I wanted to wait 'til the year ended, but I don't follow enough bands where it would make much of a difference anyway. You'll have to scour the Youtube yourself for the links.
1) Streetlight Manifesto: "The Hands that Thieve"
Kids, this is a genre of music that's called "Ska." You may not have heard of it, because it's both positive and tone and hardcore in execution. Sort of like a jazz-punk rock. Record producers fear that someday it will become popular, because EVERYTHING that comes after ska feels disappointing and disingenuous. Streetlight Manifesto does it good, and the new album is no exception.
2) Toh Kay: "The Hands that Thieve"
Yes, this is the same album as the one listed above. It's a slower collection of all the previous songs in a gentle-acoustic style. For the times when you need things to go (Barry White voice)...
slow.
3) Less Than Jake: "See the Light"
More ska. Also fun-tastic.
4) The Grammar Club: "Bioavailable"
(White guy voice) "Now, I don't go approving of those RAP musics. But I do like these raps. They do good raps."
This is a super-group of different "nerdcore" and chiptune musicians that occasionally collaborate for a Gorillaz-type sound that's easy on the ears and the brain.
The album's free on Bandcamp, so give 'em a listen and take it for yourself if you feel so inclined.
http://thegrammarclub.bandcamp.com/album/bioavailable5) Walt Disney Studios: "Frozen"
Loved this movie. Been listening to the soundtrack since then and it holds up just fine. Maybe see the movie first, though. "Let it Go" is a real showstopper.
6) Bowling for Soup: "Lunch. Drunk. Love."
I've always liked Bowling for Soup. They put a positive and upbeat spin on punk-rock when that was what I needed the most. They haven't lost their touch.
7) Reliant K: "Collapsible Lung"
Reliant K is a Christian Rock band that-
Hey, come back! They're really good, I promise!
8)Motion City Soundtrack: "GO"
What do you mean, "this came out in 2012?" I just got this album. I'm totally with the times.
9) Daft Punk: "Random Access Memories"
Probably would have listed it higher, but Paipis already covered it, and I don't feel the need to promote it as much as I do my personal faves.
10) John Denver and the Muppets: "A Christmas Together"
This will never NOT be the best album ever.
Rest in peace, Jim Henson and John Denver. I wish I could have met you before you passed.