ENTERTAINMENT
TV Show
of the Year
4. The
Following – When previews for this Kevin Bacon-helmed show started, I
had doubts. However, after watching it, my doubts quickly turned into regrets
for not watching The Following
sooner. FOX’s freshman thriller starred Bacon as former FBI agent Ryan Hardy –
a man leading a manhunt for escaped serial killer Joe Carroll (played by James
Purefoy) and his cult of murderous followers. The bloodshed and violence on the
series are extremely ambitious for a network television show yet are never
without a point. The plot and direction of The
Following is as calculated as the moves made by Joe Carroll and his
followers. A suspenseful thrill ride from the beginning ten minutes of the
pilot through the final minutes of the season finale, The Following was definitely the best show on network TV in 2013.
3. Justified
– Another season in Harlan County and another season of television excellence,
the fourth season of Justified
provided viewers with one of television’s best dramas. US Deputy Marshall
Raylan Givens, played by the extremely underrated Timothy Olyphant, encountered
Detroit-based mobsters and his Harlan-based criminal rival Boyd Crowder (played
by the charismatic Walton Goggins) while also attempting to solve the
30-year-old unsolved mystery of Waldo Truth. Justified features some of the best storytelling on television and
one of the great heroes of all-time in Givens.
2. The
Walking Dead – There is not another emotional roller coaster on
television like AMC’s hit The Walking
Dead. Now in its fourth season, The
Walking Dead continues to show itself as a series less about the dangers of
a zombie apocalypse and more a study on the dangers of humanity when left to
police itself at the end of the world. Andrew Lincoln continues to shine as
Rick Grimes – the one constant in an ever-changing landscape where no character
is safe. I still mourn the deaths of Andrea (Laurie Holden) at the end of
season three and Herschel (Scott Wilson) at the mid-point of season four. With
the death of the villainous Governor (played wonderfully by David Morrissey)
and the loss of their prison sanctuary at the mid-point of season four, The Walking Dead enters 2014 in a world
of change. However, one thing remains certain – The Walking Dead will remain one of television’s best.
1. Breaking
Bad – In finishing its five-season run, Breaking Bad ended with an eight-episode
run that may go down as the greatest season in television history. The saga of
science teacher-turned-crystal meth kingpin Walter White ended in a hail of
calculated violence as glorious as could be expected by anyone who witnessed the
entire story unfold. The twists and turns throughout the final season kept
viewers on the edge of their seats and water coolers hot with conversations the
next day. Two episodes in particular – “Ozymandias” and the series finale
“Felina” – set new standards for episodic television. From the amazing writing
of series creator Vince Gilligan to the performances from Bryan Cranston, Aaron
Paul, Anna Gunn, and Dean Norris over the final episodes, Breaking Bad was not only the best show on television in 2013 – it
may very well be the best television show of all-time.
Movie of
the Year
4. Prisoners
– Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal give two of the best individual performances
of 2013 in the thriller Prisoners.
Jackman stars as Keller Dover, a deeply religious man searching for his
daughter after someone kidnaps her and a family friend outside the Dover home
after Thanksgiving dinner. Gyllenhaal is Detective Loki, a unique police
officer who takes this case personal. As the search for both girls occurs, Dover
and Loki both go to extremes in their respective pursuits for the kidnapped
victims, creating a cat-and-mouse game between them as well as the kidnapper. Prisoners is an intense drama that grabs
the audience’s attention early and stays deep in the viewer’s mind long after
the end credits. This is drama at its finest.
3. American
Hustle – With one of the finest assembled casts in recent Hollywood
history, David O. Russell’s fast-talking criminal caper is as much a master
class in filmmaking as it is an ode to the 1970s. American Hustle stars Christian Bale and Amy Adams as con artists
Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser, Bradley Cooper as FBI agent Richard
DiMaso, Jennifer Lawrence as Rosenfeld’s wife Rosalyn, and Jeremy Renner as
Mayor Carmine Polito in a true story about a major con involving politicians,
the mafia, a sheik, the FBI, and millions of dollars. While the film includes
many comedic moments – namely involving 1970s fashion and hairstyles – American Hustle earns its praise through
outstanding performances and expert storytelling. American Hustle is one of the year’s best.
