Like many people, I was initially somewhat disappointed by the music releases of 2023. Regardless of how indie and unique most music listeners might claim to be, any given year is usually best defined by the event album releases and noteworthy artists who chose to drop something new. In contrast to that sort of usual excitement, 2023 saw the majority of the heavy-hitters in nearly every genre taking a backseat. This resulted in a year that felt somewhat anti-climactic, at least on the surface. However, when I took the time to actually go back through my music, I came to the realization that 2023 was chock full of quality projects, albeit mostly from smaller artists and lesser known names. Regardless of their notoriety, a ton of musicians took the time to create memorable compositions this past year, and this list is my best effort at compiling those moments and sharing my memories and personal adoration for the projects that left the greatest impact on me and my rotation. As with any list of this nature, the actual ranking is fairly arbitrary and determined by a completely subjective criteria in which I tried to consider the sheer amount of listening a particular album took up in my library in context with what I deemed to be the records' actual quality. In short: it's just what I like.
When I first started this website four months ago, the year-end list was a goal-post I couldn't wait to reach, as it felt like the most substantial and semi-professional form of journalism I could muster for this little passion project. Now that we're actually here, I want to thank anyone who's taken the time to read any of my articles during the few months, and I can't wait to continue working on this website and expressing my passion throughout the New Year!
Of course, some Honorable Mentions:
Leather Blvd. - B. Cool-Aid
Ooh Rap I Ya - George Clanton
That! Feels Good! - Jessie Ware
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz?! - McKinley Dixon
10,000 Gecs - 100 Gecs
Now, without further ado, let's begin the list of my picks for the 25 Best Albums of 2023!
25. STRUGGLER - Genesis Owusu
Two years after his stunning debut made waves in the alternative music scene, Australian-Ghanian musician Genesis Owusu returned with his sophomore effort, STRUGGLER. Inspired by a period of intense personal turmoil, Owusu's latest album is a brooding and unforgettable assault on musical conventions. As always, his music is nearly impossible to categorize, pulling from a variety of genres and styles until the end product is only a vague reminder of the things that inspired it. His lyrics are apocalyptic and bleak, alluding to unloving gods and the futile persistence of the human condition. Owusu's performances are especially notable on this release, as his vocals bristle with an obliterating sense of anger and self-flagellating hatred. When's all said and done, however, STRUGGLER is far from hopeless. Even in the face of such a dystopian backdrop, the real emotional power of this album comes from its indomitable drive to persist through the muck and mire of existential despair, and it turns out that for Genesis Owusu, struggling makes for a pretty damn entertaining project. For more of my thoughts on this album, check out my full review of it here.
Favorite Track: The Roach
24. UTOPIA - Travis Scott
As many listeners and critics have been quick to point out, 2023 was remarkably scant when it came to "event" album releases. Lucky for us, however, rapper Travis Scott saw fit to bless fans with the massively anticipated follow-up to his 2018 opus ASTROWORLD. For more than a week after its release, you'd have been hard-pressed to find a single hip-hop thread or talk-piece not dissecting every inch of UTOPIA, and its omnipresence has persisted throughout the rest of the year. For me, UTOPIA was surprisingly more exciting than the sheer spectacle of its release. While the hidden features and 75-minute runtime made for an unforgettable first listen, the real meat of Travis Scott's fourth studio album comes from its moody production and unsettling dark energy. For an artist of such a towering commercial stature, the borderline experimentation of many of the tracks on this record really does speak to the ambitions that have always elevated Travis beyond his trap peers. It's certainly not a perfect album, since even by Travis' already low standards for lyricism, his pen is noticeably weak this time around. Still, there's no denying that entering the world of Travis' Circus Maximus was one of the most memorable listening experiences of the entire year, and there's more than enough on UTOPIA to warrant returns for years to come.
