Ready for 2014? Before we countdown to broken resolutions and celebrate with drunken companions, I give you my favorite albums released in 2013. With this memorable year almost completely behind us, let's reminisce on the good, while we forget about the bad. Whether it was legendary icons returning to the stage, eccentric pop singer releasing better than expected projects, or gems that went by unnoticed, here are my favorites of the year!
#20-#11 (not in order):
Talk A Good Game by Kelly Rowland: With sexually-charged tracks like "Freak" and "Kisses Down Low" paired next to the emotional "Dirty Laundry", Rowland released her best effort to date.
WWW by Simon Curtis: Though not necessarily officially released, Curtis' latest project featured unreleased gems including "Berlin Wall" and "Heart In 2". Excited for the next era.
Seventh Star by SIRPAUL: SIRPAUL keeps getting better and better. "Every Single Moment" is a synthpop highlight, while "Black Leather" and "Love Sick" sum up his ability to take risks.
Pure Heroin by Lorde: "Royals" became the annoying anthem of the year, but Lorde's debut packed some incredible punches including the heartbreaking "Ribs" and anti-pop tune "Team".
PG-13 by Sharon Needles: She's a reality show queen, but Sharon Needles has come pipes. Whether it be the campy "Call Me On the Ouija Board" or the dark "Let's All Die", the album is a fun ride.
Beyoncé by Beyoncé: Did not love it as much as everyone else apparently, but Beyoncé's surprise 2013 album does featured some great tunes, notably "Pretty Hurts" and the hot and heavy " Partition".
Prism by Katy Perry: "Roar" is one of the worst songs of 2013, but with tracks like "Walking On Air", "Dark Horse" and "This Moment", Perry's album is worth giving at least one listen.
Ciara by Ciara: She killed it on "Body Party", teamed up with Nicki Minaj on "I'm Out", but Ciara had more to give. "Overdose" is a gem and "Sophomore" is a must hear lesson in the bedroom.
The Way I Am by Colton Ford: While focusing on his music career, Colton Ford released an effort with dance worthy tracks such as "Just the Way I Am" and "Let Me Live Again" to please listeners.
Stars Dance by Selena Gomez: An album with "Come & Get It" and "Slow Down" should be one of the year's best, but Gomez' solo debut also gave us the catchy "Stars Dance" and "Like A Champion".
#10. Demi by Demi Lovato
In May 2013, former Disney princess/recently departed The X Factor judge Demi Lovato gracefully returned to the pop scene with her sort-of self-titled fourth studio album, Demi, preceded by her top ten hit "Heart Attack". While not very much time passed between this new effort and her last release, some growth was clearly noticeable. "Neon Lights" is significantly different and has number one dance hit written all over it with radio friendly beats and lyrics supporting the artist’s soaring vocals. The piano-driven ballad "In Case" keeps a simple pace for the three and a half minutes, highlighting the vocals of Lovato which stand out once again. 9
9. Short Story Long by Darren Ockert
When it comes to the confusing word of “snythpop”, no one clarified it more than Darren Ockert and his second studio album, Short Story Long. Featuring track after track of infectious, guilty pleasure pop music, the album was certainly an overlooked gem this year in terms of production and songwriting. Ockert incorporates gorgeous instrumentals on standout tracks including “Back For More” and “Running Out of Love”, but really excels when he lets his voice do all the work like on “I’ve Moved On”. With only one slight bump, the album is a pleasant journey from beginning to end which highlights vocals and many reasons why the effort should be playing for many music lovers.
8. BANGERZ by Miley Cyrus
Whether she was twerking on stage or singing with imaginary kittens, Miley Cyrus had a pretty successful year in 2013. This is supported by a solid effort in the form of BANGERZ, an album that went above and beyond this writer’s own expectations. “We Can’t Stop” became the anthem of the summer, the artist’s first number one single “Wrecking Ball” is a powerhouse of a ballad, but that’s only the beginning. The explicit nature of jazz-influenced “FU” featuring French Montana is screaming for radio attention and “Maybe You’re Right” is another somber love affair that should do nicely on the charts. Her antics are downright psychotic, but the music speaks only praise.
