Top 25 albums of 2023.
A completely subjective ranking.
2023 is coming to an end and i quite enjoyed this year musically. I listened to almost 170 projects and 70 were from this year. Making this ranking was kind of hard but i narrowed my end-year list to 25 because i do not have the time to name 50 nor i liked that many projects from the ones i got into.
I don’t think i need to remind you all that this is MY ranking and there’s no objectivity when talking about art. If your favorite artist didn’t make it, i’m sorry. Okay! Let’s start!
Honorable mentions:
As i said, only getting to choose 25 records unfortunately meant to leave out some records i really liked (and even loved) from this list. I’ll do a quick mention of them and start my ranking.
Everything Harmony- The Lemon Twigs: I quite literally listened to this one for the first time yesterday and it was magical but i had the list sealed and done so i sorry to them. This is a folk/rock/pop album with beautiful melodies and harmonies. Really recommended!
All of This Will End- Indigo De Souza: One of the best indie rock albums of the year. Indigo is on a streak right now and i can’t wait to see what she does next.
I Inside the Old Year Dying- PJ Harvey: Polly is a multifaceted artist and if she wants to make an album based on her book with an ancient prose style, we shall bow and obey.
Heavy Heavy- Young Fathers: This is a last minute addition as well. Very eclectic and well produced. Don’t have very solid thoughts about it yet but it’s REALLY good.
Raven- Kelela: What can i say that hasn’t been said? The atmosphere she was able to create through this project is undeniably absorbing and immersive.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess- Chappell Roan: This one has grown on me significatively as i’ve relistened to it more. It’s a bombastic, contagious pop record with witty songwriting and really interesting production choices. I’m ready for her takeover.
I highly recommend the ones i mentioned previously if you haven’t checked them out. Now let’s get into the list:
The Age of Pleasure- Janelle Monáe.
This was my album of the summer. At first, i wasn’t a big fan of how immediate and brief the experience was. Her past records have been a bit more complex narratively and lyrically. But as i understood where this album was coming from and got to appreciate Janelle’s approach and attitude, expressed through the music, i couldn’t stop playing it. The transitions on this album are as seemless as they’ve been on past projects but there’s something special about them. This album feels like a coherent and complete body of work. The songs work by themselves but playing the entire thing from front to back makes me believe this is her most tightly put together release yet. No her best, but still a very effective and precise album.
STRUGGLER- Genesis Owusu.
Genesis is one of my favorite artists from Australia right now. He’s an innovator…this album is proof of his talent and work, being able to create excellent songs and rap under any genre that’s presented to him. The inclination towards punk rock makes this project very unique and allows Genesis to channel all kinds of emotions. It’s a testament of his vulnerability and ability to make great, catchy music while still experimenting and adding new sounds to his bracket.
BB/ANG3L- TINASHE:.
It’s no secret that i love Tinashe. Ever since i came across Songs For You, i immediately knew i was going to watch her every move. I got to see her live back in July and it got me even more excited for new music. This album, as short as it is, is the perfect display of who she is as an artist. I love how minimalistic and electronic these songs are. Her sound has evolved to the point of it working with any instrument backing her melodies and lyrics.
“Treason” is one of her best songs she’s written, “Tightrope” is masterfully produced and its lead single “Talk To Me Nice” has a very specific structure to it that i can’t get enough of. Can’t wait for Act II!
Space Heavy- King Krule.
I was not familiar with King Krule’s music and i am still figuring out what is it about his sound that makes me enjoy it, but while i get there i must say this is one of the strangest things i’ve heard all year. From his smokey voice to the soft rock instrumentation and jazz influences? I really cannot believe i love this.
Gag Order- Kesha.
This album is the realization of what Kesha has been working on ever since she debuted. After her EDM era, the career shift towards country and trying to bring them both together on High Road, Kesha finds herself in the artpop realm. Which fits the dark themes of the album, dealing with hopelessness, despair and the impact her trial against Dr Luke has had on her life. This album sees her exploring nihilistic feelings, her believings and an anger she hadn’t had the opportunity to bring out on previous releases.
