Top 20 Albums Of 2013: 20-19

20. Haim - Days Go By



A pleasant flashback to pieces of the 70's, 80's and 90's, where music wasn't as overproduced and didn't have to have a frantic EDM beat behind it (not that those two things are bad). What we get instead is excellent songwriting, ballsy vocals and some of the sunniest summertime pop heard in a few years. Front-loaded by the excellent singles, the album-only tracks aren't too bad either.

19. The Limousines - Hush



Probably my favorite album cover on the list, the songs themselves were a nice surprise too. The tracklist could do with a little pruning, but there are enough dreamy 80's inspired highlights here to warrant a place on the countdown. I feel like this album was overlooked this year, and I'd love to see that changed because--while the songs might not draw attention to themselves initially--it's a solid pop album for those that like their catchy hooks to be a little more indie-oriented.

HAIM - The Wire

"I know that you're gonna be okay, anyway"

I would absolutely love it if HAIM surprised us all and just released an album without even scheduling it beforehand. I've been playing their past three singles all year and I'm sure that this will be added to the mix, but I really need a full-length because I can't get enough of these girls. To me, their sound is so 90's, which I have a fond nostalgia for and naturally gravitate towards (almost as much as the 80's). I love that there's more of a riffy guitar influence on this track. It's quite different than a lot of their past work, yet still sounds like them. As much as I adore dance production, more of this organic, band-focused pop music would be great in the future too.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy their previous stuff here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Haim - Falling

"If it gets rough, it's time to get rough"

I'm a little late when it comes to Haim, but better late than never. I fully expect these girls to break out big time as the year goes on. They've already been recognized by the BBC. Their music is a fantastic mix of 80's and 90's hippie-pop... sort of a combination of Paula Cole, Stevie Nicks, 'Til Tuesday and maybe even a bit of Florence + The Machine. It's like nothing on the radio right now, which makes it instantly exciting. All three of the band's singles have been excellent, but this new one could be the song to break them into the mainstream. Falling has incredibly catchy verses and a syncopated chorus that will have you singing along (or at least trying to... the lyrics come pretty quickly). The vocal phrasing and harmonies are quickly becoming their trademark. There's something refreshingly organic about the sound, yet it retains the kind of strong pop elements I always look for. Bring on the album!



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy their EPs here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.