House Music
Top 10 Albums of 2013! Part 1 of 2!
So the end of 2013 is fast approaching. We’ve had some great albums been released over the last 12 months! Some old favorites returned, some newcomers marked their territory. If 2013 was anything to go by who knows what’s install for 2014! Here’s my countdown of my personal top 10 albums of the year.
10. Chvrches – The Bones Of What You Believe
Chvrches are a Scottish Synthpop band from Glasgow, who broke onto the scene this year after the release of their “Recover” EP back in march. The band came 5th in the “BBC’s Sound of 2013 list” this is a list of the most promising new music talent. Ever since, the band has grown in popularity and in September they released their debut album; The Bones Of What You Believe. This album is a great introduction of what is to come in the future from such a young and promising band! Every track catches you with each synth-induced note. Mix that in with the tremendously warming voice of Lauren Mayberry and you have a catchy album full of tunes. The band’s debut album was well received by many, scoring high marks with publicists such as NME who gave them a solid 8/10. Key tracks to look out for are “The Mother We Share”, “We Sink” and “Recover”.
9. Chase & Status – Brand New Machine
Brand New Machine is third studio album by British drum and bass duo Chase & Status. After performing extensively to crowds around the world and at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading Festival; it was time for the lads to put out their eagerly awaited album. From the very beginning of the record the duo have you wanting to rave within seconds. The album starts with the heavier drum and bass sound before weaving in and out with tracks that can be classed as house music whilst others lean towards dance club hits. Chase & Status hit the nail on the head with this album as the variety of tracks keep their audience at constant party tempo. The album is full with of guest appearances which allows for different artists from other genre’s to put their mark on the Chase & Status produced beats in a professional manner. Featuring artists include Major Lazer, Pusha T, Nile Rodgers, Louis M^ttrs and many more. It’s fair to say the album symbolises a strong output from highly talented pair.
8. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories
Possibly one of the most anticipated albums of the last decade. Yes, it took eight years for the release of Random Access Memories but we finally got it! I think it’s safe to say it was definitely worth the wait. Featuring artists such as the loveable Pharrell Williams, Julian Casablancas, Giorgio Moroder and Nile Rodgers how could you not be impressed? Daft Punk had got in a special bunch of people to create an album that would go down in history. The major talking point of this record is the song “Get Lucky.” The single reached the top ten in the music charts of over 32 countries, and has sold more than 7.3 million copies as of September 2013. Wherever you were, whatever you were doing, at some point you would have come across this track. In my opinion it is the song of 2013! And what a song Daft Punk had released to show they were back! Taking over the world again. Other fantastic tracks from the French duo’s forth record are “Give Life Back To Music”, “Lose Yourself To Dance” and “contact.” Go see what all the hype was about! The hype is truly deserved.
7. Foals – Holy Fire
Foals have always been a band close to my heart. The math indie-rock band from oxford never manages to disappoint. With each release they come into their own more and more. Holy Fire, the bands 3rd studio album is no different. This is the album to put the band on the map! Foals released the LP back in February and features amazing songs such as “Inhaler”, “My Number” and “bad habit”. Better yet, these songs sound even better live. Even the album intro “prelude” is a storm brewed hit of shredding guitars enegising the crowd from the very beginning when played live! Not only was this record a massive success but it also showed how sublime an act the band can be when it comes to playing headline shows! Foals headlined Latitude festival this year, their 1st major UK festival headline show. It’s safe to say it was show that managed to win best live set of the year 2013! I for one cannot wait to see what the future has install for such a thrilling UK band. Future Reading and Leeds headliners? Why not?
6. A Day To Remember – Common Courtesy
2013 marked the return of metalcore/pop-punk band A Day To Remember. The American rock band from Ocala, Florida self released their fifth studio album back on October 8th. At this point the album was only available as a digital download before being released in physical copy over a month later on November 25th. Before release, the album had been widely anticipated. Recalling the band’s fans response to “Violence (Enough Is Enough)”, Lead singer Jeremy said “it was one of the best responses we’ve ever had coming out of the gate. I can’t tell you how excited that made all of us.” The album debuted on the UK Album Chart at number 34, but reached number 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. Common Courtesy is the perfect album to represent a band such as these lads. The album starts and finishes strong with big riffs, crazy vocals and everything in-between. The album includes a bit of everything. Pop punk, Metal, Hardcore and even acoustics! The lads have done their fans and the world proud. Key songs on the album are “City Of Ocala”, “Right Back At It Again”, “Sometimes You’re The Hammer, Sometimes You’re The Nail” and “I Surrender”! In fact every single track is truly amazing! Go listen to it for yourselves! If it weren’t for a year of such strong releases, then this surely would have been my number 1.
Stay tuned for part 2 which should be up within the next couple of days! Some great albums and artists coming up! But who will be number 1?
Mallen Official 