Favorite Track: SIRENS
23. Javelin - Sufjan Stevens
In a press release accompanying his tenth studio album, acclaimed musical polymath, Sufjan Stevens, stated he was returning to "full singer-songwriter mode." Considering that his last several releases had ranged from symphonic compositions to ambient excursions, it was exciting to hear that he might be revisiting the folksy soundscapes of albums such as 2015's Carrie and Lowell. More notable than any of its stylistic indications, however, were the press release's bombshell announcements on Stevens' personal life: he had long been battling a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and the album was dedicated to the passing of his late partner, Evans Richardson. When Javelin did arrive, it fulfilled everything that been had promised, and then some. Stevens has indeed returned to a singer-songwriter aesthetic, but there's a new sheen of compositional dazzle-ment that elevates this record's arrangements. Javelin manages to create a striking dichotomy, sounding incredibly grand and expansive while also feeling scarily intimate. As one might have predicted, the album is an absolutely devastating listen, seemingly serving as a sort of catharsis for Stevens' grief and resentments. It's an album constructed with an aching level of care, and the true love laid into every stitch of its creation is nothing short of awe-inspiring to behold. Even in a career as lauded and beloved as Sufjan Stevens, Javelin is an epiphanous highlight, in which he bares his soul in this beautifully arranged and heart-shatteringly honest manner; a feat that only he could accomplish.
Favorite Track: My Red Little Fox
22. Quaranta - Danny Brown
In 2011, Detroit rapper Danny Brown released his breakthrough album XXX, a no-holds barred roller coaster ride through the dregs of drug addiction and the systemic decline of his city. Twelve years later, Brown is one of the most beloved cult figures in hip-hop, known for his signature yelpy cadence and affinity for chronically-online experimentation. In many ways, he's earned his spot as a certifiable legend in the rap game, and as he enters his fourth decade of life, the spiritual successor to XXX, Quaranta, couldn't have arrived at a better time. Age has been nothing but kind to Danny Brown and his pen. While he may no longer revel in the drug-addled debauchery of his youth, he's lost none of his potency and steely-eyed hunger. On Quaranta, there are plenty of zany bangers for Danny's longtime fans to enjoy, but the album is much more defined by its somber palette and unflinching emotional honesty. For the majority of the track-list, Danny isn't even rapping with his iconic squawkiness, instead preferring to linger in the lower range of his register. Alongside a slew of dreamy samples and disorienting production, Danny Brown sounds completely at home exploring the darker sides of his psyché, this time with a far less bristly brush than he's used in the past. There's a gentleness to Quaranta that was honestly quite surprising, and there's no doubt that it's the strongest solo project Danny Brown has released since his 2016 opus Atrocity Exhibition. More than a decade into his rap career, Detroit's most lovable weirdo continues to astound, and you can rest assured that this isn't even the last appearance he'll be making on this list.
Favorite Track: Y.B.P. (feat. Bruiser Wolf)
21. Nacksaw Jim Duggan - Estee Nack
In an interview on the Bucked Up Podcast, Massachusetts rapper and Griselda signee Estee Nack describes his style by saying, "I just kind of splash. I'm not breaking my head rapping... I'm not even as nice breaking my head rapping as I am when I'm splashing." When you listen to Nack's first full-length Griselda release, Nacksaw Jim Duggan, it's easy to see what he means. Even for a record label that's been defined by its abstract approach to boom-bap and drug-talk, Nacksaw is a weird ass album. Executive produced by the one and only Westside Gunn, this project really feels like the proper introduction to the brand that is Estee Nack (despite being just one of five projects he dropped this year alone). The beats are often formless and muddy, rarely offering any sort of clear rhythm or percussion. Through all of the chaos, Nack holds his own with incredible poise and Neo-like agility. His flows carve paths through the swaths of seemingly-unrappable instrumentation, and his bellowing, raspy delivery makes his potent one-liners all the more unforgettable. His subject matter ranges from his Domican heritage, his 5 Percent Nation beliefs, women, and of course plenty of drug-dealing. For the entire project, his words remain utterly captivating and wholly engrossing, resulting in an album that adds to the Griselda catalog while still standing completely alone. While he's far from actually being a new kid on the block, Nacksaw Jim Duggan feels like the definitive start to a new era of Estee Nack dominance, and there's no doubt in my mind that he's going to continue to impress.
