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Monday, January 13, 2014

TWIST's Top 10 favorite albums of 2013


Because music is such a huge chunk of my everyday existence (life just ain't living without music, you know?), it's but right that I give props to the albums that has made 2013 a more exciting year for yours truly.

In 2012, my top choice for my list of fave albums came from a newbie--Conor Maynard's "Animals." This year, the #1 spot in my list goes to another debut album from a new artist. But you'll have to scroll down to find out for yourself which one. *wink*

Three of the albums in this year's list are from "returning artists," or from those who have appeared in a similar countdown in a prior year (with a different album, of course). This is also the first time that a Christmas album made it to my list.

How does an album land in TWIST's most favorite albums of the year, you ask? Yours truly must love it, that's the only criteria. It all boils down to personal taste. If you happen to like my choices, that's great. But if you have a list of your own, please feel free to share it with us in the comments section below. We'll be happy to know which albums you enjoyed in 2013.

Let's get on with the countdown! :)

10. "Pioneer" - The Band Perry
          The band first caught my attention with their song "If I die young" from their debut album a couple of years ago. So when they released their new songs from this album--"Better dig two" and "Done"--it wasn't surprising that I got hooked as well. The lead singer's voice is amazing, their lyrics clever and insightful, and the melody of their songs memorable. Check, check, check!



9. "Prism" - Katy Perry
          Katy Perry's last album "Teenage Dream" was my fifth most fave album of 2010. Three years later, she is back with "Prism." Both albums feature radio-friendly tracks, but it's obvious that Katy has matured in this album in terms of her musical prowess. She isn't really known for her voice, but props to her for at least trying to give us some respectable vocals. Oh, and yes, she did name-check Mariah Carey in "This is how we do" so that's a plus. Ha!




8. "Wrapped in Red" - Kelly Clarkson
          There are artists that seem to be destined to sing holiday songs. Kelly is one of them. This album has songs that I'm sure I would be playing for years to come. I must mention though that "Underneath the tree" sounds very much like Mariah's "All I want for Christmas is you," which isn't a bad thing at all, considering we all love that holiday song. I just wish Kelly looked more happy in the album cover.
          Kelly's last studio album, "Stronger," was my 8th most fave album of 2011. :)

7. "Loved me back to life" - Celine Dion
          It's about time Celine released a new album. Her last set was released a decade ago. With Whitney Houston gone, I think the likes of Celine and Mariah should really give us the power vocal songs this world needs, with the hope of saving us from all the twerking "songs" we get so often these days. This album sees Celine experimenting with her still-powerful voice, with more rawness and grit from what we're accustomed to. Love "Somebody loves somebody" and "Incredible."



6. "The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2" - Justin Timberlake
          Justin played with my emotions this year. He got me sooo excited with the release of his first album in six years--"The 20/20 Experience" early 2013. But then I got disappointed because I found the album quite boring. Then came this album--the part 2--and Justin made me a happy audiophile once more. It's a reminder why JT is still and will always be the most famous Justin in the pop world. Keep bringing sexy back, JT!



5. "Fuse" - Keith Urban
          Prior to his stint as American Idol judge in 2013, along with Mariah, I had no idea who Keith was. Not anymore. His album is so easy to listen to, like dessert after a full meal. Songs like "Cop car" and "Red Camaro" are what would make this album memorable for years to come.





4. "Frame by Frame" - Cassadee Pope
          There was a time when all I watched were singing competitions. But I think I got tired of the repetitive process. Thankfully, I did catch the third season of The Voice and saw Cassadee Pope win before I called it quits. She deserved the trophy--her voice is golden and her stage presence commendable. This album sounds like a combination of Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift's respective debut albums. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I am in love with "Good times" and "Wasting all thee tears on you."



3. "Side Effects of you" - Fantasia
          I've always loved Fantasia, but she blew me away with this album. I think it's a work of art that showcases her voice and artistry to the fullest. Her voice does tend to sound Donald Duck-ish at times, but when it's in best form, take cover, cause it will blow you away, too. :)        





2. "Beyonce" - Beyonce
          Beyonce. Wow. I didn't listen to the album until two weeks after its release, when the buzz surrounding the album's no-promotion release has died down a bit. I liked the album when I first listened to it; but I loved it after I saw the accompanying videos. I kind of hate Beyonce (the artist), actually, for being too perfect. Ha! Seriously, please, Mariah and Beyonce duet. Please? :)
          Beyonce's last studio album, "4," was my 4th most favorite album of 2011.

1. "Yours Truly" - Ariana Grande
          Among the non-singer singers we have today, hearing Ariana's voice is a welcome change. Hers is young and fresh, cute and clean. There's been lots of comparison between her singing style and that of Mariah's, with good reason. They do share a semblance of similarity, but only a small percentage. Mariah-ish style aside, I think Ariana will have a lengthy career of her own. I just hope she keeps this sweet bubblegum image of hers and not turn into one of the over-sexified twerking "singers" we have today.





Runners up: "Feels like home" by Sheryl Crow; "Random Access Memories" by Daft Punk; "Pure Heroine" by Lorde; "Nothing was the same" by Drake; and "Born Sinner" by J Cole.

Related Blog Entries:
- TWIST's Top 10 favorite albums of 2012
- TWIST's Top 10 favorite albums of 2011 

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