2013 was a particularly good year for music, and the 100 full-length
albums (no EPs) on this list are a reflection of that. They include a diversity of music ranging
from old-style soul to Swedish dance-pop, and generally feature alternative
rock, R&B/soul, indie rock, and inventive pop music. I also tend to like music that is up-front,
rather than hidden by layers of production.
I have numbered and
described the top 50 and listed the others as “Honorable Mention.” The numbering is somewhat random, because on
any given day, I might want to hear one album ahead of any other, and each of
the “Honorable Mention” albums could easily have made the top 50.
Here is my list in ascending order:
This New Zealand-based singer-songwriter
sounds something like a higher-energy Amy Winehouse. This is her second album, and includes “Black
Sheep,” “Devil in Me,” and “Dirty Love.”
Casey
Crescenzo, formerly of The Receiving End of Sirens, founded this
Providence-based band, which released this, their first album, that blends a
range of musical styles with Crescenzo’s expressive vocals. Songs include “Whisper,” “Shame,” and “Old
Demons.”
I’ve always like the luscious sound of this
Manhattan-based, jazz-infused vocalist, but it’s been six years since her last
full-length album. However, she picks up
right where she left off with songs including “Afraid,” “You Don’t See Me,” and
“Don’t Let Me Down.”
The first album from this Los Angeles-based
band displays their potential as an interesting blend of pop and techno
musicianship. Songs include “Safe and
Sound,” “Kangaroo Court,” and “Chasing You.”
Consistently one of the better American
bands in terms of their songwriting and musicianship, this Nashville-based
quartet consists of three brothers and a cousin—all named Followill. This is their sixth album, and it includes
“Supersoaker,” “Beautiful War,” and “Wait for Me.”
This Swedish band often makes my “Best Of”
lists because of their infectious pop-rock.
This, their fifth album, continues that trend with songs like “Shake
Shake Shake,” “Hurt the Ones I Love,” and “Great Day.”
Kelela Mizanekristos is a Maryland-based
artist who specializes in moody, base-driven songs that create a lush,
enveloping sound. This, her debut album,
features songs including “Do It Again,” and “Bank Head.”
This Danish trio moved to Brooklyn before
releasing this, their second album. The
songs, combining a post-punk sound with dance rhythms, include “Tonight You’re
Perfect,” “Harlem,” and “Give Me Hope.”
Guy and Howard Lawrence comprise the English
electronic duo known as Disclosure. On
this, their first full-length album, they have enlisted the support of a number
of vocalists to produce a very listenable and danceable set of songs including
“Latch” and “You and Me.”
Philadelphia-based Ramble John Krohn
performs under the name RJD2. A prolific
producer, both for himself and others, he has released nine studio albums since
2002, and this one is a gem, combining a wide range of musical styles,
occasional vocalists, and inventive uses of instruments—both real and
synthetic. Songs include
“Temperamental,” “Her Majesty's Socialist Request,” and “Descended from Myth.”
Elisabeth Corrin Maurus from Illinois
performs under the stage name, Lissie.
Her music is hard to categorize other than to say her songs combine
terrific tunes and lyrics with memorable themes. Those songs include “Further Away” and “I Bet
On You.”
It’s easy to focus on the public persona of
Katy Perry (born Katheryn
Elizabeth "Katy" Hudson), as well as her romantic attachments
(the latest is John Mayer), while forgetting that she has produced some very
good music, including this, her fourth album, which features songs like
“Unconditionally,” “Dark Horse,” and “Roar.”
This New Jersey-based indie-rock band is
essentially Brian Sella and Mathew Uychich.
Their music is smart and their lyrics are interesting, while containing
enough bite to keep them in the rock genre.
Their fourth album contains songs including “Au Revoir,” “Skeleton,”
“Twin Size Mattress,” and “Funny You Should Ask.”
Best known as one of the top professional
surfers from Hawaii, Makua Rothman has morphed into a very good
singer-songwriter, and this album combines Reggae sounds with island beats on
songs like “Lovely” and “One Voice.”
I rarely include live albums on my “Best Of”
lists, but this is a chance to hear one of the best songwriting teams in modern
musical theater performing some of their best songs with excellent
vocalists. Those songs include “Hand in
Hand,” “Run Away,” “Sadie,” and “Shut Up and Listen.”
Tampa-based singer-songwriter Matt Hires has
put together an excellent album worthy of repeated listenings, including
“Forever,” “The Sound of Falling in Love,” and “All That’s Left Is You.”