Favorite Track: STRAWBERRYMILK
20. The Great Escape - Larry June & The Alchemist
If anyone ever wanted to know exactly what the summer of 2023 felt like for me, I'd point them to Larry June and The Alchemist's The Great Escape. Released at the tail-end of March, this album was my single greatest supplier of sunshiney jams in 2023, providing endless hours of enjoyment as I cranked it loud with the car windows rolled down. San Francisco rapper Larry June has a penchant for buttery-smooth depictions of the good life, delivered with a relaxed cadence that would sound right at home in any number of 70's Blaxploitation flicks, and his performances here are accompanied by some of The Alchemist's balmiest sample flips to date. The track-list is also littered with an all-star roster of features, all of whom turn in legendary verses (Big Sean might just take the cake, though). This album slots itself into the venerable category of luxury rap, easily earning a place alongside the chromed-out fantasies of Reasonable Doubt and Harlem World. The Great Escape truly sounds like an unofficial Greatest Hits mix, giving Larry June his most lucrative album to date and serving as an excellent introduction to his brand of lackadaisical lavishness. For newcomers and old fans alike, The Great Escape is a high point for two of the most beloved figures in modern-day hip-hop, and it's guaranteed to transport its listeners to a world of perpetual summer anytime it happens to be in rotation.
Favorite Track: Turkish Cotton
19. Wallsocket - underscores
Hilariously, my first exposure to underscores and her album Wallsocket came from a YouTube thumbnail that coined the record as a "Zoomer Masterpiece." While the term initially made me roll my eyes, upon actually listening to the album... you'd be hard-pressed to find a more apt descriptor for what makes the underscores sound so special. At just 23 years old, underscores is an undeniable prodigy, and nearly every single facet of her musicianship can be traced back to influences that could only ever exist in the modern Internet-era. While the last few years have earned her a decent amount of buzz in the depths of the experimental indie music scene, Wallsocket has proven to be a major breakthrough for her and her music. Sonically, the record is a glitchy collection of rock, punk, grunge, and even hyperpop. Lyrically, underscores' songwriting takes on the role of something akin to a prying home video camera; capturing the ugliest parts of middle-class life with not an iota of beautification. The songs on this album toe a line between laugh-out-loud satire and straight-up horror, delving into topics like cross-country weeks on the lam and graphic depictions of underage grooming. Everything about Wallsocket's composition feels like an exercise in controlled chaos, because no matter how ballistic the music itself might become, underscores maintains a powerful sense of purpose and infectious energy throughout the entire affair. Altogether, it's a jaw-dropping introduction to one of the most unique up-and-comers I came across this year, and this is undoubtedly a record I can see myself returning to for years to come.
Favorite Track: Johnny johnny johnny
18. Permanently Blackface (The 1st Expression) - Lukah
While the general lack of high-profile rap releases has led to a wonderful embracement of underground hip-hop throughout 2023, the lack of discussion around South Memphis rapper Lukah's Permanently Blackface is nothing short of disgraceful. This is the sort of project hip-hop fans claim to have been waiting for throughout 2023, and yet its role in the AOTY conversation has been largely silent. If the album's cover wasn't already enough indication, this is not a project that pulls its punches whatsoever. For 38 minutes, Permanently Blackface is a straight-up assault delivered on behalf of the ugliest corners of history. Lukah's pen channels pure poetry in tandem with unbridled emotion; his burning hatred tempered by a world-weary wisdom and Sisyphusian cynicism. His words are accompanied by a haunting collection of jazz instrumentals, warped and distorted to reflect the minstrel shows which they are depicting. The concept of Blackface serves as a potent symbol of the album's many themes, which Lukah reinterprets into gripping narratives, extended metaphors, and rallying cries. The storytelling on this album truly needs to be heard to be believed, and tracks like "A Black Man's Worst Fear" legitimately belong in the hip-hop storytelling hall of fame alongside the likes of Nas and Ghostface Killah. Permanently Blackface sounds like frustration incarnate, and serves as a personal testimony of one man's experience that channels centuries of abuse and injustice into its track-list. Lukah is absolutely someone who bears attention in the future, and I can only hope that this album will find the recognition it deserves in the coming years.
