With all the great albums released this year, it's hard to even listen to them all, let alone rank them. However, after lots of time and effort, I've compiled a list of my favorite albums of 2013. While some are a solid and welcomed addition to a band's discography, others are classics-in-the-making with each listen increasing their chance of being one of my favorite albums of the decade. Feel free to comment with what you agree with, what you don't, or which albums you think should've made this list. Thanks to Craig's great idea: if you haven't heard of an album listed below, check out the my favorite songs listed which can also be found in the Spotify playlist at the bottom of this article. Finally, here it is. The great music of 2013 in a nutshell:
Honorable Mentions: Stray from the Path- Anonymous, Have Mercy- The Earth Pushed Back, Lydia- Devil, Anthony Green- Young Legs, Tallhart- We are the Same
20. twenty|one|pilots- Vessel: Twenty|one|pilots cracked the code in writing music that takes what is great in multiple genres and making into cohesive material. With poppy choruses, rapped verses, dance beats, and screaming bridges, it seems as though the Ohio duo covered all their bases without any single element getting lost. 2013 brought these guys an explosion of popularity and recognition for their unique sound, which is well-deserved.
- Key Songs: "Car Radio"; "Holding on to You"
19. A Day to Remember- Common Courtesy: In any ordinary situation, A Day to Remember would've had a tough time making an album that I would deem "okay," let alone "good." Add in the a long and bitter legal battle with Victory Records and this record should have been the band's last stitch mess to finally just give us new material, especially after releasing the first single almost a year before Common Courtesy's debut. But in one final plot twist in this album's dramatic story, ADTR actually came out with a career-saving album that proves they are capable overcoming even the most treacherous of obstacles.
- Key Songs: "City of Ocala"; "Sometimes You're the Hammer, Sometimes You're the Nail"
18. Citizen- Youth: In a very similar genre as Balance and Composure, Citizen had a lot to compete with. However, they came out swinging, giving fans the second album in the past two years. Comparing 2013's Youth to 2012's Young States, the learning curve is ever apparent as they finally figured out their gritty sound and biting lyrics that first album couldn't quite accomplish. Citizen is definitely improving and making a name for themselves. Give it some time and a big tour (like The Wonder Years tour that they'll be on this Spring), this band is one to keep an eye on.
- Key Songs: "Roam the Room"; "The Night I Drove Alone"
17. Senses Fail- Renancer: Although Senses Fail did not necessarily need to reinvent themselves, Renancer makes me glad they did. The overall heaviest album to date, this release serves as a reminder that this band still kills it even 10 years after From the Depths of Dreams. While the sound might be heavier, the lyrics take a turn towards hope and life, an overall theme not typically associated with Senses Fail. If that's not enough for you, Buddy Nielsen takes it a step further with the first single "Mi Amor," with the verse's vocals in Spanish. Renancer is a breathe of fresh air for Senses Fail fans, although not particularly needed but certainly appreciated.
- Key Songs: "The Path"; "Renancer"
16. The World is a Beautiful Place- Whenever, if Ever: I've been a fan of The World Is since their 2011 release Are Here to Help. So when this highly anticipated album leaked months early, I was extremely concerned about how it would be received when officially released and whether or not it would be able to generate buzz. However, all my worries subsided when the band and album alike got great reviews and feedback. This album, reminiscent of the angriest of Bright Eyes' songs, attacks society's expectations and the human condition while highlighting flaw and emotion, making it apparent that both are acceptable things to have, despite others' opinions on such.
- Key Songs: "The Layers of Skin we Drag Around"; "Getting Sodas"
- Key Songs: "There are Wrecking Balls Inside Us"; "Good News First"
- This album isn't on Spotify but you can listen/ buy it here!
14. Dance Gavin Dance- Acceptance Speech: With a turbulent past with the cancer that is Johnny Craig as well as a rotating line-up that could never seem to solidify, the future of Dance Gavin Dance seemed grim. However, the introduction of ex-Tides of Man vocalist Tilian Pearson gave new life to their dwindling career, reminding us of the talent this band hasn't been able to tap into in recent years. Pearson's clean vocals compliment the vocals of Jon Mess so well that it's almost upsetting that Pearson only signed up to do this one album with DGD. Therefore, once again, the future is unknown for this band. For now, however, we can appreciate the revival of Dance Gavin Dance's career.
