In general, it seems as if the music snob sages across Twitter have come to the conclusion that 2023 is a bit of dud for exciting releases. In some ways, they're right. Across nearly every genre, most of the heavy-hitters have been pretty quiet thus far, and while a few underground and indie records have crept into the discourse, 2023 will probably end up going down as a musical dry spell. As with any year, however, if you've kept your ear to the ground, and are willing to step outside of your musical comfort zone, there's plenty of gems waiting to be discovered. I've done my best to stay vigilant for 2023 releases, and compiled here is a list of 15 albums that have stuck with me so far, but which have all received very little attention. I've done my best to include a range of genres (my bias for hip-hop definitely shines through, though), and hope that any of these records are unfamiliar to you, you might find some new greatness to add to your 2023 rotation. Without further ado, here's 15 albums you might have missed in 2023 (so far).
1. Interstates - Abriction
Few subgenres have been lucky enough to experience the revival and utter renaissance that shoegaze and midwest emo have enjoyed over the past few years. Across RateYourMusic forums and Bandcamp featured articles, the sprawling sounds of records like Lift Your Skinny Fists and American Football have re-emerged as the blueprint for some of the most interesting up-and-comers in the alt scene. Take Abriction for example, a relatively unknown musician whose latest album Interstates is an immersive collection of head-banging and heart-breaking blackgaze. While it's definitely not going to be up everybody's alley (tracks like "Rose Gold" clock in at around 18 minutes in length), fans of post-rock, shoegaze, and metal are in for an absolute treat. Interstates is a cohesive soundscape that never fails to entertain, and is absolutely worthy of far more praise than it's received thus far.
Favorite Track: Lost in the Rain
2. Parthian Shots - AJ Suede & Televangel
For some reason, Seattle rapper AJ Suede has yet to be widely recognized as one of the best and most consistent voices in the hip-hop underground. Luckily, if you haven't yet had the chance to acquaint yourself with his work, Parthian Shots is a perfect place to start. The second collaboration between Suede and producer Televangel (following 2022's Metatron's Cube), this album is merely one of three that AJ Suede has dropped so far in 2023. Don't mistake his prolificacy for sloppiness, though; Parthian Shots is a fully-formed collection of modern jazz rap that showcases both of its artists at their absolute sharpest. The beats are an immersive cascade of beautiful sample flips, and Suede rides each and every one of them with the deftness of an MC ten times his notoriety. On top of that, the album features a litany of underground artists, most notably Bruiser Wolf and Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire. Any hip-hop fans who haven't checked this one out already, get on that as soon as possible, I promise that you won't be disappointed.
Favorite Track: Holy Moly (feat. Bruiser Wolf)
3. Picture of Bunny Rabbit - Arthur Russell
Best known for his 1986 debut World of Echo, Arthur Russell has garnered a cult reputation as one of the most enigmatic and singular voices in indie music over the past four decades. This time around, he's returned with an album of lo-fi folk recordings that manage to be just as entrancing as they are strange. Made up of mostly string arrangements, Picture of Bunny Rabbit is a tapestry of musical motifs, half-remembered melodies, and unintelligible vocals. It's a vast listening experience that simultaneously demands the full attention and complete dismissal of its audience, oftentimes bordering on ambient or drone. Altogether, it's a beautiful record that despite challenging its listeners is definitely a deeply rewarding experience, and one that further cements Russell's status as one of the strangest figures in modern music.
Favorite Track: Fuzzbuster #06
4. Leather Blvd. - B. Cool Aid
For anyone remotely familiar with B. Cool Aid or either of the members' previous work, it should come as no surprise that Leather Blvd. is a great album. Comprising of rapper Pink Siifu & producer Ahwlee, B. Cool Aid's first full-length album since 2017's Syrup is a delightful amalgamation of dusty grooves and lo-fi poetry that fully immerses the listener into a world that's as gorgeous as it is gritty. Alongside a laundry list of collaborators, B. Cool Aid unfurls track after track of delicate rhythms and muttered vocals, all of which blend together into a seamless project that demands to be replayed the second it comes to a close. Leather Blvd. is an album that feels truly hand-crafted; where every stitch of its sonic tapestry comes blessed with a seal of love. For any fans of hip-hop, jazz, or R&B, this one is an absolute must-listen.
Favorite Track: Soundgood (feat. Liv.e, Jimetta Rose & V.C.R)
5. The Heart of the Anchoress - Bianca Scout
"Ambient Pop" is a difficult genre to try and conceive of, but it's about the only title that feels apt for internet-core producer Bianca Scout's latest full-length LP. Heart of the Anchoress is a meandering journey through muffled instrumentation and dungeon-y echoes, but one that doesn't overstay its welcome with a mere 40 minute runtime. The album plays like a half-forgotten dream, which despite some of its darker aesthetics ends up feeling like a wonderfully comfortable hole to crawl into. There's a true ebb and flow to this project, where ghostly voices rise and fall amongst seas of ambient synth pads and various field recordings. Recently, Bianca Scout has been on tour with none other Alice Glass, so it seems as if her career is on the verge of becoming a mainstay in the experimental electronic scene. Whatever her next work might be, Heart of the Anchoress definitely ensures that I will tuning into to every one of her releases for the foreseeable future.
