2013 was a remarkable year in music, characterized by its genre-blurring innovation and dynamic energy. From French robots revitalizing disco to a New Zealand teenager making waves in hip-hop, and rock veterans reinventing themselves, the musical landscape of 2013 was anything but predictable. Navigating the sheer volume of releases to pinpoint the best songs was a thrilling challenge, showcasing the exciting directions music was taking.
The Killers, “Shot at the Night”
The Killers performing Shot at the Night in 2013
Produced by Anthony Gonzalez of M83, “Shot at the Night” is a quintessential Killers anthem, amplifying their signature grandiosity. Brandon Flowers’ powerful vocals, as he sings “Gimme a shot at the night,” evoke a cinematic feel, reminiscent of a classic Rocky movie theme, solidifying its place as one of the memorable songs of 2013.
Lee Ranaldo and the Dust, “Lecce, Leaving”
Lee Ranaldo performing with The Dust in 2013
From the ashes of Sonic Youth, Lee Ranaldo’s solo project emerged as a delightful surprise. “Lecce, Leaving” is a comforting, Who-esque jam, reminding listeners of Ranaldo’s classic rock sensibilities that always balanced Sonic Youth’s experimental edge. This track is a testament to his enduring musicality in the 2013 music scene.
MGMT, “Your Life is a Lie”
MGMT band members in a promotional shot for 2013 album
In just over two minutes, MGMT delivers a potent pop nugget with “Your Life is a Lie.” Its earworm quality makes you question the song’s simple yet profound statement. More of a shared joke than a harsh critique, this track, accompanied by a stoner-esque video, is a quirky highlight among the Good 2013 Songs.
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
Darius Rucker performing Wagon Wheel live in 2013
Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish, alongside Lady Antebellum, revitalized Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” itself a reworked Bob Dylan outtake. This collaboration resulted in a surprising country Number One hit, showcasing the diverse appeal of country music in 2013.
No Age, “C’mon, Stimmung”
No Age performing live, known for their noise and melody balance in 2013
No Age, the Los Angeles noise-pop duo, perfectly encapsulates the sweet spot between noise and melody with “C’mon, Stimmung.” Heirs to Sonic Youth and The Velvet Underground, their feedback-punctuated bursts in this track linger long after the song ends, marking it as a standout indie rock song of 2013.
Paramore, “Still Into You”
Hayley Williams of Paramore performing Still Into You in 2013
Following internal band turmoil, Hayley Williams revitalized Paramore with a crisp, radio-ready sound. “Still Into You,” an adorably energetic ode to enduring love, gains deeper resonance from her personal journey. This track showcases Paramore’s evolution into a more polished pop-rock act in 2013.
Patty Griffin, “Ohio”
Patty Griffin performing her alt-country music in 2013
Patty Griffin, with Robert Plant, creates a mesmerizing harmony in “Ohio.” Acoustic guitars and hand drums swirl, evoking a stormy atmosphere. This track explores a Wiccan-folk direction reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s “The Battle Of Evermore,” offering a unique sound in 2013.
Atoms for Peace, “Ingenue”
Thom Yorke of Atoms for Peace in 2013 Ingenue music video
Thom Yorke’s Atoms for Peace debut album suggested a new, groovy direction. “Ingenue,” a chilled-out, future-sex jam, features Yorke’s falsetto over zero-G synths. This song marked a significant departure and showcased Yorke’s versatility in 2013.
Deafheaven, “Dream House”
Deafheaven performing Dream House live in 2013
Deafheaven’s “Dream House” is a nine-minute art-metal masterpiece. Building on blast-beat drumming, post-rock guitars, and George Clarke’s intense screams, it’s abstract yet powerfully visceral. This track represents heavy metal distilled to its raw essence, a standout in 2013.
Nine Inch Nails, “Everything”
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails performing in 2013
Trent Reznor’s “Everything” is an anthemic grinder about finding clarity through struggle. Layered with gothic new wave guitars, Krautrock drone, and industrial noise, it’s Reznor’s vision of power-pop heaven. This track marked a powerful return for Nine Inch Nails in 2013.