Favorite Track: Melanin Child (feat. LottaLox)
17. SCARING THE HOES - JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown
Considering that they were already the de facto leaders of all internet weirdos and Redditor hip-hop fans, it seemed only apt that Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA should link up to deliver something for their disciples. Even with those pretenses in mind, SCARING THE HOES turned out to be even more bonkers and breakneck than we ever could have predicted. Few things have ever felt as natural a pairing as Danny Brown's unintelligible screeches delivered over JPEGMAFIA's chronically-online sample flips, and the two rappers are able to keep the pedal glued to the metal for the album's entire runtime. There truly isn't a dull moment on SCARING THE HOES; the beats ricochet from nightcore Ginuwine vocals to vintage Japanese noodle ads, and the lyrics are quotable laugh-fests that become unforgettable after just a single listen ("You ain't Kai, one Twitch and you banned"). As someone who's never had the most stamina for noisy releases of this nature (a bold statement, I know), SCARING THE HOES earns my admiration for its complete lack of filler and seamless pacing. This might be a chaotic album in concept, but the actual structure is quite meticulous and crafted to ensure the easiest listening experience possible (relatively). Every song has a distinct identity, and I've yet to meet a single person who has the same favorite track from the project. For fans of 4Chan, hip-hop, Twitter, and hentai — there really is something for everyone on SCARING THE HOES... and Lord knows it's the sort of thing you're not going to hear from any other album in 2023.
Favorite Track: Lean Beef Patty
16. MICHAEL - Killer Mike
In his 2015 song "Hood Politics," Kendrick Lamar rapped the unforgettable lyric, "Critics say they miss when hip-hop was rapping/Motherfucker if you did then Killer Mike would be platinum!" Eight years later, Killer Mike's name is still worth its weight in rap game credibility, and MICHAEL is just another addition to his already impressive track record. Hailing from Atlanta, Mike has never been one to shy away from his Southern roots, but this album is a whole other level of Dirty South styling. MICHAEL doesn't just rep Atlanta in its sound; it embodies the city's past, present, and future in the very essence of the album's soul. Across 14 tracks, Killer Mike weaves a tapestry of personal tales and testimonies, simultaneously cementing his legendary status while paving new ground for his music. The album is absolutely littered with features, from iconic names like André 3000 and Cee-Lo Green to relative newcomers like Mozzy and Kaash Paige. Even amongst such illustrious company, Killer Mike still manages to steal the spotlight on almost every single track, bouncing from numerous flows with an effortless bravado that never falls short in the lyrical category. There are moments of elation on MICHAEL, moments of introspection, and moments of the dirtiest southern rap music that hip-hop has heard in a while. Altogether, Killer Mike's latest is an exceptional project that deserves all of the praise it's received thus far, and while it probably won't take home the Grammy it so rightfully deserves, rap fans know exactly how much it's worth.
Favorite Track: SLUMMER (feat. Jagged Edge & Fousheé)
15. Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? - Kara Jackson
One of the most heart-warming occurrences in music this year, was seeing the wide-ranging acclaim and growing adoration for Kara Jackson's debut album, Why Does Earth Give Us People to Love? The record is a stunning collection of sparse folk music that emphasizes Jackson's unique voice amidst an effervescence of lo-fi production. A former Youth Poet Laureate of Chicago, Jackson's songwriting is as strong as anyone could ask for, and the album also features her multi-instrumental talents on the guitar, banjo, and piano. The record is dedicated to the passing of one of Jackson's friends, and explores subject matter ranging from toxic relationships, self-actualization, and the steady dissipation of childhood expectations for life. Through it all, Jackson carries the spotlight with an understated charisma, remaining completely captivating even on the album's longest excursions. In many ways, Why Does Earth... is as fascinating as it is emotionally resonant, providing countless hours of texture and lyrical depth to unpack while never losing sight of the record's intimate core. After the 13 tracks have come to a close, each and every listener can enjoy the distinct privilege of feeling somehow closer to Kara Jackson and her world. Why Does Earth Give Us People to Love? is a gorgeous invitation into the secret garden of a newfound musical prodigy, and if this is how good she sounds at the beginning of her career, there's no doubt that we'll be hearing quite a bit more from Kara Jackson in the future.
