All Songs Considered: Our No. 1 Songs – 2013

Host: Robin Hilton
Guest: Stephen Thompson
Date: October 13, 2025
Podcast: NPR – All Songs Considered

Episode Overview

This special episode of All Songs Considered continues NPR Music’s retrospective journey through their favorite songs from the past 25 years, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. This year: 2013. Host Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson reminisce about their top picks for 2013, reflecting on music’s evolution and the impact these standout tracks and albums had on the year, as well as the broader music landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kacey Musgraves – "Follow Your Arrow"

• [00:42] Robin struggles to remember the song’s name, but immediately recognizes Kacey Musgraves’ breakout single.
• Stephen (02:25):

  “This was one of the first singles from Same Trailer, Different Park, her big breakthrough record… having a country singer singing a song where it’s basically, you know, kiss lots of boys, kiss lots of girls, I don’t care. You know, felt, you know, in 2013 was a fairly revolutionary sentiment coming from a mainstream country singer.”

• The hosts talk about Musgraves’ Grammys success and cultural impact, especially around LGBTQ+ acceptance in country music.
• Memorable event: The day the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, Musgraves performed "Follow Your Arrow" at the Tiny Desk concert—an iconic synchronicity for both music and social progress. (02:25)

2. James Blake – "Retrograde"

• [03:47] Robin brings in his pick: James Blake’s "Retrograde" from Overgrown.
• Robin (04:49):

  “Overgrown to me is peak James Blake, his voice could not be more perfect. More. It’s like crystalline. It’s warm, it’s resonant.”

• Stephen (05:06):

  “He’s just crooning, but with real emotion behind it. Yeah, it’s not just a perfect voice. It’s a perfect voice that is taking you somewhere.”

• The hosts analyze the theme and sonic structure—how the concept of "retrograde" is mirrored by the song’s contrasting movements (05:16).
• Robin recommends the “incredible video” for "Retrograde." (05:16)

3. Honorable Mentions and Other Favorites of 2013

• The Flaming Lips – "Look...The Sun Is Rising"

  • [08:32] Robin’s backup pick; Stephen recalls giving Robin playful grief for his obsession.
  • This song showcases the band’s experimental leanings on The Terror.
  • Robin:

    “You were obsessed, absolutely obsessed with that song at the time and I still love it.” (09:18)

• Typhoon – "Young Fathers"

  • [09:43] Stephen’s alternative pick. Known for their massed, emotional choruses on the album White Lighter.
  • Stephen:

    “That was one of those great like, like a booming chorus of … just like voices singing in unison. Deep emotion.” (11:18)

• The Front Bottoms – "Twin Size Mattress"

  • [11:37] Stephen highlights the song’s raw emotional power and raucous group vocals.
  • Stephen:

    “Another one with … definitely a sucker for like the chorus of, you know, 20 different voices all kind of screaming at the same time.” (13:04)

  • Recognized as “one of the better divorce songs of the 21st century.” (13:24)

• Son Lux – "Easy"

  • A hit from Lanterns (14:22). The hosts note its experimental, haunting production.

• Telekinesis – "Power Lines"

  • [14:33] Robin reminisces about the band’s song from Dormarion, calling it “a great song.” (15:28)
  • Stephen laments their long absence from releasing new music.

• Night Beds – "Even If We Try"

  • [15:37] Robin describes the track as “gorgeous,” and Stephen remembers liking it for its melodic melancholy.

• Dessa – "Fighting Fish"

  • [16:38] Stephen’s favorite. Dessa’s lyricism and flow highlight her unique position in indie hip-hop.
  • The hosts praise the “great record” she put out that year.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stephen Thompson [02:25]:

  “Having a country singer singing a song where it’s basically, you know, kiss lots of boys, kiss lots of girls, I don’t care … in 2013 was a fairly revolutionary sentiment coming from a mainstream country singer.”

• Robin Hilton [04:49]:

  “Overgrown to me is the is peak James Blake, his voice could not be more perfect. More. It’s like crystalline. It’s warm, it’s resonant.”

• Stephen Thompson [05:06]:

  “He’s just crooning, but with real emotion behind it. Yeah, it’s not just a perfect voice. It’s a perfect voice that is taking you somewhere.”

• Robin Hilton [09:18]:

  “You gave me so much grief for how much I love that, that song. You were obsessed, absolutely obsessed with that song at the time and I still love it.”

• Stephen Thompson [13:24]:

  “And the Front Bottoms, but one of the better divorce songs of the 21st century.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:27] — Introduction: Looking back at 2013’s top songs
• [00:42 – 03:26] — Kacey Musgraves, "Follow Your Arrow" (impact, context, cultural resonance)
• [03:46 – 06:45] — James Blake, "Retrograde" (album Overgrown, analysis, video rec)
• [08:32 – 09:43] — The Flaming Lips, "Look...The Sun Is Rising" (Robin’s close runner-up)
• [09:43 – 11:18] — Typhoon, "Young Fathers" (Stephen’s other top 2013 pick)
• [11:37 – 13:24] — The Front Bottoms, "Twin Size Mattress" (emotional group vocals)
• [13:31 – 15:28] — Other Highlights: Son Lux "Easy," Telekinesis "Power Lines," Night Beds "Even If We Try"
• [16:38 – 17:23] — Dessa, "Fighting Fish" (Stephen’s favorite hip-hop track)
• [17:23] — Wrap up; looking ahead to 2014

Tone and Spirit

The episode is light-hearted, nostalgic, and packed with genuine admiration for the year’s music. Robin and Stephen’s conversation is peppered with friendly teasing, deep affection for their favorites, and insightful analysis—making the episode as much a warm stroll down memory lane as it is a critical celebration of 2013’s standout tracks.

For Newcomers

If you missed 2013 (or want to revisit it through the lens of true music aficionados), this episode is a heartfelt guide with personal stories, critical context, and classic NPR Music camaraderie—complete with recommended listens that still resonate more than a decade later.