| |
ChapelHooker's Best Albums of 2013 (COMPLETED)
Member Since: 8/10/2012
Posts: 7,072
|
ChapelHooker's Best Albums of 2013 (COMPLETED)
So I decided to delete my my other countdown since I was not satesfied with it and also I am only really interested in sharing my fav albums of this year, so here it goes.
23. Arctic Monkeys - AM
Shamelessly catchy and filled with feet-stomping beats, AM is one hell of a fun ride and shows how rock should be done these days.
22. Darkside - Psychic
So carefully and mastefully crafted, Psychic blooms with atmosphere and takes you into another word, something that an album should do.
21. Miley Cyrus - BANGERZ
Her first effort since her drastic change of style, Bangerz was frontloaded with a **** ton of controversy. From the VMA's to Twitter, no one was save from Miley. Bangerz does not at all feel like a cohesive work of music, it rather feels like a collection of music her label thought would sell well. But it does it right, a fun pop record and not as forgettable as other releases this year, Bangerz does what it sets out to do, it supports the controversial woman who sings these songs.
20. Britney Spears - Britney Jean
Promised to be her most personal record yet (a promise not kept), Britney Jean goes by so fast you will have to listen to it again to really appreciate it. Rich of texture at points ('Alien') and just simply fun ('Tik Tik Boom'), Britney Jean feels like a real Britney record, since it's mindlessly enjoyable. Also, the best songs are on the deluxe version of this record, what's up with that.
19. Lady Gaga - ARTPOP
The pop-diva's anticipated and overhyped third full length record finally arrived in November. Full of electronic songs, there is one problem with ARTPOP. Because it's delays it feels a bit old, even at first listen. Still, once the shock of ARTPOP is washed off, you can enjoy the record for what it is,a gay dance record- And it's a good one at that.
18. Katy Perry - PRISM
Katy Perry was always one of those artists who doesn't have a strong voice, but the right producers and ideas. With PRISM comes maturity from the candylady. It seems with this record, Katy finally found her place in music. PRISM is full of fun pop songs and is definately a step up from the immaturity that was Teenage Dream.
17. Bastille - Bad Blood
I think what makes Bad Blood so different from any other indie pop releases this year is how it well it includes mainstream rhythms and catchy tunes. Well written, well sung, well produced and great pacing make this a must-listen.
16. MS MR - Secondhand Rapture
In the beginning the identities of this New York- based duo were kept secret. Only several internet sites and a tumblr promoted the songs. Tumblr culture is a big part of the music of MS MR, which wins with grand production, fast songs that are coated with melancholy. MS MR's debut is powerful and set in a fantasy world.
15. Ellie Goulding - Halcyon Days
The re-release to one of my favorite record of 2012, Halcyon Days showcases Ellie's talent of writing wonderful songs, making good covers, her powerful and soothing voice and her great choice of producers. All that on 10 tracks.
14. Depeche Mode - Delta Machine
I grew up with Depeche Mode, since both of my parents are huge fans. Delta Machine prooves once again that Depeche can do no wrong. It has the almost nostalgic feel to it, it reminds of their whole career, but it's experimental hard edge and dark sounds make this one hell of a treat for me.
13. Glasser - Interiors
Creating a good album takes one thing (in my opinion): a world that the album lives in. Glasser created a new world and a world the album fully lives and grows in. The opposite to her 2010 debut 'Ring', Interiors is more electronic and Glasser can showcase her amazing vocals. I like to live in this world.
12. Kanye West - Yeezus
Probably the most acclaimed record of last year, Yeezus is Kanye at his best.and better. The decision to go with minimalism is one of his best decisions yet. Yeezus impresses with flawless beats and pacing a breathtaking atmosphere.
11. Disclosure - Settle
Disclosure's biggest talent is knowing how much is enough, something that most artists in their genre lack. Settle is a throwback extravaganza and Disclosure made their own sound and universe to live in. Settle is fun, enjoyable and light.
10. Rhye - Woman
Intimacy is one of the most beautiful feelings and 'Woman' captures this feeling so well and celebrates it. The voice on here is simply outstanding and it's hard to believe a man is singing so beautifully high. If you want to feel loved by music, Rhye is the way to go.
9. Baths - Obsidian
I really liked the way Baths went for this record, finally embracing his voice.The beats are simple at first, but yet so choppy and unique. Baths does one of my favorite things in music: He takes usual music and simplicity and puts his own twist on it.
8. James Blake - Overgrown
Overgrown almost feels like a score to a movie. It feels so cinematic and storytelling in it's own world. Musically it's my favorite Blake work yet, accessable but true to his own style. It seems like he finally found his place and the balace between music and voice and how to mix these two, and you can hear that.
7. AlunaGeorge - Body Music
AlunaGeorge impressed from the very beginning. Amazing single after amazing single and then finally an album. It couldn't be more cohesive, all the songs stick together like glue and Body Music is surprising and fresh.
6. Dawn Richard - Goldenheart
Going solo was probably Richards' best decision. After an exciting mixtape and a promising EP, Goldenheart was released, the first album in a planned trilogy. And boy, was it worth the wait. Goldenheart is filled with avant-garde beats and harmonies, with stories of love and hope and most importantly, Dawn's incredible voice. Goldenheart is promising and although it may seem a bit too long, it's a step into the right direction.
5. M.I.A. - Matangi
M.I.A. is never one to shy away from controversy. The infamous middle finger, the Born Free music video and her lyrics. When her long-delayed and long-awaited fourth LP Matangi dropped, every Maya fan was happy. It's a return to form with the most amazing word music beats out there and typically smart lyrics. M.I.A. is here to please, but she does it for herself, not the audience. And altough it answers many questions, it asks even more. And that's what's exciting about it. M.I.A. coming back with power.
