1. "Ground Gives Way" - The Ocean Blue
Ladies and gentlemen- this is the undisputed musical champion of 2013. It is a masterpiece. This year, The Ocean Blue, from Hershey, released their first studio album since 1999. Ultramarine, a 12-track treasure, is a shoe-in for Album of the Year. "Ground Gives Way" showcases it all. Oed Ronne's melodic guitar progressions match David Schelzel's soothing voice perfectly. Everything is perfect. *cue applause*
2. "400 Lux" - Lorde
Lorde quite literally came out of nowhere. All of the sudden, it was if we all knew a 17-year-old was taking over the world, and we weren't too upset about it. Her attitude is unique; she truly doesn't care what you think, and you can hear it in her voice in "400 Lux." It's teenage swagger embodied in two mesmerizing synth tracks. Can it get any better?
3. "Sway" - Blue October
Until 2013, Blue October frontman Justin Furstenfeld was, to put it simply, angry. Any Man In America was a tell-all about divorce and child custody, and even though the music was brilliant, it was emotionally overwhelming. Sway, released in August, showcases Justin's happy side, and the title track is pure bliss. "And we sway."
4. "New Town Velocity" - Johnny Marr
In a year that saw Morrissey release his revealing autobiography, former Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr made waves of his own. In February, Marr released The Messenger, his debut solo album. "New Town Velocity" proves he still hasn't forgotten how to play Smiths-esque guitar, and that he has vocal chops. Let's face it: Johnny Marr is timeless.
5. "Domo23" - Tyler the Creator
After "Yonkers" took the rap industry by storm in 2011 and Goblin carried its weight in 2012, Wolf, Tyler the Creator's second studio album, was well-anticipated to say the least. It didn't disappoint. "Domo 23" hits hard, and laughs at those who think Tyler can't produce quality beats. And as for those who say he can't rap? "Came to Pitchfork with a couple Jada Pinkett signs."
6. "All Things All At Once" - Tired Pony
We'd all love a new R.E.M. album. We'd all love a new Snow Patrol album. Those wishes didn't come true in 2013, but Gary Lightbody and Peter Buck's collab project Tired Pony gave us The Ghost of the Mountain. Its feature single, "All Things All At Once," is simple. A handful of Lightbody's brilliantly romantic lyrics on top of some guitar chords. Beauty doesn't have to be complex.
7. "Timeless" - The Airborne Toxic Event
Without doubt the most empowering chorus of 2013. How does ATE do it? Lead singer Mikel Jollett uses the verses of "Timeless" to get you thinking; why is life so short? Why can't I stay here with you forever? And then, in a beautiful panic, Jollett belts out "You are the only thing that makes me feel like I can live forever," and everything is suddenly okay again.
8. "Money And The Power" - Kid Ink
Kid Ink, a 2013 RCA Records signee who sounds oddly like Meek Mill, is the Rookie of the Year. "Money and the Power" is one of those rare hip hop anthems that proclaims "If you don't like me, who cares?" The moral of the story: Don't sleep on Kid Ink. He is dropping My Own Lane on Jan. 7.
9."Reflektor" - Arcade Fire
The only reason this song isn't #1 is because it's too difficult. Too artsy (the marketing campaign was cheesy, and the band's costume party concerts were contrived.) Sometimes, complexity absorbs creative value. However, it is a fantastic track. The band's instrumentation, as always, meshes perfectly. Oh, and David Bowie can be heard in the background.
10. "Strictly 4 My Jeeps" - Action Bronson
Warning: this song (and video) is gross. Action Bronson is everything wrong with hip hop, but at the same time, everything right. His flow is mad good, and he is not afraid to be a bit out-of-the-ordinary. "Strictly 4 My Jeeps" showcases Bronson's love for himself, and his love for women, money and food. "New York, I'm like Jeter, light Caesar."
HONORABLE MENTIONS (CLICK TO LISTEN)
11. "Power Trip" - J. Cole/Miguel
12. "The Mother We Share" - CHVRCHES
13. "Black Skinhead" - Kanye West
14. "Dark Horse" - Katy Perry (Juicy J)
15. "Skip To The Good Bit" - Rizzle Kicks
16. "23" - Mike Will Made It (Miley Cyrus)
17. "Where The Kids Are" - Blondfire
18. "Love Is Colder Than Death" - Dean Wareham
19. "Watching Movies" - Mac Miller
20. "Hop is Back" - Hopsin
