Best R&B Albums of 2012: ‘Girl on Fire,’ Alicia Keys

There are vocalists whose every utterance is an absolute thing of beauty. Alicia Keys fits in that category. The R&B mom has a voice with such dynamic highs and lows that it could shatter glass and shake buildings, respectively.

On her stellar fifth album, 'Girl on Fire,' she croons hearty anthems over orchestral soul productions. Keys excels on smoldering love ballads like 'Fire We Make' (featuring Maxwell) and her vocals mixed with her piano prowess on 'Not Even the King' and '101' are amazing.

Alicia Keys was indeed on fire in 2012. All puns intended.