New York-based Chrisette Michele
consistently produces some of the best R&B available today. Her fourth album is another example of her
outstanding vocal prowess. Songs include
“A Couple of Forevers,” “Better,” “Love in the Afternoon,” and “With Love.”
As far as I’m concerned, Jillette Johnson is
at her best by herself at the piano. But
she also offers songs of other styles and instruments on her outstanding debut
album, including “Torpedo,” “Cameron,” and Pauvre Coeur.”
On the debut album from this British
electronic quartet, they enlisted the help of some of today’s top artists,
including John Newman, Foxes, Emili Sande, and Alex Clare, and the result is a
set of terrific songs such as “Feel the Love,” “Not Giving In,” “Right Here,”
and “Free.”
This North Carolina-based quartet has been
recording infectious, high-energy, pop-rock for more than 20 years, but this is
my favorite of their albums, for its timeless rock riffs on songs like “Me
& You & Jackie Mittoo,” “Low F,” and “FOH.”
This Texas-based post-punk band has put
together their best set of songs yet on their third album. You will definitely be tapping your toes to
these songs, including “Chin Up Kid,” “Nice to Meet You,” “Count on Me,” and
“Rebel.”
When I think of Michael Franti &
Spearhead, I start humming their delightful melodies and singing Franti’s
meaningful lyrics. This, their eighth
studio album, is in keeping with their other work, and I’ve been
humming/singing, since it was released.
Songs include “I’m Alive,” “Life is Better With You,” and “Let it Go.”
This New Orleans-based duo of Ted Joyner and
Grant Widmer previously founded The Eames Era. This, their third album, presents an upbeat
brand of pop-rock, with songs including “Spinoza,” “Put a Light On,” and
“Awake.”
21-year-old Charlotte Emma Aitchison
performs under the name Charli XCX, and she has already had an impact on modern
electronic dance-pop, between her two solo albums and her work with other
groups such as Icona Pop. This
outstanding album includes “You (Ha Ha Ha),” Set Me Free (Feel My Pain),” and “What
I Like.”
In five albums, this New York-based quintet,
led by Julian Casablancas, has established itself as one of the best and most
consistent bands in modern music. Their
tunes are inventive and very well played, and Casablancas’s signature vocals
are immediately recognizable. This album
includes “Tap Out,” “One Way Trigger,” and “Chances.”
Since 1999, the Quin twins of Calgary have
been producing excellent music, while adapting different styles and approaches
to keep them on the cutting edge of the recording industry. This album is another fine offering by this
outstanding duo, and it features “Closer,” “I Was a Fool,” and “How Come You
Don't Want Me.”
New Jersey-based Christina Grimmie combines
a lush voice with superb piano skills on this, her first full album, comprised
of songs that she wrote. This is a very
talented young (19 years old) woman with a bright future ahead of her. If you want to get in on the ground floor of
a promising career, this is the album for you, featuring “With Love,” “Feelin’
Good,” and “My Anthem.”
This Brooklyn-based rock quartet has
released four albums, and this is by far the best. Officially, their music is listed as “punk,”
but don’t allow that label to undermine the musicianship they demonstrate on
this album, with songs like “Lost Weekend,” “Wrecking Ball,” and “Speakeasy.”
The Diving Board is the 31st studio
album by Elton John. Written with long-term collaborator Bernie Taupin
and produced by T-Bone Burnett, it is his best work in a very
long time, displaying a sensitivity and musical prowess that has been missing
from Elton John’s more recent work, with songs like “Oceans Away,” “Home
Again,” and “Mexican Vacation.”
Robert Randolph, from Florida, is best known
for his work on the pedal steel guitar, and his band displays a joy of making
music that is missing in a lot of recent corporate-produced recordings. His brand of funk is powerful and fun, and he
is assisted on this album by several musicians including Carlos Santana. Songs include “Amped Up,” “Brand New Wayo,”
and the classic “Good Lovin’.”
21-year-old Sky Ferreira is both beautiful
and talented, and she displays both (see the full album cover—not the iTunes
version) on this spectacular debut album.
This is a very good collection of rock-tinged songs including “24
Hours,” “I Blame Myself,” “You’re Not the One,” and “Love in Stereo.”
Paramore is one of my favorite bands, and
the Tennessee-based trio continues to record rock music of the highest
quality. Although this is their fourth
album, it is the first with an eponymous title, and as usual, Hayley Williams
vocals are powerful and pure. This is a
very good album by one of America’s best modern rock bands. Songs include “Grow Up,” “Still Into You,”
and “Hate To See Your Heart Break.”