“Fine Line” shows us her frustration because of living on “the edge” of being who she wants to be or making something out of this situation she lived. On “Eat The Acid” she reflects upon her abuse and how it’s changed her life, “Only Love Can Save Us Now” is a fantastically structured track where she talks about her relationship with religion while asserting that love is the only way out of her pain. Overall, this is a fantastic album with multiple highlights. Kesha really outdid herself with this one.
Something to Give Each Other- Troye Sivan.
If you would’ve told me Troye Sivan would release one of the best pop albums of the year, i would’ve probably laughed at you. The first time i listened to “Rush” i knew something spectacular was about to come (every single after it was getting me more excited) and while i was whelmed on my initial listen, i grew to really appreciate his development as an artist and the story he was able to tell through this body of work.
The insane sample on “Got Me Started” is so brilliant to me. The nostalgic chords contrasting with such a joyus synth line shouldn’t work. It really shouldn’t. “One Of Your Girls” is beautiful, i also love how lowkey “Silly is” and the saxophone on “How To Stay With You” is one of my favorites choices here. I am really pleased with this one as it is and i can tell this is just the beginning for him.
Zach Bryan- Zach Bryan.
As i’ve grown, i’ve learned i kind of love country music. The storytelling through the genre is just right up my alley and i’m not immune to really personal, well-written and acoustic ballads. I knew i was going to love this album and to no one’s surprise, from its opening poem i was immediately under Zach’s spell. I’m quite fond of this album and i cannot wait to spend more time with it.
Unreal Unerarth- Hozier.
This conceptual piece is as layered as you want it to be and more. I’m still not too aware of what’s going on during every track but as i’ve witnessed the unraveling of this project, i’m loving it more. It’s the first Hozier album i’ve loved. He’s approach to folk/pop/rock is so interesting. His songwriting is very detailed and his wording is very precise. I do believe i’ll come around this record narrative wise sometime next year and i’ll grow to appreciate it even more.
“De Selby (Part 2)” is a BANGER. I love the vocoder call and response moment in the verses and the chorus is explosive and giant. Also, “First Time” is one of the best songs ever written. WHO on EARTH would EVER write something like THAT? Yeah, let’s go on because i could talk about that song for days.
Diagnosis- Sen Morimoto.
Chicago based musician released his sophomore album and it’s a journey filled with uplifting folk rock songs. It deals with themes about societal issues, self growth and love. It’s a very interesting listen due to its jazzy influences and instrumental flourishes. It’s not been out for too long and i haven’t properly processed it but it occupies this place for a reason.
I Killed Your Dog- L’Rain.
L´Rain is an underground icon who makes disjointed and eclectic music. She could go under the artpop umbrella but i still wouldn’t place her there? Like this specific album has various jazz motifs and stuff that makes it sound “not possible”. Like this is music that could’ve only been in her brain first and that just blows my mind. An album so elegant with unbelievable swells that manages to be restrained and liberating at the same time. I could describe this one to you with words but no coherent thought could compare the experience of listening to it for the first time.
GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo.
It’s not unpopular to say Olivia Rodrigo is one of the best songwriters of our generation but i’ll emphazise on it through these examples:
Hate to give the satisfaction asking how you're doing now
How's the castle built off people you pretend to care about?
Ooh, I care, I care, I care
Like ribbons in your hair, my stomach's all in knots
You got the one thing that I want
Ooh, I try, I try, I try
Try to rationalize, people are people
But it's like you're made of angel dust.
Trust that you betrayed, confusion that still lingers
Took everything I loved and crushed it in between your fingers.
My undying love, now, I hold it like a grudge
And I hear your voice every time that I think I'm not enough.
And I know, in my heart, hurt people hurt people
And we both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal.
