Special: 2013 In Review: Best Albums of 2013

And here we are we only have one more Sunday in January so we are approaching the end of our 2013 In Review series of specials. But before we close it off let's look at my top albums of 2013, this was an incredibly difficult list to pair down to just 10 but without further ado the list...

10. The Story So Far - What You Don't See

With this album The Story So Far showed that they are not giving up an inch of ground they earned in the pop punk community after the release of "Under Soil And Dirt". Their mixture of upbeat pop punk elements are mixed with the rhythms of hardcore punk music make the band one of the least derivative bands in the pop-punk scene today. The biggest flaw in this album was the lack of variety we have in comparison to previous releases but that by no means makes this a bad album.

9. Paramore - Self-Titled

Although this album didn't sit very well with fans, the majority of the music industry enjoyed it. It was a departure for Paramore but I've long been a fan of bands maturing, and in fact my least favourite songs on the record were those that reminded me of the past (Still Into You anyone?) Instead of being content on being pigeon-holed into one genre, Paramore has expanded their horizons and had a blast doing it as you see very diverse musical abilities across this album.

8. A Day To Remember - Common Courtesy

Years from now no one will remember the lawsuit that came about from this album, but the songs will be remembered. This is the most complete ADTR album since Homesick as it features your hardcore favourites that will have you navigating through a heard of bro's in tank tops when you hear it performed live. You also have the pop-punk staples like first single Right Back At It Again and ADTR also delved more into slow accoustic songs for this album. The fact it came out later in 2013 likely kept it further down the list.

7. City Lights - The Way Things Should Be

If this was 2009, City Lights would've been huge. Everyone was trying to be the next Four Year Strong and Set Your Goals... However that was a while ago and both bands have taken step backs recently. City Lights however still brings out the best in a pop-punk album. Released a little indie label InVogue City Lights is easily the best band you don't know. They are gimmick free and they write pop-punk anthems like it's going out of style. Unfortunately with a late 2013 release it suffers the same fate as Common Courtesy.

6. Cartel - Collider

A lot has changed in the 4 years since Cycles was released. Cartel took their time to make a record right, they went the DIY route and the quality doesn't slip at all as this is easily one of their best releases to date. Though I'm sure Collider will never surpass the nostalgia feel I have with Chroma, Collider takes the best parts of their previous albums and cranks it up to ten on the album. It's an album about renewed hopes and dreams and most importantly fresh starts.

5. State Champs - The Finer Things

When they released the EP Overslept last year there were some expectations of what State Champs should be and what they can attain. With the fall's release of the appropriately titled "The Finer Things" they took those expectations and blew them out of the water. The chorus on Elevated is easily pop-punks finest moment from 2013, so much in fact that the Pure Noise Records signee album ranked higher than the more popular and more demanded album from fellow record label signee The Story So Far.

4. Fall Out Boy - Save Rock & Roll

Very few of us were lucky enough to grow up with Fall Out Boy, from the opening riffs of Take This To Your Grave to the closing of Foile A Deux. As I grew so did Fall Out Boy, content to walk away from the game after the latter's release we all felt that part of us was missing, but in secret FOB would not disappoint releasing one of the best albums of the year. The album is haunting and melodic, and then boom you're left dancing with yourself before moving into a fast paced mosh. Further proving FOB will always be a part of me.

3. Silverstein - This Is How The Wind Shifts

There is a lot to like about this record. Silverstein has constantly evolved while at the same time being true to what got them there in the first place. The idea that a situation can be changed completely based on something as trivial as which was the wind blows is a strong one that Silverstein toys with on this album. While similar bands beside them perish, Silverstein has always found a way to endure, and get better in the process. So no matter which was the scene shifts next year you can bet Silverstein will still be there.

2. The Wonder Years - The Greatest Generation

I believe in The Wonder Years, which is why I continue to place unreasonable expectations upon them with everything they do, and yet somehow, someway they always meet those expectations. Only time will tell if this record holds up as well as Suburbia but the songs on this one are better at first glance as Suburbia had amazing songs surrounded by filler. TGG brings great songs across the board, most years this would be #1 but...

1. The Summer Set - Legendary

Along came The Summer Set and they released a near perfect pop record. This is the bands real natural follow up to the hit album Love Like This and although Everything's Fine was a hit with critics it was difficult for their fan base to adore. Legendary is about knowing who you are and where you want to be, but enjoying the moments in between. Full of catchy hooks and beautiful lyrics, this album is the perfect soundtrack to a summer night.


As I previously said, this was a hard list to pear down to 10 albums so here are some honourable mentions:

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Pardon My French
Man Overboard - Heart Attack
Relient K - Collapsible Lung
Tonight Alive - The Other Side
Transit - Young New England
The Swellers - The Light Under Closed Doors
Mayday Parade - Monsters In The Closet
Zebrahead - Call Your Friends
July - Self-Titled*

*Note: This album would've made the list but I didn't give it serious consideration since it is just their previous 2 EP's combined onto an album this year. Though if you don't have the EP's I highly recommend you get it now.