Top 10 Albums of 2013

10. The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1-Five Finger Death Punch
The metal titan's fourth album is their best by far. With guest appearances by Maria Brink of In This Moment, Rob Halford from Judas Priest, Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed, Max Cavalera from Soulfly and Tech N9ne, the band experimented and released some of their most aggressive music to date. The album's sequel which came out later in the year is also phenomenal. The album's best song is "Anywhere but Here" the duet version with Maria Brink.
Key Tracks: "Lift Me Up" freaturing Rob Halford, "Watch You Bleed," "You," "Wrong Side of Heaven," Burn MF," I.M. Sin," "Anywhere but Here," duet with Maria Brink, "Dot Your Eyes," and "Mama Said Knock You Out" featuring Tech N9ne.
9. The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2- Justin Timberlake
The pop star shocked us with his come back this year with not one, but two amazing albums. The second part of his opus was better though, however check out part 1 as well. This album had a more urban sound than part 1's neo soul vibes. The songs dealt with breakups or love and sex. Timberlake showed us that he can still be a viable musical force after all these years. The best song is the opening track "Gimmie What I Don't Know (I Want)."
Key Tracks: "Gimmie What I Don't Know (I Want)," "TKO," "Murder" featuring Jay-Z, "Drink You Away," "Amnesia," "Only When I Walk Away," "Not a Bad Thing" the bonus track "Pair of Wings.
8. Side Effects of You-Fantasia
Fantasia really outdid herself on her fourth record. The soul singer incorporated rock elements into her music and discovered explicit language. The singer also wrote a lot of the songs where she didn't do that so much in the past. The album's best songs are "Without Me" featuring Missy Elliott and Kelly Rowland and the title track.
Key Tracks: "Supernatural Love" featuring Big K.R.I.T., "Without Me" featuring Missy Elliott and Kelly Rowland, "Side Effects of You," Get it Right," "So Much to Prove," "Change Your Mind," "Lighthouse," "Lose to Win," "End of Me," "In Deep" and the bonus track "To the Heavens."
7. Gravel & Wine-Gin Wigmore
Gin Wigmore's sophomore album was released in 2011 but it was only released in the United States in 2013. Wigmore's music mixes pop, rock, blues and folk to make a soulful, sassy blend of music. The best song is the second American single "Black Sheep."
Key Tracks: "Black Sheep," "Man Like That," "Poison," "Kill of the Night," " Devil in Me," "If Only," "Dirty Love," "Happy Ever After," "Saturday Smile," "Sweet Hell" featuring Butch Walker and the bonus tracks "Don't Stop" and "Kick This Love."
6. Save Rock and Roll-Fall Out Boy
Pop punk kings Fall Out Boy returned this year with an album that is more pop than rock. The album was a loud return for the band who hadn't released an album since 2008. The album mixes elements of dance, hip hop and punk into the tunes. The best songs are "The Phoenix" and "Just One Yesterday" featuring Foxes.
Key Tracks: "The Phoenix," My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)," "Alone Together," "Where Did the Party Go," "Just One Yesterday" featuring Foxes, "Miss Missing You," "Death Valley," "Rat a Tat" featuring Courtney Love, and "Save Rock and Roll" featuring Elton John.
5. True Romance-Charli XCX
The singer behind Icona Pop's epic single "I Love It" released her own debut album this year and it's very unique. The album mixes in synthpop with indie, new wave, R&B and house music. The lyrics are all about different sides of love. The best songs are "You (Ha Ha Ha)," "Stay Away" and "Black Roses."
Key Tracks: All of them.
4. Mosquito-Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The art rock band went indie rock on their fourth album which isn't as phenomenal as their debut but is better than their third album and that improvement is aplenty on this record. The album's best songs are "Sacrilege," "Mosquito" and 'Under the Earth," "Despair" and Wedding Song."
Key Tracks: "Sacrilege," Mosquito," "Under the Earth," "These Paths," Area 52," "Buried Alive" featuring Dr. Octagon, "Despair" and "Wedding Song."
3. Trouble-Natalia Kills
Pop singer Natalia Kills doesn't get the credit she's due. The singer who's sophomore album is like Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey somehow had a baby who made pop music with guitars, it'd be Natalia Kills. On this album, Kills tackles personal issues like her family life, childhood and relationships gone wrong. The album's best tracks are "Television," "Devils Don't Fly" and "Marlboro Lights."
Key Tracks: "Television," "Problem," "Boys Don't Cry," "Daddy's Girl," "Saturday Night," "Devils Don't Fly," "Controversy," "Rabbit Hole," and "Marlboro Lights."
2. Artpop-Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga needs no introduction. While this album isn't her best, it also isn't her worst either. It shows a lot of experimentation. The album mixes in EDM, rock, R&B and hip hop elements into her music. The album's best song is "Dope."
Key Tracks: "Aura," Venus," "Jewels n Drugs" featuring T.I., Too Short and Twista, "MANiCURE," "Do What You Want" featuring R. Kelly, "Swine" "Mary Jane Holland," "Dope," Gypsy," "Applause."
1. Paramore-Paramore
The band prove on this album that they can do fine without what's their names? The lyrics talk about looking forward and just wanting to have fun and dealing with inner demons, as well as usual love songs. The album's best songs are "Fast in My Car," "Grow Up," "Part II," "Ain't It Fun," and "Still Into You."
Key Tracks: "Fast in My Car, "Now," "Grow Up," "Interlude: Moving On," "Ain't it Fun," "Part II," "Still Into You," "Anklebiters," "Interlude: Holiday," "Proof," "Hate to See Your Heart Break," "Interlude: I'm Not Angry Anymore," and "Be Alone."

