The Best Music of 2013

I would not consider myself to be a professional critic, nor a musical virtuoso. I would say, though, that I have been cultured and steeped in a liberal variety of music; I pride myself with being familiar with as much as I am able to and being willing to share my findings with those who are interested. I have done the stereotypical: I have collected a top ten list of the album releases from 2013. I would not say it is authoritative, but I believe it is fairly accurate. I also avoided using my personal preferences, but rather, looked to the success of the record as a whole, the coherency of the record, and the public acceptance it had in its cultural niche. Let me know what you think, and let me know if you think I left any crucial ones out! Thanks. 

1.  Pure Heroine – by Lorde

Lorde earned her spot at number 1 for a simple reason: She's a pioneer; she's unique. She produced an EP, an album, and an extended release that have stuck around on the top tier of the international charts for months. "Royals" has reached 83 million plays on Spotify. Her take on vocals and beats landed on open ears and stayed there. The trend of strong female singer song writers like Lorde and Lana Del Ray is a very strong and refreshing one. Songs worth listening to: Royals, White Teeth Teens, Team, The Love Club. 

2.  I Love You. – by The Neighbourhood

Beginning with a few EP releases in 2012, The Neighbourhood built a fan base that led to their album release in April of 2013. Their song "Sweater Weather" has been their most popular song (25 mill. plays on Spotify) since its debut on the "I'm Sorry" EP in 2012. Their sound is similar to that of Imagine Dragons, New Politics, or The Last Royals; their singer Jesse Rutherford uses the full range of his voice, varying his sound across the album. The album earned second place because it has a story and an overall dynamic that evolves song to song. The first few songs also transition well into each other. Listen to their album here. 

3.  Let's Be Still – by The Head and The Heart

Arguably my new favorite from this list, The Head and The Heart's recent October release has been received incredibly well in its short lifespan thus far. Overall, the album is further developed and evolved but still to the band's first album from 2011. The benefit of having multiple vocalists and a plethora of instruments is shown through the different songs on the album. The record's coherency is also excellent, as it is not just a stacked list of new songs, but a collection, meant to be heard in succession; their song "Springtime" leads into their song "Summertime." Clearly the band is rhetorically on top of things, using thoughtful and metaphorical song titles and placement. Take an audible gander here. 

4.  Modern Vampires of the City – by Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend's newest album comes in fourth, and that's almost a lowball for this album. It's a great record with a good story and an interesting original sound. Arguably the best release of from the band since their hit song "A-Punk," take a listen to their record here. 

5.  Magpie and the Dandelion – by The Avett Brothers

I am not going to make an attempt to compare The Avett Brother's newest album to any of their other albums, as they are all just so great as they are. It's a slower album, with a few punctuated, faster songs. This album has a great message overall, with great harmonies and instrumentals. The extended version features the original demo recordings of three of the songs. If you like music, or love, or beards, or anything good and flourishing, listen to this record here. 

6.  Babel – by Mumford & Sons

This album made the list before it came out. This album was one of the most anticipated releases this year. It broke the charts on the premier. The single "I Will Wait" destroyed the charts when it came out weeks before the record did. Mumford's newest album has a great, great story that is a good continuation from their first album, as it did not try to imitate it, but extended it. With powerful songs like "Babel" and "Holland Road," Mumford takes advantage of their folk, vocally powerful sound. The record also shows some of the best dynamics and tones use that are seen today. The songs go from quiet piano, to guttural, emotional singing notes with quick banjo cords and a solid bass line. I'll go ahead and link this album, but you know you've already heard it. 

7.  Forever Halloween – by The Maine

This album is a work of art. Let me explain––it was recorded live. Recording "live' means that the pieces were recorded in one piece or take, all together. So, for instance, the band recorded their song "Happy" the first day they started recording, and they had all the members playing their parts at the same time, recording onto the master reel-to-reel tape machine. No computer editing. No contrivances. It was talent, ability, and originality. Their songs "Love & Drugs" and "Happy" were also released as singles and met great success. Give a good listen right here. 

8.  Reflektor – by Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire's new album takes them farther from their previous known sound. This new record earned it's spot because of the efforts the band went to make a unique and original album. The message the album shares, and the drive to evolve make this album powerful and enjoyable. It's also a great listen on vinyl. Listen to it here. 

9.  The Bones of What You Believe – by CHVCHES

Arguably my other new favorite from this list, CHVCHES's newest release defines a shift in the popular music tastes of today's culture. Their single "The Mother We Share" has seen 7 million plays (Spotify) since it's release this fall. Their sound is powerful and is a great jam that is best heard at a serious volume. Google Play was offering the album for free, and it may still be available here. Otherwise, you can hear the album here, which is definitely something you should do. 

10.  The 20/20 Experience – by Justin Timberlake

This is the album of the year that will not go away. This album belongs on this list at least somewhere. This is one of the best musical comebacks that the industry has seen; Justin came back to be stronger than he has been before. The album has songs with over 75 million plays (Spotify); the album was released twice, with a second addition to the first release, which meet equally strong success. The songs such as "Suit & Tie" and "Mirrors" have been overwhelming adherent to the top of the charts, still lingering in the top 100 since their release as singles. The overall music ability throughout the album is amazing––songs feature jazz sections, excellent backup singers and harmonies, featured guest artists, solid and unique beats, and ridiculously catching interludes and runs. My favorite songs: "That Girl," "Mirrors," "Take Back the Night," and "Let the Groove Get In." I will also link this album, though in all likelihood you know the words to several of the songs on this double release already. 

Honorable Mentions: 

Albums that did not make the list solely because there is not enough room at the top for all the musical greatness 2013 has seen...

• Trouble Will Find Me – by The National
• A Bad Girl In Harlem – by New Politics
• And It Shook Me... – by The Postelles
• Paradise Valley – by John Mayer
• From Here To Now To You – Jack Johnson
• Good kid, m.A.A.d. city – Kendrick Lamar 

Noteworthy Single Releases and Songs:

• Harlem – New Politics
• Royals – Lorde
• Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
• The Mother We Share – CHVCHES
• Happy – The Maine
• Paper Doll – John Mayer
• Reflektor – Arcade Fire
• Roar – Katie Perry

Now, I am not going to pretend that this list did not leave out some solid excellent albums and singles. This is not all inclusive; this is a highlight reel. Thank you for you time and for your openness towards my music analyses. Please share with me any albums that you enjoyed and saw as the best of 2013. Carry on, and keep the music loud.