I think that’s enough. This album is such an improvement for Sour. The punk pop tracks WORK and the ballads are as powerful as ever. Cannot give enough Praise to this one, truly.
Calico- Ryan Beatty.
It’s like Phoebe Bridgers’ glitch folk had Frank Ocean’s vocal production. Ryan is a wonder of a songwriter. His poetry is as creative as it is delicate and heartbreaking. The images he’s able to paint on this sunny and bright Sufjan-esque landscape are very accurate to the feelings of heartbreak and solitude. Ryan is an extremely talented artist and it’s time he gets the attention he deserves.
Wallsocket- Underscores.
We get demented albums every year. Deranged if you will. This album has some of the weirdest melodic writing, electronic production and hooks of the year. And it’s an INDIE ROCK album. Believe it or not, this is such a fun record.
Songs like “Locals (Girls Like Us)”, “johnny, johnny, johnny” or “Cops and robbers” are bangers but their themes are very specific. From grooming, bankers’ evilness to very uncomfortable ballds like “You don’t even know who i am”. This is a project with very relatable and sometimes devastating themes but thread carefully when you get into it. You might need a couple listens to adjust to its explosiveness. But you won’t regret it! I promise!
That! Feels! Good!- Jessie Ware.
Disco songstress released yet another excellent record with a different sonic direction. The diversity of the instrumentation, which is almost completely live this time around, can bring you to some of moments of pure extasy. The outro of “Begin Again”, the beginning of “These lips”, the climax of “Hello Love”… every orchestral flourish here is lush and groovy. Disco is still pretty much written all over this album but the shades of bossa nova, funk and sophisti-pop excel on tracks like “Freak Me Now”, “Shake The Bottle” and “Pearls”.
I love how she dives into a different kind of storytelling here. She creates this fictional characters and plays with them. It’s like being in this fancy dinner and you’re getting to know every possible guest. All of them play a role in this story and so do you.
This Is Why- Paramore.
It’s incredible how after 20 years of working together, Paramore is still giving us quality projects. This is Why is proof of their versatility, Hayley’s ear for melody and lyricism, Taylor’s slick and playful guitar playing and Zach’s subtle but intoxicating drumming. The themes of this album continue with their journey during “After Laughter”. “This Is Why” describes feelings on anxiety thanks to the status they’ve reached due to their fame, “Running Out Of Time” is a playful banger about trying to do better with your loved ones and responsibilities but getting caught up in your own mind.
Songs like “You First”, “Big Man, Little Dignity” and “The News” bring back the anger that has characterized Paramore’s music since the beginning. And the songs about learning how to love and letting fear go like “Liar” or “Thick Skull” are brilliantly done and performed. It might be my favorite release of the band so far! And that’s a big deal because i really LOVE the band.
Fountain Baby- Amaarae.
First of all, nailing your sound on your sophomore effort is already absurd. Now, to make a masterful, inventive and completely original body of work with a combination of sounds so exquisite -that might melt your ears- is the product of an undeniable genius.
The embelishments in this album are majestic. The unwinding, expansive and pristine swells of the brass section, the strings combined with extremely detailed electronic production is amazing. The work of the guitarrists, the placement of the samples and harp work are more than great.
And Amaarae’s tone and melodies carry this album. Her command, her sexiness, the aerial quality to her timbre is just delicious to listen to. I don’t think there’s a more complete and satisfying collection of sounds you could listen to this year.
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?- Mckinley Dixon.
Mckinley Dixon is a generational talent. This album’s intimacy does not take away its capacity to make you get up and dance! Its strength is reflected through his delivery backed by glossy pianos, beautiful string arrengements and jazzy instrumentation that is perfectly balanced on the mix.
I’ve never read a Toni Morrison book but her influencing the concept of this album and his writing really makes me want to get into her. Cannot distress how special this project is. The vocal production, the drum lines, the interlude. Yeah, it’s impossible to not get goosebumps when you let Mckinley’s voice take you on this unforgettable journey.
Black Rainbows- Corinne Bailey Rae.