- Key Songs: "Acceptance Speech"; "Strawberry Swisher pt. 3"
13. The Story So Far- What You Don't See: When this album first came out, I was so disappointed and thought this would be the let down of the year. Turns out, it was the most played album in my iTunes library this year and Transit released Young New England; it's safe to say I got a couple things wrong. After sitting down and really listening to this album, the great aspects became much more prevalent. This album might not have the overt angst of Under Soil and Dirt but rather recognizes gaps in self-confidence and flaws in relationships. Lyrically, Parker Cannon graduated from the cutting one-liners to a more mature explanation in song. While it might not be the guilty pleasure that their first LP was, this release shows growth and flexibility as The Story So Far takes the pop-punk scene by storm.
- Key Songs: "Things I Can't Change"; "Stifled"
12. The Devil Wears Prada- 8:18: The Devil Wears Prada has built on every release, each one better than its predecessor, making so much progress that they won't even touch the first two LPs when playing live. 8:18 is a culmination of the strides TDWP has taken to continue changing and improving even after the success of their last two full-lengths. It seems to be common practice for metalcore bands to release a few albums that sound very similar and then slowly fade into the background. However, the ever-evolving TDWP continues to stay relevant as 8:18 incorporates punk and screamo influences to reinvent their dark metalcore sound while others in the genre stay complacent.
- Key Songs: "8:18"; "Martyrs"
11. Moving Mountains- Moving Mountains: One of the more mellow on my list, it is bittersweet that Moving Mountains announced the indefinite hiatus after releasing such a moving album. On one hand, we will always remember Moving Mountains as an innovative band that continuously reinventing their sound without losing their roots. Yet, I can't help but wish we were getting another album since this one is just so good. Goodbye, Moving Mountains. Thanks for everything.
- Key Songs: "Swing Set"; "Eastern Leaves"
10. Touche Amore- Is Survived By. . . : Simply put, this album was exactly what Touche Amore needed. While Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me put the band on the map and made them a post-hardcore fan favorite, the song-writing was not quite up to pare with other up-and-comers. It seemed like every critique of that album was addressed and fixed for this one while not compromising the witty lyrics of Jeremy Bolm. With some songs surpassing the 3-minute mark and building to tell a story instead hitting you with one line here or there, Touche Amore figured out what set them a part from other post-hardcore bands and ripped it into pieces. If this is the difference two years makes in song-writing and album development, these guys have a ton of potential up their sleeves.
- Key Songs: "DNA"; "Is Survived By"
9. Silverstein- This is How the Wind Shifts: For an album that I wasn't particularly excited for, this was a pleasant surprise. After the release of Discovering the Waterfront in 2005, a staple album for any post-hardcore fan, Silverstein failed to impress with several lackluster albums. However, it was in 2013 that Silverstein got their act together to create yet another incredible post-hardcore album to remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place. Dropping the poppy and cheesy melodies for their old edgier sound, the band refused to stay in the funk the last couple years has brought them.
- Key Songs: "Massachusetts"; "In a Place of Solace"
8. Jimmy Eat World: Damaged: A very solid addition to Jimmy Eat World's discography, Damaged left many fans content after waiting a couple years for a new album. While it might not be as influential as Futures, the band still displayed the straight forward lyrics and melodies that illustrate the pains and thoughts that accompany any breakup. However, in a scene with many teens and young adults taking over, it's almost a breath of fresh air to get the adult perspective of a breakup, with wisdom and maturity that this music often lacks.
- Key Songs: "I Will Steal You Back"; "Appreciation"
7. letlive.- The Blackest Beautiful: The biggest complaint I've heard about this album is the production quality. But hey, rock and roll, dude. In a time where bands pumps tons of money into production just to create a clear-sounding crappy album, I appreciate albums like these- with all the energy put into great music by a great band. To combat any complaints about the overall quality of the sound, just see these guys live and you won't have anything to say about it. Extremely dynamic and bursting at the seams with energy, they had the best set at Warped Tour this year, with Jason Aalon Butler ending up in a tree by the middle of the set.
- Key Songs: "Banshee-Ghost Frame"; "That Fear Fever"
6. The Front Bottoms- Talon of the Hawk: As one of my most anticipated of the year, The Front Bottoms somehow exceeded expectation. Without losing the quirkiness of the self-titled album, the band upgraded to a fuller sound that brought their songs to the next level. Vocalist Brian Sella and drummer Matt Uychich keep the energy up while still addressing heavy topics, exemplified in "Lonestar" which addresses an unplanned pregnancy. The growth of The Front Bottoms is just as apparent live. In just a short year, they've sold out several venues during what seems like constant touring, controlling the stage and playing one of the most entertaining sets I've ever seen, playing almost their entire discography in a two hour set. 2013 was very good to The Front Bottoms and from the looks of it, 2014 will be even better.