Favorite Track: No Fun/Party
14. Erotic Probiotic 2 - Nourished by Time
Prior to this year, Nourished by Time was an artist who was completely unfamiliar to me. Across Twitter and various music spaces, however, I saw this particular album popping up in quite a few recommendations. For some reason, I never quite found the time to give this record the proper listen it deserved, but when I finally got around to it...? Erotic Probiotics 2 absolutely blew me away. Recorded in his parents' basement in his hometown of Baltimore, this album marks the debut record from singer-songwriter and producer Marcus Brown, AKA Nourished by Time. At just 34 minutes, Erotic Probiotics 2 plays very much like a mixtape, sounding akin to the sort of demo tape that would find a second life after being discovered in the depths of a garage sale. It's a deeply personal statement masked in hazy production and digitized soundbytes, and it's very much one of the most enigmatic releases I came across this year. This nebulous nature is exactly what makes Erotic Probiotics 2 such an effective project, since while thematic elements of Brown's lyrics are clear upon closer inspection, the album's moody production and fuzzed-out edges make it instantly accessible and apt for any mood or environment. I'm so glad Nourished by Time finally reached my radar this year, and I simply can't wait to hear what he might possibly concoct in the future.
Favorite Track: Daddy
13. Fountain Baby - Amaarae
Without a doubt, Fountain Baby is the album on this list with the capability to burn the most calories for its listeners. When putting it on, you'd basically have to be superhuman to not submit to its invitation to get up and dance, and chances are you'd feel inclined to do far more than boogie. This is a sexy album, no way around it; one that revels in the sweat-soaked fever of packed nightclubs and the electric tension between two bodies pressed against one another. Song after song, Ghanian-American singer-songwriter Amaarae unfurls a world of angelic debauchery, resplendent in its luxury and allure. The influences on this project run the gauntlet from Afro-beat to 2000's hip-hop, wherein each and every style is incorporated with one simple goal in mind: getting some asses to shake. The nocturnal seduction of Fountain Baby is quite simply hard to resist, but the album also showcases a level of sophistication and sequencing that elevates it far beyond the ranges of an ordinary dance record. It really feels as if you're getting to know Amaarae through listening to this album, and her depictions of romance amidst the rhythms of nightlife speak to her undeniable star power and captivating persona. Her angelic cooing walks a tantalizing line between innocent and seductive, but this album is perhaps best remembered for its abundantly clear takeaway: Amaarae is just having so much fun on this project! There are many factors that make Fountain Baby the unforgettable listen that it is, but all of those accomplishments really pale in comparison to the sheer enjoyment that comes from letting the songs infect your body and carry you onto the dance floor.
Favorite Track: Reckless & Sweet
12. Voir Dire - Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist
Nearly 4 years ago, legendary producer The Alchemist and prodigious rapper Earl Sweatshirt clued fans in to a full-length collab tape that the duo had already released under a different moniker. After the fans' searches proved to be fruitless, Earl and Alc finally saw fit to bless the people with the official release of Voir Dire, a 30-minute album of everything we'd hoped their collaboration would be. As predicted, Earl's free-flowing thoughts and sporadic rhyme schemes fit Alchemist's swampy beats like a glove, making for an eleven-track collection of career highlights for both artists. There's a distinct soul to Voir Dire, palpable through the record's sautéd sampling and heartfelt lyricism. While Earl's performances are largely a solo affair, the chopped up vocals and sound bytes add a backing chorus that harmoniously alludes to a wide range of collaborators and influences, both bygone and present. Earl's depictions of grief and self-doubt are delivered with his signature lackadaisical cadence, but even his darkest depictions of rock bottom are balanced out by sardonic one-liners and memorable punchlines ("Talk out the side of your mouth like Harv' Dent"). Even with such a slim runtime, Voir Dire made up a considerable amount of my rotation this year, and while I'm still frustrated that the three best songs from the original version have yet to be added to streaming services, there's no question that I'm going to be coming back to this one for a long, long time. For more thoughts on this album, check out my full review of it here.
