Houston's best albums: Wild Moccasins, Tontons, La Mafia and more

The Houston sound echoed beyond our city line this year. Several acts - including Wild Moccasins, Tontons, Love Dominique and Like Monroe - took chances and broke out in their own ways. But they're still, to quote Houston's Queen B, 'bout that Htown.

Elsewhere, new faces made impressive debuts, stalwarts continued to impress, and one legendary act roared back to life.

1. "88 92," Wild Moccasins: The boy-girl dynamic of Cody Swann and Zahira Gutierrez give this album its indie-pop sparkle. But the entire band is terrific on tunes "Open Sesames," "Sponge Won't Soak," "Eye Makeup" and Spanish-language "Real." That they shot the "Eye Makeup" video among Galveston drag queens only adds to the appeal. (Dec. 26 at Walter's)

2. "Make Out King and Other Stories of Love," Tontons: This album isn't so much about a specific song as it is a vibe. Singer Asli Omar grooves effortlessly over a wall of bluesy, soulful, pop-inflected sound. It's like the soundtrack to an evolving, enduring Houston. (Friday at Warehouse Live)

3. "Love Dominique," Love Dominique: Houston's slinkiest R&B singer has the polish and looks of a pop diva. Her songs "Tonight," "Down" and "Going Hard" have earned local radio love. But "If It Ain't Us," "Park and Ride" and "Looking for Love" sound like national breakouts.

4. "Amor y Sexo," La Mafia: Houston's Tejano titans went for a bit of reinvention on this album, which ably balances signature sounds with fresh production. The ballads, in particular, are strong, thanks to no-frills production and singer Oscar de la Rosa's emotive delivery. It's time they were given the respect they deserve.

5. "The Start," Abbey Hirvela: It's easy to compare Hirvela, who attends Montgomery High School, to early Taylor Swift. She's 16, blond and has a knack for thoughtful storytelling. But Hirvela's tunes on "The Start" have more in common with the likes of Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, Deana Carter and Allison Krauss. She's preternaturally poised on record but girlish and charming in person - the perfect combination for a true star. Ask Swift.

6. "B.efore E.verything T.urned," Alycia Miles: Miles put in work before this year's breakout EP. She attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; appeared on "Clash of the Choirs" with Kelly Rowland; and released "The Awakening" in 2008 under the name Epiphany. "B.efore E.verything T.urned" is a full realization of her sound, which incorporates rock, soul and adventurous production. (Jan. 2 at Skol Casbar & Grille, 1701 Webster)

7. "Dirty Little Secrets," Breelan Angel: Miranda Lambert is the obvious blueprint for this Baytown native, who infuses this album with equal amounts sass and spark, heartache and hope. Angel, however, takes a slightly sweeter approach, even as she's railing against no-good guys on "She Made Your Bed" and "Double Standard." (Feb. 13 at Firehouse Saloon)

8. "American Roots and Machines," Craig Kinsey: There's beauty in chaos, Kinsey seems to be saying with his forceful piece of work, which unleashes punk, folk, rock and gypsy - in sound as well as spirit. Kinsey has a distinct vocal tone that punctuates every line of every song.

9. "Rip It Out," The Last Place You Look: Raging rock anthems with a pop sensibility. Give this band a chance if you already haven't. Singer Nava has grown into a compelling, charismatic singer. Find, if you can, the band's rendition of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball," released as part of a limited edition. (Saturday at Warehouse Live)

10. "Things We Think, But Never Speak," Like Monroe: The screamo outfit stretches beyond scene kids and shrieks on this harrowing debut, which tackles rehab, relapse, a girlfriend's miscarriage and family turmoil. But the band was smart to lighten up a bit on a few songs that seem poised to infiltrate rock radio. (Jan. 20 at Scout Bar)