hmv's Albums Of The Year…#8 Arcade Fire's Reflektor

Over the last month, we've asked all our staff members to vote for their favourite albums of 2013 and they've responded in droves. Over 500 albums received votes, but, after every vote has been counted, we have our final tally. Today we unveil who's taken the Number Eight slot, it's Arcade Fire's Reflektor…

Released in late October after months and months of hype, endless teasing previews and a supremely clever marketing campaign, the Canadian band's fourth album has quickly muscled its way into people's hearts and not left their stereos since the day it hit.

Produced by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and Coldplay/Bjork producer Markus Dravs, the album is a radical departure from the band's previous LPs, with the anthemic, guitar-driven tracks giving way to a more rhythmic and percussive sound. Eight of the album's 13 tracks pass the five and a half minute mark, with brooding basslines and driving drums powering them along.

The album's epic title track, which is a full seven minutes and 34 seconds in length, is the perfect distillation of the record's boundless ambition. Murphy's influence is clear, with the nagging, disco-inspired undercurrent and rhythmic drums brought to the fore. Other highlights include the starry 'Here Comes The Night' and the supremely inventive 'We Exist'.

It already felt like Arcade Fire were peerless, but with Reflektor they've truly proved it.

Best Track: 'Reflektor'

You can read hmv.com's full briefing on Reflektor here and download the record now from our download store.

Come back tomorrow to find out what #7 is in hmv's Albums Of The Year…