2. Paul McCartney
Come on, he had to be on this list didnt he? How could he not be. The man is quite simply a legend. A musical phenomenon. The one and only Paul McCartney (perhaps the second Paul McCartney, after all Paul is dead). But conspiracy theories aside, Paul McCartney has made a triumphant comeback in 2013, and we have to acknowledge he still has it. Paul McCartney has arguably always had it. Had the special touch, the ear for a great melody, the talent and skill to make great records. He is a supremely talented musician and singer, an artist who defines the 20th Century. His position as bass player in The Beatles, plus his work with Wings, are exemplary of music as a whole. It is difficult to think of another artist who has contributed so much to the musical world. Perhaps Mozart. Or the guy who invented maracas. No, maybe not the maracas guy. But definitely Mozart. And definitely Paul McCartney. Sir Pauls musical career can be seen to have had a low point though, leading up through the 80s, 90s and 00s (Noughties? Do we call it that?). Whilst he has produced great records the past thirty years, none have matched the brilliance of his work with Wings or The Beatles. His 1980 album Paul McCartney II kind of represents his career post-Wings. Just a bit disappointing. Have you heard the track Temporary Secretary? Have you actually heard it? Mamma mia... That is why 2013 was a good year for Paul McCartney. Because he showed he really still has it. His new album, New, features some great and memorable tracks, and shows a return to form for the former Beatle. The titular single, New, has a musical style almost reminiscent of the Beatles sound, mixed with more contemporary McCartney. Aside from his new album, Paul McCartney has showed the world he still has what it takes to be a great artist in the modern day. Performing live is one thing, but performing a surprise live concert for free in central London is something else all together. His appearance in concert for BBC Radio 2 last month also shows how an old-age Paul can still rock like his younger self, as the 70+ bassist played a selection of his music from past and present to a captivated audience. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NAA6ZK4uNk