Aren’t we all glad that the world didn’t end last year? Because if it had, we probably wouldn’t have gotten to listen to all the wonderful albums released this year. Though only half the year has gone by, enough good music to keep us sated for months to come has already been released. Here are some of my favourite albums of the year so far:
10. Yeezus — Kanye West
If Kanye West’s confidence wasn’t apparent in his previous work, it surely showed in his sixth solo album, Yeezus. As if the title wasn’t enough, tracks like “I Am a God (feat. Justin Vernon)” make it obvious. His most ambitious project yet, Yeezus features collaborations with the likes of Frank Ocean, Daft Punk and Charlie Wilson.
Standout tracks: New Slaves (feat. Frank Ocean), Bound 2 (feat. Charlie Wilson), Black Skinhead
9. Monomania — Deerhunter
Unlike it’s predecessor, Monomania is closer to Guided by Voices than it is to My Bloody Valentine. Though this might not seem like such a great idea on paper, it works wonderfully. The album, which has a distinctly 90s sound, showcases the bands ability to be versatile while also being consistent in quality.
Standout tracks: Pensacola, Monomania, Leather Jacket II
8. Arc — Everything Everything
Arc isn’t one of those albums that seems effortlessly great. Definitely not. However, it’s one of those albums where you can hear the hard work that’s gone into it and the result is undeniably amazing. In fact, a lot of tracks on Everything Everything’s sophomore album feel like they belong on OK Computer or In Rainbows. Isn’t that one of the biggest compliments a track can get?
Standout tracks: Cough Cough, Undrowned, Torso of the Week
7. Mosquito — Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The best way to describe Mosquito is calling it a pop-influenced rock album. Just like the band’s previous LPs, it features catchy melodies that are generally seen in pop music, but with the passion and tight riffs typical of rock. Though they were seen as possessing more style than substance, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have proven, yet again, that they’re the perfect blend of both.
Standout tracks: Sacrilege, Wedding Song, Mosquito
6. Bankrupt! — Phoenix
With Bankrupt!, Phoenix seem to have found “their sound”. The band, whose earlier albums have all won praise, always appeared to be experimenting and searching for the sound that defined them. However, with their best album yet, Phoenix have embraced the dreamy Europop sound that fits them best. Read my original review of the album!
Standout tracks: Trying to Be Cool, S.O.S. in Bel Air, Chloroform
5. Overgrown — James Blake
Unlike most contemporary electronic artists, James Blake efficiently combines glitchy and repetitive sounds with soulful lyrics. Overgrown, like its predecessor, is an exercise in precision. However, it fixes one major fault of Blake’s self-titled debut — Where the first album had strong tracks that felt disconnected from each other, Overgrown flows smoothly and effortlessly making the musician a force to be reckoned with.
Standout tracks: I Am Sold, Retrograde, DLM
4. The Next Day — David Bowie
Even after 40 years on the music scene, David Bowie miraculously manages to reinvent himself. However, with The Next Day, Bowie embraces and blends his past musical styles to churn out an LP that reminds us why he’s one of the most influential acts of all time. As he looks to the future, the legend also references the good old days; for the nostalgic crowd out there.
Standout tracks: The Stars (Are Out Tonight), Love Is Lost, Valentine’s Day
3. Comedown Machine — The Strokes
Upon its release, Comedown Machine immediately polarized listeners. People either loved it or they hated it; there was no in-between. The LP, which was a huge departure from The Strokes’ previous works, showcased influences ranging from A-ha and Michael Jackson to The Velvet Underground. Though it might not be for the average Strokes fanboy, the album is definitely their best since 2001′ Is This It. Read my original review of the album here!
Standout tracks: Welcome to Japan, Slow Animals, Partners in Crime
2. Modern Vampires of the City — Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend grew up, and how! Though the band’s previous works were witty lyrics set to incredibly catchy tunes, Modern Vampires of the City feels like a much more thought out album. The LP, which is darker than the rest of quartet’s discography, is also one of the few albums that’s good from the first track to the very last one. Read my original review of the album here!
Standout tracks: Finger Back, Diane Young, Unbelievers
1. Random Access Memories — Daft Punk
Daft Punk’s fourth studio album seemed to be the most hyped album of the year, and for good reason. The French duo, who revolutionized house music, went in a completely different direction for Random Access Memories. Featuring live instrumentation and collaborations with the likes of Paul Williams, Julian Casablancas and Nile Rodgers, the album is undoubtedly the best of 2013 so far. Read my original review of the album here!
Standout tracks: Doin’ It Right (feat. Panda Bear), Lose Yourself to Dance (feat. Pharrell Williams), Give Life Back to Music
life in terms of music 