Best Albums of 2012 – ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’ by Bruno Mars

That doo-wop hooligan known as Bruno Mars had a lot of expectations laid at his door when it came to his sophomore effort 'Unorthodox Jukebox.'

The singer-songwriter was following up a universally loved -both critically and commercially- debut that won Grammys. But Mars wasn't content to rest on his loafered laurels or to churn out 'Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Part 2.'

Instead, Mars went edgier and more aggressive, doing whatever he damned well pleased. The result was stupendous and one of the best albums of 2012.

Just listen to the lead single 'Locked Out of Heaven,' which certainly takes inspiration from the Police. Mars can croon with the best of them in that angelic, throwback-y voice of his, but he never shies away from dark and dirty subjects. That's what makes him so intriguing.

He gets raunchy with the sexually-charged 'Gorilla' and laments the ladies in 'Young Girls.' Mars also isn't afraid to continue to show his inner Michael Jackson on feel-good tunes like 'Treasure.'

We'll stay tuned in to 'Unorthodox Jukebox' any day of the week!