Courtney Barnett, “Avant-Gardner”
Courtney Barnett performing Avant-Gardner in 2013
Courtney Barnett’s “Avant-Gardner” is a catchy, storytelling song about a slacker’s panic attack. With witty references to pop culture, it’s both humorous and relatable, highlighting Barnett’s storytelling prowess. This track introduced her unique voice to the 2013 music scene.
Eric Church, “The Outsiders”
Eric Church performing The Outsiders on stage in 2013
Eric Church’s “The Outsiders” is a heavy “country” anthem, blending classic rock influences from Def Leppard to Black Sabbath. With arena-ready “whoa-oh-oh”s and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, it’s a rebellious country hit, especially notable for its extended metal jam outro, making it a unique country song in 2013.
Eleanor Friedberger, “Stare at the Sun”
Eleanor Friedberger performing live, known for her indie-rock style in 2013
Eleanor Friedberger’s “Stare at the Sun” opens with clever lyrics about modern love. The music, reminiscent of vintage Modern Lovers or Richard Hell, provides a timeless energy. This indie-rock gem showcases Friedberger’s sharp songwriting in 2013.
Waxahatchee, “Brother Bryan”
Waxahatchee performing Brother Bryan in 2013
Waxahatchee’s “Brother Bryan,” with its stark bass and drums, is an ode to self-doubt and sisterhood. Katie Crutchfield channels Cat Power and Liz Phair, crafting brittle yet captivating indie-rock, making it a standout track from 2013.
Fall Out Boy “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark”
Fall Out Boy’s return was marked by “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark,” a stomping anthem about music and memories haunting the past. This track successfully tapped into 2000s nostalgia, marking a significant comeback for the band in 2013.
Phoenix, “Trying to Be Cool”
Thomas Mars of Phoenix performing Trying to Be Cool in 2013
Phoenix’s “Trying to Be Cool” is a masterclass in effortless cool. Thomas Mars’ vocals glide through shimmering synth-pop, culminating in a dance-party outro. This track solidified Phoenix’s status as indie-pop innovators in 2013.
Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu, “Q.U.E.E.N.”
Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu performing Q.U.E.E.N. together in 2013
Janelle Monáe’s “Q.U.E.E.N.” featuring Erykah Badu is an anthem of self-determination. With Prince-like synths and a funkadelic bassline, it transitions into soul-jazz with Badu’s verse, then back to Monáe’s superhero MCing. It defies categorization, a hallmark of 2013’s genre fluidity.
Black Sabbath, “God is Dead?”
Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath performing God is Dead in 2013
Black Sabbath’s reunion with Ozzy Osbourne yielded “God is Dead?,” bringing ur-metal back. Ozzy’s lyrics explore existential themes over Tony Iommi’s signature riffs. This track proved Sabbath’s enduring relevance in the 2013 metal scene.
Franz Ferdinand, “Treason! Animals.”
Franz Ferdinand performing Treason! Animals live in 2013
Franz Ferdinand’s “Treason! Animals.” blends 70s stoner rock with disco. Alex Kapranos’ witty lyrics about love dilemmas are set against an organ-drenched backdrop. This track showcased their glam-rock sensibilities in 2013.
2 Chainz feat. Pharrell, “Feds Watching”
2 Chainz performing Feds Watching in 2013
2 Chainz’s “Feds Watching” featuring Pharrell is a punchline rap track about government surveillance, delivered with humor and style. Celebrating his wardrobe over a tropical Pharrell beat, 2 Chainz creates a unique and fresh hip-hop track for 2013.
Mystikal, “Hit Me”
Mystikal performing Hit Me in 2013 concert
Mystikal’s “Hit Me” is a breakneck funk jam, asserting his place in hip-hop. Chanting “Say it proud/I’m black and I’m loud,” Mystikal evokes James Brown and Muhammad Ali. This track was a powerful hip-hop statement in early 2013.
Empire of the Sun, “Alive”
Empire of the Sun’s “Alive” is a giddily euphoric dance-pop anthem. With its sunny, stomping beat and sing-along chorus, it’s pure disco bliss, defining the upbeat sound of 2013.
