Why should you care what my top 13 albums of the year are? You really shouldn’t — but yet here you are, drawn in by the histrionic nature of the title and something deep inside of you knows you like lists. Here it goes…
For those of you who are impatient…I have made a Spotify playlist at the bottom of the post. You can follow the feed.
Inspiring simultaneous arm oscillation and introspection, Leagues’ You Belong Here is probably one of the best albums you have not heard this year. Plus, the guitar riff on “Spotlight” (when the bass drops out) is one of my favorite moments on an album all year. Listen and enjoy.
12. Neko Case — The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You
There is no mistaking Neko Case’s voice. On her new album, she hauntingly lays down song after song that will stick with you for a long time. Enjoy.
Phosphorescent (aka Matthew Houck) is originally from Alabama but ultimately is from Brooklyn, NY by way of Athens, Georgia. Muchacho gets better with each listen and Song for Zula is worthy of setting on “repeat” for awhile. Enjoy this multi-layered album from the mind and talents of Matthew Houck.
10. Atlas Genius — When It Was Now
Atlas Genius’ debut album is one of the most fun albums I have heard in a long time. When It Was Now combines pop-punk stylings with strong songwriting that holds up under scrutiny. Play, listen and enjoy…
9. The Lone Bellow (Self-Titled)
My wife believes I have turned into a country music fan. I simply explain that I enjoy good music. The Lone Bellow is one of the few exceptions that I make for bands in the country music vein. Their rock sensibility and tight harmonies put me over the edge. Check out their self-titled debut. If you are a music fan…you are going to like them.
8. Johnny Marr — The Messenger
What can I say? I am huge fan of The Smiths…so when I heard that their guitarist Johnny Marr had a new album, I had to give it a spin. Strong songwriting carries this album. Hooks and melodies keep me coming back and finding new things to like. Enjoy this album from a true rock legend and professional.
7. Janell Monáe — Electric Lady
I was a huge fan of Janelle’s previous album (The ArchAndroid). To be honest it took me a couple of listens to hear the brilliance, but after a while, I was enthralled. Electric Lady delivers big time. Enjoy.
6. The National — Trouble Will Find Me
The National gives another strong album to add to their discography. Trouble Will Find Me is well crafted and while there is no stand-out track, it is a complete work of art.
It is hard not to be impressed with this 17-year-old Kiwi’s debut album Pure Heroine. If you have not heard their song, “Royals”, I am not sure where you have been hiding. The rest of the album is equally as remarkable and poignant. “Maybe the Internet raised us…” -Lorde (A World Alone)
4. Vampire Weekend — Modern Vampires of the City
Vampire Weekend has been one of my favorite bands of the last few years. Lyrically brilliant and sparkiling with melodies, Modern Vampires of the City conveys maturity and poise but is still a lot of fun. This is VW’s third studio album and already their most heralded. Check it out for yourself.
I did not see HAIM coming from a mile away. They have been compared to Fleetwood Mac and it is easy to see why. Their melodies are dark yet they soar. HAIM’s tongue-in-cheek style is evident in songs like “The Wire”. Enough about them for goodness sakes. Just listen…you won’t be able to get them out of your head.
My number two will either bring my credibility up or down in your eyes. Nevertheless, Hillsong UNITED’s Zion is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. Typically a Christian Adult Contemporary album leaves many things to be desired. Zion does not dissapoint in the least…and if you are a fan of electronic music (good electronic music) you will appreciate the layers of this fine album. Taste and see.
Number One Album of 2013: Daft Punk — Random Access Memories
There are so many things to like about Random Access Memories. From the live instrumentation, the collaborations, and the electronic beats…this album is flawless. In my opinion a classic. Sometimes we see a band like Daft Punk and simply on name recognition, don’t seriously consider them. That is a serious mistake. Soak it in folks. This one is a keeper.
Honorable Mentions
Here are just a few…
Justin Timberlake — The 20/20 Experience, Mikal Cronin — MCII, Foxygen — We Are The 21st Century, Phoenix — Bankrupt!, STRFKR — Miracle Mile, Patty Griffin — American Kid, Citzens (Self-Titled), The Civil Wars (Self-Titled), Washed Out — Paracosm, Foals — Holy Fire, Mavis Staples — One True Vine
There are many more I could have listed…but if you have an album that is not on this list that you think is a “must listen”, tell me about it. Thanks for your time and attention.
Shameless Plug
Make sure you check out my friend’s band, The New Hotness. They have put together a teaser track for their album. Here it is…
Tim Villegas usually is writing about education related issues at thinkinclusive.us. When he isn’t…he most likely has his headphones on. He lives with his fetching wife and three adorable children in Marietta, GA.