2013 Recap: Maddy's Top Albums

   
     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"

15. Listener- Time is a Machine: With the spoken word genre continuing to gain popularity, Listener vocalist Dan Smith remains an icon for aspiring lyricists.  Although this album does not meet up to the emotional intensity of the 2009 release Wooden Heart, Time is a Machine highlights the instrumental capabilities of the band in songs such as "Not Today" and "I Think it's Called Survival" that other albums lacked.  Overall, this album's sound is much fuller compared to their past releases, complimenting Smith's raw southern accent as opposed to being simply background noise.  With this newfound combination of building drums and guitars with the expected introspective lyrics on all things dealing with the heart and mind, Listener did not disappoint.

• 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"

Album Review: Silverstein- Short Songs

(Click here to purchase the album!)

Screamo came along in a big way in the early part of the 21st century, thanks in large part to bands like Howthorne Heights, Atreyu, and the longest-lasting of the group, Canadian five-piece Silverstein. Now an astounding six full-lengths into their career, Silverstein are a rare breed who actually fulfilled a full contract with Victory (a feat only a few can say they've accomplished before), and now that they've signed on to Hopeless Records (who release the band's 2011 release Rescuse), the band have hit their creative stride and found the fountain of youth, and are using their creativity in any way possible. And that creative freedom has manifested itself in this year's short-but-sweet Short Songs.

Album opener "Sick as Your Secrets" is an interesting number, as it features a fast-paced riff that is screamed over beautifully by vocalist Shane Told. Told's voice has done what few have been able to, as he has withstood the test of time and hasn't had to drop his screams down at all (former labelmates Atreyu can't say the same). "Sin and Redemption seems to slow the pace down, but quickly changes pace and features the scream-sing stylings fans of the band have grown accustomed to. Essentially, this is a signature Silverstein album, presented in a tighter time frame. However, that risk makes the album feel rushed, and for a band who seems to carefully place each drum hit, it feels a bit unusual to see the band making songs that don't feel as planned out as the others, especially when you consider the band just released Rescue last April. It's not a bad thing by any means, just something interesting that the band have never done before.

"Brookfield" is a nice nostalgic number, as Told takes the listener back to his hometown for a minute and a half, and the band are there with him, providing a summery feel to the song behind Told's look back to simpler times. The song is a rarity on Short Songs (save for the acoustic number "Sleep Around," which is another standout), as Told utilizes his screams far more than his clean vocals, a feat not seen from the band in a long time. "One Last Dance" feels a little out of place, only because it isn't the album closer. The song provides a bigger sense of finality, but when you start complaining about the track order of an album, there isn't much to complain about otherwise.

The fact of the matter is that at this point, Silverstein have earned the right to release whatever they want. They've outlasted just about every other screamo band in terms of staying true to the genre (Underoath has gone more and more post-metal with each release) and just staying together (RIP Alexisonfire, A Static Lullaby, and Thursday), and now that they're on a label that provides them with more creative freedom in Hopeless Records, the band have finally been afforded the time and opportunity to explore their sound, and Short Songs find the band stepping outside of the comfort zone they've established for themselves and trying something very few would ever even think to try. The best part of it all, of course, is that the band stay true to who they are, and are still some of the very best at writing music in this scene.

The Bottom Line: Short (haha), sweet, and to the point, Short Songs `is yet another cornerstone on Silverstein's illustrious career. In a scene where a band's life cycle is barely 4 years, the band has outlasted more than their fair share of fads and trends, and remain a beacon of hope that a band who focuses on making good music still stands a chance.

Recommended if you rock: ambition, The Wonder Years's "Dynamite Shovel," keeping it real, any of Silverstein's previous work

Show Recap: Scream It Like You Mean It Tour Kick Off at Starland Ballroom

On July 8th, the Starland Ballroom was graced with the honor of being the inaugural show on the Scream It Like You Mean It Tour. This mini-festival style of show looks to make a name for itself in the years to come, and therefore looked to start things off with a bang. To ensure this, they reached out to The Devil Wears Prada, who were on their Back to the Roots Tour, and decided to merge upon the masses for an all-day event in the Ballrooms cramped-yet-friendly confines. In total, nine bands played, and each of them brought their own flare to the stage, making the event certainly one that will be remembered, and one that will hopefully spark more events of that nature for years to come. So without further ado, here's a review of how the day went, in the order in which the bands took the stage.

I was in the incredibly long line for the doors and missed the entire set for Close to Home. Sorry, guys.

Up next was Ivoryline, who seemed a little out of place for this tour, reason being that they were the only band who went their entire set without screaming (it is the Scream It Like You Mean It Tour, after all). Regardless, the band seemed to be on point and came out with a lot of energy, and though their blend of rock was overlooked by most fans who were waiting to mosh their little hearts out, the band certainly put on an entertaining show, and deservedly gained a few new fans.

The first band to play that represented the Back to the Roots Tour was Your Demise, the only band on the bill hailing from outside the States (they're from the United Kingdom, and yes, their accents were awesome). The band displayed an unrelenting amount of energy, which was necessary for them, as many in the crowd hadn't the slightest idea who they were. The pits were decently sized for an undercard band, and the energy from the band never let up throughout the entire set.