Charles Bradley, “Victim of Love”
Charles Bradley performing Victim of Love in 2013
Charles Bradley’s “Victim of Love” showcases his soulful voice. This doo-wop-flavored track, blending Otis Redding and James Brown influences, highlights Bradley’s late-career breakthrough, solidifying his place as a soul icon in 2013.
Jay Z, “Tom Ford”
Jay Z performing Tom Ford on stage in 2013
Jay Z’s “Tom Ford” is a lavish anthem produced by Timbaland. Celebrating his success with lines like “Numbers don’t lie, check the scoreboard,” it’s a quintessential playa anthem, showing Jay Z’s evolution in 2013.
Major Lazer feat. Bruno Mars, Tyga and Mystic, “Bubble Butt”
Major Lazer performing Bubble Butt in 2013
Major Lazer’s “Bubble Butt” featuring Bruno Mars, Tyga, and Mystic is a twerk-inducing track. With its heavy bass and playful synths, it encourages letting loose, a fun and provocative song from 2013.
Mikal Cronin, “Shout it Out”
Mikal Cronin performing Shout It Out live in 2013
Mikal Cronin’s “Shout It Out” is a power-pop gem. Melodic and crunchy, it’s a showcase of Cronin’s unlocked potential, standing out as a bright spot in the 2013 garage rock scene.
Chance the Rapper feat. Nate Fox and Lili K, “Pusha Man”
Chance the Rapper performing Pusha Man in 2013
Chance the Rapper’s “Pusha Man” featuring Nate Fox and Lili K from Acid Rap is Day-Glo drug-hop. It transitions into “Paranoid,” a trap-rap panic attack, showcasing Chance’s lyrical dexterity and range in 2013.
Blood Orange, “Chamakay”
Dev Hynes of Blood Orange performing Chamakay in 2013
Blood Orange’s “Chamakay” is a dubby R&B jam featuring Caroline Polachek. Smooth and sexy, it blurs genre lines, representing the innovative sounds of 2013.
Pearl Jam, “Sirens”
Pearl Jam’s “Sirens” is a subtle ballad, showing their evolution beyond grunge. Eddie Vedder’s nuanced vocals and Mike McCready’s soaring guitar solo highlight their maturity, positioning them closer to U2 and Springsteen in 2013.
Twin Shadow, “Old Love / New Love”
Twin Shadow performing Old Love / New Love live in 2013
Twin Shadow’s “Old Love / New Love” is an 80s hi-NRG house-inspired track with a forlorn soul. This pumping anthem, reminiscent of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” for the 80s house scene, showcased Twin Shadow’s versatility in 2013.
Neko Case, “Man”
Neko Case performing Man live in 2013
Neko Case’s “Man” is a stomping track with M. Ward’s butch guitar lines. Exploring gender themes, Case declares, “I am the man in the fucking moon,” making a powerful statement in 2013.
Migos feat. Drake, “Versace (Remix)”
Migos performing Versace in 2013
Migos’ “Versace (Remix)” featuring Drake is built around the hypnotic repetition of “Versace.” Drake’s remix elevated the track, highlighting Migos’ unique flow and making it a viral sensation in 2013.
Sam Baker, “Ditch”
Sam Baker performing Ditch in 2013
Sam Baker’s “Ditch” is a raw singer-songwriter track depicting a downward spiral with surprising uplift. Including a Taylor Swift reference, it’s a uniquely poignant song from 2013.
Speedy Ortiz, “Tiger Tank”
Speedy Ortiz performing Tiger Tank in 2013
Speedy Ortiz’s “Tiger Tank” is a wry indie-rock vignette. Sadie Dupuis dissects twenty-something angst with sharp lyrics and compelling guitars, making it a standout indie track of 2013.
Albert Hammond Jr., “St. Justice”
Albert Hammond Jr. performing St. Justice in 2013
Albert Hammond Jr.’s “St. Justice” is a bedroom-rock gem reminiscent of The Strokes at their best. Effortlessly catchy with post-rehab clarity, it was a highlight of 2013, even outshining The Strokes’ own releases that year.
