[tps_title]Michaela Nardo’s Top 10 Albums of 2013[/tps_title]
1. Once I Was an Eagle by Laura Marling – Marling has a voice so unique and passionate that it’s hard to believe she’s only 23. Once I Was an Eagle is a strong album–many agree the best of her four records–and in my opinion, no other album of 2013 can touch Marling’s lyrics and heart.
2. Modern Vampires in the City by Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend add some maturity but never skimp on their poppy, afro-beat, indie-rock vibes, making for the perfect record for any time of the year.
3. The Complete 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake – JT’s back and better than ever. Soul, pop, R&B, and so much more, Timberlake shows off his ability to make an album appreciated by a variety of genres and loved by so many fans. Plus, he provided us with some of the catchiest hooks of the year. Never go away again, JT!
4. Days are Gone by HAIM – My love for Haim knows no bounds; these three sisters are effortlessly cool and musically talented to boot. “The Wire” stole our hearts and “Forever” never gave it back. A true indie-darling, Days are Gone is a must-have for 2013 and promises one of the biggest festival acts of 2014.
5. Pure Heroine by Lorde – Grammy-nominated and just 17, Lorde came out from nowhere as one of the most talked-about and anticipated artists of 2013. Her debut album delivers with smart lyrics and catchy tunes.
6. Vessel by twenty | one | pilots – Inspirational lyrics with a hidden message is what twenty | one| pilots are all about. Vessel, the sophomore album from the Ohio duo adds a techno twist to a hip-hop/spoken word performance and reminds you that everything will be alright, life is worth living, and love is most important. I dig it.
7. Let’s Be Still by The Head and the Heart – Folk remained prevalent in 2013. The Head and the Heart brought back their signature sound to make their sophomore album a beast. A lot of boot-stompin’ goodness.
Advertisement
8. The Catching Fire Soundtrack by Various Artists – Hear me out, while complied by various artists, The Catching Fire Soundtrack is one of my favorite albums of the year. Why? It tells the story of the love and upcoming war prevalent in Catching Fire. Plus, the range of artists is amazing, from Christina Aguilera to The Lumineers, all the artists pull together to weave a lovely album for a powerful story.
9. Beyoncé by Beyoncé – I won’t lie, I haven’t had the time to listen to this whole album. But, the way Beyoncé struck the music industry with a surprise, video-laden Beyoncé experience added some spice to the growing and changing industry. Plus, Beyoncé is all about female empowerment, which is a good message to be preaching.
10. The Magpie and the Dandelion by The Avett Brothers – A little bit of country and a little bit of rock-n’-roll, The Avett Brothers never fail to disappoint. With a heck of a live performance to back up their musical game, The Magpie and the Dandelion is a musical masterpiece and one that you should take the time to hear live.
Advertisement
Advertisement
