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.

Alabama Shakes Hold On Best Songs of 2012
photo by Pieter M. van Hattem