The Best Tunes of 2013

The death of my 80 gig iPod Classic approaches its one year anniversary. For those who haven't noticed, there is a trend of Peace Corps destroying electronics in my life. Armed with a modest 16 gig iPod Touch, I have braved Indonesian buses, world crossing flights, and noisy neighbors in 2013, with these most excellent jams.

Beyoncé - BEYONCÉ

Lets start off with the obvious. At the tail end of 2013, Beyoncé dropped an album with zero press, promotion, nary a tweet in sight. She didn't try to get it considered for the Grammys, she didn't care about being on Best Of lists... she simply graced us with the most magnificent collection of songs and VIDEOS, completely changing the game for all pop songstresses out there. I almost feel bad for the Lady Gagas and Katy Perrys of the world, except I am too busy worshipping at the feet of Queen Beyonce. Every track is great, the album builds a narrative that shows Beyoncé at her most vulnerable and forthright. Its an evolution, as the star was notoriously private about her personal life, her relationship with Jay-Z, and the birth of Blue Ivy... and now here she is, telling us how she rides Jay like a surfboard and giving us a whole video with Blue Ivy cameos. I can't handle it. I. Can't.

Best Track: All of Them. 

A$AP Rocky - LONG.LIVE.A$AP. 

This album reflects the really cool fusion that's happening in hip hop, that I credit to the genre busting productions Kanye West explored back with Fantasy. A$AP Rocky combines all kinds of influences and sounds, from pop to electronic, to make a fresh record with crisp raps. He brings in a range of collaborations, from fellow rappers to pop songstress Florence Wench. 

Favorite Tracks- "Fashion Killa" ft Santogold, "Like I'm Apart" ft Florence Wench. 

Kanye West - Yeezus

Maybe Kanye deserves to be an egoist of no known rival. Because what he has done to hip hop is nothing short of transformative. Fantasy will be one of my lifelong favorite albums, and with Yeezus he dives deeper into weirdness and sounds that are completely original in the genre. This album deserves all of the hype. Praise Yeezus. 

Favorite Tracks - "Blood on the Leaves," "New Slaves"

Lana Del Rey - Born to Die 

Do I care this album was released nearly two years ago? Absolutely not. Lana Del Rey's character that is built throughout her album - nearly a concept album - is a modern day lounge siren with a penchant for trouble. Her songs revel in the morning after glamour of smudged make up and smokey hair. Her voice is simply smoldering. I won't be moving on from this album for a long time. 

Favorite Track - "National Anthem"

Miley Cyrus - Bangerz

Miley is as controversial as a white girl can get. She either represents the future of America or its downfall, or maybe both. Bangerz, and it's tacky album art and use of hash tags, is a pop album that dabbles in everything, and that's it's biggest weakness. Perhaps in its efforts to appeal to everyone from Hannah Montana fans to adult tastes, the scope of the album feels stretched. Despite an uneven tone (and the awful "4x4"), plenty of these songs are addictive. 

Favorite Tracks - "Wrecking Ball," "Love Money Party"

The National - Trouble Will Find Me

The National delivers more of the same aching indie rock that has had hipsters weeping into their PBRs for over a decade. They sound rich and mature, with just enough polish to remind you that they have been doing this for a fair chunk of time, but it still has all its heart and soul. Nothing slick about this album... unless you count all the tears shed on late night drives through backroads, because that is what The National is made for.
Favorite Track: "I Need My Girl"

No Doubt - Push and Shove 

Again with the 2012 albums! But when No Doubt has a comeback, they do it right. Gwen and the guys are back to blending pop, ska, dance hall and rock into a cohesive, rich album. The years since Rock Steady don't show here. Gwen sounds better than ever, and the groove is still edgy, displaying the depth of experimentation the band has explored over solo careers. 

Favorite Tracks - "Push and Shove," "Stand and Deliver"

Steve Martin and Edie Brickell - Love Will Come to You

Surprise of the year! I'm not a fan of bluegrass, per se, but Steve Martin's album (with lyrics and vocals by Edie Brickell) amazed me. My slight crush on the banjo playing silver fox led me to give this album a listen, and now I find myself craving gingham, sweet tea, and sunny porches looking out at wheat fields (I'm assuming that's what people who play bluegrass do. That, and drink moonshine.)

Favorite Tracks - "Love Has Come for You," "Sun's Gonna Shine"

Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob 

Twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quinn have run the gauntlet of labels, from queer folk rock to indie, and finally are bursting into the pop scene with an album that is as heartfelt as their acoustic roots. This album is a lot of fun, pairing great dance beats with their quintessential plaintive lyrics. Tegan and Sara proved that they can change their sound and keep all their fans, while gaining new ones in the process.
Favorite Tracks - "Closer," "Now I'm All Messed Up"