Album of the Year 2013 – by Andrew McClean
Another year, another batch of music to get your ears around. Every year we’re spoilt with an endless amount of music. Some songs pass you by and others become so ingrained in your brain that you could recite every lyric, hum every melody and air guitar along to every note in the solo. As the year ends we’re usually swamped with christmas lists, but this one’s a bit noisier as we count down the list ofalbums that have made 2013 a year to remember.
10 – Disclosure – SettleDisclosure shook up the British dance scene in 2013 with their massive hit single ‘White Noise’, which featured one half of R’n’B dance duo AlunaGeorge. Disclosure brought back garage music to the charts as they employed pop song formats to ensure chart dominance. Settle spawned four top 20 singles and showcased a host of new British talent – including 2014 Brits Critics’ Choice award winner Sam Smith. Disclosure made time to visit the seaside recently as they played a sold out show at the Brighton Dome.
9. Kanye West – Yeezus
Is he about to have a breakdown or is he a genius? Sometimes the lines seem to be blurred in his interviews, but Kanye’s music never wavers far from brilliance. Yeezus is the most difficult listen from Kanye’s back catalogue to-date, but repeat visits are rewarding. He venomously spits about racism and greed on this – 2013’s rap album of the year.
8 – Foals – Holy Fire
Foals’ third studio LP was a comprehensive effort that witnessed the Oxford band expand even further, whilst picking up a second Mercury Music Prize nomination along the way. Holy Fire showcased some ofthe heaviest work that Foals have produced to date. Tracks like‘Inhaler’ and ‘Providence’ rocked up the album with some heavy riffs, whilst ‘Late Night’ showed off their softer side. The album also held their most pop-influenced songs to date, which came in the form of tracks like ‘You Don’t Have My Number’ – the most danceable break-up song ever.
7 – Jagwar Ma – Howlin’
This Aussie psychedelic dance trio employed a baggy nineties Madchester sound on their debut album that captured the attention of former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher. The hypnotic intro to ‘Man I Need’ and the ’60s drum beat that runs throughout ‘Come Save Me’ were enough to draw a lot of interest in the UK. Jono, Gabriel and Jack managed to rein in all of their influences and produce a modern day psychedelic dance record.
6 – Parquet Courts – Light Up Gold
Parquet Courts delivered a seamless debut album in 2013 and then followed it up quickly with the equally brilliant Tally All The Things You Broke EP. It seems their riffs aren’t the only things that move fast as Parquet Courts seem to be on a mission to progress and develop their sound. The stoner-punk rock record Light Up Gold captured the attention of a lot critics for its originality and relentless energy earning itself a place on several album of the year lists. EP review: http://bit.ly/1bxvHpQ
5 – Peace – In Love
Mix jangle-y guitars, indie croons, and a bucket-load of energy and you have Peace’s debut album. After the well-received Delicious EP the year before, the boys from Brum delivered an album packed full of indie dance-floor tunes and also drew big crowds on the UK’ssummer festival circuit in 2013. Peace delivered exactly what the doctor ordered this year and injected a little bit of life into the indie scene.
4 – Queens Of The Stone Age – Like Clockwork
As well as making the coolest, sexiest and funkiest album of the year, Josh Homme also made time to appear on the album of the year – Turner also returned the favour to fantastic results. The groove of Smooth Sailing, the riffing on ‘My God Is The Sun’ and Homme’s near-falsetto vocals on ‘I Sat By The Ocean’ made for one of the most rounded albums of the year. QOTSA’s sixth studio album was released six years after Era Vulgaris, but it was well worth the wait.
Youtube video
3 – Haim – Days Are Gone
Third on the list is Haim, if not for the highly enjoyable ’80s influenced pop songs then for Este’s bass face. Possibly the most highly anticipated album of the year and thankfully the hype and expectation surrounding LA trio didn’t dampen the experience. It boasts squealing solos, chorus’ full of life and superb harmonies making for the most enjoyable debut release of the year. Haim will play Brighton Dome in March 2014.
Full review here
2 – David Bowie – The Next Day
HE HAS RISEN! The man of many faces, names and sounds unexpectedly released a comeback single in February causing every Ziggy fan to melt to the gorgeous sound of ‘Where Are We Now?’ The album didn’t disappoint either and displayed Bowie’s unrivalled musicianship that he has mastered over several decades. Every song was crafted brilliantly to produce what is easily one of the best albums of the year. Now if only we could coax him into performing live again!
Full review here
1 – Arctic Monkeys – AM
The lads from Sheffield take the top spot in a year where they trulycemented themselves as British rock royalty with their fifth consecutive number one album as well as fulfilling their second headline slot at Glastonbury. The band maintained the cool, suave style that they adopted on their fourth outing, Suck it and See, but moved things forward musically and possibly produced their best work since the band’s sublime debut in 2006. Despite being influenced by Dr Dre, AM was the Arctic Monkeys at their most rock ‘n’ roll as they dabbled in Sabbath-sized riffs whilst maintaining their own unique style.
Full review here