In their debut album, this Scottish
synth-pop trio combines catchy tunes, lively hooks, indie-style vocals, and
electronic beats to come up with one of the year’s most entertaining set of
songs, including “The Mother We Share,” “Lies,” and “Strong Hand.”
Known for her
striking looks, outrageous outfits, and consistently good music, Atlanta-based Janelle Monáe has become a true presence in the modern music scene, and
the outstanding soul-tinged tunes on this album warrant the attention they are
receiving. Those songs include “Electric
Lady,” “PrimeTime,” and “Dance Apocalyptic.”
I just love the
music produced by this nine-piece Australian band, which combines 60s soul with
modern production techniques to produce a toe-tapping, sing-along style of
music that dares you to avoid dancing, or just moving in your chair as you
listen. Songs include “Love Letter,” “She
Plays Up to You,” and “Walk of Shame.”
French electronic
duo Daft Punk is so iconic that LCD Soundsystem released a song in 2005 named
“Daft Punk is Playing at My House.” On
this, their fourth album, not only is the music better than ever, but they have
enlisted the help of some of the best vocalists recording today, including Pharrell
Williams and Julian Casablancas. Aside
from the megahit, “Get Lucky,” songs on this album include “Instant Crush,” “Fragments
of Time,” and “Doin’ it Right.”
The debut album from this Brooklyn-based
quintet is breathtaking in the depth and lushness of its sound. Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig met at Boston’s
Berklee School of music, and the band they founded is just a joy to hear. Songs include “Turn it Around,” “Tempest,”
and “How Loud Your Heart Gets.”
I’m not sure how to
describe the debut album from this Tampa-based band. Do you call it post punk? Prog rock?
Symphonic rock? I just call it a great
collection of wonderful songs of which I can’t seem to get enough. Those songs include “Nightmare,” “Partners in
Crime,” and “Kill the Lights.”
If you slept through
the year or never listen to music, maybe you missed the megahit, “Royals,” but
everyone else has taken notice of 17-year-old Lorde (nee Ella
Maria Lani Yelich-O'Connor), and we have been wowed by the songwriting and
vocal prowess of this lovely young New Zealander. Songs include “Royals” and “Team.”
Brendan Benson’s
influence on modern music is undeniable, whether through his six excellent solo
albums or his work with the Mood Elevator and the Raconteurs. This Michigan-based artist just makes good
music, and this album is no exception.
Songs include “It’s Your Choice” and “I Don't Wanna See You Anymore.”
The three Haim sisters
(Este, Danielle, and Alana), with drummer Dash Hutton, have combined make one
of the most listenable albums of 2013.
Combining folk-rock style vocals with R&B-influenced rock music,
this Los Angeles-based band has released a debut album that demands attention
as well as repeated listenings. Songs
include “Falling,” “Forever,” and “The Wire.”
Anton Zaslavski, better known as Zedd, has
been producing electronic albums since 2009, but the remarkably successful
“Clarity” is his debut album, bringing together different styles of music and
outstanding musicians and singers to perform the songs, which include “Spectrum”
(featuring Matthew Koma), “Stay the Night” (featuring Hayley Williams), and the
title song, “Clarity” (featuring Foxes), which Zedd has remixed in several
different ways. This is a terrific
electro-pop album.
This Virginia-based singer-songwriter
first achieved success with the New Pornographers, but with each of her three
recent solo studio albums, she has increased her range and versatility. This may be her best effort to date, but it
merely portends the heights that this wonderful artist might reach. Songs include “Nearly Midnight, Honolulu,” “Night
Still Comes,” and “Man.”
This British
alternative rock band was founded in 2002, but finally settled on the name
“Editors” in 2005, and have released four albums since. They are musically excellent with darkly
expressive vocals and melodically complex tunes, and this album is an superb
example of their many talents with songs including “A Ton of Love,” “The
Weight,” The Sting,” and “Formaldehyde.”
The Swedish duo of Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo, on their first full-length album, produce
techno-dance-pop that is well-produced, infectious, and thoroughly
enjoyable. I might consider it a guilty
pleasure, but there’s no way I can listen to this album without tapping my toes
and singing along with lyrics like “You’re so damned hard to please, we gotta
kill this switch, you’re from the seventies, but I’m a nineties bitch.” Songs include “All Night,” “I Love It,” and
“Girlfriend.”
