2013 is the year of revival. From Justin Timberlake to My Bloody Valentine, from the Replacements to The Postal Service, from David Bowie to Fall out Boy; everybody seems to be kicking and screaming their way out of musical blackness.
And so, in rebirth, bands can either drive a new course or stay the same path and luckily for us, new maps and roadways were paved this year, some good, some bad, and all were noteworthy.
And when it comes to picking the songs of the year, it is very tough to pick the songs that really stand out as this year, as with every year, there is a plethora of good music to choose from. So, amongst the 50 or so potential albums of the year in my personal lists, common questions that arise are “Did they live up to the hype?” “Did they exceed the hype?” “Did they do something noble with their music?” “Was it breathtaking?”
And so, without further ado, here are my answers to those specific questions.
1. “Passing Through a Screen Door” – The Wonder Years, The Greatest Generation
- Throughout the literary references and the powerful and emotional messages, there lies a band eager to change this generation for the better. I believe in The Wonder Years and, more importantly, they believe in all of us.
2. “Banshee (Ghost Fame)” – letlive., The Blackest Beautiful
- In-your-face, smash mouth hardcore rock at its best.
3. “Dark Blue (Live)” – Jack’s Mannequin, Jack’s Mannequin: Live from the El Rey
- An iconic song done perfectly and memorably by the incomparable Andrew McMahon and company on the band’s farewell album.
4. “Chocolate” – The 1975, IV - EP
- The hottest newcomer of 2013 comes out with the most unique indie tune of 2013.
5. “The Phoenix” – Fall Out Boy, Save Rock and Roll
- Patrick Stump has a voice like no other, and this band has a sound like no other.
6. “Synesthesia” – Andrew McMahon, The Pop Underground - EP
- My favorite songwriter of the generation, Andrew McMahon, turns indie and does it with enough honesty and originality to make this track a gem.
7. “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk
- The funkiest song of the year is also the most refreshing.
8. “Mirrors” – Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience
- Because Justin Timberlake….is….amazing.
9. “Still into you” – Paramore, Paramore
- The most adorable song of the year.
10. “A Love Like War” – All Time Low, Don’t Panic: It’s Longer Now
- All Time Low continues to pop-rock out with another fantastic single.
11. “Dance Moves” – Bad Rabbits, American Love
- After years and years of crappy, misogynistic dance tunes from mainstream artists, Bad Rabbits tries to make their own mark in the music scene and proceed with determination in this falsetto-dripping, ear-popping song.
12. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles, The Blessed Unrest
- While Bareilles still has unfortunately not ditched her clichéd lyrics, she brings some gospel and a lot of soul into this powerful pop song off her new album.
13. “Ocean Avenue (Acoustic)” – Yellowcard, Ocean Avenue Acoustic
- Because we were all 13 and had unrequited love at one point in our lives.
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