2013 Warped Tour Compilation

In its 13th year, the Vans Warped Tour boasts more diversity than ever. Aside from the usual representation of punk, hip-hop, metal, and pop bands, 2013 also saw some subgenres like metalcore, emo, post-hardcore, and dance pop. The Joplin, Mo., trio Never Shout Never sets the tone with the amorous serenade “All Mine.” An anomaly of pop sophistication, this song has more in common with vintage Elvis Costello recordings—a far cry from the high-energy music normally associated with the Warped brand. The Scottsdale, Ariz., radio-pop hopefuls The Summer Set follow with “Boomerang,” a hyperproduced gem of eardrum confection that namechecks Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s not until 11 tracks in that we hear a song reminiscent of the Warped Tour’s past leanings toward harder-edged music that could soundtrack extreme-sports footage. The Dallas group Crown the Empire makes the kind of melodic post-hardcore that can be heard blasting from the speakers of skateparks throughout America. The Exposed from Portsmouth, England, close with the wiry punk-pop standout “Sleeping’s a Waste of My Youth.”