- Key Songs: "Twin-Sized Mattress"; "Funny You Should Ask"
5. Defeater- Letters Home: This is hands-down the best hardcore album of the year and it's not even close. It really bums me out that this album did not get as much attention as it should have but it's time to give credit where credit is due. Letters Home follows a family during World War II and as the title suggests, is centered around letters and post-cards between family members. Although Defeater does an excellent job of making the album a unified story, vocalist Derek Archambault hits hard with catchy one-liners that will stay in your head for days, such as the hook in the album opener "Bastards," saying "And still all I see is the bastard in me." The rest of the album follows suite as the dark lyrics with heavy-hitting instrumentals that will knock the wind out of you. If you are like many and have overlooked the album or simply forgot to listen to it, I wouldn't wait any longer. It is no easy task to create an album better than Empty Days and Sleepless Nights but somehow, Defeater continues to progress and outdo themselves.
- Key Songs: "Bastards"; "Hopeless Again" (really just listen to the entire thing)
4. The Dangerous Summer- Golden Record: The Dangerous Summer is something special, mostly because they've yet to write an album that I haven't wholeheartedly loved. At Keep Calm and Carry On, we rank the three TDS albums from best to third best because we refuse to label any of their albums as the "worst album." The band has found the secret to write catchy music with substance through instrumentals that compliment the building lyrics that tear the heart apart.
- Key Songs: "Catholic Girls"; "Into the Comfort"
3. The Wonder Years- The Greatest Generation: From a band that created Suburbia, also known as one of the best pop-punk albums written to date, I'm not sure anyone expected The Wonder Years to write an album that could match it, let alone write an album that's better. But 2013 was a wacky year and they did just that. As the band grows up, so do the albums as TWY gives us the third chapter of their book on tackling adulthood. Addressing issues from teen parenting ("Teenage Parents") to loved ones with illness ("Dismantling Summer") to dealing with life itself ("A Raindance in Traffic"), this album focuses on problems bigger than teen angst and the stereotypical pop-punk struggle of trying to leave this town. With their original fan base growing up as well, this could not come at a better time to hold on to old fans while grabbing the attention of new fans as well. This album proves The Wonder Years matured from a group of pop-punk teenagers with small town problems to adults who view the troubled world with a keen eye, giving words to situations that leave most speechless.
- Key Songs: "There, There"; "Dismantling Summer"
2. Balance and Composure- Things We Think We're Missing: Through reading other's Top Albums of 2013 lists, there seems to be a general consensus: no one knows why they like Balance and Composure so much but they just do and they don't fight it. The grunge influences and lingering melodies of B&C were perfected in this album, filling in the gaps in cohesive sound present in Separation. Upon the initial listen, I actually got goosebumps as this album really hits you in the gut, although I still cannot clearly explain why. It's an absolutely stellar album by a band that is making strides to be one of the best in the scene.
- Key Songs: "Reflection"; "Notice Me"
1. Fall Out Boy- Save Rock and Roll: With a reunion and an amazing album, 2013 was
the year of Fall Out Boy. The album was
extravagant to say the least, from the big instrumentals to over-the-top guest appearances (Elton
John, seriously?!). While it may not be solely a rock album, this is one of the best pop-influenced albums released in this decade. Opening
the album with “The Phoenix,” featuring dramatic strings and drums, this anthem
starts this comeback with a bang and had left us hitting the tables and
screaming the lyrics in the station on numerous occasions. From there on, the album exceeds expectations
as FOB demonstrates their artistic flexibility and possibility, touching on
several different sounds without missing the mark. It’s obvious the band has evolved with the
times as seen with the hip-hop influences and Big Sean feature in “The Mighty
Fall” while “Young Volcanos” brings out the acousticy-pop sound Train has been
trying to figure out for years. Of
course, the album closes with the mother of all songs “Save Rock and Roll,”
accentuating Patrick Stump’s beautiful lyrics and vocals, not to mention the one and only Elton John is featured on this track. They aren’t legends for nothing.
While it might not be another “Take this to your Grave,” Fall Out Boy
has outdone themselves, keeping things interesting, relevant, and as
extraordinary as ever.
- Key Songs: "The Phoenix"; "Where did the Party Go"
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