Best Music Albums of 2013 [So Far]

David Bowie might be 66 years old, but that doesn’t mean the iconic glam rocker is done creating music. Bowie released “The Next Day” this year, which was his 24th studio album. The album might not be as legendary as his Ziggy Stardust days, but it did still piss off the Catholic Church. It's one of the best music albums of 2013.

Sigur Ros has been going strong since 1994 and 'Kveikur,' the Icelandic band’s latest album, only adds to their impressive discography. Their iconic ethereal sound hasn’t gotten old, but has evolved into an album that could be listened to casually—as opposed to during a bender of some sort.

For those who listened to a lot of music in the 1990s, it’s still a little jarring to witness Darius Rucker, who was the lead singer of popular band Hootie and the Blowfish, become a big deal country star. Regardless, Rucker’s cover of 'Wagon Wheel' is one of the hottest songs for country and non-country fans alike. All these years later, "Hootie" has one of the best music albums of 2013.

If solemn chick music is your bag, then you will love Scout Niblett’s new album 'It’s Up to Emma.' Even though the album features strong original songs like 'Gun' and 'Can’t Fool Me Now,' the collection is perhaps overshadowed by a cover of TLC’s classic 'No Scrubs.'

Kurt Vile produces music that is so unpretentious and easy to listen to that he perhaps doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Well, here’s the credit: he's made our list of the best albums of 2013. The track 'Wakin on a Pretty Day' embodies the sleepy (in a good way) vibe that Vile’s album, 'Wakin of a Pretty Daze,' exudes. Have a listen and relax.

After thirty years together, how much more could Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds say? The answer: plenty. “Push the Sky Away” is the band’s 15th studio album, but it’s the first one without founding member Mick Harvey. Regardless, the Australian band produced another gem.

Bruno Mars’ 'Unorthodox Jukebox' currently ranks thirteenth on Billboard’s hottest album of the week and singles 'Treasure' and 'When I Was Your Man' ranks eighth and 26th, respectively. With a voice that resembles this generation’s Sting, it’s hard to hate on Bruno Mars’ latest album.

Whatever Justin Timberlake touches, turns to gold. And that's a fact. 'The 20/20 Experience' is no different. Timberlake’s blend of retro pop and present-day hip hop is a success in his third solo album. His song 'Tunnel Vision' is perhaps the best example of this.

Even if you’re not a fan of Vampire Weekend’s first two albums, you might still like 'Modern Vampire of the City.' The tracks 'Step' and 'Diane Young' are easily two of the best alternative rock / pop songs of 2013.

While compiling the list of the best music albums of 2013 was daunting, choosing the best album was a rather easy task. Daft Punk might have hit the jackpot with single 'Get Lucky,' but considering it cost Sony and the group over a million dollars to produce and promote the album (which also took five years to make), they really needed it to. Semantics aside, 'Random Access Memories' is an album featuring a unique mix of songs that will undoubtedly be pumped for years to come.

What do you think was the best album of 2013? Let us know in the comments.