As we say goodbye to 2013, pay tribute one more time to the best songs of the year:
We’ve put together the ultimate set of year-end playlists for any New Year’s Eve party — whether your guests are into hip-hop, electro, rock or something more obscure. And there are plenty of overlooked gems in here that’ll give you “new” music to listen to in 2014. Cheers!
For Everybody
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams
New Year’s Eve 2013 just wouldn’t be complete without it and, chances are, they’ll be saying the same thing in 2113, too.
“We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
“We like to party,” sang Miley on this pre-twerk tune. Now we know that she really wasn’t kidding.
“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams
Resistance is futile.
“Royals” by Lorde
“But everybody’s like . . . ” Even when you think you’ve heard Lorde’s breakout track too many times, that hook still draws you in.
“Applause” by Lady Gaga
Before the “art” got to be a little too much, the “pop” of Gaga’s comeback single proved she can still come up with a great song when she wants.
“Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake
J.T. released a hell of a lot of music this year, but this was easily the best track of them all.
“Wake Me Up” by Avicii
With the help of Aloe Blacc’s vocal, Avicii helped make EDM something that you could sing as well as dance to.
“Treasure” by Bruno Mars
Nobody does disco funk like Bruno. Give him your attention, baby.
“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton
Believe it or not, this single first came out in 2011. But this was the year that the piano-driven euphoria of “Can’t Hold Us” truly hit home.
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake featuring Majid Jordan
At last, Drake finally managed to sound as smooth and sexy as he thinks he is. His finest moment to date.
For the Electro/Dance Crowd
“Recover” by Chvrches
The Scottish trio gave old-school electronica an emotional update this year, especially on this gripping single.
“The Throw” by Jagwar Ma
These Aussies do a fine line in blissed-out beats, and “The Throw” is pure serenity.
“White Noise” by Disclosure featuring AlunaGeorge
It’s barely believable that two teenagers could re-create ’80s house music so convincingly, but this is dance floor nostalgia at its finest.
“Open Eye Signal” by Jon Hopkins
Seven-plus minutes of pulsing lushness gives you plenty of time to pour champagne for everyone.
“Fall Back” by Factory Floor
There are times when dance music can feel more vicious than any guitar-related music. Factory Floor’s industrial blast is one of those times.
“Full of Fire” by the Knife
Scary good. No, really — this Swedish duo has churned up a fever dream that’ll stay with you for days.
“Sick Times” by Boards of Canada
The elusive Scottish act carve out abundant beauty and off-kilter rhythms on this track.
“Bad Girls” by M.I.A.
Her “Paper Planes” is still a party slayer, but why not mix things up with this new blast of noise and energy?
“I’m Aquarius” by Metronomy
This London group have redefined the genre with this soulful, stripped-down thrill.
“On Sight” by Kanye West
With the help of co-producers Daft Punk, Kanye got the “Yeezus” album off to a rousing start with this primal slice of techno.
For the Indie and Rock Lovers
“I Sat by the Ocean” by Queens of the Stone Age
When the California rockers swing low and dirty like this, there’s nothing more exciting.
“You’ve Got Me Wondering Now” by Parquet Courts
Miss the Strokes? Don’t worry, New York has Parquet Courts now.
“It Starts and Ends With You” by the London Suede
Britpop’s spirit lives on in the chorus of this, the London Suede’s best track since the heady days of the mid-’90s.
“She Will” by Savages
The sound of Savages singer Jehnny Beth scream-chatting the title is blood-curdling, but every New Year’s Eve party needs some drama.
“Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys
The British group usher in some giant riffs on this lusty rocker, a standout from the excellent new album “AM.”
“Came Back Haunted” by Nine Inch Nails
Something really does seem to be haunting Trent Reznor, and the musician sounds damn pissed about it on this blistering cut.
“Forever” by Haim
Even when the LA sisters are singing about a decaying relationship, they make it sound like a beam of sunlight.
“Sacrilege” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Call it a sassy, sexy and soulful comeback for the trio, formed in New York.
“Reflektor” by Arcade Fire
It’s a killer dance jam, but listen close and you’ll find a surprisingly melancholic heart.
“My Number” by Foals
Who says indie rock can’t get funky? Certainly not these Brits. The song practically shimmers.
For the R&B and Hip-Hop Fans
“Dance Apocalyptic” by Janelle Monáe
This dance wig-out lives up to its title, making you groove like it really is the last night on earth.
“Berzerk” by Eminem
Em returned in fine form with this pounding, Beastie Boys-indebted comeback. His hardest-rocking song in years (Billy Squier sample and all).
“Hive” by Earl Sweatshirt featuring Vince Staples and Casey Veggies
It’s gritty and grimy for sure, but LA’s Earl Sweatshirt showed that he’s a major talent with this intense, slow-creeping track.
“Power Trip” by J. Cole featuring Miguel
The North Carolina rapper had a breakout year thanks to this catchy slow jam with a smoooooth guest star.
“F–kwithme youknowigotit” by Jay Z featuring Rick Ross
Just about the only moment on “Magna Carta . . . Holy Grail” with any real bite.
“F–kin’ Problems” by A$AP Rocky featuring Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar
The hip-hop hit stormed the charts in the early part of 2013 but never got old. Totally energizing.
“Numbers on the Boards” by Pusha T
Raw, real swagger from the Bronx badass.
“Juice” by Chance the Rapper
With his engrossing narratives and a singularly unique jolt-and-jerk delivery, this underground darling is poised to go global.
“Blow” by Beyoncé
Producer Pharrell Williams gives Queen B the Donna Summer treatment, and hot damn, it works.
“Chamakay” by Blood Orange
Dev Hynes (a k a Blood Orange) wears his heart on a satin sleeve with this dreamy R&B number. Tailor-made for seduction.
For the wallflowers
“Where Are We Now?” by David Bowie
After a decade of silence, Bowie returned with one of the most beautifully meandering moments of his career. Bless him.
“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
Break up with someone over the holidays? Don’t worry. Miley’s got your back.
“Step” by Vampire Weekend
It’s fashionable to sneer, but just admit it: Vampire Weekend write damn good songs, like this perfectly twee riff on Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major.”
“I Need My Girl” by the National
This album track from the Brooklyn alt-rockers will hit home with anyone separated from their true love when the ball drops.
“Bound 2” by Kanye West
Amidst all the bluster, Kanye opened up his heart on “Bound 2” and revealed a side of himself that even the haters were touched by. (Well, some of them anyway. )
“Dope” by Lady Gaga
Sincerity was hard to find on “ARTPOP,” but this piano ballad was one of the rare moments when Gaga laid her soul bare.
“Look . . . The Sun Is Rising” by the Flaming Lips
Fall down the rabbit hole of despair and isolation with this freaky opener from the Oklahoma band’s dark masterpiece “The Terror.”
“Stay” by Low
The Minnesota indie group covered Rihanna’s single for charity and, somehow, managed to make a wrenching ballad sound even more heartbreaking.
“Remurdered” by Mogwai
The kings of cinematic instrumental rock are back next year with their new album “Rave Tapes,” and this first taste is delectable.