The show itself moved quickly into the pioneers of screamo/electronica Sky Eats Airplane. The band has seen its share of member changes, going through three lead singers/screamers in their five-year existence. Replacing Jerry Rousch is newcomer Bryan Zimmerman, who perfectly fit the role. Zimmerman showed off his range on the opening song "The Sound of Symmetry," and showed an appreciation for the band's earlier work (and the fan's dedication to the band) when "Giants in the Ocean" garnered one of the best crowd reactions of the night. The band's set covered both EPs (Everything Perfect on the Wrong Day and The Sound of Symmetry), the band's self-titled full-length, and even included a new song. While I was expecting a warmer welcome from the crowd, there was plenty of intensity to keep anyone satisfied, and the band was spot-on.

I Set My Friends on Fire is a complete joke and deserves no kind of praise, press coverage or attention from anyone for the crap they call their "music."

Miss May I has always been, to me, a harder, more generic version of A Day to Remember. They are currently on the Rise Records roster, they synchronize their stage moves, and I couldn't tell you the difference between any two songs they have made. Regardless, I was blown away by their set. Screamer Levi Benton can certainly hold his own with the best of them, and seems to be a good frontman as well. His constant urging for crowd surfing made for a chaotic show, while the rest of the band barreled eardrums with what seemed like a constant breakdown. The pits were so violent they were scary, and that's exactly what Miss May I wants. New song "Relentless Chaos" gives me some hope for the band, and be sure to watch out for their new album Monument due out later this year.

One of the main reasons I wanted to attend this show was for the band that has had more member changes than albums released, Dance Gavin Dance. I was most interested to see how welcomed Jon Mess would be now that he has rejoined the band, and how he would be worked into the songs off of Happiness. As the band opened with the fan-favorite "Rock Solid," it seemed as though Mess had never left, performing above and beyond all of my expectations. Mess fit in perfectly on "Don't Tell Dave" and "Tree Village," while Kurt Travis's onstage antics provided proof that he is a worthy replacement for Johnny Craig. The band's set seemed to be a little shorter than most, but that's not to say it wasn't still great. DGD has been a favorite of mine for a while now, and their performance that night was one of the most fun I've been a part of.

On the drive down to Starland, I put We Came as Romans on on my iPod. I turned to my friend who was driving, and said to him: "These guys might have the best crowd of the day." My friend, a pretty big Prada fan, was offended. However, other than the headliners, I was right. We Came as Romans, whether you enjoy their genre or not, are going to be the scene's next big thing. Their theatrical debut To Plant a Seed has all the themes that many different types of music fans are looking for: hints of religious influence, love, betrayal, and above all, brotherhood. Those themes all came out in flying colors, and the crowd erupted when the band came out to the album's title track. "Intentions" had one of the best crowd reactions of the night, and the band sounded crystal clear and concise, which only led to a bigger, better crowd. Mark it down now: the Roman Empire is growing, and it's here to stay. These guys are going to be superstars.

Screamo elder-statesmen Silverstein were the last band to take the stage who represented the SILYMI Tour (for some reason, Emery never showed up). It doesn't seem that long, but the band has been around for ten years now, with a career spanning four albums. It was nice to see them headlining this tour, because many of the bands on the bill wouldn't have the opportunity to take the stage had Silverstein not paved the way. The crowd was weary from the relentless moshing and crowd-surfing the day had brought, but they certainly had enough energy to pay their respects to one of the greatest screamo acts of all time. Songs like "Smile in Your Sleep" and "Always and Never" still bring out the best in crowds, while new songs like "I Am the Arsonist" and "Vices" remind fans that the Canadians can still bring it. The band played a new song (no title was given) in between a few songs from their debut When Broken Is Easily Fixed, ending with the always awesome "My Heart Bleeds No More." After all the new faces graced the Starland stage, it was refreshing and uplifting to see Silverstein still plugging away, making crowds go as nuts as ever.

After what seemed like an eternity, the moment finally came. Opening with "Danger: Wildman," The Devil Wears Prada screamer Mike Hranica had one message for the crowd: "New Jersey, plain and simple: I want the earth to shake." And shake, it did. In what can only be described as an hour-long set of beautiful chaos, The Devil Wears Prada blazed the stage. For whatever reason, I was always on the fence about this band, but that time is no longer, and after seeing their emotional, raw, energetic performance, I'm on the bandwagon. As indicated by the Back to the Roots Tour, the band went into the vault and played a few rare songs from their debut Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord, mixed in with a few of the Christian metal neo-classics Plagues and With Roots Above and Branches Below, and the new jam "Outnumbered" from their forthcoming EP, the band scaled their entire discography, with Hranica and his bandmates each treading their own path back and forth on the stage, engaging the crowd, and flat-out bringing the house down. It's always cheesy to give the singer all the credit, but Hranica truly impressed me that night. The way he sounded on the first song was the way he sounded on the last song; he never let up, never took a note off, and the crowd was drawn in from the very start because of it. The set brought to an end a great day full of moshing, sing-alongs, clap-breakdowns, and most of all, a bunch of sweaty kids simply enjoying music. It's simply too difficult to call this show a failure, and from the looks of it, the Scream It Like You Mean It Tour will be here to stay for a long time.

Here's some photos from the day:

Ivoryline

Your Demise

Sky Eats Airplane

Levi Benton, Miss May I

John Mess, Dance Gavin Dance

Dance Gavin Dance

David Stephens, We Came as Romans

The Devil Wears Prada

Mike Hranica, The Devil Wears Prada

Chris Rubey, The Devil Wears Prada

James Baney, The Devil Wears Prada
(also making an appearance: my left hand)

Andy Trick, The Devil Wears Prada

Daniel Williams, The Devil Wears Prada

Mike Hranica of TDWP saying hello to the fans

And, last but not least...

The Devil Wears Prada's Jeremy DePoyster gives the overall feeling of the day.