2. Rush
– The true story of one of Formula 1’s greatest rivalries came to life on the
big screen under the direction of Ron Howard in Rush. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl
as Niki Lauda and focuses on their epic rivalry – especially the 1976 season
when their rivalry reached its pinnacle. The on-track action is brief but
beautifully shot while the real greatness in Rush comes from the performances of Hemsworth, Bruhl, and their
respective love interests played by Olivia Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara. The
intensity in their rivalry captivates the audience and is that much more
interesting when knowing that Howard used very little poetic license in the
making of this film. Rush is a real
glimpse of one of Formula 1’s greatest rivalries and is an amazing film.
1. Silver
Linings Playbook – While it received awards and recognition during the
2012 awards season, Silver Linings
Playbook opened nationwide in early 2013 and is eligible for my list. I did
not see a better film all year than this one. Silver Linings Playbook is the story of Patrick Solitano, Jr. – a
man with bi-polar disorder just released from a mental health facility after an
eight-month court ordered stay – and his return to normal society. Solitano
lives with his Philadelphia Eagles’ obsessed parents (played by Robert De Niro
and Jacki Weaver) and meets recently widowed Tiffany Maxwell (played by
Jennifer Lawrence in an Oscar-winning performance). As his relationship with
Maxwell develops, in spite of his own misguided attempts to win back his
ex-wife, Silver Linings Playbook
plays out as a story about love – love of dance, love of family, love of the
craziness inside us all, and love of the Philadelphia Eagles. Silver Linings Playbook was easily the
best film released in 2013.
MUSIC
Album of
the Year
4. Crash
My Party – Luke Bryan – Released in August 2013, Luke Bryan’s
fourth studio album topped both the Billboard Top 200 and the Billboard Country
Charts with over 528,000 copies sold in its first week of availability. While
critic reviews were mixed, I found myself enjoying another series of songs
about rural living and the country life from one of Nashville’s best and
brightest. Bryan topped the charts with the first two singles – “Crash My
Party” and “That’s My Kind of Night” – while his current single, “Drink A
Beer,” is climbing the charts. Crash My
Party may not be a favorite of critics or traditionalists. However, the
now-platinum release is a favorite of audiences in 2013.
3. Golden
– Lady Antebellum – Lady Antebellum released their fourth studio release in
May to critical acclaim and huge sales. Topping both the Billboard Top 200 and
Billboard Country charts, Golden
reached gold status before a deluxe edition hit stores in November with three
additional tracks. The first single off the album – “Downtown” reached the top
of the country charts in the summer. The album is loaded with tremendous songs
– including the emotional second single “Goodbye Town” and the very popular
title track “Golden.” Their current single, “Compass,” is climbing the charts
and bringing in new fans with its new folk sound – a change from the sound Lady
Antebellum fans have come to know. Golden
was a welcome release for Lady Antebellum fans and one of the biggest joys for
country fans worldwide in 2013.
2. Same
Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves – One of the most
critically acclaimed albums of 2013, Kacey Musgraves’ debut set the country
music world abuzz while also exciting non-country fans who appealed to
Musgraves’ honest lyrics and Middle America values. Released in March 2013, the
album peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 200 and topped the Billboard
Country charts off the momentum of Musgraves’ debut single “Merry Go ‘Round.”
Subsequent singles “Blowin’ Smoke” and “Follow Your Arrow” have only helped
Musgraves’ star rise. Nominated for multiple awards throughout the year –
including a Best Country Album nomination for the upcoming 56th
Grammy Awards – Same Trailer Different
Park is one of the most celebrated albums of the last year; deservedly so
too as it was one of 2013’s best.
1. Pioneer – The
Band Perry – Without a doubt, Pioneer was my favorite album in 2013. The Band Perry’s sophomore
release opened in April to positive reviews and topped the Billboard Country
charts. In addition, the album peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 200.
Loaded with amazing songs, the singles “Better Dig Two” and “DONE” both reached
number one on the country charts while their current single, “Don’t Let Me Be
Lonely,” is already in the top five. For me, there was no better album in all
of music in 2013. From the dark, Southern gothic appeal of “Better Dig Two” and
inspiring message in “Pioneer” to the party anthems in “Night Gone Wasted” and
“Forever Mine Nevermind,” the entire album is a roller coaster ride of
awesomeness. Kimberly Perry’s vocals were incredible throughout the album while
the songwriting abilities of all three Perry siblings showed an undeniable
greatness in the trio. Pioneer by The
Band Perry is easily the best album of 2013 and sign of great things to come
from one of music’s brightest groups.
