The Best Albums of September 2013

We take a look at the month's best full-length releases.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The record industry had a big month in September; narrowing down a list to the ten best albums released during this period wasn't easy.

Diversity is the first word that comes to mind when looking over these selections. While EDM may not have had quite the same impact on the charts as in years past—Zedd's "Clarity" feels like the last major crossover anthem—the genre is still flourishing creatively and (especially) on the festival circuit. Khal of Do Androids Dance weighs in on the latest release from an underground electronic music scene based in Chicago. Our own Insanul Ahmed, meanwhile, takes a look at a record from an established star who may have slipped commercially, but retains—and even improves on—a familiar creative formula.

Take a trip to South Korea and explore the music of one of the country's biggest stars with Donnie Kwak. In Jamaica, Vybz Kartel has dominated the news, but Rob Kenner takes a look at another star who's giving dancehall new life. Music editor Dave Bry, meanwhile, takes a look at a collaborative album between an older British rock star and some of his American hip-hop fans. Meanwhile, Jacob Moore, David Drake, and Foster Kamer take a look at some of the work of new artists who made their first big splash last month. So here they are, the best albums of September 2013.

Written by David Drake (@somanyshrimp), Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin), Rob Kenner (@boomshots), Dave Bry (@davebry9), Jacob Moore (@PigsAndPlans), Foster Kamer (@weareyourfek), and Khal (@khal).

RELATED: The 50 Best Albums of 2016

Haim Days Are Gone

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Shaggy Out of Many, One Music

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2 Chainz B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time

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Janelle Monáe The Electric Lady

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Traxman TEKLIFE Vol. 3: The Architek

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Elvis Costello and The Roots Wise Up Ghost

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G-Dragon Coup D'Etat

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Lorde Pure Heroine

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Drake Nothing Was The Same

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Ariana Grande Yours Truly

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