Do you ever hear a Chris Brown song and think, “Wow, this is so 2006,” or start jamming to some Green Day and have instant flashbacks to middle school? I do, literally every day. I must say, it’s a little traumatic. Just like all those cheesy songs of middle schools past there are particular songs that are distinctly 2013-esque. When I listen to these songs I can’t help but think of this past year with nostalgic afterthoughts and slightly foggy flashbacks.
This started off as a Top 13 Songs of 2013 playlist, but it evolved into more of a Top Alternative/Indie songs with a few Mainstream songs thrown in for some relevance. Actually, it’s all mixed up, because none of these songs really fit together, but I know I’ve listened to them all more than I would like to admit. Some of these songs came out in 2012, they were probably my most played songs of the year on my “2013” playlist. While the following songs still fill the radio air during these first days of 2014, you can’t argue with the fact that they’ll be forever associated with 2013! So here’s a toast to yet another year of great music.
13. Royals – Lorde
Need I explain to iconic value this song holds. I was all about this jam before it went mainstream and was super annoyed nobody else was appreciating it. Now it’s a little overrated. But, that’s how you know it’s a good song.
12. We Can’t Stop – Miley Cyrus
CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP. I’m still not over this song and I’m not even sorry. A boy in my English class presented his final to the beat of this song and I almost cried at the beauty of it all. Note: I had to hold myself back from also adding Wrecking Ball to this list.
11. Ways to Go – Grouplove
Anybody else almost cry when Grouplove finally came to campus? Just me? Okay…This song is so catchy though, and I can’t help but jam out everytime I listen to it. It’s so optimisitc and reminds me of how beautiful life is. So cheesy, I know.
10. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker
Though I’m still on the wall about which version of Wagon Wheel reigns supreme, I think Darius Rucker provided for a great cover of the iconic jam and it’s still up there.
9. Come a Little Close r- Cage the Elephant
So angsty. So College.
8. Closer – Tegan and Sara
This song just makes me want to fall in love and sleep forever.
7. Swimming Pools – Kendrick Lamar
DRANK.
6. Blood on the Leaves – Kanye West
I don’t care what anybody says, Kanye is my guy. Though I wasn’t a huge fan of his last album, this was definitely my favorite on the track. I always love his samples, especially this one with “Strange Fruit.”
5. Stay – Rihanna (ft. Mikky Ekko)
I listen to this after Tegan and Sara’s “Closer” and pretend I just had my heart broken and cry for approximiately ten days. Very self-destructive.
4. IFHY – Tyler, the Creator
I’m finding a trend with all these songs about angry love and heartbreak. But, I seriously cannot get over Tyler, the Creator and his angry lyrics. Not to mention this video is so weird; I love it.
3. Hold on, We’re Going Home – Drake
Yet another love song…kind of. If I could this entire list would have consisted of Drake’s NWTS and Beyoncè’s latest and greatest piece of art, but sadly there is more to this world than just them two. I swore I would never listen to Drake for as long as I live, but his music is actually really good R&B-esque stuff. Real soulful.
2. Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood
Maybe it’s the Californian in me, but this song speaks to me on a deeper level. Ugh, I’m so cheesy and sentimental today.
1. Breezeblocks – Alt-J
Sad that Bon Iver’s Skinny Love is no longer constantly playing on the radio, this song is a strong replacement. Actually, it’s from their 2012 album, but whatever, still super catchy.
Okay, I guess after going through these again I discovered 2013 was a great year for love songs and heartbreak songs, for me at least. I’m one “Wrecking Ball” away from making this playlist morbidly depressing, so I’ll refrain.
What songs capture 2013 for you?
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