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lastweeksmusic · 10 years

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The 40 best albums I got in 2013

So everyone has their own opinion on what the best albums released this year are. Guess what so do I. Now these may not be the absolute best albums but they are the ones I found myself listening to the most. Lets get started. 1-10 - OK I don't really make a list of 1-40 I do groupings of 10. The Rend Collective Experiment - Campfire - I just love, love this album. It is very unique. It's a live, studio album of sorts. They recorded this album around a campfire on a beach in Ireland, but it sounds like it was recorded in studio. Yep, and it has an energy about it that is infectious and required repeated listens. To add to that awesomeness this music is really good and catchy in a folk revival vein without sounding like a knockoff. This collection of original worship anthems is also positive and provides new imagery desperately needed in worship music today. Bombino - Nomad - Probably my other favorite international album of the year and much more obscure. This guy is a talented guitar player and I find it refreshing and interesting he is singing in his native tongue being from Niger. Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys the album has a very raw garage band sound to it that matches Bombino's style and feel. This is an album you are just going to have to listen to to understand so go find it now.

Heath McNease - Weight of Glory Second Edition - Normally I don't include remix albums but this is unique. McNease does a hip-hop remix of his amazing acoustic album based on the works of C.S. Lewis. It is really good with some solid production and thought out lyrics and beats overlaying the foundation laid down on the original Weight of Glory. It is also a pay what you can album and I highly recommend everyone check it out.

Jars of Clay - Inland - I have always liked and had respect for the music created by JoC. This album is not exception. Leaving behind the now very popular 80's synth sound and finding them exploring a more indi rock sound with suits them quite well. I really like this album, the sounds, the lyrics, the moods, the band does a great job of layering them all together here. Another solid release from a solid band.

Leagues - You Belong Here - This band consisting of singer/songwriter Thad Cockrell, former Audio A. guitarist Tyler Burkum and drummer Jeremy Lutito is magical. They are the perfect mix creating solid power rock with great hooks and fun yet though provoking lyrics. This album has really been in constant rotation on my iPod. This album seriously blows away most anything on pop radio today. Junip - Junip - Another band started by a singer/songwriter and some friends. This is a solid acoustic rock album with a flair for the experimental and Pink Floyd. It just has a great groove through out. The lyrics are solid as well and the album call to be listened to over and over.

The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars - Probably the leased listened to album in the top 10. Not because it shouldn't be here but it is kind of depressing to listen to as the band basically self destructed before the album released. It is a masterful and beautiful album to listen to and the lyrics bring to light some of the struggles that took place internally within the band. The magic is still there though it doesn't shine quite as bright. Still this is a fantastic album and wonderfully produced. Eisley - Currents - Ahhh the voices of angels. I love the voices from this band and the music is unique and intriguing as well. I am so glad this band is back after being away for a few years. The album is what I could hope for an ever evolving sound and maturing of the lyrics without losing the sound that makes this band who they are. Great female fronted alternative rock that is thoughtful and respectful while not shying away from the problems in life. Beautiful Eulogy - Instruments of Mercy - Even if you don't like rap or hip-hop you need to give this group a try. The music is not your standard hip-hop sound it's more like garage, coffee shop, hippy hip-hop and the lyrics. Oh, the lyrics. Thought provoking, challenging, insightful, meaningful, and mind blowing. One of the best hip-hop group around today. Five Iron Frenzy - Engine of a Million Plots - What you thought we would get through the top ten without FIF making the cut. Yeah right. While the album is not quite what I expected from FIF I cannot deny the awesomeness that is this album. It is a modern pop rock album with horns and it is really solid. The lyrics while not quite as fun and silly over all still shine with wit and tongue in cheek but also more mature and covering a wide range of topics. I really do like this album is I think it is great. 11-20 - After the first 10 the info is going to be getting less and less. Hey I need to get this posted and I don't have all year. John Elefante - On My Way to the Sun - To be honest and progressive rock album is the last thing I expected from Mr. Elefante after is previous solo albums. This thing is amazing and really good.

Jonny Lang - Fight for My Soul - I have been a fan since his first album and still think he turns out great blues/rock/gospel/jazz fusion music. It may not be radio friendly but it is killer good. Skillet - Rise - Another band I have loved for a long time and think the new album is great. They haven't lost their edge. My only complaint is I am no longer the target audience for their lyrics but I cannot deny the music.

Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Lickety Split - You want a party pop this album in. It is rock'n and fun not two ways about it. The lyrics are bit generic but the tunes are great. The Digital Age - Evening & Morning - So what would the David Crowder band sound like without Crowder. Turns out great. I really dig this album. The worship anthems are solid and catchy while they still take the time to explore music and experiment.