B.o.B Gets Hip Hop On New Album

B.o.B has always been a rapper with more pop sensibilities than most. Only he can work with such mainstream artists such as Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams of Paramore and still keep the respect of the streets.
On Underground Luxury, B.o.B's third album he stays away from mainstream guest appearances. Aside from Chris Brown, T.I. and Priscilla Renea the guests are far more, well, underground. While  this is definitely his worst album, it's still a good record. Some of his solo songs blend together, but most of the songs are memorable.
The two best songs are the singles "John Doe" which features Priscilla Renea and "Headband" which features 2 Chainz. "John Doe" is by far the best song though. It features Renea singing a chorus of sadness playing John Doe's love interest While B.o.B  plays the addict.
"John Doe, I just want the John I know/ Once you put the drinks on hold/ Maybe you could come back home/ John Doe," Renea sings sadly during the chorus.
This is the best song and with a song this good it makes the other songs sound like filler. Most of the songs blend together and are broken up by the memorable songs like "Ready" which features Future, "Coastline," "Wide Open" which features Esther Dean and  "We Still In This Bitch" which features T.I. and Juicy J.
Without these songs the record would be nothing more than filler and background music. The problem is that B.o.B is that he works better with a guest appearance on the song. He works better with a Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj or Rivers Cuomo like on is first two albums. For his next record he would do good to have more guest appearances to help him hold his own.

Stars In Stereo Release Solid Debut

Pop-rocker Becca shot to fame in Japan in 2008 when her song "I'm Alive" from her debut album Alive!!! was featured in the anime Black Butler. She went on to release her debut in her homeland of the United States, but it went nowhere. Her blend of catchy rock influenced pop music went ignored and in 2012 she decided to join rock band Stars In Stereo.
Stars In Stereo began to record their debut album. With the band Becca toured with The Used, Blue October and Flyleaf. Then in October 2012 the band released an EP which was set to precede their self-titled debut. Last week Stars In Stereo released their debut album. Stars In Stereo is a pop-punk/hard rock hybrid that is one part Paramore and one part Halestorm. While Becca is no Hayley Williams or Lzzy Hale, she does a good job of navigating the rocking, synth-kissed anthems that are on this album. Becca shows that she can rock hard on songs like "Violence," "Dealing Secrets," and "Queen of Catastrophe." Each song is catchy and passionate and while they aren't as memorable as some of the songs by her peers, this is a good glimpse of the greatness that Becca and Stars In Stereo may come up with later on.
Slower songs like "Lie Down" and "Open Your Eyes" are also strong points of the album. While there are no bad songs, there aren't that many songs that stick out from the crowd or rowdy rockers. "At the Stroke of Midnight" and "Lie Down" are both highlights. These songs have a different spark than the rest.
While there are some problems with it, Stars In Stereo's debut is a solid, enjoyable release from a talented band. Hopefully they can keep up the momentum of this album and only get better with time.