Favorite Track: All the Small Things
11. We Buy Diabetic Test Strips - Armand Hammer
How do you follow up a magnum opus release alongside one of the greatest producers in rap history (2021's HARAM with The Alchemist)? For New York rap duo Armand Hammer — comprised of rappers billy woods and ELUCID — it looks like creating your biggest and most ambitious record to date. Described as "a Midsummer's Night in Brooklyn," Armand Hammer's seventh studio album is a semi-formless depiction of jagged images, shattered dreams, and suffocating reality. Created alongside a slew of collaborators and musicians, We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is an experimental epic, barely adhering to conventional understandings of rhythm and structure and instead choosing to blaze new trails of expression. At times, it's electronic and ambient; others, industrial and aggressive; and occasionally it's some good old-fashioned acid jazz. No matter what stylistic journeys the album decides to embark upon, woods and ELUCID serve to guide the ship with their unwavering lyrical onslaughts. Their words are esoteric and strange but never go so far as to become alienating or unrecognizable. There's a throbbing, bleeding heart to everything that comes from the pens of these two MCs, and even at their darkest and most apocalyptic, there's a cathartic sense of visibility that comes from feeling the sharpest stings of their poetry. For more of my thoughts on this album, check out the full review of it here. (Also, don't worry, this may or may not be the last time I talk about billy woods on this list)
Favorite Track: The Gods Must Be Crazy
10. Me Chama de Gato Que Eu Sou Sua - Ana Frango Eléctrico
On the ever-growing list of prominent artists who I finally encountered in 2023, Ana Frango Eléctrico is one of the most exciting. Hailing from Brazil, Eléctrico has made a name for themself over the past several years as a producer, composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Their music is often defined as being a fascinating blend of modern pop and more traditional Brazilian music. For their latest full-length venture, they set out to create their most personal and intricately produced body of work to date, and considering that Me Chama de Gato Que Eu Sou Sua was the result? I'd say they definitely succeeded. With a title that roughly translates to "Call Me They That I Am Yours" (or "Call Me Cat I'm Yours"), Me Chama is an exploration into Elétrico's own identity delivered alongside an array of eclectic instrumentation and wide-ranging stylistic influences. Throughout the record, there's glimpses of MPB, boogie, bossa nova, indie pop, art pop, and so much more. Considering that the majority of the album is in Portugese, I'm sure there's a substantial amount of subtext and lyricism that has gone over my head on each and every listen of this album. Despite this, however, Me Chama's electric energy and colorful palette have made it one of the most dominant figures in my rotation. This is an album that simply sounds creative, and regardless of what language you may speak, the music on this project oozes with a magical sense of passion and spontaneity that transcends cultural boundaries. I can't believe I wasn't familiar with Ana Frango Elétrico until this year, but you best believe I'm going to be checking out every single thing they release in the future.
