37 Best Songs From 2013

The early 2010s were filled with great music that helped define a generation! Coming from different genres and covering various themes, there are many songs from that era that are worth listening to. So if you’re looking to add the best songs from 2013 to your playlist, check out the hits listed below.

“Royals” by Lorde

Song Year: 2013

“Royals” is the song that put Lorde on the musical map. Her deep and beautiful voice sings about how those who don't come from money won't ever live that life unless they want to and how she's comfortable with where she came from. The song has a great beat and works on almost all playlists.

“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke

Song Year: 2013

The beat behind “Blurred Lines” is one that will make you want to get up and dance. As for the lyrics, Robin Thicke sings about how the lines are blurring between friends and more. If you've ever been in a position where someone, or you, are blurring the lines of platonic and romantic, then you'll understand this song.

“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk

Song Year: 2013

Daft Punk is known for putting out party songs that you'll hear throughout bars and clubs, and “Get Lucky” is no exception. The lyrics are clean, but the message is a little raunchy. The song is about a woman who is up all night to party and have fun while the other is up all night to get lucky with that woman.

“The Way” by Ariana Grande

Song Year: 2013

Ariana Grande is one of the most famous singers worldwide today, but she was just as famous in 2013. One of her biggest hits from that year is “The Way,” featuring her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller. The song is catchy, and she and Mac Miller sing about how they love the way the other makes them feel. 

“Wake Me Up” by Avicii

Song Year: 2013

Avicii was an icon in the music industry, especially for getting more people into EDM. Even after his passing, his music still resonates with people worldwide. “Wake Me Up” is one of his most famous songs, with an excellent beat and somewhat sad lyrics about not knowing he was lost.

“Crash My Party” by Luke Bryan

Song Year: 2013

Luke Bryan is one of the most mainstream country artists of the last decade, and with the release of “Crash My Party,” he became an even bigger sensation. The lyrics tell the story about a guy who might be out with friends or doing something fun, but if the girl that he is interested in calls, he'll let her show up anytime.

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles

Song Year: 2013

“Brave” is a heartwarming and inspirational song by Sara Bareilles. It's made such an impact on people that the song is still popular even a decade later. The combination of upbeat music and simple yet powerful lyrics encourages people to be brave. As it references finding your freedom in speaking out, it’s also interpreted as a song about coming out of the closet.

“Roar” by Katy Perry

Song Year: 2013

Katy Perry is known for creating hit songs, and “Roar” is no different. Not only was the song a significant hit, but it has a great message behind it. The lyrics are all about no longer sitting quietly and not stating one's opinions solely for the sake of no conflict. It's about standing up for oneself, which everyone needs to learn how to do at some point.

“Berzerk” by Eminem

Song Year: 2013

Everyone knows what a fantastic lyricist Eminem is, and “Berzerk” showcases his unique style and rhymes. His talent for creating engaging songs with fun beats is unmatched. The lyrics are about blasting music, rocking the house, and going crazy (or berzerk) all night long.

“Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves

Song Year: 2013

Even those who aren't huge country music fans tend to love Kacey Musgraves. As a mainstream country artist, she writes relatable songs for people of all ages. “Follow Your Arrow” is a beautiful song talking about how you should stay true to yourself and follow your own path no matter where it leads.

“Bugatti” by Ace Hood

Song Year: 2013

“Bugatti” is one of Ace Hood’s most famous songs in 2013. It propelled him to rank highly on various charts and get his name out there, not only in the rap and hip-hop genres. The song is all about coming from nothing, making money, and then waking up in the new Bugatti.

“Come & Get It” by Selena Gomez

Song Year: 2013

Most people have been in a position where they're ready to start dating, but the person they're interested in isn't willing yet. Selena Gomez created a fun song all about this situation, basically saying that whenever you're ready, come and get it. The song is still fun to listen to, even if you can't relate to the lyrics.

