It’s fair to say that Haim had a pretty good time of it in 2013 and their breakthrough album ‘Days Are Gone’ makes a regular appearance on the Rock My HQ office playlist. The mix of electric guitars, electronic sounds and folk inspired hooks have led to Haim being compared to a multitude of diverse groups ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Destiny’s Child.

But 2013 wasn’t just the year for Haim… It was a great year for girl groups in general. For the record (excuse the pun) here’s my top 5 girl group albums from the last twelve months. Collectives that perhaps unjustly received far less media attention then those San Fernando Valley sisters enjoyed. See if you agree…

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AU REVOIR SIMONE | Move In Spectrums

Electronic beats, synths, haunting voices and catchy hooks are the hallmark of the Au Revoir Simone sound which has been accurately labelled as Dream Pop. Originally from Brooklyn, this all girl (all keyboard) trio have been around for over a decade. I was introduced to and became hooked on their 2009 album ‘Still Night, Still Light’ which is much more raw than ‘Move In Spectrums’ and definitely worth a listen too.

LAURA VEIRS | Warp & Weft

In recent years the rise of bands like Mumford & Sons has provoked a real resurgence of interest in folk music and artists like Laura Veirs are reaping the benefits by getting more regular radio play. Laura Veir’s 2013 offering (her ninth studio album), ‘Warp & Weft’ is an absolute joy, beautifully produced and rich sounding from start to end. It’s a good one to help get you out of bed on a Sunday morning/afternoon.

THE WATSON TWINS | Pioneer Lane

With a sound not dissimilar to Scandinavian outfit First Aid Kit – this identical twin sister duo from L.A construct stripped out acoustic sounds that really let the close harmonies of their sibling voices shine. I’m a big fan of goth rockers The Cure and first heard The Watson Twins back in 2008 when I discovered their fantastic acoustic rendition of ‘Just Like Heaven.’

WARPAINT | Warpaint

I am a late convert to ways of Warpaint, their latest self titled album has taken the band a few steps away from their indie rock roots and focuses less on guitars and more on keys. After hearing “Love Is To Die” on BBC Radio 6 music I downloaded this album and am currently tearing through the bands back catalogue.

HAIM | Days are Gone

The 2013 Mother-of-all girl groups… Every song on this album sounds like a single (apart from ‘My Song 5’ which is distinctly odd but nevertheless pleasant!). With a longevity that often alludes instantly catchy tunes ‘Days Are Gone’ is one of the musical highlights of 2013. If you’ve somehow managed to miss out on Haim you should probably get yourself to the party. The first Haim track I heard is still my favourite – check out “The Wire” on our mini playlist.

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If I had to make one recommendation over all it would be to listen to the Warpaint album – it’s a complete gem. The first three tracks set the mood and hook you in – the rest of the album is a ‘grower’ but totally worth sticking with and you must MUST listen to Love Is To Die – I would have included that track on our mini playlist if only it had been available on SoundCloud… Having said that the instant appeal of The Watson Twins had everyone’s toes tapping in the Rock My HQ office when I previewed the playlist yesterday…

Have a listen to our mini playlist album sampler and let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments box below. I’m always on the look out for new tunes too so please leave your own girl group suggestions for me… Who do you think should have made it on to the list?