
Blog: James Brown's Jumpsuits
Shows: Grand Point North Festival 2012
Shows: Phish - Festival 8
Albums: Carl Broemel - All Birds Say
Albums: The Leaves - Saving Your Side