By Chris Moore:

The BEST DEBUTS of 2012

Both of my favorite debuts this year weren’t true debuts, but rather they were solo debuts by artists well-established as the front men of bands: Jack White of the recently defunct White Stripes and Craig Finn of the Hold Steady, which is currently on hiatus.  Neither topped my year-end best albums list, but both were exciting nonetheless and suggest much promise for future solo efforts. 

Blunderbuss – Jack White

Clear Heart Full Eyes – Craig Finn