May 2013 Songs [updated] (2026)

The song was a phenomenon. It was a throwback to the funky, soulful vibe of Marvin Gaye’s "Got to Give It Up," modernized with a slick, minimalist production by Pharrell Williams. For a few months, Robin Thicke was the biggest pop star on the planet. The video—infamous for its banned-from-YouTube unrated version—and the undeniable groove made it the barbecue anthem of the summer. While the song’s legacy is now complicated by legal battles regarding copyright and criticism regarding its lyrical content, musically, it remains the defining time-stamp of May 2013.

While pop and EDM ruled, May 2013 also saw the resurgence of Tamar Braxton. "Love and War" was a raw, soulful ballad that reminded listeners that the Braxton family still had vocal firepower. It peaked on the R&B charts in May and became a reality TV anthem. may 2013 songs

The female pop titans were also holding court. The song was a phenomenon