2013 was a phenomenal year for music, witnessing singles sales reaching the second-highest peak in British music history, closely trailing the all-time record set in 2012. Several tracks dominated the charts, achieving massive commercial success and leaving a lasting impact on the musical landscape. This year was marked by diverse genres and breakthrough artists, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Let’s delve into the biggest songs that defined 2013, exploring the tracks that not only topped the charts but also captured the hearts of millions.
Among the standout successes of 2013 were the million-selling singles, a prestigious milestone achieved by only a select few. Daft Punk’s infectious collaboration with Pharrell Williams, “Get Lucky,” led the charge. Released as the first single of the year to reach a million sales, it accomplished this feat in a mere 69 days. By the end of 2013, “Get Lucky” cemented its place as the year’s second biggest seller, boasting an impressive sales tally of 1.3 million copies. Its disco-infused groove and star-studded lineup made it an undeniable global phenomenon, dominating airwaves and dance floors alike.
Avicii, the Swedish DJ and producer, also claimed a top spot with “Wake Me Up.” This track not only became the third biggest seller of 2013 but also earned the title of the fastest-selling single. “Wake Me Up” sold a staggering 267,000 copies in its debut week, demonstrating its immediate and widespread appeal. Spending three weeks at Number 1, it ultimately sold 1.18 million copies throughout 2013. “Wake Me Up” was notable for its blend of electronic dance music with folk influences, showcasing Avicii’s innovative sound and solidifying his position as a global music icon.
Passenger, the moniker of British singer-songwriter Mike Rosenberg, contributed the final million-selling single of 2013 and the only one by a homegrown UK artist to reach this sales landmark. “Let Her Go,” despite peaking at Number 2 and never reaching the coveted Number 1 spot (held back by “Get Lucky” in April), sold over 1.03 million copies. Its heartfelt lyrics and acoustic simplicity resonated deeply with audiences, proving that a song’s emotional connection could triumph even without chart-topping glory.
Beyond the million-sellers, other massive hits contributed to the year’s impressive sales figures. Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” featuring the then-emerging talent Sam Smith, landed in fifth place, selling over 941,000 copies since its May release. This track showcased the burgeoning talent of Sam Smith, who would later win the BRITs Critics’ Choice award for 2014, and highlighted the diverse sounds populating the charts in 2013.
Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” despite controversies, emerged as the biggest selling single of 2013. Katy Perry’s anthemic “Roar” also secured a high position, along with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s breakthrough hit “Thrift Shop,” demonstrating the growing influence of hip-hop in mainstream charts. Pink’s collaboration with Nate Ruess on “Just Give Me a Reason” and OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars” further exemplified the year’s diverse pop landscape. Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors” rounded out the top 10, showcasing his continued dominance in popular music.
The year also saw the rise of Bastille with “Pompeii,” Rudimental’s “Waiting All Night,” and John Newman’s “Love Me Again,” demonstrating the UK’s continued strength in producing chart-topping artists. Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” and Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” also made significant impacts, further solidifying the year’s eclectic mix of genres and styles.
Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble,” will.i.am and Britney Spears’ “Scream & Shout,” and Icona Pop’s “I Love It” added international flavor to the charts, while homegrown talents like Olly Murs with “Dear Darlin'” and One Direction with “One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)” kept the British flag flying high.
From dance anthems to heartfelt ballads and pop bangers, the biggest songs of 2013 represent a vibrant and commercially successful year in music. The diversity in genre and artist origins underscores the dynamic nature of the music industry and the evolving tastes of music consumers. 2013 remains a year to remember for its impressive array of chart-topping hits and the sheer volume of singles sold, solidifying its place as a significant chapter in British music history.
