1.
Lorde- Royals
First time I heard it I didn’t like the song, nor did I want to. Now I will go ahead and say that this is my favorite song of 2013. It isn’t often that a big radio hit doesn’t get old for me and stay on my not-sick-of-it list, but this pop song disses other pop/ hip-hop songs and is surrounded by impeccable harmonies that are hard not to love. Lorde’s voice during those verses is incredibly sexy, and then you have to step back and remember that she is only 17 years old (16 when Pure Heroine was released). This is one catchiest songs I have heard in a long time. Lorde is a brilliant young artist who is turning heads (and ears) in whatever direction “Royals” happens to be playing. She’s “in love with being queen” and she should be, because she made one of the best songs of 2013.
First time I heard it I didn’t like the song, nor did I want to. Now I will go ahead and say that this is my favorite song of 2013. It isn’t often that a big radio hit doesn’t get old for me and stay on my not-sick-of-it list, but this pop song disses other pop/ hip-hop songs and is surrounded by impeccable harmonies that are hard not to love. Lorde’s voice during those verses is incredibly sexy, and then you have to step back and remember that she is only 17 years old (16 when Pure Heroine was released). This is one catchiest songs I have heard in a long time. Lorde is a brilliant young artist who is turning heads (and ears) in whatever direction “Royals” happens to be playing. She’s “in love with being queen” and she should be, because she made one of the best songs of 2013.
2.
Phosphorescent- Song For Zula
This track made its way on to many lists of top tracks this year. “Song For Zula” submerges you into heartbreak, using some of Johnny Cash’s famous lyrics, “Some say love is a burnin’ thing/ and it makes a fiery ring”. Phosphorescent used this song to trace out the tragedy that can be brought out with love and heart break. A song that remains somewhat musically simple builds throughout its six minutes of playing time. The singer’s heart pours out more and more as the song progresses and the instruments have this sensational build, filling our ears with a song that could not be forgotten. Instrumentally and lyrically this song is one of the most beautiful tracks of 2013.
This track made its way on to many lists of top tracks this year. “Song For Zula” submerges you into heartbreak, using some of Johnny Cash’s famous lyrics, “Some say love is a burnin’ thing/ and it makes a fiery ring”. Phosphorescent used this song to trace out the tragedy that can be brought out with love and heart break. A song that remains somewhat musically simple builds throughout its six minutes of playing time. The singer’s heart pours out more and more as the song progresses and the instruments have this sensational build, filling our ears with a song that could not be forgotten. Instrumentally and lyrically this song is one of the most beautiful tracks of 2013.
3.
Kanye West- I’m in it
Kanye West and Justin Vernon started working together on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and obviously I was sold. Being such a fan of both artists I couldn’t help but add this one to my list. As the song starts you know that this is going to be one of the most badass tracks off an already badass album. Kanye’s first verse is backed up by a deep and dark Odd Future- esqe voice. Justin Vernon’s contribution comes as a call-and-response fashion with Kanye West, giving an interesting edge to the track. Aside from it being two artists I admire, “I’m in it” is a favorite of mine, because it is such a powerhouse on Yeezus.
Kanye West and Justin Vernon started working together on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and obviously I was sold. Being such a fan of both artists I couldn’t help but add this one to my list. As the song starts you know that this is going to be one of the most badass tracks off an already badass album. Kanye’s first verse is backed up by a deep and dark Odd Future- esqe voice. Justin Vernon’s contribution comes as a call-and-response fashion with Kanye West, giving an interesting edge to the track. Aside from it being two artists I admire, “I’m in it” is a favorite of mine, because it is such a powerhouse on Yeezus.
*Unfortunately there isn't a good YouTube video for this one*
4.
San Cisco- Beach
San Cisco’s album came out late 2012, but I am adding it to this list because it came to me late in 2013. When I first heard the cut from San Cisco’s self titled album I couldn’t get it out of my head. A beautiful euphoric track about the in and outs of a relationship, embedded in beautifully meshed male and female vocals, while floating in lush synth leads. Lead vocalist, Jordi Davieson, describes the song as a “beginning, middle, and an end” to a teenage relationship. This is definitely a track that I will love forever.
San Cisco’s album came out late 2012, but I am adding it to this list because it came to me late in 2013. When I first heard the cut from San Cisco’s self titled album I couldn’t get it out of my head. A beautiful euphoric track about the in and outs of a relationship, embedded in beautifully meshed male and female vocals, while floating in lush synth leads. Lead vocalist, Jordi Davieson, describes the song as a “beginning, middle, and an end” to a teenage relationship. This is definitely a track that I will love forever.
5.
Rhye- Open
The first thing that shocked me when I heard this track, as I’m sure it did everyone else, was the fact that the singer was a male. “Open” is an undeniably beautiful and passionate cut from Rhye’s album Woman. A relaxing and sensual song that makes you sway your head to the snaps and horns. The beautiful lyricism in this song made it unforgettable and heartfelt.
The first thing that shocked me when I heard this track, as I’m sure it did everyone else, was the fact that the singer was a male. “Open” is an undeniably beautiful and passionate cut from Rhye’s album Woman. A relaxing and sensual song that makes you sway your head to the snaps and horns. The beautiful lyricism in this song made it unforgettable and heartfelt.
