A Retrospective Look at Pop Culture Trends in the UK in 2013

As the year 2013 came to a close, it left behind a lingering trail of moments that had defined and impacted pop culture phenomenally in the UK. From music and movies to fashion, 2013 was all about trends, controversies and new releases that kept the nation entertained and engaged throughout the year.

Music

The year 2013 saw some of the biggest names in the music industry continue their trend-setting roles. The biggest album of the year was undoubtedly “Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk, which introduced the world to hit tracks like “Get Lucky” and “Lose Yourself to Dance”. Other heavyweights like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Eminem also made waves with their respective albums, while British pop sensations like One Direction and Little Mix retained their music kingdom in the UK.

However, the year wasn’t all light and merry in the music scene; just two weeks after the release of the single “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, it faced massive criticism and condemnation for promoting sexual objectification and trivializing consent.

Movies

2013 was the year for smash-hit movies that kept the UK cinema-goers glued to their seats. Superhero movies like Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World and The Wolverine drew massive crowds to the cinema screens, while family movies like Frozen and Despicable Me 2 broke records for box-office success. Gravity, a British-American epic science-fiction thriller film, also made a significant impact and won multiple awards for its cinematic brilliance.

Fashion

The fashion landscape in 2013 was nothing short of dazzling – it brought in bold prints, daring cuts, exaggerated proportions and all-white ensembles. If the red carpet was a bellwether of what’s trendy, then we would have noted the bold cocktail rings, crop tops and sneakers were all the rage in 2013. Fashion icons like Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne continued to influence fashion trends, while celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé kept pushing the boundaries with their out-the-box fashion styles.

Controversies

Controversies are also a pivotal part of pop culture, and in 2013, they were present in abundance. There was the Royal birth of Prince George, which was a much-celebrated occasion, but on the other hand, there were scandals associated with celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, and Katie Price. The sensational revelations of Edward Snowden’s classified leaks captured the world’s attention, while the infamous “Horsemeat Scandal” saw supermarkets recalling processed meat products from their shelves.

In conclusion, the year 2013 was an eventful year for pop culture in the UK – from fantastic music releases to mesmerizing movies, the year was full of trends, controversy, and high-end fashion, which set precedents that still influence the culture today.