My Favorite Albums in 2013

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I can't even count the number of times that I've realized there were only a few weeks left in 2013! It's insane how fast a year can fly by, atleast there was good music to rock out to, whilst the time flew on by! 2013 was a good year in music, sure there was the Miley Cyrus incident, Artpop and the exclusive Beyonce album but to me there was so much more. I'm constantly getting asked what sort of music I listen to because I never seem to jump in on the conversations about all of the most talked about mainstream music artists, what can I say other than I love to live out of the box! I've rounded up six of my favorite albums for the year, and believe me it was not an easy task! 

I must begin this list with one of my all time favorite artists, Bonobo. Earlier this year, Simon Green, the music mastermind behind Bonobo released The North Borders, its filled with thirteen tracks of sweet, intellectual chillout songs that really get me dancing! A few months ago, I had the pleasure of witnessing this album live, it truly was magical. Most people assume that electronic music and DJs just push buttons and that the show, while I have seen shows like that they really can't compare to seeing Bonobo live, he had a full orchestra and band playing the instruments of the music, I could not control my dancing feet! One of my favorite tracks on the album is "Know You," this song reminds me of my house music dancing days. The bpm (beats per minute) starts off slow then slightly speeds up with a fantastic percussion solo. I absolutely have to listen to this song atleast once a day or my day just isn't complete! 

I am beyond ecstatic whenever James Blake's album Overgrown comes on my Spotify. James Blake can sing his heart out, he has a voice that has me yearning for more! This album, Overgrown,  is a lot more chill than his previous and features more of his vocals. I am absolutely obsessed the title track, "Overgrown," partly due to seeing him perform it live on a late night television show. No gimmicks, no tricks, just pure raw, talent. This album also seems to have  a somber mood that reflects through out it, which gives it that perfect balance of balladry and electronic soul. 

The next album isn't exactly from 2013 but it was released late in 2012, Flying Lotus' Until The Quiet Comes. Flying Lotus has got to be one of my absolute favorite musicians out right now, he is a musical genius who understands how to balance compositional arrangements for a less cluttered sound. Sure, FlyLo is an electronic artist yet his sounds are organic enough that you feel like you're in your own headspace dancing the night away! His use of hip hop beats combined with the dreamy jazz synths create a beautiful, melodic "limbo" for your mind! My favorite track would definitely have to be "Getting There," the vocals have this dreamy lull to it that just pulls me in every time! I've had the pleasure of experiencing this album live, earlier this year, which is another reason why it's on this list. Only one word can describe it, fantastical! 

The next album should be appropriately labeled under "sexy" music because of it's dreamy, indie electronic sound, Anything in Return by Toro y Moi. Chaz Bundick, the genius behind Toro y Moi draws influences from many artists, including Daft Punk and J Dilla which is apparent when listening to this album. My absolute favorite detail of this fantastic album is how raw Chaz let's his emotions seep into his music, in many of the song lyrics you can hear his struggle with life on the road and his relationship dilemmas. How can you not like someone who is okay with expressing their feelings in their art?! I'm also drawn to how well he meshes his vocals with the synth pop sound. Favorite track off that album definitely has to be "Touch," it has such a sexy sound, the perfect background music to anyone's ideal "make out session!"

Folk and electronica, a combination so rare to come by but when executed correctly creates a magical sound! That is exactly how I would describe music producer Bibio's sixth album, Silver Wilkinson. This entire album has an old school, like electronica from the 70's but in a non cheesy way. What I find fascinating with Bibio's work is his use of found sounds and atmospheric sounds which I find to be very apparent. Top song choice is definitely "Mirroring All," one of my favorites to practice yoga with because of it's very ethereal sound!

What can I say about one of my latest music obsessions, King Krule?! 6 Feet Beneath the Moon is a gem, I'm infatuated with Archy Marshall's (King Krule) vocals, totally unique and beautiful. Archy has a voice that can croon for days! I discovered King Krule while listening to a Mount Kimbie song, in which King Krule was featured in. Five seconds into the song and that was all it took to reel me in! A little interesting fact, 6 Feet Beneath the Moon was released on Archy's 19th birthday, truly something to celebrate over! My top track on the album, "Out Getting Ribs," it's just.... too good! You have to listen to this amazing band, you won't be disappointed! 

Music is a topic I love talking with others about, it is so interesting and personal. I feel that the music a person listens to can tell you a lot about a person's personality.  Music also helps me develop and conceptualize ideas for my illustrations. Drawing and music go hand in hand in my book! Dear readers, I'd love to hear your input on any of these albums/ artists. What are your top albums for the year?