Kanye West is one man that proves if you have confidence (or arrogance in his case) you can get anywhere. Yeezy released Yeezus smack bang in the middle of the year and it didn't disappoint. Controversial, unsympathetic but stupidly intelligent, his tracks cover political issues with razor-sharp callousness that make you gasp from beginning to end.
Trampling all over Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail, he asserts his power in I Am a God, yet mocks himself with the lyric "hurry up with my damn croissants". West spits his rap in New Slaves as he condemns consumerism, beautifully contradicting himself. An album full of angry rap that isn't acceptable to be repeated aloud, there is something charming about the collection of songs that keeps me going back for more.
2. AM-- Arctic Monkeys
It took me weeks to decide whether I wanted AM or Yeezus to be my number one album of 2013. After four incredibly successful albums that all owned a variety of sounds, AM's indie rock sounds burst into the charts in mid September where it shot to number one. It's addictive psychedelic rock elements combined with Turner's charming and seductive vocals all incorporate to the success of AM.
In October the band hinted that they are planning an AM part two, much to the excitement of fans. If it's anything like this one, I think we can all get incredibly excited.
Listen to AM here:
3. Home-- Rudimental
I've always had a soft spot for drum and bass, but newcomers Rudimental are so much more. Releasing their debut album Home in February and with giant singles like Waiting All Night and Feel The Love, the sound to this collection of songs packs a punch.
Pulsing energy oozes from every track,from Right Here's infectious steel drums to Hide's chilled garage influences,Home was the soundtrack to my summer.
4. Fall Out Boy-- Save Rock and Roll
Back in 2001, Patrick Stump and band mates Pete Wenz, Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley formed band Fall Out Boy and since the release of their breakout album From Under the Cork Tree, they haven't looked back. With fourth album Folie a Deux showing musical strain and with the band taking a break between 2009-2012, I was extremely apprehensive about their latest album.
Save Rock and Roll sees Fall Out Boy at their best once again. Deep and rich sounds combined with Stump's melodious vocals make for a delicious listen, and my long-term love for the band is the reason why I have placed it at number four. Poignantly commencing the album with The Phoenix, the album seldom loses it's energy and peaks with Young Volcanoes.
Listen to the full album here:
5. True-- Avicii
To me Swedish DJ Avicii is far superior to the likes of David Guetta and I was extremely disappointed that his debut album True didn't get the attention it deserved. With the massive singles Wake Me Up and I Could Be The One, I wasn't sure he could produce any more addictive EDM tunes, but I couldn't have been more wrong. What helps this album to stand out is it's strong folk influences and the way each song ties perfectly into it's successor.With the release of Hey Brother this month, I'm hoping the album will gather more acclaim as Avicii definitely deserves more credit.
6. Shangri La-- Jake Bugg
It's not often that you get the chance to work with legendary producer Rick Rubin, so when 19-year old Jake Bugg headed over to Malibu to work on his second album with him, he took full advantage. Having his first self-titled album under his belt, he took a fresh, more folky approach with Shangri La. At times seeming slightly rushed, the tracks still maintain the quirkiness he graces his creations with, from the toe-tapping Slumville Sunrise, to the vintage Kingpin to the humble Simple Pleasures, this is Bugg at his best.
Head over to his youtube channel to listen to his tracks.
7. Artpop-- Lady Gaga
Gaga's album is yet another one that I was apprehensive about. Born This Way in my eyes at least, was a disaster in comparison to The Fame Monster as Germanotta seemed to completely lose her identity. Artpop was indeed everything the artist promised and she was definitely my Queen of pop this year. The strongest track being Venus, she incorporates strong dance numbers with emotional ballads like Dope to make an album of pure, unadulterated pop.
Such a pity that Artpop is currently being slashed in price as concert sales have flopped. Maybe I was listening to something different?
8. Beyoncé-- Beyoncé
Allow the genius of Beyoncé Knowles who proves that she doesn't need any promotion in order to make her album the biggest and fastest selling of the year. With 14 songs and a unique 18 videos to accompany them, the songstresses blew a lot of artists out of the water. From the sultry Haunted to the gorgeous song Blue featuring her daughter, the collection of videos are a visual delight- I think I have a girl crush.
Unfortunately there are no links for those of you who might like to try before you buy. Knowles was smart enough to release the album exclusively on iTunes.
9. Body Music--Alunageorge
To me, I thought that duo Alunageorge were largely overlooked this year. Their more modest disposition might have been something to do with it as I fell in love with Body Music from the first play. It's extremely easy to class their music as electronic, yet it's composition really is so much more complex.
The ethereal vocals of Aluna combined with the genius production of George makes a killer couple and with strong and vibrant tracks such as You Know You Like It and Your Drums,Your Love, it earns itself my award for feel-good album of the year.
10. Brand New Machine-- Chase and Status
Now on their third studio album, Chase and Status have never failed to impress me with their mixture of '90s garage, deep drum and bass and fist-pumping dance. With the release of Brand New Machine in October, I totally disagreed with the measly 6/10 NME gave the album.
Highlights of the album include the massive Count on Me featuring Moko, and the dark bass in Pressure ft. Major Lazor.
What was your favourite album of 2013?
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