A new year inevitably brings new music, but looking to the past reminds music fans that 2013 made for an exceptional year, presenting releases from a plethora of different artists, including Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, David Bowie and countless others. Even after a decade, several releases stand the tests of time and maintain their relevance in the cultural zeitgeist. The Daily Texan compiled a list of some of the best albums celebrating their 10-year anniversary in 2023.

Pure Heroine — Lorde

At 16 years old, Lorde released her outstanding debut album Pure Heroine. The lead single “Royals” dominated radio stations and established her popularity, allowing her to cultivate a loyal audience. Featuring themes of loneliness and a fear of growing up, the pop album established Lorde’s relationship with producer Joel Little, who went on to work with several other acts, including Taylor Swift and Noah Kahan. Ten years later, “Royals” and “Team” still regularly play on radio stations, and Pure Heroine remains a perfect record to spin in melancholic states.

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BEST OF SUMMER

Because the Internet — Childish Gambino

Donald Glover wears many hats — actor, comedian, writer, director and producer. Also an accomplished musician, some of his most famous work comes in the form of his stage persona Childish Gambino. Because the Internet divided critics from the start, receiving a 5.8/10 from Pitchfork, but a 4.5/5 from Rolling Stone. Regardless, with hits like “3005” and “IV. Sweatpants,” Gambino solidified his musical audience by not only providing a nearly hourlong musical experience, but also a 73-page screenplay and a short film uploaded to YouTube. Still analyzed today, Because the Internet and its accompanying content stand the test of time and make for an intriguing experience all around.

Random Access Memories — Daft Punk

In a career that spanned nearly 30 years, the French duo Daft Punk released their final album, Random Access Memories, in 2013. The critically acclaimed project can be described as funky, groovy and enchanting. Mixing live instruments with their signature synthesizers, the duo spent a grueling five years and over $1 million recording the album with big name producers such as Pharrell Williams. Having announced their breakup in 2021 via a YouTube video titled “Daft Punk – Epilogue,” the pair proved their ability to maintain their relevance despite going years without releasing new music. Similarly, after 10 years, Random Access Memories remains a sonically satisfying and dance-inducing listen. 

Paramore — Paramore

A staple in pop-punk and some of their best work to date, Paramore released their self-titled album in April 2013, just in time for it to become the album of the summer. Radio singles “Ain’t It Fun” and “Still into You” allowed the band to reach mainstream audiences while still satisfying their longtime fans. Featuring themes of transitioning from one phase of life to another and rejecting societal expectations, Paramore induces both fits of laughter and bouts of crying. Sparkly and dirty at the same time, the album still occupies a unique space in pop-punk music a decade after its release.