Eminem, Janelle Monae, Haim Join Music Times' Top 10 Albums of 2013

As with any other group conversation between the writers of Music Times, the debate between what albums to include on the site's Top 10 of the year was less than professional. There was crying (Ryan Book), yelling (Nicole Oran), and even threats of violence (Caitlin Carter). Ultimately, after countless votes and demands for recounts, ten finalists were chosen. Check out the albums that we kept in the steroe throughout 2013, along with defenses from the staff writers that loved the most.
10. The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem

Arguing that The Marshall Mathers LP 2 is one of the best albums of the year is hard to do when you are viewing it strictly from an execution standpoint. Were there better rap albums this year? Sure. But the emotional connection fans were able to make with this album after having witnessed Em’s last two albums more or less flop made it one of the most exciting albums of the year, despite it not being perfect at every turn. Although some have argued that MMLP2 was a step back in Em’s maturity, the fact that he could bring turn-of-the-century Shady into 2013 without it feeling rehashed was a feat. This album took us back to a raunchy, emotional Eminem with quick-witted verses full of crass humor and pointed jabs. The nostalgic sampling (thanks to Rick Rubin) and nods to his Detroit upbringing are just plain fun. Maybe it’s just a good throwback album, but what’s wrong with