I was not familiar with Corinne’s previous work (Not even Put Your Records On. I’m sorry guys). I pressed play on this one while catching up on projects i wanted to finish my year with and she blew me away in ways no other album did. I’m not surprised this took years to be done.
This is a complete change in sound for her (So i’ve heard) and i don’t even know how could you label this record as. Yes, there are some rock/punk components and tracks (“New York Transit Queen” and “Ensure”) but the electronic world she brought here was just as predominant (“Red Horse” and “Put It Down”. And the more stripped back songs like “Peach Velvet Sky and “Before The Throne of the Invisible God” are stunning.
This is an accomplishment in sound. An accomplishment songwriting wise. An album so microscopically executed, every second counts. I must say, this is probably the most overwhelmed i’ve felt processing an album this year. After some weeks, i’m still trying to decipher some of the intricate transitions she had within songs like “A Spell, A Prayer”, “He Will Follow You With His Eyes” and “Put It Down” and i still can’t wrap my head around it. She’s a one of a kind artist.
Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua- Ana Frango Eléctrico.
Brazilian sensation Ana Frango Eléctrico decided to give us what probably is my favorite pop album of the year. Kicking off an album with the funky marvel that is “Electric Fish” was enough to win me over. The bass and guitar work on these songs are STELLAR. And good lord, the gigantic orchestration she was able to pull for this record is crazy. It’s on Disney’s level of stacked. “Nuvem Vermelha” and “Camelo Azul” are proof of this.
Ana has this wonderful capactity of writing the catchiest choruses. “Boy Of Stranger Things” is simply intoxicating. Also, her distinct way of blending Brazilian genres like bossa nova with sophisti-pop, jazz and funk makes her music even more layered.
I don’t think there’s a language barrier to be broken here. Ana’s fantastic artistry drives you right where you need to be: In your living room, with a glass of wine and dancing with your eyes closed.
The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We- Mitski.
One of the most prolific songwriters of our time came back this year, stronger than ever. This time around, we see her dive into the country world with new additions to her sound (Choral and orchestral arrangements) and it fits her style so well. “Heaven” is a career highlight and probably her most romantic song ever, “I Don’t Like My Mind” is blunt, vulnerable and potent, “My Love Mine All Mine” is a self love song that’s simply addictive and touching.
Every song here sounds so full and lively, definitely a big step for her conceptually and lyrically too. The last verse of “Bug Like An Angel”, the entirety of “The Deal” and “I’m Your Man” have some of the most gut-wrenching and moving lyricism of her career.
Mitski is yet to drop a weak project and this might be my favorite effort from her yet.
My Back Was a Bridge For You To Cross- Anohni and The Johnsons.
This album has very delicate subject matters and Anohni’s approach to them are very empathetic and honoring. Coming from her experience, songs like “It Must Change”, “Spacegoat” and “Rest” sound even more powerful.
She tells these stories from the perspective of a victim. Either it is abuse or discrimination, her vulnerability and take on 70s soul and rock allows her to create an environment where you feel safe and emotional.
These songs are confronting and comforting sometimes. “Sliver of Ice” is a song about her dear friend, Lou Reed, “Why Am I Alive Now?” is meditation on existence and purpose. All of these songs share universal truths that are told by a strong maternal figure.
Nico Paulo- Nico Paulo.
Canadian based singer-songwriter Nico Paulo released her debut album this year. I had no clue of who she was or what her music would sound like but the folky world i was introduced to helped me fall in love with this project very quickly.
“Time” is an upbeat song about leaving time behind and spending it with your lover, “Hand Kisser” honors her grandmother, “The Master” is a song about learning how to master your own emotions, “Read My Mind” is a poignant ending to this story, centered around the cycle of loving.
This album sounds as rustic as it is warm and magnificent in its composition, arrangmenets and it works just with its core elements: Guitar and voice.
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd- Lana Del Rey.
