My third annual list. This is mostly personal preference, but with an ear to recommend both popular and obscure (mostly alt-rock and electronic) albums to other music lovers. On this list, albums get either a 1 (best) or 2 (rest); within those two groups, most have equal ground. This may seem like a boring list with no explanations, but pick one of your favorite genres and zero in on just one album. Let loose and enjoy your SELF!
When you can't find it on Google
album of the year
Best Albums of 2013
My second annual list. This is mostly personal preference, but with an ear to recommend both popular and obscure (mostly rock and jazz) albums to other music lovers.
Top Picks
- Bombino – Nomad (Tishoumaren, blues rock; April)
- Charles Bradley – Victim of Love (Soul, April)
- Daft Punk – Random Access Memories (Nu-disco, May)
- Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit (Vocal jazz, September)
- Janelle Monáe – The Electric Lady (R&B funk, September)
- Jim James – Regions of Light and Sound of God (Neo-psychedelia, February)
- Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork (Hard rock, June)
- Tegan and Sara – Heartthrob (Electropop, January)
Second Billing
Most of these are artists I had never heard of or given a second listen before 2013. Good music is alive and well. Read more Best Albums of 2013
Best Albums of 2012
I’m always absorbed in music. There are innumerable ways to experience art in sound, so of course it’s impossible to quantify the quality of an album – although sites like AOTY are helpful as a general guide. This list is mostly personal preference, but with an ear to recommend both popular and obscure (mostly rock and jazz) albums to other music lovers. I have more to share about that, but let’s get to the list(s) first…
