2013: Singles
INTRO:
I’d say the most interesting point about this year, working backwards through time, is we have left steaming data and are back to sales (including downloads) only. 2013 was the last year that the UK Singles Chart was based on this before steaming data was included in mid-2014. There was a separate steaming chart. I have to say the closer we have got back towards this year, the better the quality of pop music…….. and it makes a significant leap in 2013. We’ll see what happens as we continue to work backwards, but, to me, it seems too much of a coincidence for that to NOT be of significance. Maybe a decline in the quality of pop music over time (if we are to agree that is true) has not simply been a ‘as time goes by’ anti-phenomenon (………. Is that a thing? It IS now in my head) but directly connected to the inclusion of streaming data in the Official Chart, as artists, producers etc., tried to master algorithms.
“Blurred Lines”, by Robin Thicke, TI & Pharrell, was the most successful single of 2013. I struggle a bit with this one, and it was controversial even 13 years ago. In a nutshell, it feels a bit misogynistic….. even a bit ‘rapey’. However, it has a great sound and is a devilishly addictive track. Its funny to think that such a track, albeit considered controversial by some at the time, was not viewed anyway near as problematic as it would be now. I even remember it being place on ‘This Morning’ whilst 2 children danced and lip-synced to it. It was, of course, the #1 single that week, which was the premise of this display. But, even then, I found it uncomfortable viewing as 2 10/11-year-olds lip-synced lines like ‘I know you want it’, ‘you’re a good girl’ and ‘must wanna get nasty’ !!! I seriously, doubt that would happen now!!!
A performance by Thicke and Miley Cyrus (20 at the time) at the MTV Awards also caused controversy as Cyrus, who had been a child star and viewed very much in that light, stripped out of a teddy-bear leotard to reveal a flesh-coloured bikini, twerked against Thicke, and made provocative gestures with a nig foam finger.
One Direction’s “Midnight Memories” fared the best in terms of albums.
SINGLES:
Don’t Like:
Katy Perry “Roar”
For me, this was the 1st time I noticed that Perry was using a well-hashed, even outdated, brand of pop-feminism (she continues to do so to this date). Also, a song about being a champion and having the ‘eye of the tiger’....... I’m sure we’ve had that before haven’t we...... quite a well know song I believe ....... damn what was that one called?........
Top 10 Contenders:
Avicci “Wake Me Up”
Passenger “Let Her Go”
Naughty Boy & Sam Smith “La La La”
P!nk & Nate Ruess “Just Give Me A Reason”
OneRepublic “Counting Stars”
Justin Timberlake “Mirrors”
Probably a surprise to see me showing love for a Timberlake number. I like the echo-y responses in the chorus after the word ‘mirror’ (almost like a mirrored echo). I also like the structure. The track essentially concludes but then the ‘you are – you are – the love – of my life’ chant emerges.
Rudimental & Ella Eyre “Waiting All Night”
John Newman “Love Me Again”
Ellie Goulding “Burn”
Icona Pop & Charlie XCX “I Love It”
Hated this back in 2013. This project has changed me. Superb.
Olly Murs “Dear Darlin’”
Lana Del Ray “Summertime Sadness”
13 years later this track is presently breaking streaming records.
Jason Derulo & 2 Chainz “Talk Dirty”
will.i am “Bang Bang”
Lily Allen “Somewhere Only We Know”
Macklemore, Ryan Lewis & Wanz “Thrift Shop”
Bastille “Pompeii”
Pharrell Williams “Happy”
Birdy “Wings”
TOP 3:
Sia “Elastic Heart”
This is an odd one because I can’t quite justify my love for it. I think it’s the soaring vocal on the extended notes of the chorus with Sia’s unique tone of voice.
The Wanted “Walk Like Rihanna”
I wouldn’t admit it at the time but I always liked this one. A fun but clever lyric that is expertly constructed against the melody...... that is also classically brilliant especially in the chorus.
Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers “Get Lucky”
Its a top tune no doubt. I’m not sure if it truly is my favourite of 2013 – however, it was so massive, and has subsequently achieved such an epic legacy as a track that it’s very difficult for me NOT to declare it the top track of 2013.
So, that’s what I’m doing to do.
And, may I add. What a list of tracks!!!!!! I don’t think working backwards from 2025 I’ve been able to present a list quite as strong as that (possibly 2023).
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