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."

Sleigh Bells Release Best Album

Noise rock duo Sleigh Bells released their third album Bitter Rivals this month and it is by far their best record. Sleigh Bells music mixes in pop, punk, metal, R&B, dance, hip hop and indie rock to form an aggressive but catchy sound.
Their 2010 debut album Treats was a great record and got the band lots of attention however 2012 sophomore album Reign of Terror was just boring.
The album opens with the first single and title track. Like "Tell 'Em" and "Comeback Kid" from their previous albums, the first single is always the best track and that is true for this album as well. "Bitter Rivals" is catchy and aggressive and stands up for attention.
"You are my bitter rival/ But I need you for survival," singer Alexis Krauss sings during the chorus.
Krauss is a very interesting vocalist. She's very similar to Karen O from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, soft singing one moment  and then shouting and shrieking the next. Krauss along with Derek Miller, formally of Poison the Well who does guitars and production make up Sleigh Bells. Miller's beats and shredding are part of what makes the band's sound work.
Other songs that are highlights include "Sugarcane," "Sing Like a Wire" and "Young Legends" are some of the album's best songs. This album is the first time that breakups are covered well on a Sleigh Bells album. "You Don't Get Me Twice," "To Hell With You" and the album closer and the album's other best song is "Love Sick." The band had several relationship songs on their sophomore album but none were as good as these songs.
There is one lone song that isn't good. "Minnie" is repetitive, strange and unnecessary. That being said this is still Sleigh Bells' best record and is hopefully a sign of what's to come for this amazing band.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Regain Their Glory On New Album

New York City indie rock trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their stellar debut album Fever to Tell almost ten years ago and after a good sophomore record Show Your Bones, the band released their third album It's Blitz! in 2009.
While Show Your Bones had a more stripped down sound which incorporated acoustic guitar in  many of the tracks, It's Blitz! had a pop/new wave sound that mixed in decently with their previous musical style. The album had a few great songs and the second single "Heads Will Roll" was even featured on Glee.
After a four year break and breakup rumors the band finally released their fourth album Mosquito. The album was preceded by the single "Sacrilege" which was better than any song off of their last album. The song is a gothic, indie rock song that features a gospel choir on the second half of th e song. There are plenty of other great songs to go with the first single, "Under the Earth" has a gothic sound that is similar to "Sacrilege." The song is classic Yeah Yeah Yeahs with a new twist. "12 tongues put a hex on you," front woman Karen O yelps. Another highlight is the album closer "Wedding Song." While the song is a sweet love song Karen O is singing to her husband. While this song is sure to get comparisons to "Maps," Yeah Yeah Yeahs signature and best song, it isn't anywhere near as emotional or well written.
"Despair" and "Buried Alive" which features Dr. Octagon are both evolutions of the band's signature sound, the latter bringing in hip hop influences. The best song on the album would have to be the title track. While it makes no sense, the song is irresistible. A ridiculous not to everybody's least favorite insect, "Mosquito" is a fun song that recalls the band's earlier work.
While no songs on the album are bad, there are a few that don't quite cut it. "Subway" is a great track but it's very boring and nothing seems to happen. Meanwhile "Slave" is just silly and "Always" is repetitive. Even though these songs aren't the best, they are still listenable.
Mosquito is proof that Yeah Yeah Yeahs are here to stay. Despite pitfalls they are a band who never release the same album twice. Their sound is constantly evolving and growing. Some bands who have been around for 13 years may start to phone in albums, but not Karen O and the boys. Yeah Yeah Yeahs are here to stay.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs get higher on new single

Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their first single in three years "Sacrilege" off of their upcoming fourth album Mosquito. The album is said to be a return to the sound of their first two albums. Fever to Tell and Show Your Bones were phenomenal but the band disappointed with It's Blitz. That album had a more dance-influenced sound and was nowhere near as great as their earlier albums.
The single is very Show Your Bonesy, more laid back and chill, but still bouncy like the band's early material. The inclusion of the gospel choir is what makes "Sacrilege" so great. The band have never done anything like that before. If Mosquito is as experimental as this single is we're in for a real treat.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs announce new album