Favorite Track: Nuvem Vermelha
9. Did you know there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd - Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has never been afraid to wear her influences on her sleeve. Whether it's her Cohen-like vocals or her Americana facade; the aesthetics of the past have always been an indelible part of her art. There's no doubt that nostalgia once again plays a part in her eighth studio album, Did you know there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, but this time around her influences manifest in a far more etheral manner. Across the record, Lana channels something decidedly more personal, serving as a spiritual conduit for the ghosts of her loved ones as well as her religious beliefs. Even for an artist already known for her languid performances and moody compositions, Ocean Blvd is a slow and dreamlike experience. Lana's pen sounds sharper than ever, and amidst the seas of effervescent piano and distant percussion, the songs on this album sound straight out of a jazz club in purgatory. In line with the record's conceptual focus on spirituality, Lana heavily taps into the sounds of gospel and chamber folk, enlisting help from the likes of Jon Batiste and Father John Misty. The result is a heavenly body of work that delves into subject matter that would probably be considered widely secular by most religious institutions. It's this bittersweet flavor of cynicism that gives the album such a potent sense of momentum, and while there's plenty of signature Lana sarcasm here to enjoy, her actual tone is far more nuanced. Once again, one of the most beloved voices in alternative music has outdone herself and reinvented every preconception that existed for her. Eight albums deep, Lana Del Rey is just getting better and better, and until she sees fit to bless us with more brilliance, Ocean Blvd is more than enough to unpack.
Favorite Track: A&W
8. This Is Why - Paramore
When you're eleven years-old, you have absolutely no concept of whether or not the music you listen to is considered to be critically acclaimed or "objectively" good. Because of this, it's always a pleasant surprise when a band that defined your youth grows up into one of the most beloved and well-received acts of the modern day. Take Paramore for example, who have successfully transitioned from masters of pop-punk and radio singles during the late 00's and early 2010's into now being one of the most prominent and highly regarded names in alternative music. After their 2017 release After Laughter played around with some New Wave and 80's nostalgia, Paramore is back with This is Why, which instead embraces the moodier sides of rock music... and it just might be their best yet. Track after track, the band's latest effort is a tightly arranged collection of hard-hitting melodies, striking lyrics, and of course Hayley Williams' infallible star power. Every single song here feels like a carefully concocted statement, making the overall album an absolute joy to listen to. There's an overwhelming sense of angst to this project, but rather than manifesting in the cheeky pop punk of their past, the emotionality of this record is communicated in a manner that feels incredibly raw. This is Why is a striking listen, but also one that feels extremely accessible and appropriate for just about any mood. It's an absolute pleasure to see one of the most fun bands of my childhood now inhabiting such a venerable spot in the general music discourse, and if Paramore keeps on putting out albums that sound this good? There's no way they'll be leaving my rotation anytime soon.
Favorite Track: Big Man, Little Dignity
7. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You - Caroline Polachek
Considering that 2023 was such a slow year for prominent album releases, Caroline Polachek's fourth studio album arriving in February felt like a gift from the heavens. Already regarded as one of the strongest figures in modern art-pop, Polachek's latest body of work didn't necessarily need to prove her brilliance to the world at large... and yet she still managed to cook up the absolute best record of her career thus far. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is so good it almost goes without saying. Oh, the songwriting is unforgettable and delightfully theatrical? Go figure. What's that? The production is stunningly dense and utterly captivating? Well, duh. It certainly made sense that Caroline Polachek was going to drop a quality album – it's all she really does – but I think that an entire year of getting to listen to this record has made me take its genius for granted. Desire is defined by its incredible sense of scope, manifesting an auditory landscape that's nothing short of immersive. There's a sense of majesty and grace to everything Polachek does on this record, and the result is a pop album that feels like it belongs squarely in a museum. Her excursions here are certainly esoteric and strange, but they also carry a cinematic quality that makes them easy to come back to again and again. It's no surprise that Desire, I Want to Turn Into You has been popping up at the top of nearly every Best Of list, and while its inclusion here may not be the most illustrious praise Polachek has received, it still comes from a place of adoration and deep-seated love for her work and this magnificent album.
