- A year of iconic music, groundbreaking artists, and unforgettable sounds. But sifting through the avalanche of releases to find the true gems can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. This list dives deep into the archives, revisiting the definitive selection of the best songs of 2013 Rolling Stone compiled to help you rediscover those tracks that defined a generation – and maybe unearth a few hidden treasures along the way. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a curious newcomer eager to explore the musical landscape of that era, this curated list offers a potent mix of genres, styles, and unforgettable melodies. Get ready to re-live the sonic brilliance of 2013, track by unforgettable track.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wake Me Up | Avicii | True | 2B+ |
| 2. Thrift Shop |
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Macklemore Ryan Lewis Wanz | The Heist | 2B+ |
| 3. Radioactive | Imagine Dragons | 2B+ | |
| 4. Mirrors | Justin Timberlake | The 20/20 Experience (Deluxe Version) | 1B+ |
| 5. Stay |
Rihanna Mikky Ekko | Unapologetic (Edited Version) | 1B+ |
| 6. Beauty And A Beat |
Justin Bieber Nicki Minaj | Believe | 1B+ |
| 7. Can't Hold Us |
Ray Dalton Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Macklemore Ryan Lewis | The Heist | 1B+ |
1. Wake Me Up
Uplifting Melody: Avicii's "Wake Me Up" boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that perfectly encapsulates the summery vibes of 2013.
Genre-Bending Sound: The song masterfully blends elements of EDM, folk, and pop, creating a unique and refreshing sound that resonated widely.
Cultural Impact: Its infectious rhythm and feel-good energy made "Wake Me Up" a global phenomenon, cementing Avicii's place in music history.
2. Thrift Shop (The Heist)
Sound: Thrift Shop's infectious beat and clever sampling create a unique soundscape that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of 2013.
Lyrical Content: Macklemore's witty and relatable lyrics about thrift store finds and consumerism resonated deeply with listeners, establishing it as an anthem of the era.
Cultural Impact: The song's music video, with its memorable visuals and quirky humor, further cemented its place in popular culture, making it a defining track of the year.
3. Radioactive - 2025
Sound: Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive" captivated listeners with its distinctive blend of alternative rock and electronic elements, creating a sound both anthemic and intensely personal, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of 2013.
Rhythm: The driving beat and memorable, layered instrumentation provided a powerful backbone, making it an undeniable earworm that stuck with listeners long after the song ended—a key factor in its enduring popularity.
Vocal Performance: Dan Reynolds' impassioned vocals added a layer of vulnerability and intensity, perfectly complementing the song's powerful message and contributing to its widespread critical acclaim.
4. Mirrors - The 20/20 Experience (Deluxe Version)
Catchy Melody: Mirrors boasts an undeniably catchy melody that burrowed its way into the collective consciousness in 2013, making it a ubiquitous radio hit.
Introspective Lyrics: Timberlake's vulnerable lyrics explore themes of self-reflection and identity, adding a layer of depth that resonated with listeners beyond the song's pop sensibilities.
Production Quality: The polished production, showcasing Timberlake's vocal prowess, solidified its place among the year's top-tier tracks, aligning perfectly with *Rolling Stone*'s discerning taste.
5. Stay
Vocal Synergy: Rihanna's commanding vocals blend seamlessly with Mikky Ekko's soulful contributions, creating a captivating dynamic that elevates the track beyond a typical pop duet.
Emotional Resonance: The song's poignant lyrics about heartbreak and longing resonated deeply with listeners, establishing it as an anthem for a generation grappling with difficult relationships.
Production Quality: The minimalist yet effective production, characterized by its haunting melody and understated instrumentation, cemented its place among the year's most memorable and impactful songs.
6. Beauty And A Beat (2012)
Catchy Hook: "Beauty And A Beat" boasts an instantly memorable chorus, perfectly capturing the carefree energy of summer 2013.
Genre-Bending Sound: The track masterfully blends pop sensibilities with a vibrant, dance-infused rhythm, making it a club hit and radio staple.
Star Power Collaboration: The pairing of Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj proved electrifying, resulting in a track that showcased both artists' strengths and cemented its place in pop culture history.
7. Can't Hold Us (Ray Dalton ft Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft Macklemore ft Ryan Lewis - 2025)
Sound: "Can't Hold Us" boasts a triumphant, infectious beat that perfectly captured the energy of 2013, a blend of hip-hop and pop that felt both innovative and instantly accessible.
Vocals: Ray Dalton's soaring vocals provide a powerful counterpoint to Macklemore's signature rap style, creating a dynamic and memorable vocal interplay.
Cultural Impact: Its ubiquitous presence in 2013, fueled by a catchy hook and a vibrant music video, solidified its place as a defining song of the year.
8. Scream & Shout (Britney Spears ft will.i.am - 2025)
Infectious Energy: "Scream & Shout" is a relentless blast of electro-pop energy, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of 2013 with its undeniable beat and catchy hooks.
Vocal Synergy: The pairing of Britney Spears' iconic vocals with will.i.am's signature production creates a dynamic and unforgettable sound.
Pop Culture Impact: Its ubiquitous presence on radio and in popular culture solidified its place as a defining track of the year.
9. Don't You Worry Child (Swedish House Mafia ft John Martin)
Driving Beat: Swedish House Mafia's signature progressive house sound propels "Don't You Worry Child" creating an irresistible, anthemic energy perfect for 2013's vibrant music scene.
John Martin's Vocals: Martin's emotive vocals provide a powerful counterpoint to the driving beat, adding a layer of vulnerability and emotional depth that resonated with listeners.
Enduring Appeal: The song's masterful blend of uplifting melody and poignant lyrics ensured its place as a defining track of the year, a testament to its timeless quality.
10. We Can't Stop (Miley Cyrus)
Sound: "We Can't Stop" boasts a relentlessly catchy, club-ready beat that perfectly captured the carefree energy of 2013.
Vocals: Miley Cyrus's delivery is confident and playful, showcasing a vocal maturity that solidified her transition into a more mature pop artist.
Pop Culture Impact: The song's provocative music video and overall aesthetic became a defining moment in pop culture, sparking countless conversations and solidifying its place in the zeitgeist.
11Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
12Come & Get It
Selena Gomez
2013
13Get Lucky
Pharrell Williams,Daft Punk
2013
14Safe And Sound
Capital Cities
2013
In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery (Deluxe Edition)
15Treasure
Bruno Mars
2013
Unorthodox Jukebox
16Cups
Anna Kendrick
2012
17Started From The Bottom
Drake
2013
18The Way
Mac Miller,Ariana Grande
2013
Yours Truly
19Applause
Lady Gaga
2013
ARTPOP
20Clarity
Zedd,Foxes
2013
Clarity
21Ho Hey
The Lumineers
2013
The Lumineers
22I Love It
Charli xcx,Icona Pop
2012
THIS IS... ICONA POP
23Hold On, We're Going Home
Drake,Majid Jordan
2013
24Suit & Tie
JAY-Z,Justin Timberlake
2013
The 20/20 Experience (Deluxe Version)
25Summertime Sadness
Lana Del Rey,Cedric Gervais
2013
Blood, Sweat & 3 Years
26Harlem Shake
Baauer
2013
27Holy Grail
JAY-Z,Justin Timberlake
2013
28Blurred Lines
Pharrell Williams,Robin Thicke ft. T.I.
2013