“We Can't Stop” by Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2013

Miley Cyrus is a highly talented singer capable of putting up performances that range from modern-day pop to old-school backyard covers of evergreen songs. Her single “We Can't Stop” swiftly became a party anthem that was played worldwide. It's mainly just a song about partying, having fun, and doing whatever you want despite judgment from others.

“Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker

Song Year: 2013

Darius Rucker created his version of “Wagon Wheel,” and most people don't associate the song with anyone but him now since he did such a good job. The guitar work in the song is beautiful, and Darius Rucker's voice is mesmerizing. It's a fun song to listen to, no matter what you're doing.

“Die Young” by Kesha

Song Year: 2013

Kesha was known at this time for producing fun, dance-worthy tracks. “Die Young” is upbeat and is all about living your life like you're going to die young. She talks about taking risks, living like a wild child, and dancing like nobody's watching. The song reminds you to make the most of each day because you never know when your time is up.

“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic

Song Year: 2013

“Counting Stars” is an upbeat and fun song to listen to. The lyrics are relatable in many ways, but the whole idea behind the song is that someone wants to improve their lives but is not making much of an effort to do so. Despite the more meaningful lyrics, the song is fun to sing along to.

“Best Song Ever” by One Direction

Song Year: 2013

There's no denying that One Direction was one of the hottest boy bands of the time, and “Best Song Ever” had everyone who had a crush on one of the members wishing it was them in the song. The song tells the story of someone dancing with their crush to the best song ever; they just don't know what it is because they are so enamored with their crush.

“Pompeii” by Bastille

Song Year: 2013

There are a lot of songs out there that are about a real conversation or moment that the artist experienced, but not “Pompeii.” Bastille wrote the song about a fictitious conversation between two people watching a city crumble. While that sounds rather negative, the song itself is beautifully orchestrated.

“Heart Attack” by Demi Lovato

Song Year: 2013

Demi Lovato was a music powerhouse in the early 2010s, and “Heart Attack” is one of her best hits from that time. Her incredible vocals, mixed with the intense instrumentals, made for a powerful song. The song's about how putting your heart on the line is scary, so people avoid it. The title comes from her saying if she ever puts herself out there, she'll have a heart attack.

“Hold On, We're Going Home” by Drake

Song Year: 2013

One of Drake's most famous songs has to be “Hold On, We're Going Home.” While he had plenty of loyal fans before this song, it helped him build his fan base into the massive following it is today. The song is slow but has a great beat. As for the lyrics, it's about seeing the person you want and going for it.

“Scream & Shout” by will.i.am

Song Year: 2013

A great song from 2013 that you would hear all over the radio and in clubs is “Scream & Shout” by will.i.am featuring the iconic Brittney Spears. The song isn't a super meaningful creation, but the fast beat and fun lyrics made it a song that immediately got people on their feet when it would come on.

“Applause” by Lady Gaga

Song Year: 2013

Lady Gaga rose to stardom in the early 2010s with her distinct music style. “Applause” features the singer's fantastic voice, and the lyrics are all about how she lives for the applause, whether from fans or critics.

“Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson

Song Year: 2013

There's something about Kelly Clarkson's music that warms your heart, no matter what the song is about. “Catch My Breath” exemplifies that perfectly with its catchy pop beat and thoughtful lyrics. The song’s message is about doing what's best for you and not listening to people who try to tell you how to live your life.

“Happy” by Pharell Williams

Song Year: 2013

Pharell Williams produced an adult version of “If You're Happy and You Know It” with this hit. “Happy” is a song all about being, well, happy! While some people probably know the rest of the lyrics, the main ones are the chorus which is about clapping along if you're happy.

“Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars

Song Year: 2013

For those who believe in Heaven, you'll understand how acting or thinking a certain way makes you feel like you won't get in. Bruno Mars captures the feeling of being so attracted to and in love with someone in this song that he feels like he'll be locked out of Heaven, hence the name.

