Yes, ARTPOP. I chose this album as my favorite of the year for many reasons, chief among them the story behind its creation and the artistic vision behind it. Every song is relentlessly catchy with some of the silliest, most eccentric moments from any Gaga album so far. Standouts from the album include âDo What U Want,â and âSexxx Dreams" both of which are infused with a new R&B Gaga that I love. DWUW is the perfect response to the mediaâs portrayal of her art & itâs a ballsy move on her part + the chorus is the catchiest thing Iâve heard in years. Other Other favorites are "G.U.Y." "Swine,â and âApplause.â The icing on the cake is the work sheâs done with other contemporary artists this year including collaborations with Marina Abramoviç, Jeff Koons, Robert Wilson, R. Kelly, Christina Aguilera, RuPaul, Elton John, Madeon, ZEDD and DJWS. Overall an incredibly unique album. 9/10
Faced with an incredible decision between first and second place, I opted for ARTPOP simply because Iâve had more time to connect and learn every song. By a single weave flip, BEYONCĂ is my second favorite album of 2013. I think Queen Bey's choice to create a music video for every song & release it as a surprise will be remembered for the duration of her career, and has easily put her on the same level as other artists of the past century including Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. The music videos really complete the album, with standouts including âDrunk in Love" "Pretty Hurts" and "***Flawless." Drunk is easily a contender for song of the year because of the effortless way the song is funny, sexy and cute all at the same time. Weâve never seen BeyoncĂ© in such a sensual, sultry light, which is really saying something. Overall, I think we can all agree that nobody can stop BeyoncĂ©. Viva la BeyoncĂ©. 9/10
What can one even say about this album? The beats are the kind of thing youâd hear in an apocalyptic zoo, the songs are aggressive and bulky and doused with gold excellence. Does that even make sense? âBlood on the Leaves" is easily my favorite song from the album, and I would consider it a post-modern rap masterpiece. With samples including TNGHT and Nina Simone, itâs a bizarre yet incredible collage, and the final verse from the song is one of Kanyeâs all-time best. Other favorites include "Hold My Liquor" and "Black Skinhead.â Kanye continues to prove why heâs an anti-hero on the music landscape. I just wish heâd learn how to not cancel his lives shows. 8/10
Iâm not sure exactly how to explain why I love M.I.A. but I thought her newest album was a huge step forward from her previous LP. Her aesthetic lies somewhere between digital art, world music, glow-sticks and photoshop- the way that she incorporates these abstract themes into her music is truly incredible. This album was a long time in the making, and Iâm glad that she took her time in creating it. Standouts are âY.A.L.A." and "Come Walk With Me,â both of which have some of the most infectious beats Iâve heard all year. Overall a great album from one of my favorite artists. 7.5/10
I was hesitant about Lorde this year. When her first few songs began to explode all over the blog circuit I wasnât keen to buy into the hype until weâd heard more. And although a few of her songs became a little too omni-present for my taste (*cough* Royals *cough*) I must admit that Lorde is a uniquely talented artist with some tremendous songs on her hands. âWhite Teeth Teens" "Buzzcut Season" and "Team" are all pretty stellar songs that showcase her songwriting abilities and captivating vocals. This is a great song to relax with and sing along to, and I think she deserves all the hype sheâs received this year. Cheers to a long music career! 7.5/8
6. Trouble - Natalia Kills
I would consider Natalia Kills to be like Gagaâs grungier more underground little sister. Sheâs got an incredible talent for writing catchy songs with a bit of a twist. Much like Gaga, I think Natalia is very in tune with current trends in pop music and she appears to be very self motivated to create her own kind of art. Trouble is a strong sophomore album from the singer with great songs including âProblem" "Television" and "Daddyâs Girl.â For anyone who hasnât listened to Natalia yet, I highly recommend this album. 7.5/10
7. Anxiety - Autre Ne Veut
I discovered this band recently when I listened to âPlay by Play," a song which took me by surprise. Itâs the kind of song that is both slightly disturbing yet effortlessly catchy. Thereâs something about the song, and the album as a whole, that sounds slightly off, yet in that sense thatâs exactly how I want to hear it. Itâs experimental and electronic and pop. Itâs jarring and soothing - swerving on and off track every few bars. I recommend this album if youâre looking for something a little bit different to jam out to. 7/10
A fantastic album with some really awesome beats. Another more experimental album, with a lot of sampling and repetitious vocals, itâs easy to get lost listening to album like this. I mean this in all the best ways of course. Disclosure puts a pop spin on electronic music and mixes all the best elements of house, pop and ballad to a beautiful new place. Standout songs are "White Noise" âWhen A Fire Starts to Burn" and "Stimulation." This album gets a solid: groovy. 7/10
9. Bitter Rivals - Sleigh Bells
This is the third album for Sleigh Bells, and itâs definitely another solid entry into their discography. I like their direction on this album, and it displays their continued devotion to quality Noise-Pop. My favorite song is the titular song, âBitter Rivals," a song just as amazing as its title would suggest. Overall a killer album, perfect for head banging and popping champagne bottles. 7/10
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