Top 20 Albums Of 2013: 8-7

8. Tegan And Sara - Heartthrob



I love a pop makeover, particularly when an artist sticks with it for more than a few songs. This year, Tegan and Sara went from indie darlings to bona fide pop stars. Not only that, but their brand of sparkly, shiny music reached back deep into the 80’s for inspiration. It’s pop music that somehow seems smarter and more important than most of the stuff you hear on the radio. That could make for a dreary “artistic statement” type album, but luckily the girls never forget the power of a good hook.

7. Miley Cyrus - Bangerz



No pop star was more controversial or ubiquitous this year. Miley reinvented everything about herself and delivered a left-field experimental pop album in the process. The big hits are also the definite standouts, but it’s fascinating to listen to some of the less direct stuff that makes up most of the album. It’s personal pop without ever getting too personal. It’s also one of the grimier sounding mainstream releases of the year. Not everything works as well as it could, but she clearly swung for the rafters and that’s a thrilling thing to listen to.

Tegan And Sara - Goodbye Goodbye

"You never really knew me"

I'm sad that I haven't had much time to spend with Tegan and Sara's new album since it debuted on the internet, but I have given it a really quick run through and I've gotta say... I didn't know they had it in them. One of my favorite things is when an indie-pop band goes big, polishing their own sensibilities to the point where their music becomes huge pop. I know, I know. Most "hardcore" fans of bands like this would say exactly the opposite. They've sold out. They've abandoned what made them great. Yadda yadda. Different strokes for different folks, I say. And really, how can someone resist a track like this? From the opening synth hook, you know it's gonna be amazing. It's as if the girls have melded their style with influences from bands like Dragonette and Marina & the Diamonds. It's a brilliant move.

Click to hear the song!

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Listen to the entire album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Tegan And Sara - I'm Not Your Hero

"But that doesn't mean we're not one and the same"

It's funny how past ideas about an artist can color your expectations when it comes to new music. I've been a longtime, but casual, fan of Tegan And Sara's music. Walking With A Ghost was the song that got me hooked years ago, and I still play it today. In fact, that entire album was fantastic. The follow-up failed to connect with me, and I kind of let myself forget about them after that. When I heard a new album was coming out, I figured it would be filled with the singer-songwriter indie pop they were known for. Then lead single Closer blew those assumptions out of the water with its big, polished production that went straight for the pop jugular. Now that I've heard I'm Not Your Hero, I'm properly excited for the album. From the samples, it sounds like it's going to be big pop music. Add the girls' trademark tight harmonies and we might have something really special.



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

Tegan and Sara - Closer

"I won't treat you like you're typical"

I'm so glad to see Tegan & Sara releasing new material and continuing to be relevant in the pop world. I first fell in love with their music back with the still-awesome single Walking With A Ghost and its corresponding album. Since then, they've released some other nice singles and collaborations, but I can't say I was expecting something so modern, glossy and propulsive when it came to their 2012 comeback. Closer is everything Ladyhawke's most recent album should have been. It's extremely instant and commercial sounding, but manages to still keep the cool indie edge that the duo have had since they burst onto the scene. It should see their profile rise quite a bit, as I could see dance producers having a field day with this. Top of the charts, please. That's where this belongs.



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

Tiesto (ft. Tegan and Sara) - Feel It In My Bones

"You're knocking at my windows"

When I first heard of this song, I was instantly intrigued. I'm a big Tegan & Sara fan (especially their brilliant single Walking With A Ghost) and always thought their unique vocals would fit perfectly with a full-on electronic background. Turns out I was right, as this pulsing dance track is a total success. It's got a stately, surging melody that reminds me a little of a Ladyhawke track, and some pretty brutal lyrics. Plus, the middle eight is pretty crazy. The single's shaping up to be a hit in Canada, and that's kind of exciting because it sounds like something that would only do well in Europe, chart-wise. The track's taken from Tiesto's album Kaleidoscope, released in October of last year. I haven't heard the album myself, but the list of collaborators is so good I think I'll have to give it a try. Calvin Harris, Nelly Furtado, Sneaky Sound System, Kele Okereke, Emily Haines... sounds promising!

Tiesto (ft. Tegan and Sara) - Feel It In My Bones by alienhits

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