History's Best Selling Music of 2013

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2013 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of music! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Random Access Memories and Asymmetry, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Daft Punk and Karnivool proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Random Access Memories

   Released in 2013 by Daft Punk, Columbia Records

   On May 17, 2013, the music world received a transmission from the past, filtered through the future. Daft Punk, the enigmatic French electronic duo, released their fourth and final studio album, 'Random Access Memories.' The release was one of the most anticipated musical events of the decade, preceded by a masterful marketing campaign that built suspense through cryptic television spots and a series of interviews with collaborators. Dropping in an era dominated by laptop-produced EDM, the album's arrival was a seismic event, a deliberate and bold pivot towards live instrumentation and classic 1970s and 80s studio recording techniques, challenging the very trajectory of contemporary popular music.

2. Asymmetry

   Released in 2013 by Karnivool, Cymatic Records, Density Records

   On July 19, 2013, Australian progressive rock band Karnivool unleashed their third studio album, "Asymmetry," marking a highly anticipated return after a four-year gap since their acclaimed "Sound Awake." The release was a major event for the modern progressive music scene, particularly in Australia, where the band had cultivated a massive and dedicated following. "Asymmetry" was not just another album; it represented a bold, deliberate step into more experimental and raw sonic territories. It debuted at #1 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, a significant achievement for a band operating in a niche genre, solidifying their status as one of Australia's most vital and inventive rock acts.