The first 10 tracks on my year-end list have been revealed, with efforts from Katy Perry, Porcelain Black, Ricky Martin, Cassadee Pope and Wilson Knight making the cut. Moving on to day two, I treat you to 10 more songs that made 2013 more enjoyable for me. From a dance music legend to the reigning princess of pop, from former Disney starlets to impressive indie acts. I like to think I encompass all. Enjoy!
Honorable Mentions:
"Heart In 2" by Simon Curtis
"Final Warning" by Skylar Grey
#40. "Love Sick" by SIRPAUL
Just from staring at the revealing cover art, it was clear SIRPAUL's new album would be one hell of an erotic party. With its lustful influences, "Love Sick" was a definite highlight of the project. The artist is unapologetic about revealing all his dark secrets and fantasies in the bedroom while an energetic, uptempo, pop beat will make listeners start to sweat. It's fast-paced, it's explicit, it's hard to get out of your head. It is everything dance music should be.
#39. "Let's All Die" by Sharon Needles
The spooky yet beautiful queen returns with another PG-13 entry as the Blaqk Audio-sounding "Let's All Die" gives an honest look at life and death. The electronic influences, the better-than-expected vocal performance and tongue-in-cheek lyrics made this track a welcomed guilty pleasure listen, but it was Needles' spoken word that hit me. "The best day of my life was the day I was born, because that was the day that I started dying"... Pretty creepy yet amazing.
#38. "I Walk Alone" by Cher
There are many great tracks on Cher's latest album, Closer to the Truth, but the P!nk-penned "I Walk Alone" stood out from the crowd. Following in the footsteps of the recent country/dance craze, the uptempo track of redemption and perseverance incorporates intriguing banjos to accompany Cher's flawless, one-of-a-kind vocals. The song has the ability to cross multiple genres, features radio-friendly production and should be lined as a future single, if there is to be one.
#37. "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus
2013 was certainly a huge year for Miley Cyrus, not just for her crazy antics, but for her music. "We Can't Stop" was good, however, it was BANGERZ second single, "Wrecking Ball", that warranted the former Disney star's new rebellious pop career. The gorgeous, emotional ballad, which showed Cyrus hitting some impressive notes, was the base of numerous video parodies, became the artist's first number one hit and showed there was a vulnerable side to her questionable persona.
#36. "Swim No More" by Solomon
There are few songs I can really connect with on an emotional level, but "Swim No More" by genre-bending Solomon did the trick. Besides incorporating elements such as whale noises and Japanese drums to create an unheard of background beat, the song succeeds thanks to the artist's personal and honest songwriting. Solomon's vocals are reminiscent of Drake and the spoken word phone interlude is dramatic and effective at getting the message behind the music across to the listeners.
#35. "Loved Me Back to Life" by Celine Dion
When Celine Dion announced a new album, my spine tingled. The Canadian songstress has a beautiful set of pipes and on the effort's title track she graciously shows every other pop artist how it is done. "Loved Me Back to Life" is certainly a change of sound for the artist, primarily known for her slow ballads. The track is still a ballad in every way, although Dion plays with some dubstep beats and slightly more modern pop trends. Vocals are on point, lyrics are Sia written, everything is perfect.
34. "Til It's Gone" by Britney Spears
While I quickly admitted Britney Spears' latest album was an unfortunate misfire, Britney Jean did have at least one bright moment. "Til It's Gone" is being called the effort's savior, it needs to be lined up as the official third single, because of the energy and liveliness present in not only the upbeat production, but in Britney's vocal performance and delivery. Sure, the song does get a bit repetitive, but it is the only moment on the album where the artist seems to be having fun.
#33. "Freak" by Kelly Rowland
There is something about a Kelly Rowland album which always gets me excited. When Talk A Good Game opened up with the sexually-charged, "Thriller"-sounding "Freak", I knew I was in for a good ride. The song had already appeared on a Jamie Foxx album three years prior, but Rowland's version is far superior, her vocals just seem to fit the vibe. From the dark beat, to the sultry delivery and the erotic lyrics, the bedroom jam came off as a strong single contender.
#32. "Neon Lights" by Demi Lovato
Former Disney star Demi Lovato is already known for her touching, somber ballads, so when "Neon Lights", a loud and uptempo dance track, appeared on her latest album, I was on board immediately. Supported by an infectious, dance floor-ready beat, Lovato lets her vocals soar to new heights as she sings of an endless love. The songwriting may sound redundant in the pop world, but the power does lie in the performance from the pop star still in training.
#31. "This Moment" by Katy Perry
Even though it has an opening extremely similar to that of "Dancing On My Own" by Robyn, Katy Perry's "This Moment" was hands down the brightest moment on Prism. It seems she really did let the light in. The artist sounds absolutely beautiful as she sings of putting love into motion on the pop track. Some of the lyrics do get a bit cheesy at times, but I was willing to look past them when Perry is giving some emotion for once. Overall, it is a simple, midtempo ballad done right.
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