Song of
the Year – Pop / Rock
4. “Just
Give Me a Reason” – Pink (featuring Nate Ruess) – The vocals of Pink and
Fun lead singer Nate Ruess blended into musical perfection in the 2013 hit “Just
Give Me a Reason.” The third single off Pink’s sixth studio album, The Truth About Love, “Just Give Me a
Reason” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April. Pink and Ruess’
vocals interact perfectly in this song about a dying relationship and the
desire to save it. I have never enjoyed Pink more in her career than in this
ballad. “Just Give Me a Reason” is the kind of song that an artist hopes for in
a career, as it is pure magic.
3. “Blurred
Lines” – Robin Thicke (featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams) / “Thrift Shop” –
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (featuring Wanz) (TIE) – In 2013, two songs from
genres I normally do not enjoy became fixtures on my radio as “Blurred Lines”
and “Thrift Shop” both rose from the much of today’s R&B and hip-hop scenes.
Released in March, the title track off Robin Thicke’s sixth studio album
immediately polarized audiences – not because of the song but rather the risqué
music video accompanying it. The song itself was one of the most-played of 2013
– reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer. “Blurred Lines” shared
an important quality with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song “Thrift Shop” – an undeniable
infectious beat. Heavy on the saxophone and parodying the typical arrogant hip-hop
lifestyle, “Thrift Shop” was both a humorous breath of fresh air from hip-hop
and a song easily enjoyed by even non-fans of the genre.
2. “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons – Persistence paid off for
the rock band Imagine Dragons, as the third time releasing “Radioactive”
appeared to be the charm. After releasing it twice in 2012, a release of the
single in March 2013 struck with listeners and critics everywhere as “Radioactive”
became one of the biggest hits of the year. From sporting events and commercials
to radios all over the country, “Radioactive” became that song everyone heard
but nobody knew who performed it. As Imagine Dragons’ star rises, “Radioactive”
will be the rocket that launched their careers. Energizes listeners more with
every play, “Radioactive” was one of the most fun rock anthems of 2013.
1. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles – Inspiring, powerful, energetic,
and beautiful are all adjectives worth of “Brave.” Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” –
the lead single off her fourth studio album The
Blessed Unrest – was one of my favorite songs of the year. The
inspirational lyrics, performed wonderfully by Bareilles, can serve as a call
to anyone facing obstacles of any nature to face them and be brave. There is a
great message within this song. Released in May, “Brave” peaked at 26 on the
Billboard Hot 100 – a great achievement in its own right with that chart
dominated by hip-hop, R&B, and male-oriented songs. Bareilles’ nomination
for a Grammy for Song of the Year at the upcoming 56th Grammy Awards
serves as more of an indicator of the song’s success than chart positioning. “Brave”
is one of the best songs from Sara Bareilles’ lineup and the best pop song of
2013.
Song of
the Year - Country
4. “See
You Again” – Carrie Underwood – Released as the fourth single off her Blown Away album, “See You Again” reached
number two on the Billboard Country charts during the late summer of 2013. However,
the song became an anthem for many in 2013 in need of a rallying cry. The song
appealed to so many through its genuine nature. This ballad is a reminder to
those left behind after a tragic loss they will see their loved ones again. With
acts of terrorism and mass violence, horrible natural disaster, and more losses
in the Middle East, “See You Again” provided motivation and inspiration to many
in need. Carrie Underwood’s powerful vocals only added to the beauty of the
song as a lesser singer could not convey the power or beauty behind “See You
Again.”
3. “Wagon
Wheel” – Darius Rucker (featuring Lady Antebellum) – Darius Rucker’s cover
of the Bob Dylan-penned, Old Crow Medicine Show song was one of the most-played
songs on country radio in 2013. Released off Rucker’s True Believers album in January 2013, “Wagon Wheel” reached the top
of the Billboard Country charts in June. His biggest country hit to date, “Wagon
Wheel” earned multiple song of the year nominations and a Grammy nomination for
Rucker at the upcoming 56th Grammy Awards. It sounded like a
throwback to your grandparents’ country music. While I am not one of those country
fans who complain about everything with a modern song, I really enjoyed this
glimpse of a time long gone from the Nashville sound. Rucker and the background
vocals from Lady Antebellum combined to make something special and one of the
best of 2013.
