Whether we’re working, exercising, reading or dancing, you’ll rarely find us without some sort of music playing! 2013 saw a lot of great new songs by some well-known artists, as well as some awesome tracks from newcomers to the music scene. We’ve each picked the 5 songs we couldn’t get out of our heads this year — what’s your fave?
Suzanne’s picks:
“Demons” and “Pink Rabbits” by The National: I couldn’t decide between these two phenomenal tracks from my favourite album of the year, The National’s Trouble Will Find Me, so I included them both in my Top 5 songs of the year. “Demons” is a dark, soulful track and the perfect vehicle for Matt Berninger’s rich baritone, while “Pink Rabbits” is a lovely lilting tune about lost love. I’m particularly enamoured of the chorus, which includes the line, “Am I the one you think about when you’re sitting in your fainting chair drinking pink rabbits?” If you like either or both of these songs, I highly recommend you pick up Trouble Will Find Me — a tremendous listen end to end.
“Reflektor” by Arcade Fire: You had me at David Bowie. Kidding, but the music legend’s appearance on the title track to Arcade Fire’s latest album only adds to an already fantastic listen. The inspired collaboration between the Montreal band and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy has resulted in their most electronic sound yet on this dark, disco-tinged track about being ‘tech-connected’ yet feeling isolated. The song is more than 7 minutes in length but it builds in such a way that not a beat of it feels like excess.
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams: Hands down, the song of the year in 2013. I know it was played to death, but there wasn’t a single instance where I heard it and thought, ‘Oh no, not that again.’ — I prefer the extended album version (see link) for its longer build-up intro. I’ve always admired the French duo for their originality and willingness to take chances with their sound. With its ’70s vibe and Pharrell Williams vocals, “Get Lucky” was certainly a bold move, and one that wouldn’t have appealed to all their fans. But it’s also become the biggest song in their career, so the risk obviously paid off.
“Beta Love” by Ra Ra Riot: Following the excellent Field Trip concert that took place in Toronto this past summer, I decided to check out music from some of the bands I missed on the small stage. That led me to this gem of a song from New York-based Ra Ra Riot — synths, cello and Wes Miles’ falsetto combine to create an insanely catchy tune that makes me want to stop what I’m doing and dance whenever I hear it. Full marks to the fan who created this music video for the song, melding the rhythms seamlessly with shots of an ’80s dance show. (The band liked it so much they made it their official video for the song.) As you’ll see below, my colleague Suzie Gardner is also a big fan, and we think when you hear it, you will be too.
Suzie’s picks:
“The Wire” by HAIM: Often compared to Fleetwood Mac, these three Californian sisters broke on to the music scene this year with this deliciously poppy tune. Their debut album, Days Are Gone, is infectious from start to finish, but this single (and their energetic performance of it on Saturday Night Live in November) has truly helped them make a name for themselves in North America. With sing-along lyrics, big drums, and a handclap beat, this song will get stuck in your head for days.
“Royals” by Lorde: You couldn’t avoid this song this year, yet frankly, I couldn’t get enough of it. It’s hard to believe that the New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde was only 16 when she recorded this hit single, because her voice, and her frank perspective on the hip-hop scene, are both mature beyond her years. Lorde’s breathy voice combined with a simple, sexy beat make this song irresistible.
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles: One of the most inspiring and catchy songs I’ve heard all year, and with an incredibly fun and endearing music video to boot! This lead single from the singer-songwriter’s fourth studio album is the beauty that happens when powerful lyrics combine with a catchy hook and a stunning voice. Bareilles is getting more radio airplay with this new album, and it’s very well deserved.
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams: Disco and funk-inspired tunes popped up all over the charts this year, including on Daft Punk’s new album, Random Access Memories, and its lead single “Get Lucky”. With smooth vocals by Pharrell Williams layered on top of a groovy dance beat by the French electronic duo, this song made me dance like none other this year.
“Beta Love” by Ra Ra Riot: I actually have Suzanne Ellis to thank for my love of this song! She introduced me to this light-hearted little dance track from New York indie rockers Ra Ra Riot. It’s ridiculously fun and poppy, perfect for dancing and singing along, and the music video (which was edited together by a fan from footage of a 1980s show called Dance Party) is the cherry on top. Definitely give it a watch.
What was your favourite song of 2013? Share your picks in the comments below!
Featured image from the music video for “Beta Love” by Ra Ra Riot.