Thursday, 12 December 2013

Top 20 Albums of 2013... (PART 2)

Here's the first part of the list if you haven't seen it yet:


10. The Story So Far - What You Don't See

After the success of their energetic punk debut album, Under Soil & Dirt, this follow-up have improved the band enormously, refining their trademark style, and lead singer Parker Cannon's vocals is better than ever. The production is remarkable and it will give you further listens. It's catchy, energetic and emotionally captivating.

Check out: Empty Space, Framework










9. Panic! At the Disco - Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die!

Panic!'s fourth album completely differs from their other works, going for another direction, but this time it's influenced with dance music, electronica and hip-hop. Despite the album being too short, it's packed with memorable tracks that are highly addictive.

Check out: Vegas Lights, Girls/Girls/Boys












8. Disclosure - Settle

English electronic duo Disclosure's debut album Settle explores different sub-styles of dance music; house, garage, dubstep and bass, and they all complement each other adding pop appeal. With a few singles already hitting the charts last year, this record bursts out the best dance tracks this year, collaborating with the most exquisite vocalists today.

Check out: You & Me, Help Me Lose My Mind










7. Palms - Palms

Chino Moreno and band members of Isis have collaborated to release this self-titled debut album this year, Palms. With only 6 tracks, the fluidity of the flowing melodies within the tracks seems very long, but it does put you into a paradise fantasy with its chilled out dreamlike elements, which differs from the member's other groups' aggressive riffs and tone. Although it still features Moreno's remarkable screams, overall it is a significant record that will leave fans exploring similarities and differences.

Check out: Future Warrior, Mission Sunset







6. Mallory Knox - Signals

It is remarkable how British rock band Mallory Knox have done so well in the past few months within British rock sound. Their solid debut album Signals features some anthemic songs with melodic harmonies and uplifting choruses. The whole album have this theme mixture of passion and hope that is accompanied with flowing melodies, inspirational lyrics and a brilliant raw voice from Mikey Chapman. It explodes with riffs and big hooks which sounds even better live. They have done a decent effort for a debut album and it won't be long till they take over the British rock scene.

Check out: 1949, Creeper, Lighthouse






5. A Day To Remember - Common Courtesy

American metalcore/pop-punk band A Day To Remember's fifth album is their most personal album yet, exploding with massive tracks and mosh-pitingly brilliant riffs. Their signature breakdowns are consistent, the pace is well aligned, and Jeremy McKinnon's screams are finer than ever. Filled with solid anthems and expressive acoustics, this record have a lot of memorable moments. They might be the only band that can combine pop-punk and metalcore and actually works. Common Courtesy is definitely their best album to date.

Check out: I'm Already Gone, Best Of Me






4. Arctic Monkeys - AM

Sheffield indie rockers Arctic Monkeys' fifth record might just be the best record of their career. They have proven themselves as one of Britain's greatest bands by releasing such a slick, smart album that is bursting with 12 genuine tracks and it's about sex and getting high. Inspired by various genres like soul, psychedelic rock, blues rock and hip-hop, this astonishing record is the perfect car music to listen to.  Josh Homme's contribution to their past two albums have built up and led to this masterpiece. From feet-stomping riffs to rhythmic hip-hop beats, this haunting, but thrilling album will be the coolest thing you'll hear this year.

Check out: Arabella, Knee Socks





3. Bring Me The Horizon - Sempiternal

Sheffield metal band Bring Me The Horizon's Sempiternal have shown the transition they went through, from noisy deathcore to atmospheric metal. While the record is still packed with muscular breakdowns and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, they sound more mature in this album than their previous works, finding the right balance between ambiance and aggression. With sucker-punch riffs and synth-driven melodies, they certainly reinvented their style and refined their sound. It's belligerent at some points, while it's captivating till the very end. Bring Me The Horizon have created one of the year's most accomplished metal albums.

Check out: Can You Feel My Heart?, Sleepwalking




2. The 1975 - The 1975

After releasing four EPs, English alternative rock band The 1975's highly anticipated self-titled debut album is arguably the best indie album of the year. Over five years in the making, the band have finally created such an ambitious record. Experimenting with R&B, 80's powerpop and mid-90's soul, its imaginative pop hooks and Matt Healy's compelling vocals makes this pop-influenced record a classic. Almost like an 80's movie soundtrack, it's filled with timeless, anthemic 80's rock, and sparkling glam pop, but also contrasts with some heart-breaking power ballads and atmospheric interludes. The whole album gives a retro vibe, but almost every track has sophistication and a lot of depth.

Check out: Settle Down, Girls, Robbers




1. Paramore - Paramore

After the departure of co-founders Josh and Zac Farro, American rock band Paramore had to start afresh. Instead of going for the similar sound, they became a completely different band and explored every genre, from punk to country rock or electronic influences, the diversity between the 17 tracks works really well. It's jam-packed with new-wavey synthesizers, gospel choirs, ukulele interludes, catchy choruses and Hayley Williams doesn't shy bringing out her playful and emotional sides of her vocals. Every song is fun and memorable, the self-titled album doesn't only bring modern pop-punk sound but this avant-garde brought something entirely new and revolutionary.

Check out: Ain't It Fun, Future, Grow Up




Do you agree with this list? Are there any other albums that should be on this list? Comment below and I would love to read them.

No comments:

Post a Comment