4. iamamiwhoami - bounty
Although the music on bounty has been released for several years, it was not until last year these songs from this audio-visual project were made available on CD/DVD. Although the visual counterpart of iamamiwhoami is very exciting and amazing, it's the music that made me a fan. bounty is made up out of experimental synthpop and singer Jonna Lee shines in every way, as a songwriter and a singer. bounty is the answer to boring pop music.
3. CHVRCHES - The Bones of What You Belive
Most definately the most exciting pop release of last year. What makes this debut record so interesting is how CHVRCHES are not afraid to dance on the line of mainstream and experimental. This album is tight in production, free of any fillers, it flows so well and has so many highlights on them. It is always fun to have a band that focuses on flaws in music and don't aim for perfection, but aim for a good record.
2. Beyoncé - BEYONCÉ
Forget Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé was the most talked about popstar in 2013. After a year of endless teasing the bomb exploded. A surprise album. Not just that, but a visual album as well. Now, after the huge hyped burned down, what is left of BEYONCÉ? Strip away all the hype, even the visual album. Strip it from everything and focus on the music. What you're left with now is one of the best records of last year. This is Beyoncé. Not the album, the woman. Sexy, fun, sophisticated, flawed, human. Musically, Beyoncé is undoubtely her best record yet. She is not afraid to experiment. A mainstream artist experimenting alone is raw, but doing it so well is an true achivement. Beyoncé is flawed, and so it's perfect in every single way.
1. Lorde - Pure Heroine
Pretty much had 'Royals' stuck in their head last year. And for good reason, it was fresh, but catchy. This young lady came to my attention after releasing her EP 'The Love Club'. When her debut finally dropped, I was obsessed. How could such a young woman write lyrics like this. How can someone so young have such a strong vision musically. It's almost creepy. Pure Heroine suffers from nothing. Rather, it's its flaws that make it so wonderful. Joel Little's production is fresh and new. What makes Lorde so special is how she speaks to her fans. She is not like any other teen star. She actually sings about this time. This wonderful but hard time, being a teenager. Pure Heroine is not a collection of hit songs. It's an album. A record. An experience. And it's only the beginning.
-------------------------------------------------------------
HONERABLE MENTIONS
Purity Ring - Shrines
I actually don't remember how I discoverd this duo. And I don't need to know, since it's know one of my favorite acts ever. Shrines is just pure perfection and my favorite album I discovered last year (although it was released in 2012). It may seems like a bit samey, but once you've cracked the glass surface of this record, you can look at the shards and love it. A flawless record.
Grimes - Visions
One way I know I REALLY love music is when it inspires me to do my own, which is something I am slowly starting to do. When I first listened to Grimes, I was turned off. It sounded terrible to me, but something kept me getting back to her. And once it clicked, it really clicked. Visions is an amateur masterpiece. Timeless, never boring and different.
Jai Paul - Jai Paul
Although released last year, it was never actually an official release, which is is sad. This album was leaked by someone who allegedly stole his laptop, although people are saying that Jai himself leaked it. Just give it a listen, it's very unique and fun. I hope one Jai Paul will officially release a record.
EP's
SOHN - Bloodflows
Probably my favorite new artist of the last year. It's mysterious, edgy, beautiful. There is something so beautifully soulful about SOHN's music. His debut is my most anticipated album of this year so far.
FKA twigs - EP2
Dark is probably the best word to describe Twigs' music. These 4 songs just stand so well together, this could have been her debut and i would have loved it. It gives a very good idea of who Twigs is and what is to come.
BANKS - London
BANKS' music is very sexy, very soulful and very R&B-inspired. She is a very refershing and needed face in music. Her music has something so sexy about it, but in a very beautiful way.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 6/20/2012
Posts: 8,593
|
Hello there.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 5,066
|
 BJ
|
|
|
|
ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 12/7/2008
Posts: 87,284
|
Both albums are check mine too  Link on sig! 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/26/2007
Posts: 15,585
|
Bangerz 
Didn't really like BJ, tho...
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/10/2012
Posts: 7,072
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/27/2010
Posts: 3,636
|
AM & Bad Blood 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/23/2012
Posts: 2,432
|
Britney Jean & PRISM!
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 10/5/2009
Posts: 137,162
|
Bangerz, BJ, ARTPOP, PRISM all in a row  Great!
Keep updating.  Don't give up!
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
|
Bangerz, Britney Jean, ARTPOP! Secondhand Rapture is amazing too! Bad Blood one of my favorite albums of 2013 too 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/26/2006
Posts: 17,384
|
AM + Bad Blood!
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 6/2/2009
Posts: 7,105
|
OMG! Psychic  
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 10/5/2009
Posts: 137,162
|
Where are you, sis?  I wanna see the top 15!
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/10/2012
Posts: 7,072
|
Quote:
Originally posted by Rem
Where are you, sis? I wanna see the top 15! |
Updated 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 10/5/2009
Posts: 137,162
|
^ 
Yeezus Nice album.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 12/22/2008
Posts: 14,438
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
|
AM, Bangerz, ARTPOP, Halcyon Days, Yeezus
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 5/23/2007
Posts: 65,087
|
Settle! What an amazing album, one of my favorite new artists from 2013
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 10/3/2009
Posts: 35,844
|
Settle + AM.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/10/2012
Posts: 7,072
|
Penultimate Update. Honerable mentions and favorite EP's coming soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
