My Top 20 Songs of 2013

In 2013, I turned 28, which apparently is one of several years at the end of your 20s where basically your life hits the fan and sudden changes surround you. I looked around, and everyone else seemed so happy. Then, I breathed and realized that I have plenty to be happy about. In 2013 I became BroadwayWorld.com's official theatre recording critic and have been exposed to some incredible albums since accepting that title. Some I have loved; others I have not. Regardless of my feelings towards the albums themselves, these are the top 20 songs from 2013 I simply cannot get out of my mind.

Please note: By clicking on the album's name, you'll be taken to the Amazon.com page for the album. Also, these songs are presented in an order that I feel would make a good "mixtape" CD.

"Glory" - from PIPPIN (New Broadway Cast Recording), sung by Patina Miller & The Players, and released by Ghostlight Records.

"Outside Your Window" - from GIANT (Original Cast Recording), sung by PJ Griffith & Kate Baldwin, and released by Ghostlight Records.

"I Look Around For You" - from KERRIGAN-LOWDERMILK LIVE, sung by Morgan Karr, and released by Yellow Sound Label.

"No One Else" - from NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, sung by Phillipa Soo, and released by Ghostlight Records.

"Pretty Funny" - from DOGFIGHT (Original Cast Recording), sung by Lindsay Mendez, and released by Ghostlight Records.

"Joy of the Lord" - from HANDS ON A HARDBODY (Original Broadway Cast Recording), sung by Allison Case, Dale Soules, Hunter Foster, Jay Armstrong Johnson, John Rua, Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleona, Keala Settle, Keith Carradine & William Youmans, released by Ghostlight Records.

"The Soul of the White Bird" - from LIZZIE, sung by Carrie Manolakos, Carrie Cimma, Storm Large & Ryah Nixon, and released by Broadway Records.

"Built For Longing" - from MURDER BALLAD: A NEW MUSICAL (World Premiere Cast Recording), sung by Karen Olivo, John Ellison Conlee, Will Swenson & Rebbeca Naomi Jones, and released by Yellow Sound Label.

"Right Here" - from I COULD USE A DRINK: THE SONGS OF Drew Gasparini, sung by Alex Wyse, and released by Broadway Records.

"Before the Parade Passes By" from I'LL COVER YOU, sung by Telly Leung, and released by Yellow Sound Label.

"Starry Eyed/Video Games" - from IN CONSTANT SEARCH OF THE RIGHT KIND OF ATTENTION - LIVE AT 54 BELOW, sung by Laura Benanti, and released by Broadway Records.

"I Don't Make Love" - from 50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL - THE ORIGINAL PARODY (The Original Cast Recording), sung by Chris Grace, and released by Theater Advisor Records.

"Karma" - from EP, sung by Gabe Bowling and Michelle Vezilj, and released by Drink Me Up.

"We Are Never Getting Back Together" - from THE RADIO IN MY HEAD - LIVE AT 54 BELOW, sung by Aaron Tveit, and released by Broadway Records

"So Much Better" from IMAGINE PARADISE, sung by Levi Kreis, and released by Vision 9 Records.

"Marry Me a Little" - from MARRY ME A LITTLE (New Cast Recording), sung by Lauren Molina, and released by Ghostlight Records.

"The Ultimate Medley with apologies to ALW" from AWAKENING: LIVE AT 54 BELOW, sung by Sierra Boggess, and released by Broadway Records.

"Jolene, F**k You" from NORTH OF HOUSTON: LIVE AT 54 BELOW, sung by Michael Cerveris and Kimberly Kaye, released by Broadway Records.

"Revolting Children" from MATILDA (Original Broadway Cast Recording), sung by th original Broadway cast of MATILDA, released by Broadway Records/Yellow Sound Label.

"Raise You Up/Just Be" from KINKY BOOTS (Original Broadway Cast Recording), sung by Billy Porter, Stark Sands, Annaleigh Ashford and the Full Company of KINKY BOOTS, and released by Masterworks Broadway.

As we say goodbye to 2013, I wish you and yours the best. Here's to a stellar 2014!