This is how strong I found 2012: for much of the year this was my #1 album. It drifted down a bit the latter half; but listening now I almost feel I should bump it way back up. Regardless, the numbering doesn’t really matter. The Lion’s Roar is a showcase for First Aid Kit, two sisters from Sweden. It shows off their sparkling crystal voices, deep and slightly philosophical lyrics, gorgeous melodies. Their maturity is almost off-putting, as these two Swedish girls seem to have somehow mastered folk and Americana song styles, lyrical songwriting, and being super cool.