2. “Highway
Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw (with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban) – Released in
March off McGraw’s Two Lanes of Freedom
album, the musical union of Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban on guitar
created one of the best country songs of the last decade. “Highway Don’t Care”
is what happens when greatness collaborates. The song reached the top of the
Billboard Country charts for two weeks in June and remains one of the most
popular songs of the year on country radio. McGraw has not sounded this great
in years while Swift adds just enough to make this song something special. Urban’s
expert guitar playing throughout serves only as icing on the cake. “Highway Don’t
Care” was a return to form for Tim McGraw as, with the help of some friends, he
returned to country superstar status in 2013 with one of the best songs of the
year.
1. “DONE.”
– The Band Perry – The Band Perry’s second single off their Pioneer album was my favorite song of
2013 by a mile. Released in March, “Done” reached the top of the Billboard
Country charts in August. Received acclaim from both fans and critics alike, The
Band Perry created a rock anthem with a country feel – heavy on the fiddle and
the heartache – in this song about a woman letting her man know it is over.
Kimberly Perry’s vocals are never more sassy or confident than in this song –
especially when she ends with a triumphant “Ugh!” at the end of each
performance. “Done” was the kind of song that builds careers as The Band Perry now
has an anthem on par with their tender ballad “If I Die Young” from a few years
back. “Done” was a piece of musical goodness in 2013 – something I could not
get enough of – and definitely the song of the year.
Artist
of the Year
4. Carrie
Underwood – Carrie Underwood’s star reached new heights and crossover
success in 2013. Riding off a successful 2012, Underwood released two more
singles off her Blown Away album –
“Two Black Cadillacs” and “See You Again.” In addition, Underwood released her
first live concert DVD – The Blown Away Tour Live. Underwood established a
relationship with NBC as she replaced Faith Hill as the voice of Sunday Night
Football and starred as Maria in a live production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
The Sound of Music in December. Carrie
Underwood had an incredible 2013 as this country queen’s star grew.
3. Macklemore
and Ryan Lewis – I am not a huge rap fan. I think that is a given. That is
what makes the success of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in 2013 that much more
impressive. The duo of Seattle-based rapper Macklemore and DJ/producer Ryan
Lewis exploded in 2013 with three of the biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100
charts – “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us,” and the Grammy-nominated “Same Love.” They
appeal to the non-rap fan in me though things like the infectious sound of “Thrift
Shop” and the powerful message in the lyrics of “Same Love.” Macklemore and
Ryan Lewis scored huge in 2013 as they reached new audiences and helped rap
expand from its stereotypical roots.
2. Florida
Georgia Line – Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line took
the music world by storm in 2013. Running on momentum from their 2012 hit
“Cruise,” a remix of the single with rapper Nelly led to it becoming the
longest-reigning number one single in the history of the Billboard Country
charts. In 2013, the duo also topped the charts with the songs “Get Your Shine
On,” “Round Here,” and “Stay.” They opened for Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and
Luke Bryan before headlining their own tour in 2013 as the duo played all over
North America. Florida Georgia Line emerged from nowhere to become one of the
hottest acts in all of music in 2013.
1. Taylor
Swift – For another artist, the list of accomplishments achieved by this
young woman in 2013 would make for an amazing career. For Taylor Swift, it is
just another year of incredible success. Taylor Swift toured the globe in 2013
as her Red Tour sold out shows in North America, Europe, and Australia. Swift
topped the country charts with the songs “Red” and “Highway Don’t Care” – her
collaboration with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. In addition, Swift scored hits
on the pop charts with “22,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “Everything Has
Changed” with Ed Sheeran. Swift won a Grammy – her seventh – for “Safe and
Sound” with The Civil Wars in February and is up for four more at the 56th
Grammy Awards in February 2014. She won four American Music Awards – bringing
her career total to 15 – and took home four CMA Awards – including the second
ever Pinnacle Award for international excellence in country music – in
November. In addition, Swift actually kept headlines surrounding her personal
life to a minimum in 2013, which is a huge plus for any Swiftie sick of the same
tired jokes. This was another outstanding year for one of the great artists of
our time as Taylor Swift earned the title Artist of the Year for 2013.
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