Paramore Release Their Best Album

Paramore have always released classic albums and with their self-titled fourth album Hayley Williams and co. really outdo themselves. The songs have a different sound than their previous albums and with songs written about moving on from the past, Paramore is an album full of hope and experimentation.
After rumors of a split in late 2010 when two founding members left the band, Paramore decided to do that they do best. What they do best is write catchy rock music packed with emotion. From the album's opener, and not to mention the best song on this record, "Fast in My Car" to the last song, the seven minute long "Future," the band have written their best collection of songs yet.
While traces of their previous, pop-punk/emo sound can be heard on songs such as "Be Alone" and "Part II,' the band experiment on other songs. From the funky touches of "Ain't It Fun" to the Taylor Swiftesque "Hate to See Your Heart Break," the band show no signs of stopping.
"Part II" is an 80s new wave inspired sequel to "Let the Flames Begin" off of their sophomore album Riot!. Other highlights include the second single "Still Into You" which sounds like Katy Perry with a rock edge and "Anklebiters" which has a more punk sound.
The lyrics are another reason to love this album. Williams has clearly used writing songs to help her work through the departure of Zac and Josh Farro in 2010. "I could be angry, but you're not worth the fight/ Besides I'm moving on," Williams sings on "Interlude: Moving On."
Paramore have cemented their spot in rock music history as survivors. Their fourth album shows that the band aren't going anywhere and that they can pull of any kind of music.

Kelsey Chaos Releases Phenomenal EP

As vocalist for Kelsey and the Chaos, Kelsey Merritt was a pop-punk princess. Her band was on the rise with their music that sounded like Katy Perry fronting Paramore. In 2010 Kelsey left the Chaos to form her own solo project.
As Kelsey Chaos, she released a free EP of music on The Vans Warped Tour in 2011. Revolution Summer had three songs that were pure summer fun. "I'm Single" and "It's A Stick Up" off of that EP were released on iTunes the next year in addition to the killer single "In For the Kill." Then finally this week Kelsey released Out of This World, her first official EP
The songs on the EP feature a more clubby sound than her previous tunes. "In For the Kill" kicks off the album. With a dance-pop sound and some rock and roll swagger Kelsey tells a potential manstealer to back off her boyfriend. "Girl get your hands off my man/ You're in way over your head/ I'll make you wish you were dead," Kelsey sings during the chorus. The song is sure to be a classic and has a certain Ke$ha/Katy Perry vibe to it.
"A Shot in the Dark" is a raved out synthpop jam about falling in love at a club. Kelsey approaches the object of her affection with confidence and talks a mean game. "So come and dance with me," She sings. The song is catchy and is sure to get in people's heads for months to come. Kelsey's vocals are also killer on this, as well as the other songs.
The EP then goes into "Liar Liar." This song was written by Kelsey in addition to Chris Kirkpatrick of 'N Sync fame. The song has Kelsey going in on a lover who has done her wrong. Kelsey is unleashing her rage on this fun pop jam. "You know that love it never lasts/ But a song is forever," Kelsey warns during the bridge.
"Alien" has a more 80s inspired beat. The song isn't as catchy as the first three songs but it's still a fun listen.
The EP closes on a high note with "Feel Like Dancing." This song is a reggae inspired ode to dancing. This song is sure to be the soundtrack to many a summer day.
The EP is a move in the right direction for Kelsey and hopefully will gain her many fans to get her to a pop-star level.

Paramore release fun single

Paramore released the second single off of their upcoming fourth self-titled studio album last week and it's a catchy, fun song. "Still Into You" is a poppy rocker about a long lasting love. "After all this time/ I'm still into you," frontwoman Haley Williams sings before the chorus.
The band started out in the emo/pop-punk vein for their first two classic albums, 2005's All We Know Is Falling and their breakthrough album 2007's Riot!. Those albums had some of Paramore's best songs like the singles "Emergency" and "Misery Business." Their sophomore album gained them Top 40 success and got them a platinum status.
The band took a few years to make their follow up, 2009's brand new eyes. They filled the space before that album with their terrible single "Decode" which was featured in the Twilight movie. The band's third record featured a more alternative rock approach and had the band's best song "Brick By Boring Brick." After this record founding memebers Zac and Josh Farro left the band. The band then recorded their Singles Club EP which was only available online or as a box set through the band's website. The songs on the EP were the first without the Farro brothers and showed that the band could move on without them.
Then in 2012 the band announced their new album and in January they unleashed their single "Now." While "Now" is a great song, it is no match for "Still Into You." The song is a bouncy ode to love and surviving the tough times during a relationship. The lyrics, while cheesy. are very heartfelt and show Williams' signature passionate writing style.
The single, like "Now" is sure to get fans excited for the new album. "Still Into You" is one of Paramore's first happy songs and while Williams usually writes about breaking up, this song is about outlasting the odds and being together.
"I should be over all the butterflies/ I'm into you," Williams sings during the chorus. This song is a testament to the power of love and Williams seems right at home. Hopefully this album will have more peppy and positive songs.
Paramore is set to be released on April 9 in the United States.

