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Mstars' Associate Editor Danica Bellini put together a list of some of this year's best songs. Some hits several readers will immediately recognize, other tunes fans probably haven't even heard of before. Let us know what you think, and enjoy this "Top 15 Best Songs of 2013" playlist!
15. "Husbands" by Savage
First off - these four chicks from London totally rock. Gemma Thompson kills it on the guitar, and with her Sinead O'Connor-inspired look and don't-give-a-damn attitude, vocalist Jehnny Beth is capable of taking on the punk boys any day. The Guardian once wrote that "Husbands" holds an "unearthly power" reminiscent of the debut releases by bands like Public Image Ltd and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Do Mstars readers agree?
14. "#Beautiful" by Mariah Carey feat. Miguel
Admit it – this song’s just downright pretty. Once again Carey proves that she’s still the reigning Diva of Pop (sorry, Britney and Christina). What makes this track so compelling are the warm, retro undertones combined with Miguel’s smooth, sexy harmonies. Wait, Carey’s married to Nick Cannon and they have fraternal twins together? You’d never guess it by the vocal chemistry she has with the Kaleidoscope Dream crooner.
13. "Tell Me Why" by Big D and The Kids Table
This one’s dedicated to all those fellow Ska Heads, out there. Big D released two new albums this year – Stomp and Stroll. This specific track (off of Stroll) definitely has a more upbeat, jammier vibe. What really makes the tempo so fun is the return of backup vocals by female doo-wop group The Doped Up Dollies (originally founded by frontman David McWane). It provides a totally different sound, making this no. 13 pick oh-so cool.
12. "Crucial Velocity" by Clutch
There’s something so raw and powerful about this hard-hitting track off of Clutch’s tenth studio album Earth Rocker. Neil P. Fallon’s booming, somewhat menacing vocals never seem to age – his pitch and range are totally mesmerizing. Plus, Jean-Paul Gaster provides an awesomely heavy tempo with his ferocious talents on the drums. Pure, kicka$$ energy – just like rock ‘n’ roll should be.
11. "Born on The Bayou" by John Fogerty feat. Kid Rock
Add a dose of “American Bada$$” to the classic 1969 Creedence Clearwater Revival swamp-rock tune, and this is what you get. It’s an awesome collaboration that any southern rocker might enjoy. In fact, this is just one gem off of Fogerty’s entire hit covers album Wrote a Song for Everyone. Kid Rock’s deep, soulful rendition is what snags a spot on the playlist (over other big-name guest performers including the Foo Fighters and Keith Urban).
10. "Ashtrays & Heartbreaks" by Snoop Lion feat. Miley Cyrus
Snoop Dogg’s reggae-infused alter ego really nailed it with this one. Having a bad day? Throw on this track, lay back, chill and relax. Alongside Snoop, Miley Cyrus finally has an appropriate outlet to express her mutual love for “Mary Jane” – and how it helps to ease the pains of lost love. The collaboration is so fitting. A smooth fusion of reggae, pop, and rap, this is one of the golden tunes off of Reincarnated.
09. "Pumpin Blood" by NONONO
This song needs more airtime – pronto. Maybe it’d help put an end to some of the aggressive road rage out there. This popular electropop trio from Sweden provides such a fun, feel-good sound, listeners will mysteriously find themselves smiling and whistling along to the chorus. Stina Wappling’s vocals are such a pure breath of fresh air - don’t be surprised if you see NONONO blow up in 2014.
08. "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
Okay, so this song wasn’t actually released in 2013 (oops). The band’s debut album Here’s to the Good Times hit stores in December 2012 – but “Cruise” really made it big on the radio just this past summer. And why not? Imagine taking a “Cruise” along the coast with the windows rolled down, the speakers blasting, and the sun beaming down on the gorgeous guy/girl sitting next to you for the ride. Yeah, that’s the laidback vibe this song exudes. Enjoy.
07. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke
No surprise here. Thicke (along with Pharrell Williams and T.I.) proves that as long as the song has an amazingly catchy dance beat, it doesn’t matter WHAT subject matter he’s actually singing about. Admit it – even if you confess to disliking this tune, when it starts playing in the club/bar/car/gym/wherever, you find yourself totally shaking your body along to the groove. Here’s to this playlist’s guiltiest pleasure.
06. "Hold On, We're Going Home" by Drake
One word; sexy. This is the mature-sounding step Drizzy really needed to make in his career as a hip-hop superstar, and so far it’s working. The reto-80s drum machine intro smoothly transitions into a soulful, elegant beat backed with sultry, airy vocals. It has a very disco-esque feel, but not in a corny, cliché sort of way. The entire production is quite simple, which makes the track so pleasing to the senses (that’s right, plural).
05. "Berzerk" by Eminem
Shady’s back - and he’s hitting the mic harder than ever. This debut MMLP2 single delivers big time, especially with the guitar riff sampled from Billy Squir’s “The Stroke.” The pounding bass really adds a dose of old school, boom box nostalgia while the lyrics and beat ignite brash, cocky, totally in-your-face swagger. Em pays homage to iconic hip-hop while brandishing a new form of rap all his own. And it’s epic.
04. "Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewi
Again, this song was actually released in July 2012 (oops). But the track won “Best Video with a Social Message” at this year’s MTV VMAs, so that must count for something, right? Machlemore sends such an important message without getting too overly preachy or redundant. And the chorus featuring vocals by Mary Lambert is so touchingly beautiful. Even if you don’t agree with the cause, the way such sentiments are so emotionally and personally expressed will really make you open up your eyes.
03. "Royals" by Lorde
Here’s the major kick in the butt that this generation of pop finally needed. This New Zealand teen provides such a unique, powerful element of sound with her raw, stripped-down energy and haunting, anti-Hollywood glamour attitude. The industry hasn’t witnessed such a powerfully subversive pop masterpiece like this in awhile… it looks like Lorde might be sticking around for good even after Pure Heroine.
02. "The Boys Are Back" by The Dropkick Murphys
These Boston boys never fail to serve their city proud. Any Irish-punk fan will dig this heavy, bagpipe-driven track off of "Signed and Sealed in Blood." The tune showcases Dropkick's signature Celtic-punk sound but also provides a taste of a little something new... a fun melody that's totally fresh and even a little bit saucy. Grab a beer and take a listen.
01. "Love Game" by Eminem
Yes – out of all the hits on Eminem’s new album MMLP2, this upbeat track snags the no. 1 spot. Okay, maybe the lyrics aren’t the most appropriate, but the song’s got such an awesome groove! It’s a total curve ball with samplings from the hit 1965 Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders tune “Game of Love.” The simplistic beat is loaded with delightful good vibrations, and Kendrick Lamar’s slick rhymes are probably some of the biggest highlights off of the entire album. You’ll keep putting it on repeat… all the way into 2014.