Kanye West, “I Am a God”
Kanye West performing I Am a God in 2013
Kanye West’s “I Am a God” is known for its humorous and audacious lines. A hate-rap screed with low blood sugar deity vibes, it was one of the most talked-about tracks of 2013.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Sacrilege”
Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs performing Sacrilege in 2013
Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Sacrilege” features Karen O’s conflicted vocals over glam guitars and punk-funk drums, culminating in a gospel choir. This track offers a unique blend of genres, marking a creative peak in 2013.
Disclosure feat. AlunaGeorge, “White Noise”
Disclosure performing White Noise in 2013
Disclosure’s “White Noise” featuring AlunaGeorge brought house music to the forefront. Rubbery and inviting, it showcased the UK house scene’s rising stars in 2013.
TV on the Radio, “Mercy”
Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio performing Mercy in 2013
TV on the Radio’s “Mercy” is apocalyptic dance-rock at its finest. Ferocious and hyper-speed, it was a standout track in the 2013 indie scene.
Lorde, “White Teeth Teens”
Lorde performing White Teeth Teens in 2013
Lorde’s “White Teeth Teens” captures suburban teen dystopia. Riding a muted girl group shimmy, it makes the mundane feel central, establishing Lorde as a unique voice in 2013.
Sleigh Bells, “Young Legends”
Sleigh Bells performing Young Legends live in 2013
Sleigh Bells’ “Young Legends” continues their genre-bending sound. Acoustic guitars blast as loud as synth feedback, with Alexis Krauss’ hard-edged yet pop-infused vocals, making it a distinctive track from 2013.
Miley Cyrus, “Wrecking Ball”
Miley Cyrus performing Wrecking Ball in 2013
Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” showcased her vocal power. A break-up ballad that went to Number One, it redefined Miley’s image and dominated pop culture in 2013.
Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas, “Instant Crush”
Daft Punk and Julian Casablancas performing Instant Crush in 2013
Daft Punk’s “Instant Crush” featuring Julian Casablancas is soft-focus disco with a Strokes twist. A cyborg love song blending 70s and 80s sounds, it was a pop peak for Daft Punk in 2013.
Paul McCartney, “New”
Paul McCartney performing New in 2013
Paul McCartney’s “New” is a retro-modern pop confection. Beatlesque with Mark Ronson production, it’s instantly catchy and sweetly nostalgic, proving McCartney’s timeless appeal in 2013.
Laura Marling, “Master Hunter”
Laura Marling’s “Master Hunter” is an existential anti-love folk song. Quoting Dylan and connecting 60s singer-songwriter tradition to modern ache, it highlighted Marling’s folk artistry in 2013.
The National, “Sea of Love”
Matt Berninger of The National performing Sea of Love in 2013
The National’s “Sea of Love” is an uncharacteristically rocking track for the band. Matt Berninger’s introspective lyrics contrast with a roof-raising sound, proving dad-rock can be energetic and cathartic in 2013.
Pusha T, “Numbers On the Boards”
Pusha T performing Numbers On the Boards in 2013
Pusha T’s “Numbers On the Boards” is his toughest track in years. Celebrating “36 years of doing dirt,” with production from Kanye West, it’s a boastful and hard-hitting rap track from 2013.
Kacey Musgraves, “Follow Your Arrow”
Kacey Musgraves performing Follow Your Arrow in 2013
Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow” is a revolutionary country anthem of self-determination. Suggesting listeners embrace freedom and individuality, it pushed boundaries within mainstream country music in 2013.
Sky Ferreira, “Heavy Metal Heart”
Sky Ferreira performing Heavy Metal Heart in 2013
Sky Ferreira’s “Heavy Metal Heart” is a declaration of personal freedom. Her art-damaged vocals soar, making it a powerful and resonant pop track from 2013.
Bruce Springsteen, “High Hopes”
Bruce Springsteen performing High Hopes in 2013
Bruce Springsteen’s “High Hopes” was an unexpected late-autumn release. Covering The Havalinas and adding Tom Morello’s guitar, Springsteen turned it into an E Street anthem, showcasing his enduring energy and relevance in 2013.
In conclusion, 2013 was a year of musical diversity and innovation, with artists pushing genre boundaries and delivering memorable songs across the spectrum. From pop anthems to indie rock gems and hip-hop innovations, the best songs of 2013 continue to resonate and showcase a vibrant moment in music history.
