Arcade Fire's Reflektor impressed
There have been many understated, overrated and underappreciated records in 2013, and we've decided to take a look at some of those who stood out by going above and beyond, reaching places that haven't yet been discovered.
Surprise releases, new stars and evolving genres are just some of the reasons this list has been so hard to compile, but we've done our best to combine those we think stood high among the rest.
Mark Hole - People Change
Being the son of one of the most powerful men in music isn't how Mark Hole's making a name for himself. Rather, he's working his way through the industry in a tough battle, and with his third album release - People Change - he manages to take the tone down after the first song and belt out some brilliant ballads, featuring his rich and beautiful tone.
Beyoncé - BEYONCÉ
We got more surprise from Beyonce than ever before, when she dropped her fifth studio album on us like a seagull taking its revenge on chip-eaters below. She blew the competition out of the water and sold over 800,000 copies worldwide in just three days - and the content is absolutely worth it. Beyonce's like we've never seen her before on the record, and the 17 music videos prove just how dedicated she is to her craft.
Kanye West - Yeezus
He may not be everybody's cup of tea - especially with some of the antics he pulls - but his music is undeniably fantastic. He tackles topics of conversation and controversy head-on with his unique style of spitting rhymes over heavy beats, and if you truly listen to his words he leaves you thinking about things you may not have considered in the past.
Lady Gaga - ARTPOP
It may have slightly underperformed when it comes to the charts, but the third studio album offering from Lady Gaga isn't one to be laughed at. Doing her best to combine the worlds of pop music and art, Gaga created tracks like we've never heard from an artist such as her - including the odd collaboration choices on urban Jewels N' Drugs, and the EDM-laced pop anthem Swine. Standout tracks MANiCURE and Sexxx Dreams are everything pop artists should be giving fans.
Arctic Monkeys - AM
Without a doubt the best thing they've ever put out, Arctic Monkeys were on to a winner with AM. The Sheffield band made sure that their name wasn't one to be forgotten, and while they triumphed with this record from start to finish, we can't wait to see what's next for the band.
Arcade Fire - Reflektor
They came back with a double album of 75 minutes, and the combination of their art with some fantastic tracks is absolutely brilliant. Spiritual, endearing and at times, baffling, the record takes the listener on a journey of discovery.
Lorde - Pure Heroine
Her hypnotic tone and incredibly soothing mellowdramatic tones mix well throughout this entire record, and the New Zealand star may soon become the subject of her song Royals - she no longer has to pick at those who're famous and able to do whatever they please - she's becoming one of them.
Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2
He returned and wanted to go back to the music of his heyday, and what a fantastic way to do so. Featuring some absolutely fantastic collaborations - including Sia and Nate Ruess - the album did everything it needed to in order to bring back those veteran Eminem fans - if they ever left.
Ellie Goulding - Halcyon Days
She's a unique artist with a voice that you'll either adore or ignore, but Halcyon Days is undoubtedly one of the greatest records put out this year. Nearly all of the tracks could be smash hits, and she's proving that with her storming of the charts with every release she puts out.
Drake - Nothing Was The Same
Proving he had the ability to weave in and out of genres that were new to him, as well as rap and hip-hop, Drake showed he was a major player on the game and not to be taunted. With minimal features, he was finally given a chance to shine, and impressed people all over the globe.
Did we miss out your favourite album? Let us know which you really enjoyed in 2013.