Yeah Yeah Yeahs have finally announced the release of their fourth record Mosquito. The album will be out April 15 in Europe and the next day in North America. The album is also said to be a return of sorts to Yeah Yeah Yeahs old sound.
The band have stated that the album will feature some blues and psychedelic sounds, it will sound more like older Yeah Yeah Yeahs albums than the hot mess that was 2009's It's Blitz. That album featured a new wave/dance punk sound reminiscent of Blondie and The Sounds. While that sounds great, it didn't turn out well when set into action.
A video was posted on the band's Facebook featuring a snippet of a new song and a newly blond frontwoman Karen O. The single is yet to be released but it is rumored to be the title track which is about what else? Mosquitoes. The music sounds awesome and it really got me excited for this album. Hopefully the record delivers.

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.

Ke$ha rocks out on new album

Ke$ha's debut album Animal and her companion EP Cannibal were packed with epic party jams with a few gorgeous breakup ballads peppered in to give us both sides of partying. There's the fun side of partying and then there's the sad, crying, falling down side. Ke$ha shows us both sides. When Ke$ha began recording her sophomore album Warrior she wanted to have a "cock rock" sound. While that isn't really prevalent on most of the songs it is featured on a few of the rockers on the album.
Warrior is a great next step for Ke$ha. It opens with three of her classic club jams. The title track is a catchy ode to freaks everywhere. Then comes here singles "Die Young" and "C'mon." These songs are both about having fun at the club.
Next up is the best song on the album, "Thinking of You." Thinking of you is a loud, rocking breakup song with Ke$ha kissing off her ex. "I know I said I wouldn't talk about you publicly/ But that was before I caught you lying and cheating on me slut," she sings in the pre-chorus. The song talks about how Ke$ha thought about him so much but now she's famous and all over the radio and now he has to miss her.
The album goes into the thumping, yet acoustic "Crazy Kids." This song very much like "Warrior" in content. It features Ke$ha doing her signature rapping. "Wherever You Are" is a electropop love song, showing Ke$ha's vulnerable side. This doesn't last long as she goes into the filthy trashy rocker "Dirty Love" which features Iggy Pop. This punk rock number is all about doing the nasty.
Then the album hits a snag with the song "Wonderland." This cheesy ballad is all about her past experiences before being famous. She recalls friends and lovers from that time. The lyrics come off as very cheesy. That stops with the next song, "Only Wanna Dance With You." This rocker is about falling in love with somebody. It's a fun and fast song with great instrumentation played by The Strokes.
The album then hits another low with the song "Supernatural." This song is allegedly about having sex with a ghost but none of that is apparent and it just seems like a club song. The album then picks up with the closing songs. "All That Matters (The Beautiful Life)" is a fun song that showcases Ke$ha's dance side. While the lyrics get cheesy at points in the song the message of just enjoying life and having a good time is a good one. More people could use more positive songs like this. The album closes with the 80s pop ballad "Love into the Light." This song follows along with the theme of the last one. It's all about how as a people we need to bring love into the light.
The deluxe edition bonus tracks are great. She should have just made these songs as part of the standard disc. "Last Goodbye" is a touching song about looking back on a love gone wrong. Ke$ha clearly misses her lover and wishes that they were still together. It's like a sequel to "The Harold Song" from Cannibal. The next song is the silly and fun "Gold Trans Am." Ke$ha stated that the song is about her lady parts. "Wham, bam, thank you man/ Get inside my fuckin' gold Trans Am," She sings.
The next song "Out Alive" is enjoyable but forgettable. I'm still trying to remember anything about this song and I can't. The disc ends on a high point with "Past Lives." The song calls to mind early slow jams by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and was written solely by Ke$ha. It was produced by The Flaming Lips and features vocals by front man Wayne Coyne. The song features references to events through history that happened during their "past lives." The song features Ke$ha's best and most heartfelt lyrics to date. "Then we made it through the Ice Age/ But I lost you in the Crusades/ I built the pyramids for you babe/ Just to see your face," Ke$ha sings during the second verse.
This album is a huge step forward for Ke$ha. Hopefully on her next album she rocks out more.