2013
in MusicAlbums
31
Artists
27
Milestones
42
Notable Releases
All of Me
John LegendBallad dedicated to wife Chrissy Teigen, peaked at number one on Billboard Hot 100, received diamond certification
Yeezus
Kanye WestSixth album incorporating drill, dancehall, and industrial elements, praised for experimental minimalist approach.
Reincarnated
Snoop DoggA reggae album released under the alias Snoop Lion following his 2012 conversion to Rastafari, accompanied by a documentary film about his Jamaican experience.
The 20/20 Experience
Justin TimberlakeA neo-soul album that became the best-selling album of 2013. Debuted at #1 with over 968,000 copies sold in the first week and featured hits like 'Suit & Tie' and 'Mirrors'.
Mirrors
Justin TimberlakeSecond single from The 20/20 Experience that peaked at #2 on Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on UK Singles Chart. Won MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.
Wrecking Ball
Miley CyrusCyrus's first US Billboard Hot 100 number-one single; sold over 2 million copies and featured iconic music video
Bangerz
Miley CyrusFifth chart-topping album marking transition to hip-hop and R&B; featured "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball"
Prism
Katy PerryDance and pop-influenced fourth studio album featuring 'Roar' and 'Dark Horse,' both number-one hits that made Perry the first artist to have multiple music videos reach one billion views on YouTube and Vevo.
Roar
Katy PerryLead single from Prism that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Perry's signature empowerment anthems.
Yours Truly
Ariana GrandeGrande's debut studio album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 138,000 copies sold in its first week. The retro-inspired pop and R&B record established her as a major artist and featured the hit single 'The Way.'
Midnight Memories
Niall HoranOne Direction's third studio album that was the best-selling album worldwide in 2013 with 4 million copies sold globally.
Wrapped in Red
Kelly ClarksonChristmas album that became the best-selling holiday album of the year, featuring 'Underneath the Tree,' ASCAP's most popular Christmas song of the 21st century.
13
Ozzy OsbourneBlack Sabbath reunion album topping both UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200
Beyoncé
BeyoncéSurprise visual album released without announcement, popularizing visual album format and selling one million digital copies on iTunes in six days.
Blurred Lines
Pharrell WilliamsCo-written and produced with Robin Thicke featuring T.I., peaked atop Billboard Hot 100
Get Lucky
Pharrell WilliamsCollaboration with Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers that peaked at number two on Billboard Hot 100
Happy
Pharrell WilliamsSong for Despicable Me 2 soundtrack that became his second song to peak atop the chart
Significant Milestones
All of Me Release
AchievementThird single from Love in the Future became international chart success, peaked at number one on Billboard Hot 100
Fo Yo Soul Recordings Imprint Launch
AchievementFranklin began signing artists to Fo Yo Soul Recordings, established as an RCA Records imprint, signing acts like The Walls Group and Tasha Page-Lockhart who achieved significant success.
Yeezus Release and Name Change
AchievementReleased sixth album to critical acclaim in June 2013; announced name change to "Ye" in September 2013.
Begins Las Vegas residency "Britney: Piece of Me"
TourLaunched two-year concert residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino that eventually ran through 2017 and became one of the most successful residencies in history.
Vine Breakthrough
BreakthroughMendes posted a cover of Justin Bieber's 'As Long as You Love Me' on Vine that received 10,000 likes and followers overnight, launching his career and eventually gaining millions of views.
Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction
AwardPosthumously inducted into the inaugural class of the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame as an artist in 2013, then again as a songwriter in 2017.
The 20/20 Experience Success
AchievementAlbum becomes best-selling album of 2013 with record-breaking digital sales. Named 2013 Artist of the Year by iTunes with fastest-selling album on iTunes Store.
Named to TIME's 100 Most Influential People
AchievementTime magazine named Aguilera one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing her impact on music and culture.
Number One with 'La La La'
AchievementSmith featured on Naughty Boy's single 'La La La' which became a number one single in the UK, solidifying their emerging status as a major recording artist.
Breakthrough as Adult Artist
DebutReleased Bangerz, her fifth chart-topping album; achieved first Billboard Hot 100 number-one with "Wrecking Ball" and declared MTV Artist of the Year
One Direction Chart Records
TourAlbum Midnight Memories became world's best-selling album of 2013. Accompanying Where We Are Tour became highest-grossing tour of 2014, earning Styles recognition as co-writer on multiple album tracks.
Debut Album and Record Deal
DebutReleased her debut album 'Yours Truly' which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 138,000 copies sold. Signed with Republic Records and established herself as a major recording artist.
Best-Selling Album Worldwide
TourOne Direction's third album 'Midnight Memories' was the best-selling album worldwide in 2013 with 4 million copies sold globally, supported by the highly successful 'Where We Are Tour.'
Best-Selling Holiday Album
AchievementWrapped in Red became the best-selling holiday album of 2013, with 'Underneath the Tree' becoming ASCAP's most popular Christmas song of the 21st century.
Federal Prison Sentence and Release
AchievementHill was sentenced to three months in prison on May 6, 2013, for tax fraud related to unreported income between 2005-2009. She was released on October 4, 2013, and began house arrest as part of her probation, ultimately paying back $970,000 in taxes and penalties.
Black Sabbath Album 13 Released
TourOriginal lineup reunited to record album 13, which topped both UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200, and featured on farewell tour