At the age of 20,
this Boca Raton-based singer has already appeared on Broadway (in “13”) and
released this debut album that demonstrates her remarkably clear voice and
unlimited potential. It might be easy to
discount her as just another pop artist, but this is a young woman of substance
about whom and from whom we’ll be hearing for years to come. Songs include “The Way,” “Better Left Unsaid,”
and “Almost Is Never Enough.”
The Swiss/German duo
of Valeska Steiner and
bassist Sonja Glass (aka BOY)
released this debut album in Germany in 2011, but the US release waited until
2013. The album draws its influences
from anti-folk and indie-rock. The music
is substantive, the lyrics are interesting, and the vocals are clear and
eminently listenable. Songs include
“Waitress,” “Little Numbers,” and “Skin.”
New York-based
Vampire Weekend has released this, their third album, and once again
demonstrated why they are one of the very best bands recording today. With each album, they increase their range
and musical capabilities, while always providing high-quality songs and
musicianship. This album demands
repeated listenings, with songs including “Unbelievers,” “Step,” and “Diane
Young.”
It’s hard to heap
enough praise on Arcade Fire. Each of
their four albums is among the very best music available in the given
year. They combine complex compositions
with amazing musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics. If you want to know what modern rock music
should be, look no further than Arcade Fire.
Songs on this album include “Reflektor,” “Here Comes The Night Time,”
and “Afterlife.”
As 2013 reached its
close in mid-December, Beyoncé shocked the recording
industry by releasing this album through online outlets without any previous
hype or promotion. It is clearly the
most personal and reflective work to date from the woman who may be the most
talented triple-threat artist on the planet—and every song on the album has a
corresponding video. With the production
help of husband Jay Z, Beyoncé has used this album to trace her life and career
so far, starting with recorded introductions from her already-successful youth
through her recent motherhood of Blue Ivy Carter, who is also featured on the
song, “Blue.” Other featured artists
include Jay Z, Drake, and Frank Ocean, and while the songs may be less
dance-oriented than previous releases, they generally demonstrate a depth and
lushness that have previously eluded this multi-platinum artist. Songs include “Pretty Hurts,” “Blow,”
“Superpower,” and the sadly beautiful “Heaven.”
The following are all
excellent albums that deserve Honorable
Mention (listed alphabetically by artist):
·
Alkaline Trio, My Shame Is True
·
Alter Bridge, Fortress
·
Andrew Cedermark, Home Life
·
Barenaked Ladies, Grinning Streak
·
Ben Rector, The
Walking in Between
·
Beth Hart, Bang
Bang Boom Boom
·
Biffy Clyro, Opposites
·
Bobby McFerrin & Esperanza Spalding, Spirityouall
·
Brett Dennen, Smoke and Mirrors
·
Brown Bird, Fits
of Reason
·
Caitlin Rose, The Stand-In
·
Camera Obscura, Desire Lines
·
City and Colour, The Hurry and the Harm
·
Darling Parade, Battle Scars & Broken Hearts
·
David Bowie, The
Next Day
·
David Garza, Human
Tattoo
·
Device, Device
·
Echosmith, Talking
Dreams
·
Elvis Costello & The Roots, Wise Up Ghost
·
Eric Clapton, Old Sock
·
The Fratellis, We Need Medicine
·
Hands Like Houses, Unimagine
·
Hellogoodbye, Everything Is Debatable
·
Icon for Hire, Icon for Hire
·
India.Arie, SongVersation
·
Jake Bugg, Jake
Bugg
·
James Blake, Overgrown
·
Jamie Cullum, Momentum
·
Joe Bonamassa & Beth Hart, Seesaw
·
Miley Cyrus, Bangerz
·
Mixtapes, Ordinary
Silence
·
MS MR, Secondhand
Rapture
·
Natalia Kills, Trouble
·
The National, Trouble Will Find Me
·
of Montreal,
Lousy With Sylvianbriar
·
OneRepublic, Native
·
Parquet Courts, Light Up Gold
·
Queen V, The
Decade of Queen V
·
Queens of the Stone Age, …Like Clockwork
·
Relient K,
Collapsible Lung
·
Rilo Kiley, Rkives
·
Sara Bareilles, The Blessed Unrest
·
Sleigh Bells, Bitter Rivals
·
Telekinesis, Dormarion
·
Train, California
37: Mermaids of Alcatraz
·
The Uncluded, Hokey Fright
·
Wallpaper., Ricky
Reed Is Real
·
Waxahatchee, Cerulean
Salt
·
Wheeler Brothers, Gold Boots Glitter
·
3OH!3, Omens