Tonight Alive Release Great Single

Tonight Alive have had a short rise to fame. In 2010 they released their phenomenal debut EP All Shapes And Disguises and then another EP Consider This just months later. Both releases had strong tracks and showcased the band's energetic and emotional pop-punk in the vein of Paramore. The band released their debut album What Are You So Scared Of? in October of 2011 and February 2012 in the U.S. The album featured more of Tonight Alive's uplifting and rocking sound as well as a guest appearance by Blink 182 vocalist Mark Hoppus on a rerecorded version of "Thank You & Goodnight" from their second EP. The album had everything from fast-paced love songs ("Starlight," "Safe and Sound"), songs about struggling with life ("Breaking & Entering," "Let it Land") and one achingly sad and gorgeous ballad dedicated to a deceased friend ("Amelia"). The album cemented the band spots touring with everybody from The Word Alive to The Summer Set and made them Warped Tour darlings playing the 2012 tour and getting scheduled to play the 2013 tour.
The band released an acoustic version of their debut during the summer in 2012 and then they announced the recording of a new album. Then in February 2013 the band announced their new single "Breakdown" which would be released the next month. The song features vocals from Good Charlotte singer Benji Madden. The band said that the song only to tide fans over until the new album comes out this year sometime.
"Breakdown" is a great example of what make Tonight Alive songs so irresistible. The song, which features lyrics about a long distance relationship, is very catchy. Singer Jenna McDougall's voice is perfect and she conveys the emotion very well. And that is the key word with most Tonight Alive songs, emotion. McDougall always gets her point across vocally. She is one of those singers that makes the listener feel something. You really can feel where she is coming from on her songs.
By the time Madden's vocals kick in during the bridge of the song, the listener is sold. While it is kind of creepy that McDougall is always paired with a duet partner older than her, she still makes the song. Madden is 34 and Hoppus is 40 while McDougall is in her 20s.
The song is sure to keep fans busy while Tonight Alive record and release their next pop-punk masterpiece. This band are on their way to a long career.

Paramore change things up on new single

Paramore have released their first single off of their fourth self titled album. "Now" features a sound that can only be described as No Doubtesque. Haley Williams channels rock goddess Gwen Stefani. The song abandons the band's pop-punk and emo influences. In the opening seconds of "Now" traces of Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs can be heard.
The lyrics of the song are some of the best that Paramore have ever written. "Lost the battle, win the war/ I'm bringing my sinking ship back to the shore/ We're starting over, or head back in/ There's a time and a place to die but this ain't it," Williams sings in the prechorus.
The song is better than most of the songs off of their Singles Club release. While their last album brand new eyes had some amazing songs, there was also a lot of filler. With the release of "Now" the band are setting the bar high for Paramore.

Top 10 most anticipated albums of 2013

It's about that time again. There are so many great albums coming out this year I could literally make a top 50 list but who has time to read that? Here are my top 10 most anticipated albums of 2013.

10. Otep-Hydra
Nu-metal band Otep have announced their sixth and final album Hydra. The album is a follow-up to their terrible fifth album Atavist. On that album front-woman Otep Shamaya got lazy. Writing lyrics such as "fist-fuck their face/ God doesn't care!" Shamaya's lyrics used to be poetic and aggressive but on their her last album it felt childish and clichéd. Amazon.com has previews of the tracks up and they sound good. The first single "Apex Predator" will be released on January 15, a week before the album is released. Hopefully Hydra is good so Otep can go out on a good note.

9. A Day To Remember-Common Courtesy
A Day To Remember announced the title of their fifth album in May and their single came out last month.  "Violence (Enough is Enough)" is a great song but it's nothing special. This hardcore band have set trends and other bands try to be them. Their past albums were classic and this one is sure to be as well.

8. Leona Lewis-Glassheart
Leona Lewis has never made music that is very exciting. Her ballads are touching and fantastic but an entire album of ballads can be boring. This is not true with her third album. It mixes in synthpop and dubstep into her soulful R&B sound. The album is already out around the world but it has yet to be released here in the United States. Although not a single the title track is a dubstep and house song about the end of a relationship. It's catchy, yet sad and beautiful. While some of the songs on her album aren't that great this song makes up for it. The album is set to release in the US this year.

7. Kelly Rowland-Year of the Woman
Kelly Rowland has always been very underrated. Her albums are amazing and she definitely makes better music than her former Destiny's Child band mates. While a few of her singles have been hits  Rowland gets the short end of the stick. She released her first single "Ice" featuring Lil' Wayne. Her new album is set to be a return to the R&B sound of her older albums. The album is due out sometime this year.

