Greetings!
In the past, I have had a hard time when anyone tells me
they, “Listen to everything,” when it comes to music. I have a problem when someone uses this statement because chances are…they are lying.
I claim to be someone who does listen to everything and this year I set out to back it
up.
I listened to 489 albums/EPs released in 2013.
That’s 5,431 new songs from 2013.
So much music...
Neo-classical, EDM, Pop, Punk, Hardcore, Shoegaze, Indie,
Post Rock, Metal, Black Metal, etc.
I listened to anything and everything that
came my way.
Check out my Spotify playlist.
It’s all right here: 2013 Albums!
Alright! Here we go with the bottom fourth of my list!
There are many solid releases in even the first section of
my review of music from 2013, so enjoy!
100. Didn’t it Rain, Hugh Laurie
Released: May 06, 2013
The House MD
leading-man deserves recognition. Laurie is a masterful musician and this album
explores his versatility as a blues composer.
Play:
99. Headswell, Sainthood Reps
Released: October 22,
2013
If Kurt Cobain were still alive, Sainthood Reps would be his
favorite band. Headswell reinvents
garage rock with great maturity.
Play:
98. The Water & the Blood, Dustin
Kensrue
Released: September
30, 2013
Any longtime fan of Thrice knows Dustin Kensrue loves Jesus.
His worship tunes—including one of my favorite songs of the year, “It’s Not
Enough,”—is accessible regardless of faith.
97. Installation, LITE
Released: June 05,
2013
If you’re looking for some intricate guitar tapping/virtuoso
instrumental tunes, check out this album from the UK.
Play:
96. Hypernova, The Browning
Released: October 01,
2013
EDMetal. Plain and simple. This is a very heavy and a very
dance-able album at the same time. I hate their band name, but love their
intensity.
95. Trouble Will Find Me, The National
Released: May 17, 2013
I admit I’m not the biggest fan of The National. However,
this album must’ve hit me at the right time. Subtle eloquence &
beauty—lyrical majesty.
94. Wild Light, 65daysofstatic
Released: September
16, 2013
While Wild Light
has great atmosphere and exploration of drum/bass, I miss the more involved
drums that made early 65days releases so vivid.
93. Random Access Memories, Daft Punk
Released: May 17, 2013
If the album weren’t so repetitive it would be higher on my
list. Regardless, I’m always impressed with Daft Punk’s twist on hip-hop/dance.
92. Redaction Artifacts, East of the Wall
Released: October 29,
2013
If Thrice would’ve continued getting heavier & meandered
into prog-djent metal, it would’ve sounded like EOTW. Wonderful explorations.
91. Fear Inside Our Bones, The Almost
Released: June 11,
2013
Aaron Gillespie must’ve listened to naysayers when he left
Underoath & released a lackluster sophomore album, because FIOB is dynamic
and honest.
90. Low Wishes, Air Review
Released: January 29,
2013
Fans of uplifting and positive tunes with somewhat
religiously introspective lyrics will enjoy this album.
Play:
89. Rescue & Restore, August Burns Red
Released: June 25,
2013
Leveler was ABR
trying to be BTBAM & failing. Rescue
& Restore is ABR learning to trust its strengths &
succeeding—patient, dominant; heavy, light.
88. Wax Wings, Joshua Radin
Released: May 07, 2013
Radin packs in many lovingly optimistic acoustic pieces on this album. His full-band sound reminds me of a cross between Matt Nathanson and City & Colour.
87. AM, Arctic Monkeys
Released: September
06, 2013
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about AM—given I’m not too keen on past releases. Yet, this album is full
of some good ol’ rock and roll.
86. In Rolling Waves, Naked and Famous
Released: September
13, 2013
I’m even surprised I enjoy Naked and Famous as much as I do.
Their style of chill pop gives me hope for the future landscape of radio tunes.
85. The Slowdown, Pilote
Released: May 27, 2013
This UK producer masterfully blends together the dynamic
flavors of chill industrial instrumental tunes with psychedelic, electro,
bluegrass, and pop.
84. The Difference Between Hell and Home, Counterparts
Released: July 23,
2013
Counterparts invigorates post hardcore sensibilities with a
take-no-prisoners attitude.
Play:
83. Originator, Brooke Waggoner
Released: March 05,
2013
Originator is a
great title for this album. Waggoner is on to something here with her wistful piano/folky style. Some tracks are
beautiful & elegant, others are haunting & creepy.
82. The North Borders, Bonobo
Released: April 01,
2013
Chill-step at its finest. Every track allows the listener to
relax, focus, and find comfort in the drum-beat-infused atmosphere.
Play:
81. Saloon, Ongoing Concept
Released: August 20,
2013
These young metal whipper-snappers are going to be huge one
day. If they continue to improve on this incredible debut, they’ll take over
metal.
80. Where Does This Door Go, Mayer Hawthorne
Released: July 16,
2013
Hawthorne has always had an affinity for do-wop-infused hip-hop.
It is an unexpected sound in today’s music scene, and he makes it work.
Play:
79. Opposites, Biffy Clyro
Released: January 28,
2013
Opposites is a
mammoth double-album that, unlike JT’s Experience,
was released at once & includes wonderful explorations on punk & modern
rock.
78. Maps, Message to Bears
Released: November 12,
2013
Message to Bears decided to add vocals this time around,
which made for some absolutely relaxing tunes for the workplace/studying.
77. Sempiternal, Bring Me the Horizon
Released: April 01, 2013
After its last two impressive albums, BMTH had a lot to live
up to creatively. While Sempiternal
isn’t as consistent, it reinforces BMTH as metal mainstays.
76. Forever Becoming, Pelican
Released: October 15, 2013
Pelican brings the heavy. These instrumental tracks are
incredibly constructed works of dynamic post rock.
There you have it! Part two is in the books. The list only
gets more and more packed with dominating releases from 2013 as I progress
through.
So stay tuned this week for the part 003/005!
And don’t forget to catch up with Part 001: Eps & Honorable Mention List.
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