Top Five Albums
“Reflektor” – Arcade Fire
The fourth release in Arcade Fire’s critically acclaimed discography lacks the same cultural impact as their previous records but is still sonically beautiful, and the influence from co-producer James Murphy, of LCD Soundsystem fame, is very apparent. This art-rock masterpiece pulsates with Haitian rhythms and disco beats.
“Yeezus” – Kanye West
West’s newest album veers into a new dimension of sound for the veteran producer and rapper. He brings in electronic wizards Daft Punk to help bring the stark minimalism of Yeezus into the mainstream. He criticizes those that doubt his beliefs and also makes political and cultural stands on the music industry, reverse-racism and his relationship with Kim Kardashian.
“impersonator” – Majical Cloudz
Devon Welsh and Matthew Otto make up the synth duo Majical Cloudz. Their new album is an intensely focused and cohesive work reminiscent of M83 and James Blake. With respect, “Impersonator” is a much more exciting piece of work than anything either of these artists have done. As Welsh’s voice stretches gorgeously over the synths provided by Otto, he captivates listeners by never rushing his vocals and sharing the stage with Otto. This is a joint effort and both are equal in the project, and as a result they have created something special.
“Trouble Will Find Me” – The National
The National follow up 2010’s excellent LP, “High Violet,” with an even better look at their apparently somber lives in Brooklyn. Heartbreak emanates from this album as lead singer Matt Berninger moans over soft indie-rock. Up-tempo songs do appear on the album, and they are a breath of fresh air to most of the album’s slowed-down instrumentation.
“Old” – Danny Brown
The most exciting hip-hop album of the year is split into two sides. Side A details Brown’s childhood in the poverty of Detroit and tells the story of how he became the man he is today. Side B holds party music with an underlying theme of trauma not easily detectable. Brown distinguishes himself from similar rappers by embracing his age and using his unique voice to dominate tracks.?
Top 10 songs
“Reflektor” – Arcade Fire
The eponymous opening song to Arcade Fire’s stellar new album captures the listener with the soft, echoing vocals of Régine Chassagne and the repeating drum loop will keep your head bobbing every time the album starts.
“Blood on the Leaves” – Kanye West
This electric mash-up of samples from the classic, “Strange Fruit” by Nina Simone and trap music superstars TNGHT brings Kanye into the forefront as he is able to compare his own inner turmoil to the lynchings that covered the South in the 1960s.
“Hold on, We’re Going Home” – Drake feat. Majid Jordan
The magnum opus of Drake’s 2013 album, “Nothing Was the Same,” is a song that can appeal to all demographics. Much like Outkast’s classic “Hey Ya,” this song will capture your attention with its smooth beat as Drake pulls off his signature, smooth vocals and newcomer Majid Jordan brings the song to a close with a beautiful bridge.
“Primetime” – Janelle Monae feat. Miguel
This harmonious duet between two of the premier R&B singers of our time is a gorgeous love song that features the two singers trading verses and harmonizing together during the hook.
“New Slaves” – Kanye West
“New Slaves” was first broadcasted on the sides of 66 buildings across the globe. This was the first indication of the political angle that “Yeezus” was going to take. Within the song, West addresses institutional racism in the prison-industrial system and the reverse-racism he encountered once he gained fame.
“Hannah Hunt” – Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend lead singer Ezra Koenig tells a story about the happiness that comes with young love and the pain that comes with losing it. Koenig’s slight references to the Bible and “The Great Gatsby” will appeal to literary fans and pop culture geeks alike.
“Get Lucky”– Daft Punk feat. Pharrell
This collaboration between industry legends Daft Punk and Pharrell was stuck in everyone’s head throughout much of 2013. It was the second highest grossing single of the year, clearing over 7.3 million copies.
“Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” – Artic Monkeys
The British rockers created an album full of songs meant to soundtrack nights full of regret. This song in particular stands out due to its funky R&B experimentation and the feeling of honesty that reverberates through the lyrics.
“24 Hours” – Sky Ferreira
Miley Cyrus’ close friend Sky Ferreira puts her troubled past in the rearview to create an album full of anthems. The title track feels especially emotional compared to the rest of the album, and the refrain of “24 hours / We still have time / 24 Hours / You’re still mine” will inspire listeners to take advantage of the time they share with their loved ones.
“Shabba” – A$ap Ferg feat. A$ap Rocky
The unabashed party anthem of 2013 will never grow old. A relentless hook from A$AP Mob members Ferg and Rocky will get any party started. This tribute to Jamaican dancehall legend Shabba Ranks deserves recognition as one of the most entertaining songs of the year.
Best New Artist
Young Chicago MC Chance the Rapper released one of the best albums of the year, “Acid Rap,” for free and introduced emotional, psychedelic hip-hop into the mainstream. His unique voice may take some getting used to, but listeners will discover what could be described as a hip-hop “Catcher In the Rye” for the current generation. Chance has nowhere to go but up, and 2014 holds massive promise for this 20 year old.
Most Surprising Moment
Beyoncé stunned the world by dropping an eponymous audio/visual album onto iTunes with no promotion whatsoever. Every single track was accompanied with its own music video, and for this to be done without the press hearing about it only adds to the mystical powers of Queen B.