7. Loved Me Back to Life by Celine Dion
Known primarily for “My Heart Will Go On”, the cheesy yet epic love song from the Titanic soundtrack, Canadian-born Celine Dion proved with her 2013 album that she can command the pop genre as well. The title track, serving as the effort’s lead single, is an explosive, powerhouse ballad with a bit of electronic influence which did not get the attention it deserved. Her duet with Ne-Yo, the beautiful “Incredible”, showed fans that the talented singer could extend her music roots far beyond her adult contemporary comfort zone. "Breakaway" and "Save Your Soul" are hits also. The diverse project cemented Dion as one of the industry’s greatest vocalist. Enough said.
6. Avril Lavigne by Avril Lavigne
The first thing about Avril Lavigne that jumps to the forefront of her timeless image is her refusal to change with or conform to the ever-changing pop crowd around her. The music on her self-titled fifth studio album may be what we’ve come to expect from the artist, but she did it pretty damn well. The singles “Here’s To Never Growing Up” and “Rock N Roll” were great releases showcasing her true essence, but Lavigne plays with new sounds on the somber “Give You What You Like” and the Katy Perry-influenced “17”, both amazing additions. The worst thing about Lavigne’s latest effort? How almost no one bothered to give it a listen.
5. Trouble by Natalia Kills
Following the extremely artistic and creative creation that was 2011's Perfectionist, goth pop princess Natalia Kills showcased a slightly less darker side to her tough, bad girl exterior with the release of her sophomore effort, Trouble. Official first single, “Problem”, was the same Natalia Kills we grew to know, returning with a fistful of vengeance, but second single “Saturday Night” was a vulnerable pop ballad that may be the artist’s best work to date. Other tracks such as “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Devils Don’t Fly” paint a somber picture, but highlight the artist’s amazing vocals. Shame the album didn’t shine like it truly should have.
4. Between by Frankmusik
He may have been unhappy with the release of his pop-laced Do It in the AM, but the incredibly talented Frankmusik shook off his problems and went the independent route for the release of his third studio album, Between. The album contains meaningful, honest songwriting and show-stopping vocals from a male artist who still has not received the widespread attention he truly deserves. One of music’s greatest album openers, “Chasing Shadows” immediately warrants Frankmusik’s entire career with gorgeous, soaring vocals and simple yet climatic production while “Life (Is My Revenge)” carries more a catchy pop vibe, showing off the artist’s two sides.
3. Closer to the Truth by Cher
Twelve years is a long waiting period between albums, but 2013 will be remembered as the official return of the legendary Cher and her spectacular pop record, Closer To The Truth, which eventually became her highest charting solo album. Lead single “Woman’s World” was a fun dance track from a 67-year old and second single “I Hope You Find It” focused on the artist’s flawless vocals, but the album is filled with many potential hits. “Red” is a definite standout with its Lady Gaga-like production, while both P!nk-penned contributions, “I Walk Alone” and “Lie To Me” just scream for radio airplay. Overall, the wait may have been long, but it was well worth it.
2. Heartthrob by Tegan and Sara
While sisters Tegan and Sara were comfortable with their indie rock roots, the talented duo decided to change things up with their seventh studio album, Heartthrob. With what many critics labeled as their “most commercial record of their career”, the sisters bravely stepped into the cutthroat world of pop with an album that screamed vocal and lyrical merit. Whether it’s the heartbreaking performances on second single “I Was A Fool” and “I Couldn’t Be Your Friend” or the fun, synthpop nature of lead single “Closer”, the album was certainly a departure from the artists’ previous releases, but one that certainly deserves the praise it was receiving the entire year.
1. ARTPOP by Lady Gaga
Label the album what you want, an incredible success or a horrible flop, Lady Gaga is still effortlessly pushing the pop boundaries with her latest experiment, the colorful, over-the-top ARTPOP. From the deliciously catchy hooks on “Venus” and “G.U.Y” to the simplistic, radio-ready nature of standout tracks “Do What U Want” featuring R. Kelly and the heartbreaking “Dope”, the album has a little something for everyone. Lead single “Applause” may not have been a chart topper, but it was sure the perfect opener and closer for the pop phenomenon’s official fourth studio album. It’s pop perfection and definitely deserves our A-P-P-L-A-U-S-E!
0 Yorumlar