6.
Volcano Choir- Byegone
Since Bon Iver formed, flourished, and faded away, I have been an adamant admirer of Justin Vernon’s work. Justin had a busy year with The Shouting Matches, helping with Yeezus, and producing a Blind Boys of Alabama record, but he also released one of my favorite records of the year. When the track “Byegone” was released as the first single for sophomore album, Repave, I knew I would be in for something special that could give tastes of Bon Iver, yet forming something new and spectacular. Veering away from the signature falsetto, so potent in Bon Iver, this was the perfect track to be the first single of a very new path for Justin Vernon’s project, Volcano Choir. “Byegone” adds more rock elements and electrifying guitar leads that set sail for another work of art from the highly talented Wisconsin musician.
Since Bon Iver formed, flourished, and faded away, I have been an adamant admirer of Justin Vernon’s work. Justin had a busy year with The Shouting Matches, helping with Yeezus, and producing a Blind Boys of Alabama record, but he also released one of my favorite records of the year. When the track “Byegone” was released as the first single for sophomore album, Repave, I knew I would be in for something special that could give tastes of Bon Iver, yet forming something new and spectacular. Veering away from the signature falsetto, so potent in Bon Iver, this was the perfect track to be the first single of a very new path for Justin Vernon’s project, Volcano Choir. “Byegone” adds more rock elements and electrifying guitar leads that set sail for another work of art from the highly talented Wisconsin musician.
7.
Jay-Z- Holy Grail
I will admit, I really didn’t want this song to be on my list, but I kept coming back to it. Jay-Z, to me, made an album that was quite a letdown. However, if there is one track that will be remembered it is the first track, “Holy Grail”. Justin Timberlake’s voice in the hook is absolutely what seals the deal on this song. I must also mention the “Smells like Teen Spirit” line, which was a nice touch. Aside from Magna Carta…Holy Grail being one of the least favorites of mine this year, Jay-Z sure did make a good single.
I will admit, I really didn’t want this song to be on my list, but I kept coming back to it. Jay-Z, to me, made an album that was quite a letdown. However, if there is one track that will be remembered it is the first track, “Holy Grail”. Justin Timberlake’s voice in the hook is absolutely what seals the deal on this song. I must also mention the “Smells like Teen Spirit” line, which was a nice touch. Aside from Magna Carta…Holy Grail being one of the least favorites of mine this year, Jay-Z sure did make a good single.
8.
Daft Punk- Lose Yourself to Dance
Daft Punk made arguably one of the best albums of 2013 and although “Get Lucky” was the smash hit that soared through the airwaves, for me, “Lose Yourself to Dance” was even better. Pharrell did a fantastic job collaborating with Daft Punk on this record and you can’t help but move when this track comes on. With so much electronic-based dance music it’s a breath of fresh air to hear such a clean balance of synth combined with good old fashioned funky guitar strumming from Nile Rogers.
Daft Punk made arguably one of the best albums of 2013 and although “Get Lucky” was the smash hit that soared through the airwaves, for me, “Lose Yourself to Dance” was even better. Pharrell did a fantastic job collaborating with Daft Punk on this record and you can’t help but move when this track comes on. With so much electronic-based dance music it’s a breath of fresh air to hear such a clean balance of synth combined with good old fashioned funky guitar strumming from Nile Rogers.
9.
D.A.- Glowing
The song began as quite a mystery when, to my surprise, rapper, Tyler, The Creator, had directed a music video for an anonymous artist until it was discovered that it was D.A. Wallach of the indie band, Chester French. The song gives a brilliant Beatles vibe with a tale of true love in the middle of a world that is falling apart. While the world is crumbling the couple will “still be glowing/ smiling like we didn’t give a damn”. Not only is the song so beautiful and moving, but the video as well. Tyler, The Creator portrayed the decay of the earth while the love of the couple continued to prosper over the years.
The song began as quite a mystery when, to my surprise, rapper, Tyler, The Creator, had directed a music video for an anonymous artist until it was discovered that it was D.A. Wallach of the indie band, Chester French. The song gives a brilliant Beatles vibe with a tale of true love in the middle of a world that is falling apart. While the world is crumbling the couple will “still be glowing/ smiling like we didn’t give a damn”. Not only is the song so beautiful and moving, but the video as well. Tyler, The Creator portrayed the decay of the earth while the love of the couple continued to prosper over the years.
10.
Nathaniel Rateliff- Still Trying
After 2012, when The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, and Mumford & Sons were taking the airwaves by storm, 2013 came along with a bit less folk music. Nathaniel Rateliff went relatively unknown, on a large scale basis, in 2013. However, he put out one of my favorite records of the year and the first track, “Still Trying”, was one of my absolute favorites. He may shout out the words “I don’t know a goddamn thing” but he sure knows how to make beautiful music.
After 2012, when The Lumineers, Of Monsters and Men, and Mumford & Sons were taking the airwaves by storm, 2013 came along with a bit less folk music. Nathaniel Rateliff went relatively unknown, on a large scale basis, in 2013. However, he put out one of my favorite records of the year and the first track, “Still Trying”, was one of my absolute favorites. He may shout out the words “I don’t know a goddamn thing” but he sure knows how to make beautiful music.
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