“I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2013

Taylor Swift is a lyrical genius known for her songs about exes, and “I Knew You Were Trouble” is one of her best from 2013. The song is all about getting involved with someone even though you knew you probably shouldn't and then learning your lesson later in the relationship.

“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2013

The music video for this song took the world by storm in both good and bad ways, but “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus is a powerful and emotional song that everyone can probably relate to. When you love someone, all you want is for them to let you in and talk to you about things that bother you, but sometimes, it just doesn't work out.

“Suit and Tie” by Justin Timberlake

Song Year: 2013

“Suit and Tie” is a fun and upbeat song from Justin Timberlake that people are still dancing to ten years later. The lyrics talk about how he'll be dressed in his suit and tie and hit the town with others dressed to the nines. It's a fun song to dance to and has a way of putting you in a good mood.

“Started From the Bottom” by Drake

Song Year: 2013

A lot of people in the music industry didn't grow up with money, and Drake acknowledges that he started from the bottom and now he's making it big in the industry. Some of the lyrics talk about the whole team being there, essentially saying that he takes care of his family and friends now that he has the financial ability to.

“Clarity” by Zedd

Song Year: 2013

Arguably, one of the best EDM hits to come out in a while was “Clarity” by Zedd. The song was blasted in clubs and cars when it first came out, and many people still love it. The lyrics are all about trying to understand if your relationship with someone is tragic and why the person is their clarity.

“I Love It” by Icona Pop

Song Year: 2013

Another massive EDM and pop hit was “I Love It” by Icona Pop. The song is super fun to jump around to and blast with your windows down in the car. The chorus is mainly just repeating the words in the title, but as simple as it is, those who listened to the song at the time will tell you how iconic it is.

“One More Night” by Maroon 5

Song Year: 2013

If you've ever been in a relationship where you know that you two shouldn't be together, but you keep coming back even after fights and breakups, then “One More Night” might be a song you relate to. Maroon 5's singer Adam Levine sings about how their bodies are drawn to one another even though they keep breaking up.

“Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys

Song Year: 2013

Alicia Keys released one of the most empowering songs in 2013. “Girl on Fire” is all about women being at the top of their game and not letting anyone hold them back from what they set their minds to. Even men can find the song empowering because it's all about knowing your worth and doing what you want despite the critics.

“Some Nights” by Fun

Song Year: 2013

Fun has released a lot of great music, and “Some Nights” was his best work to grace everyone's ears in 2013. The song is beautifully produced with pop beats and plenty of instruments. As for the lyrics, they're about being someone different every night because you're not quite sure who you are, which many people can relate to at one point or another.

“22” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2013

Even though Taylor Swift released her album, Red, in 2012, her song “22” was one of the most popular songs in 2013. The song is peppy and fun and was an ode to the singer turning 22 years old. Ten years later, the music is still widely popular, and many people use it to celebrate their 22nd birthday.

“Get Your Shine On” by Florida Georgia Line

Song Year: 2013

It's no secret that Florida Georgia Line is one of the most popular country bands. Their hit “Get Your Shine On” is one of those songs that you can't help but sing along to, even if you're not a huge country music fan. Some people think the lyrics are about moonshine, but they’re more about having a good time and letting your personality shine.

“Still Into You” by Paramore

Song Year: 2013

As one of the most popular alternative bands, Paramore has a knack for producing entertaining songs. “Still Into You” is one such song that engages you immediately and keeps you hooked to the story they’re telling. The lyrics are relatable for anyone in a long-term relationship that still gets the same butterflies they had when they first met their partner.

Top Songs From 2013, Final Thoughts

Whether you're a pop music fan, country, rap, or love all kinds of music, you're sure to love a song or two from 2013. Adding the above top songs will make for a great playlist that will transport you back in time. Many of the best songs from 2013 are still popular today, though you can give some of these songs a listen the next time you're feeling nostalgic!