Ben Rector – The Walking in Between
A friend of mine introduced me to the genius of Rector and he quickly became one of my most played artists of the year. I love all his albums, but this is his newest and it did not let down from the quality I had come to expect. I saw him in concert and he is brilliant live. If you don’t know him or have not hear his music, do yourself a favor and drop what you are doing and go get this!
Favorite tracks:
Ordinary Love, When I’m With You, Sailboat (Honestly the whole thing!)
Imagine Dragons – Night Visions
Very seldom is there an album that comes out these days that I will just listen to straight through, this is one of the few. I have listened to this at least 30 times, all the way through. The lyrics are fantastic and the music will have you humming for days. This is a great band! (Excited to see then in concert in 2014)
Favorite tracks:
It’s Time, Demons, On Top of the World, Amsterdam
Derek Webb – I Was Wrong, I’m Sorry and I Love You
Webb had lost me for a while with his music, yet he reeled me back in with his latest album. Honest, real and reminiscent of his past stuff while at the same time sounding completely fresh; he has created something wonderful. This album spoke to me and God used it to remind me of some truths I have trouble accepting. As usual, Webb has tapped into the realities of life and crafted something that reminds you, you are not alone in your hardship or questions.
Favorite tracks:
I Was Wrong, I’m Sorry & I Love You, Lover, Pt.3, Everything Will Change
John Mayer – Paradise Valley
I have been following Mayer since he came on the music scene and have mostly enjoyed every single album, but this one captures the magic of his Room for Squares while mixing in all he has learned over the past 13 years. For me Mayer is summer – riding with the windows open through the valleys of Colorado with my best friend and he delivers again with Paradise Valley. This is an album I can turn on anytime and enjoy.
Favorite tracks:
Wildfire, Who You Love, You’re No One ‘Til Someone Lets You Down
Sara Bareillis – The Blessed Unrest
Bareillis has a way with lyrics that speaks to my heart like few other artists. I love this album, it is another that I can listen through all the way, almost anytime. I was lucky enough to see her in concert this year and she is amazing. Her voice is one of my favorites of all time. You should not miss this album. (Confession – I frequently listen to “Little Black Dress” on repeat, it’s just that kind of song)
Favorite tracks:
Brave, Chasing the Sun, Manhattan, Little Black Dress, Cassiopeia, 1000 Times, I Choose You
Jack Johnson – From Here to Now to You
Johnson is like an audio Corona commercial and this album is no different. I love being able to turn it on and immediately feel miles from anywhere. This is classic Johnson with some fun new sounds.
Favorite tracks:
I Got You, Washing Dishes, Never Fade, Tape Deck
Jars of Clay – Inland
I had not listened to Jars of Clay in more years that I can count, so when I randomly came across their new album on iTunes, I was blown away. This is a gritty and authentic album about the struggles of life and faith. I am so thankful for this album and it’s message of hope in the midst of life’s hurricanes.
Favorite tracks:
After the Fight, Reckless Forgiver, Love in Hard Times
OneRepublic – Native
I have always enjoyed OneRepublic but this album captured me. I saw them live and they rocked so many of the songs from this new record as well as their old classics. This is an album meant to be turned up and sung to or danced too. So pick it up and dance it out.
Favorite tacks:
Counting Stars, If I Lose Myself, Feel Again, What You Wanted, Can’t Stop
The Civil Wars – The Civil Wars
I found The Civil Wars earlier in the year and was very excited to learn that they would have a new album in 2013. This album continues their sound and quality. I love the revival of Folk in popular music and they are so talented. Lovely harmonies and heart-rending lyrics, what more could you ask for.
Favorite tracks:
Dust to Dust, Eavesdrop, From This Valley, Sacred Heart, D’Arline
Of Monsters and Men – My Head is an Animal
I found this band because they have a song on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty soundtrack. Best of all was that, that song was not the only good thing they have done. Folksy-rockish and just plain good. They have an alternative sound that can’t be beat. It you haven’t heard them I recommend you check them out.
Favorite tracks:
Dirty Paws, King and Lionheart, Mountain Sound, Little Talks
My Favorite One-Off Tracks
Wake Me Up – Avicli
Step Out – José González
Lorde – Royals
Sweeter than Fiction – Taylor Swift
Gunger – Beautiful Things & The Earth is Yours
Comment and tell me what you liked in 2013
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