6. After The Burial-Haunt and Catalyst
Little information is known about the deathcore/metalcore/melodic death metal/progressive metal band's fourth album except this rumored title. If it's anything like their last album In Dreams we're in for a treat. On that album the band mixed in clean vocals with their eardrum assaulting instrumentation. The album is set to be released sometime in 2013.

5. Vanna-Untitled
Post-hardcore band Vanna are always good to release catchy and aggressive albums. The band are set to release their fourth studio album sometime this year and while all of their songs tend to sound similar, they're always good. This album will defiantly be opening up mosh-pits all year round. The album is to be released sometime this year.

4. Lady Gaga-ARTPOP
Lady Gaga is known for being out there. Her first two albums mixed so many genres together. Pop, house, rock, metal, hip hop, and dance all seep into her songs. Gaga never disappoints. The album doesn't have a release date. It is said to be due sometime this year.

3. Katy Perry-Untitled
Katy Perry is set to release her third album this summer and it's sure to be a great album. Her first two albums are pop classics and this one is sure to be a hit as well. The sound is said to be a little darker. Perry got divorced from Russell Brand and had a few songs off of her re-release dealt with that topic. Mostly a breakup leads to a great album. Adele's 21 and No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom are both classic breakup records. No release date yet on a single or the album but it's sure to be great.

2. Paramore-Paramore
Paramore have been recording their fourth record for some time now and it's finally going to be released on April 9. The first single "Now" is set to be released on January 22. Paramore always make great albums so this one is sure to be getting heavy rotation once released.

1. Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Untitled
Yeah Yeah Yeah's third album It's Blitz was released almost four years ago. It lacked the punch of their first two albums. The new wave approach to the songs just wasn't as effective as their garage punk sound of their older music. Buzz for a song the band played live last year was good, one reviewer compared it to Florence and the Machine. Hopefully the band get back to their classic sound on this album.

VersaEmerge follow trends on new EP

VersaEmerge have always made great music. Their first EP had a post-hardcore sound before Sierra Kusterbeck took over as frontwoman. Once Kusterbeck was the singer their next releases sounded like Paramore and Evanescence wrote scores for movies, they were so original.
VersaEmerge have been hard at work on their second full length album for almost two years and earlier this month they released an EP entitled Another Atmosphere Preview, which features three songs from their upcoming album Another Atmosphere.
The three songs "No Consequences," "Bones" and "Domesticated" have rock oriented aspects but they are predominantly dance tracks. The band heavily use synthesisers on this album and few actual instruments. From the dubstep wobbles on the songs to the synthetic guitar solo on "Bones," this record is synthesized.
"No Consequences" contains a more rock sound with guitar chords and tons of attitude. The song is very different from the rest of the EP and is by far the best song. The song is about getting what you want and not caring what others think.
"Bones" is the next best song. The song also has dance-rock sound to it. "I want you to rest those bones over me," Kusterbeck sings seductively in the chorus. The song is far from as good as most of VersaEmerge's other songs but it's still a fun ride.
"Domesticated" is by far the worst song out of the three, mainly because the lyrics are cheesy as hell. The "piano" driven track is about not fitting into the mold and not being the girl that everybody wants Kusterbeck to be. It's clear in the song that Kusterbeck is not trying to fit the mold, yet why is her band following the dance music trend?
This dance music trend is ruining many good bands. VersaEmerge's new EP isn't bad in any sense, but it just doesn't stand up to their last album Fixed at Zero or their self-titled EP. Hopefully the rest of Another Atmosphere contains a more classic VersaEmerge sound. VersaEmerge are an example of a band who have tried to follow a trend and have lost what made them great in the first place.

Paramore recording fourth album

Pop-punk royalty Paramore are recording and writing their fourth studio album. Their first album All We Know Is Falling was released in 2005 and ever since then the band has been at the forefront of the pop-punk movement. They've had hit singles such as "Misery Business" and "The Only Exception" and they've toured with veteran bands such as No Doubt and Tegan and Sara.
Yesterday the band announced in a post on their website an update about their new record. Recording began over a week ago and one song called "Daydream" has already been recorded. The album will be produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen who has produced and written for artists such as Macy Gray, Lisa Marie Presley and Garbage. The band say that they are putting the most care into this album as opposed to their other ones. There is no release date.

Below is the band's video for their best song ever, "Brick By Boring Brick" off of their album Brand New Eyes.