Favorite Track: Proud to Employ a Qualified Ghost
6. Euphoric Recall - Braids
Montreal indie trio Braids made a name for themselves as one of the most critically acclaimed experimental pop acts of the 2010s. Euphoric Recall is not only a continuation of that reputation; it's one of their best works yet. Despite being only 9 tracks, Euphoric Recall is a vast world of electronic soundscapes and stunning beauty, where lead singer Raphaelle Standell-Prestron has free rein to let her voice transform into a variety of haunting wails and sensual hums. The emphasis on electronic production really sets this album apart, and its intricate compositions are simply wondrous to behold. Every song here is an experience, and when listened to altogether, it's an absolute tour de force that astounds and delights in equal measures. No other album this year features a haunting re-interpolation of "Happy Birthday" that manages to be emotionally impactful, but thank God for Braids and their one-of-a-kind vision.
Favorite Track: Millennia
7. Ooh Rap I Ya - George Clanton
Much like the P-funk Legend his name pays homage to, it's difficult to describe what exactly makes George Clanton such an original artist, but there really is no one doing what he does. The 35 year-old Virginia native has accrued a devoted cult following over the past several years, releasing continually strange records that walk an indefinable border between pop, electronic, and punk. His latest offering, Ooh Rap I Ya, manages to be simultaneously reminiscent of 80's synth-pop and 90's alt-rock while also being its completely unique brand of crazy. Categorization aside, the music on Clanton's latest album is an absolute delight, and serves as an addictive sample platter of creative production, catchy melodies, and thoroughly thought-out cohesion. Of all the records on this list, this one has probably made the most noise — especially in the Music-Twitter-sphere — and I have no doubt that it's merely the first stepping stone for George Clanton to become one of the most recognizable names in the indie music scene.
Favorite Track: Punching Down
8. Serpent - Kool Keith & Real Bad Man
There's a solid argument to be made that Kool Keith might just be the most underrated MC in hip-hop history. Beginning in the late 80's as a member of the iconic Ultramagnetic MC's, Keith's career is nothing short of prolific, consisting of dozens of albums released under a staggering amount of aliases, group names, and collaborations. His latest work, with production assistance from Real Bad Man, manages to stand out even amongst the sea of Kool Keith releases. Serpent is an incredible collection of experimental rap greatness, where Keith's lyrical gymnastics go toe-to-toe with Real Bad Man's sinister backdrops. Keith is still as a creative as ever, jumping from different flows and voices like it's nobody's business, but his lyrics remain grounded in gritty depictions of delightfully eerie subject matter. The album is a really a masterclass hip-hop excellence, and it's truly astounding how little buzz this project has received, even among rap nerd circles. It's seriously worth your time, and easily stands out as one of the best hip-hop releases from this year so far.
Favorite Track: The Great Marlowe
9. the infinite spine - Lauren Auder
After years of singles and EPs, Lauren Auder's full-length debut album is finally here, and it's everything her fans could have asked for. For anyone unfamiliar with her work, Auder is a British-born singer and producer who has made a name for herself in the alternative pop scene on account of her distinctively emotive voice, powerful lyrics, and moody atmospheres. On the infinite spine, the she mostly leaves behind the electronic ambiances of her previous work, and instead focuses on creating grand, orchestral productions. The instrumentation on this album is a complete maturation of everything she's done in the past, and features gorgeous horn sections, sweeping string arrangements, and pounding rock drums. Lyrically, the album tackles such heavy subjects as body and gender dysmorphia, suicide, and self-hatred. It's never depressing, however, as each of these topics is delivered with stunning transparency, making for a deeply cathartic listening experience that empowers far more than it despairs. Lauren Auder is definitely here to stay, and the infinite spine will most likely go down as the beginning of what is bound to become a very successful career.
Favorite Track: 118-madonna
10. Always in a Hurry - Medasin
As someone who was only familiar with Dallas producer Medasin for his 2016 Pink Polo EP with Masego, I could not have been more pleasantly surprised with Always in a Hurry. While he might have made a name for himself with poppy EDM bangers, Medasin's latest work is a fully-fleshed-out electronic composition. The album is a beautiful soundscape of pillowy melodies and washed-out vocals, guided by skittering percussion and glistening piano. At only 30 minutes, it's a listening experience akin to a warm hug, which manages to toe that Tycho-esque line between relaxing and engaging. Always in a Hurry feels delightfully homemade, with "Up and Down" even including audio of Medasin hyping up the players in the studio. It's not an album that's reinventing the wheel, but it really doesn't need to. Always in a Hurry shines for being an incredibly well-rounded addition to the chillhouse genre, and one that definitely speaks to further greatness from its creator.