Wrote an entire article about this one because of the impact it had in me since it first came out (You can read it here) and i must say, it’s just gotten better with time. The love songs like “Sweet”, “Let The Light In” and “Margaret” just get better as you relisten to them.
“Kintsugi”, “The Grants” and “Fingertips” are meditations on death, memory and family that collide into a hurricane of emotions you can drown in. “A&W” and “Grandfather Please Stand on the Shoulders of My Father While He’s Deep Sea Fishing” touch upon topics of sex, love and the perception she has of herself and how fame has affected her.
This is her most personal project and it has the best production of Jack Antonoff’s career. The mystical and wavering string sections move like a swarm, following Lana’s delicate and nostalgic melodies. Her lyricism is subconsciously pouring out of her, creating a flow of poetry that reveals her most intimate secrets and fears. I don’t think there’s an album i’ve replayed more this year.
Javelin- Sufjan Stevens.
Sufjan is a once in a lifetime artist. Someome who has been working since the 90s in the folk field, that slowly transitioned into glitch-folk and whose fame has skyrocketed due to his characteristic sound and influence in the scene ever since Illinois (2005) came out.
His hard work and quickness has lead to the multiple projects he’s blessed us with this decade so far. We had 2020’s The Ascension, his joint album (with Angelo De Augustine) Beginner’s Mind and Convocations in 2021, Reflections early this year and to close the year, a brand new studio album.
This album came after the announcement of him being hospitalized due to guillain-barré syndrome and the passing of his life partner. Javelin is not only a reflection of the love they shared and Sufjan’s grief, but a contemplation of life and death. “Will Anybody Ever Love me?” seeks to answer that question, after having been loved in the way he was. The title track sees both of them (Sufan and his late partner) caught up in a fight and the poignant “Shit Talk” is an aftermath of it.
There is so much i can say about this bout this album but i’d still be minimal to what it really manages to be: A story about a shared love, in its purest form, transforming into something everlasting.
Why Does The Eart Give Us People To Love?- Kara Jackson.
An already established and acclaimed poet came out with her debut album and as expected, it contains some of the most refined songwriting this year. It’s a coming of age record filled with grief and literary devices that might catch you off guard:
“Like coyotes in culottes
Clawin' for coffee in open-toed shoes”
The ALLITERATION!!
“Being loved for my hazard and a will to destruct
And isn't that just love, a will to destruct”
“I'm not a liquidated asset
I'm a sharper than a jewel
What kind of miner does that make you?
When I'm the gold and you're just a fool”
“Shook the country from him likе a cub clawing its father”
“When we could barely read
I stood beneath your latest masterpiece
You collected colored pencils
And sharpened them when they got weak
But just when you should sharpen me
The angels licensed you to leave
No trace, no teeth
Lead me to the place you sleep”
I think you get it now. Kara Jackson is a prodigy. Her talent goes way further than pretty much every writer of our generation (In my opinion). This album demonstrates her adaptability and an idiosyncrasy that defies all convention. Playing with structure, length and rhythm.
Every instrument being played serves the narrative. Every sound is punctually placed and it enhances her wordplay. This could be seen on moments like the transition from “Free” to “Lily”, the ending of “Dickhead Blues”, the backing vocals at the end of “Curtains”, the embellishments on “rat”. Even the briefest moments of the this record "like “Therapy”, the reprise of “Recognized” and “Liquor” are nothing short to brilliant.
I believe this to be an essential listen of the 2020s so far. An album that will pass the test of time and will be revered as the flawless body of work it is.
I really enjoyed doing this and talking about all of these albums that mean a lot to me. Now, i want to know which one did i miss or i should check out next year? Which albums did you gravite towards the most? Let me know in the comments!
I’d like to thank your support this year. I’ve felt so much appreciation towards the 6 articles i put out this year and it’s thanks to you i can have my place to vent and talk about my most predominant obsessions. Have a nice end of 2023 and i’ll see you next year :)
Did you listen to Mon Laferte’s Autopoética??