The Ember Days - More than You Think - This female fronted alternative worship band shows you there is more to worship music than just power choruses or ballads. This is an intimate and personal worship album James Blake - Overgrown - What if Dubset went singer/songwriter? You would get this album. While it is programming and loops and an interesting vocal style, Blake take care to think about his lyrics and structure his songs. The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs - You want shredding guitars, classic rock vocals, and pure awesomeness then this is for you. A supergroup made up of three musicians that have been around for years this album is everything you want if you dig the guitar solo. Gungor - I am Mountain - Another album for songs of worship of God that is not your traditional worship album. These are not anthems to be sung in church persay but songs for you to worship God where you are at and provide a soundtrack for your day. Hillsong United - Zion - The opposite of Gungor this is all about corporate worship. Strong anthems, great hooks while adopting the 80's synth revival sound. It catchy and will have you listening over and over again.

21-30 We are getting there. Audrey Assad - Fortunate Fall - You always take a small risk of backing albums on Kickstarter. This was one of my better investments. I really love this album. It is worshipful and relaxing. I enjoy listening while doing my bible study. Andy Mineo - Heroes for Sale - Adding a bit of a latin flair to the hip-hop sound Mineo is a killer rap artist. Solid top notch production, mad beats and lyrics that you don't want to miss this is one of premier hip-hop albums of the year. Charlie Hall - The Death of Death - Being independent has been good for Hall. While he still brings his signature style and sound to the Church through his worship choruses the album just as an edge and eagerness missing from so many worship albums today. Citizens - Citizens - Want to add a bit of rock to your worship music? Citizens is a solid rock band that also brings worship lyrics to their sound. It's great stuff that should be jammed out to. Daniel Bashta - The Invisible - Another Worship song writer that doesn't try to write for the large church meeting though some songs work in that setting, these songs are about connecting you to God and being an channel for your personal time and worship. Kendra Morris - Mockingbird - I had never heard of Kendra Morris until I heard her cover of Shine On You Crazy Diamond during the credits of a TV show. She can Flat sing and this album of cover provides you with some amazing renditions of classic songs. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter at the Feast - To be this album is the almost Black Keys album. It's good just not as good as. Still If you want some dirty blues rock that is of great quality then this is the album for you. Olafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter - This is some crazy good mostly instrumental music that sounds like it should be in a movie. Creative, stirring, relaxing, and even creepy at times this beautiful collection of songs was one of the great finds of 2013. Midlake - Antiphon - I heard this band recommended on a podcast and I am so glad I checked it out. Solid alternative pop rock with a psychedelic bend to it. Heath McNease - Jesus Shuttlesworth...The Mixtape - This guy keeps making great music. This mix tape take some of the most popular mainstream hip-hop songs and they get McNease'd which in the end makes them better.

31-40 Almost done. Tedeschi Trucks Band - Made Up Mind - Solid blues rock with one of the best album cover of the year. The Slide Brothers - Robert Randolph Presents the Slide Brothers - These are the guys that taught Randolph to play. Some Guy Named Robb - 7 - This is a great album by Robb a singer/songwriter from Russellville, AR. The songs are well thought out with lyrics both challenging and thought provoking. Not ashamed to speak the truth and not afraid to stretch himself musically this is a great album to discover Robb with and become a fan. Gustavo Santaolalla - The Last of Us soundtrack - A hunting and wonderful soundtrack to a video game. If the game is half as good as this music it is amazing. Fiction Family - Fiction Family Reunion - More cohesive and poppier than their previous album this is a solid follow up for this group. Dustin Kensrue - The Water & The Blood - Former lead singer of Thrice brings a solo album of original worship songs that bucks the system. Soul of the Matter - A collection of independent urban artist that let their music shine and lets you explore musical styles and sound that you may not normally listen to, or help you discover new artist in the styles you already like. This album is well worth the listen. Matt Redman - Your Grace Finds Me - One of the most blessed songwriters of our time is back with a new album of worship anthems. Stand up, listen to the lyrics, Sing at the top of your voice and worship. Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite - Get Up! - Da Blues and nothing but da blues. Also featuring the expected killer harmonica solo. Derek Webb - I was wrong, I'm sorry & I love you - Webb is not afraid to say he has made some mistakes and that he has grown and changed. Have you?

The Getaway Car - Maps - I know it's 41 but I'm adding this in last second because technically it released this year and is an amazing album. Full of power pop hooks, great lyrics and solid production this is definitely an album to track down and get. I wore it out at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. It is a great album and I think everyone should get it.

Those are the 40 albums that really caught my attention this year. I hope you like and that you take the time to give some of them a listen. Also I would be remiss if I didn't mention these EP's that are worth your time as well. Harvest - Curtains - Just a beautiful album of songs to God and about God by the sister of Daniel Bashta Heath McNease - American Snake Oil Salesman Visit the Great White North - A great folk hip-hop blend EP about McNease's tour in Canada. Sleeping at Last - Atlas - This series of 4 ep's so far is really great and provide a great addition to any music collection.

Thousand Foot Krutch - Metamorphosiz: The End Remixes, Vol. 2 - Solid, great, interesting remixes brought to you by some of the remix masters.

Rock on in 2014.

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