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Adam Harrison
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Song: Indian Summer
Band: Stereophonics
Album: Graffiti on the Train
Label: Ignition Records
Released: January 20, 2013
Instrumentally and lyrically this song is very simple. Stereophonics master the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) rule on this song. The melody and extremely catchy chorus will stay with you for weeks, and add to that Kelly Jones’ smoky vocals and this one wins this year’s big award in my books.
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Song: Supersoaker
Band: Kings of Leon
Album: Mechanical Bull
Label: RCA Records
Released: July 17, 2013
Although still one of the most demanded bands in the world today, Kings of Leon are still trying their damndest to match their 2008 success, when they released two of the hottest tracks of the decade in one album. “Supersoaker” won’t have the same chart topping traction that “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody” did, but it’s an excellent rock n’ roll song.
Two excellent guitar riffs and some hot vocals make this one a real treat for the ear buds. The second part of the chorus is very memorable, but it’s Caleb’s vocals on the pre-chorus, “I don’t believe it, believe it” that hit a new level of raspyness that sends shivers down your spine.
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Song: My God is the Sun
Band: Queens of the Stone Age
Album: …Like Clockwork
Label: Matador Records
Released: April 8, 2013
Best guitar riff of 2013, hands down! Enough said.
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Song: Big TV
Band: White Lies
Album: Big TV
Label: Fiction Records
Released: August 12, 2013
White Lies is a great UK post-punk trio with a throwback sound, some excellent writing abilities and vocals that will echo no matter where you hear them. I found myself singing “I’ve got a room downtown, with a bed and a big TV” at work, at the gym and in the shower. The little guitar additions during the bridge make me feel like I’m driving a convertible with the hood down at sunset, through L.A., listening to Glenn Frey’s “You Belong to the City” from Miami Vice.
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Song: Biblical
Band: Biffy Clyro
Album: Opposites
Label: 14th Floor Records
Released: January 28, 2013
Sweet verses into heavy choruses do the trick on this song. When the beat drops into “You gave me magical, I gave you wonderful,” I can’t help but bob my head along with it. The closing harmony makes for a big ending as well.
Wow Sasha this list is pretty bad. Four songs? Seriously dude…You couldn’t even include a Jhene Aiko song? She’s killing it this year.
Posted by Patrick Lucas | December 16, 2013, 11:13 pmSorry that I couldn’t satisfy you with an inherently subjective list that makes me shorten a year’s worth of music into five songs. Jhene Aiko and so many other people that didn’t make this list were awesome this year.
Posted by Sasha | December 17, 2013, 11:18 am