This year has been pretty great for music, we can't deny that (aside from Miley Cyrus still being alive, of course). But really, it's been overwhelming in the most wonderful way possible. Here is my list of the top 13 albums released and listened to excessively by me in 2013. Seriously, this was hard.
13. Katy Perry PRISM
I love Katy! She's a guilty pleasure for sure. Except that I don't feel guilty about it.... But really this album is great. Just a bunch of classic girl pop jams about breaking up, falling in love, dancing and doing dumb girl stuff. Also, I may or may not have cried a little the first time I listened to "By the Grace of God". And if you haven't watched the Katy Perry movie yet, do it. Just freaking do it, NOW.
12. The Shouting Matches Grownass Man
Literally anything Justin Vernon does, I am in love with. This ENTIRE album is so good!! I bought it the day it came out having never even heard anything of the band before, just based off my knowledge of Justin's genius, and I was not disappointed in the least. I love blues-rock, and I love Justin Vernon. This album was literally a dream come true that I didn't even realize I had dreamed.
11. James Blake Overgrown
I could listen to this album over and over for the rest of my life. His voice is absolutely pure. The only way I can think to describe his music is a mixture of Radiohead and Bon Iver with a black guy singing. So, perfection. Also, I LOVE that cover art, beautiful.
10. Devendra Banhart Mala
Wow, this one surprised me. I had never listened to Devendra before this album, and I really didn't even know what to expect. I'm pretty sure my jaw literally dropped and remained dropped from beginning to end of Mala. I still can't get over "Fur Hilegard von Bingen" Too good.
9. City and Colour The Hurry and the Harm
I love Dallas Green, he never disappoints. Just beautiful music, always. Just go listen. It speaks for itself.
8. Small Black Limits of Desire
I absolutely love this style of music, I guess you could call it "Chillwave" or whatever, I just call it freaking good. It's the absolute perfect summer album. It was my narrative while laying out in the backyard giving myself cancer nearly everyday in Italy.
7. Drake Nothing Was the Same
I'm not gonna lie, the first time I listened to this album all the way through I was a little disappointed. The only track that really stood out to me was "Too Much". But I love Drake so much that I decided to give it another try, and in time I fell completely in love. It's a solid album. Well done, Drake, well done.
6. Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience 1 of 2
Really, do I even need to say anything? It's JT, he does not disappoint. (Unless, of course, you're talking about The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2, I'm not sure what happened there, but let's just look past it and move on)
5. Carousel Palms
OK, this is technically an EP, but I had to mention them because I have not been able to stop listening to them since I discovered them in about March or April. Every song they have is amazing, and you need to look them up immediately. You will not be upset.
4. Arctic Monkeys AM
OK, really though, this album could not get any better. I have not been able to stop listening to it since it was released a few months ago. It is easily the best work this band has ever produced. I cannot tell you how much I love this album, really I can't.
3. Toro Y Moi Anything In Return
This album just solidified my decision of Toro Y Moi being one of my absolute favorite bands. When this came out in the beginning of the year there was literally nothing else I was listening to. His style is perfect. Everything he has made is perfect. What a guy. Really.
2. Arcade Fire Reflektor
There was so much hype for this album that I was actually a little nervous it was gonna be a huge let down, but then I remembered that Arcade Fire is unbelievable all the time, so I shouldn't worry. Then I bought it the day it came out and about threw up because I was so overwhelmed with how seriously incredible it is. If you haven't listened to it then I want you to know that you are literally wasting your life. GO LISTEN! "Porno" makes me lose my mind.
1. The National Trouble Will FInd Me
Hands down, this is THE BEST album released all year. I mean a lot of others have come pretty close, but nothing captured me the way this one did. The National is my soul (along with Bon Iver). I can't live without them. I really can't bring to words my love for this band, and this album. Solid work, men, well done.
Really, go listen to all of these albums right now. Give yourself a good 13 or so hours, and let your life be changed for the better. You're welcome.
