BY LYRIC MORRIS
As a new year begins, our Arts & Culture editor gives her opinions on the best music and movies of 2013.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PASTEMAGAZINE.COM Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes star in “The Place Beyond the Pines,” which was released at festivals in 2012 and in theaters in 2013.
MOVIES:
4) Frozen
A Disney movie that promotes discovery of personal identity, sexual equality, strong independent women and men who are willing to stand boldly alongside those women and has a killer soundtrack? Count me in.
3) Gravity
Although the movie basically contains only two characters and one setting, the cinematography, special effects and deeply layered storyline are enough to keep viewers enthralled by the tale of two astronauts stranded in space.
2) Her
I’m usually not the type to swoon over romantic movies, but “Her” is so much more than your typical predictable romcom. When a lonely writer falls in love with his computer operating system, a beautifully crafted story about our human desire to be known and loved unfolds.
1) The Place Beyond the Pines
Can I just take a second to mourn the fact that this movie wasn’t nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars? When a motorcycle stunt driver named Luke decides to start robbing banks as a way to support the child he never knew he had, the course is set for a drama that covers the next 15 years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF METROLYRICS.COM 2013 saw Lorde rise from an unknown artist to a chart-topping superstar.
ALBUMS:
4) Beyonce: The Visual Album
You guys. Nobody even knew this album was coming. Beyonce just woke up one day, released an album (complete with an elaborate, full-length video to accompany each track), soared to No. 1 on iTunes, kissed Blue Ivy and Jay-Z goodnight and tucked herself in like nothing happened. There’s a reason this woman is known as the Queen Bee.
3) Phox: Confetti
The high school pals who make up the band Phox have earned themselves some serious attention over their latest folk-pop release. It’s the perfect lighthearted listen to sweep away those winter blues.
2) Son Lux: Lanterns
Post-rock/alternative hip-hop artist Son Lux released an unforgettably intricate piece of musical genius this year. When listening to this album, you feel like you’re both floating in space and sitting in a cozy, little coffee shop simultaneously.
1) Lorde: Pure Heroine
Lorde, 17, has taken both the pop and alternative music scenes by storm. Her music offers a refreshing authenticity; her lyrics are critical of the fame and luxury our world tells artists to strive for. She’s like a best friend from the house next door and a fabulous, Grammy-attending pop star all wrapped up in one.
