2013 delivered a vibrant year in music with bold arrivals from new artists and fearless comebacks from established stars. Lorde emerged as a voice to watch while Justin Timberlake returned with a sound that blended sophistication with pop appeal. Across the continent, fans discovered songs that defined the year on radio, on streaming playlists, and in club sets. This list collects ten standout tracks from 2013, presenting a snapshot of the sounds that shaped North American airwaves and the mood of the year.
10) Come and Get It by Selena Gomez. The track sits squarely in pure pop territory, a sunlit blend of island-inspired rhythm and confident attitude. Gomez moves beyond her earlier hits with a more mature voice and posture, while producers craft a rhythm that invites dancing and easy listening. The song has been discussed as originally pitched to Rihanna, which makes Gomezs bold delivery all the more striking, a sign a new era of artistry was unfolding for her.
9) Roar by Katy Perry. This track stands out as one of the year’s feel good anthems. Perry pairs soaring vocal power with uplifting lyrics about facing personal struggles, delivering a message that resonates widely. Its broad appeal carried it to the top of charts worldwide and leaves listeners feeling empowered and ready to take on the day.
8) Royals by Lorde. It is remarkable that a song from a teenage artist could carry such weight. Lorde arrives with a voice that is at once haunting and poised, and with a minimalist production that sharpens the focus on her sharp, perceptive lyrics. The track marks a clear shift away from glossy pop toward a more nuanced, self-assured sound that kept Lorde in the spotlight as the year progressed.
7) The Way by Ariana Grande featuring Mac Miller. This debut single from Grande underscores the potential many already compared to the era’s great pop divas. The rhythm blends light R and B with sparkling pop, letting Grande reach exhilarating high notes while Mac Miller adds a playful counterpoint. The strong debut positioned Grande among the biggest names in the business, a signal of lasting influence.
6) Best Song Ever by One Direction. The lead single from Midnight Memories injects energy into the dance floor with an upbeat groove and a sense of fun that fans instantly connect with. The accompanying video amplifies the tracks appeal with humor and a carefree vibe, making the tune a memorable crowd favorite well beyond the concert hall.
5) Cruisin for a Bruisin by Ross Lynch. After the Teen Beach Movie phenomenon, the rock and roll energy of this track channels a classic Grease era vibe. It features a lively beat, confident vocals from Lynch, and a guitar solo that invites head banging. The track’s popularity even led to a notable a cappella cover, showcasing its broad appeal beyond the film tie-in.
4) Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus. The year saw Cyrus push boundaries with a bold image, yet the song also reveals a deeply felt artistic core. The ballad carries emotional intensity, with a vocal performance that showcases a serious artistic side amid the headlines. This track proves that, beneath the headlines, there is substantial musical talent at work.
3) Get Lucky by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams. This disco-flavored anthem dominated playlists, radios, and summer parties, signaling a triumphant return to familiar grooves with a modern twist. Pharrells smooth vocal hook adds a sleek dimension to the groove, and Daft Punk again demonstrates why they remain at the forefront of electronic music.
2) Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. Timberlake’s return after a six-year hiatus brought a wave of anticipation, and Mirrors delivered with a refined rhythm, glossy interludes, and a falsetto that feels effortless. The track stands out as timeless and classy, a bridge between classic pop sensibilities and contemporary textures.
1) Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I. This track became the defining anthem of the year, thanks to its irresistible groove and high-profile collaborations. While the video and some lyrics sparked debate, the music itself captured a cultural moment with a confident, danceable pulse that resonated across many audiences.
Readers are invited to share their favorite tracks from the year in the comments to keep the conversation going.