It's been a year of standout mixtapes in hip-hop and R&B – here are five of the best of them
Buried in among Kanye's many bizarre claims this year was one that certainly stands up to scrutiny
The album that won our poll of critics was also among the year's most divisive, as Kanye West set out to confront, not conciliate
Jude Rogers: John Grant changed his sound for his second album, but his soulful introspection remained
Despite its weak spots, Random Access Memories was Daft Punk's utterly seductive love letter to making albums, writes Dorian Lynskey
No more a novelty band, Vampire Weekend encountered and faced up to dread on their brilliant third album, writes Kitty Empire
James Blake's Mercury-winning second album was as much a folk or jazz record as it was a piece of electronic music
New faces of UK dance emerged this year – and Disclosure stole the show, with a little help from their friends
Call the genre what you like, but Kelela made the strongest statement so far in hipster/indie/twisted R&B
A refugee and an advertising jingle writer came together in Cape Town to make a record that sounds like a series of dreams
Janelle Monáe's second album brought an irresistible whirl of pop, soul and R&B to the mainstream
We'd like to hear your thoughts about the best music of the year
The hype couldn't overshadow the return of My Bloody Valentine, more than 20 years after their last album
The countdown continues! How are you feeling? Nervous? Terrified? A bit disinterested but willing to take an active interest in case an album you hate made it into our list so you can tweet about it? Here's the next batch of names
The five best mixtapes of 2013
It's been a year of standout mixtapes in hip-hop and R&B – here are five of the best of them