Some surprising inclusions—and omissions—in the coming year’s class
Music
Wait, How Does That Song Go?: The Most Googled Lyrics of 2012
Which of this year’s hit songs were we dying to sing along to?
The Death of an Independent Latina: Jenni Rivera (1969-2012)
On the verge of cross-over success, the charismatic grupera singer embodied cultural fusion, business savvy and the powers of womanhood
Jenni Rivera Remembered: Everything You Need to Know About the Mexican-American Singer
We explain who the “Diva of Banda” was—and why she will be missed—after she died in a plane crash in Northern Mexico on Dec. 9
Rolling Stones Added to ’12-12-12′ Sandy Relief Concert Lineup
The Rolling Stones are the newest addition to the star-studded lineup for “12-12-12,” a concert to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy that will take place at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 12.
Rolling Stone: And the Greatest Hip-Hop Song of All Time Is…
No, it’s not Sugarhill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’
Ten Years After Interpol’s Turn on the Bright Lines, Album Still Shines
The record’s anniversary edition showcases the band at its best, despite bleak bonuses
2013 Grammy Nominations: Who Surprised and Who Got Snubbed?
Taylor Swift and LL Cool J hosted the Grammy Award nomination concert—a good night for fun., Frank Ocean and The Black Keyes
The Essential Dave Brubeck: Everything You Need to Know About the Jazz Great
By the numbers: We examine the accomplishments—and best performances—of the jazz innovator, who died at 91 on Dec. 5, 2012
Arts & Entertainment
In 55 wide-ranging lists, TIME surveys the highs and lows, the good and the bad of the past 12 months
Listen to TIME’s Top 10 Songs of 2012 Playlist
In the past year, music fans had the privilege to stick it to the man with Pussy Riot, learn to horsey dance with PSY, hear one of the best Dylan covers in a long time—even rediscover a 1969 garage-rock suite. Now we’ve got the …
Albums
Singer-songwriters shine, rap reigns supreme, and a compilation celebrating a movement gets its due
Kennedy Center Honors Letterman, Led Zeppelin, Dustin Hoffman
The late-night host, the legendary rock band, a Hollywood actor, a ballerina and a bluesman took the stage last night