Favorite Track: Stretch
11. Bastard Jargon - Nakhane
While Nakhane is not yet a household name here in the U.S, the 35 year-old South African savant has certainly made an impact on their home country, and their relevance only continues to grow. Their latest album, Bastard Jargon, is a delightfully creative vision of indie pop that simultaneously pays homage to their Xhosa heritage while exploring new avenues of Afro-pop, dance, and rock. Across only 10 tracks, Bastard Jargon is a concise and thoroughly entertaining experience, which Nakhane uses to speak their mind on a variety of pressing social issues and injustices (hence the album's cover). The tracklist also features several eye-catching names that might be familiar to many listeners, including Perfume Genius, Moonchild Sanelly, and none other than the legendary Nile Rodgers. Altogether, it's one of the most fleshed-out and textually-rich pop albums of 2023, and both this project and the artist behind it are deserving of significantly more international attention than either of them are currently receiving.
Favorite Track: Tell Me Your Politik (feat. Moonchild Sanelly & Nile Rodgers)
12. Married in Mount Airy - Nicole Dollanganger
While she was admittedly unfamiliar to me before this year, Canadian singer Nicole Dollanganger is far from a new kid on the block. Since 2011, she's amassed a cult following for her dreamy, childlike sound and dark lyrical depictions of violence, sex, and love. Married in Mount Airy is a maturation of that familiar style, one where Dollanganger fully embraces the role of folk storyteller. Her lyrics come across like fairy tales; alluding to lost love, crumbling Americana, and familial heartbreak. The production is like a mirror world of familiar folk aesthetics, made up of distant guitars and sighing string sections. Then, on every single track, Dollanganger's voice floats through the mist with her signature cooing. For fans of artists like Ethel Cain, this album is a similar cathartic experience to some of her work, but Dollanganger still very much establishes a style that is all her own and which bears to be enjoyed over and over again.
Favorite Track: Married in Mount Airy
13. COOKUP - Sam Gendel
COOKUP's AI-Generated cover is a fairly indicative depiction of how Sam Gendel's music sounds: vaguely recognizable abstractions of jazz that nonetheless manage to evoke a feeling of absolute beauty. On his latest LP, the LA-based multi-instrumentalist pushes that muddy familiarity to its absolute limit; every track here is a cover of an 90s or 00s R&B hit. The marquee includes names like Ginuwine, Erykah Badu, and Boyz II Men, but even die-hard fans of any of these artists would be forgiven for not initially recognizing Gendel and Co.'s interpretations. COOKUP is an almost demo-like collection of musical savants breaking down some of the most popular music of all time into its most evocative bare-bones. It's certainly a jazz album -- Gendel's sweet sax work makes sure of that -- but it really is a testament to this project's creativity that a cover album might just be the most original record on this list. Regardless of if you're an abstract jazz snob or a 90's R&B super-fan, there's a transcendent quality to COOKUP that will probably be able to work its way into your heart and find a cozy place to settle.
Favorite Track: I Swear
14. He Left Nothing for the Swim Back - Skech185 & Jeff Markey
There's no question that this is the least accessible album on this list, and while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's absolutely deserving of recognition. Released on billy woods' Backwoodz Studios label, He Left Nothing for the Swim Back is a looming album of aggressive industrial hip-hop from rapper Skech185 and producer Jeff Markey (both Backwoodz signees). Every song here is a calculated assault, where Markey matches Skech's barking vocals with cacophonies of abstract electronic production. Skech's lyrics are razor sharp; apocalyptic ruminations on his career, the Black experience, and the world at large, all delivered through a gravelly snarl. It's an album that will certainly leave an impact, because for all of its chaos and aggression, it's also a carefully curated experience created by two masters of their craft. For fans of industrial and abstract hip-hop, this is an absolute must-listen this year, and we'll be waiting with bated breath for their next release.
Favorite Track: Up to Speed
15. Virtuoso - Valee & Harry Fraud
In the late 2010s, Chicago rapper Valee was one of the most promising and buzzworthy artists in the hip-hop scene, especially after signing to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label in 2018. While his hype has died down some in recent years, Valee's quality has not dipped at all, and Virtuoso is perhaps the best testament to that fact. Linking up with legendary producer Harry Fraud, Valee's laid-back delivery and out-of-the-box quotables sound smoother than ever on this project. Fraud makes sure to provide the MC with a multitude of addictively slick trap instrumentals, and the result is a bite-sized collection of late-night bops that might just be the most replayable album on this entire list. The features are equally quality, with Action Bronson and 03 Greedo making some especially notable appearances. Hopefully, this album marks the start of another peak in Valee's notoriety, because Lord knows he deserves all the attention he can get.
Favorite Song: About That (feat. 03 Greedo)
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