Favorite Track: Sunset
6. Powders - Eartheater
For the past several years, Alexandra Drewchin — AKA Eartheater — has been one of the most consistent and captivating voices in electronic music. As a performer, producer, multi-instrumenalist, and fashion model, the Eartheater brand has become synonymous with alien aesthetics and a larger than life presentation. Drewchin's latest effort, Powders, is no different, but it stands out amongst her catalog as one of the punchiest and most emotionally poignant statements she's made to date. Throughout a mere 9 tracks, Eartheater unveils a world of cyborg instrumentation; combining acoustic orchestration with ambient flourishes and full-on dance rhythms. Powders ends up sounding like a bizarre conversation between the organic and the artificial, and this push and pull of energy makes for a captivating and unforgettable listening experience. Through it all, Eartheater's presence is looming and completely engrossing, oozing with the charisma of a predatory animal performing at the peak of its prowess. She's simultaneously dominating and vulnerable, and for anyone yet unfamiliar with her music, Powders is one of the best places to start what will surely be an unforgettable journey. For more of my thoughts on this album, check out my full review of it here.
Favorite Track: Crushing
5. Burning Desire - MIKE
For years, I had a tough time understanding the hype behind New York rapper MIKE. I've of course always respected his importance to the burgeoning scene of abstract hip-hop, but the adoration from his fan-base was never a movement I could fully put my own personal taste behind. With Burning Desire, however, I'm proud to say: I finally get it. MIKE's latest album is an absolutely beautiful collection of smokey loops with some of his sharpest performances and most evocative writing to date. As the title implies, this album burns with the fire of unmistakable passion, at times manifesting in a comforting warmth and at others bursting into a scorching blaze. Conceptually, Burning Desire plays as a vessel of African heritage which MIKE utilizes to explore his own personal experiences. His presence on the mic is as understated and mumbled as ever, but he comes across deeply focused and impassioned with fiery urgency. While his pen is certainly nothing to scoff at, the self-produced beats are really the star of this entire affair. For 24 tracks straight, MIKE arranges beautiful samples in a fashion that's completely immersive and unforgettable. Several of the album's instrumental segments have ended up being my most replayed cuts from the record, which should hopefully speak to the sheer majesty of MIKE's production this time around. You can literally feel the love that went into this album, and every sample chop and small vocal idiosyncrasy feels like a stitch in a homemade tapestry. All in all, Burning Desire turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of my entire year, and it's safe to say that I will never, ever doubt MIKE and his work again. For more of my thoughts on this album, read my review of it here.
Favorite Track: should be! (feat. Lila Ramani)
4. Space Heavy - King Krule
In April of this year, beloved indie pessimist Archy Marshall, AKA King Krule, released the lead single for his upcoming album, Space Heavy. "Seaforth" was a gentle lo-fi ballad that marked a striking new change for Marshall: it sounded kind of happy. When the album finally arrived, it turned out that while "Seaforth"'s sunny undertones might have been a bit of a stylistic red herring, Space Heavy is still an incredible testament to how far King Krule has come since his prodigious penchant for angst in the early 2010's. Marshall's last release, Man Alive! from 2020, was his most fleshed-out and comprehensive body of work to date, emphasizing a jazzy approach to post-punk and a broader scope of lyrical subject matter. In many ways, Space Heavy picks up exactly where Man Alive! left off, but Marshall's latest stands apart for its return to the patented brand of personal introspection that put King Krule on the map. Space Heavy moves very much at its own pace, allowing the songs to slowly inflate with a sense of organic respiration. The majority of the record may be downtrodden and slow, but make no mistake; it's far from boring. In the past, pacing was often King Krule's Achilles Heel, but Space Heavy is a concise and utterly effective formula that he executes with maximum impact. Just like every King Krule record that's come before it, the emotional claws of Archy Marshall are basically impossible for me to resist, and since the day it came out Space Heavy has occupied a quiet corner of my heart.
Favorite Track: Wednesday Overcast
3. My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross - ANOHNI and the Johnsons
It's amazing how even in the modern age of infinite access to every song and album you could imagine, so many incredible artists still can end up slipping through the cracks. Take ANOHNI and the Johnsons for example, a band that's been active since as early as 2004 but also one that I've never heard of until this year. Regardless, the important thing is that I was able to hear My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross, which despite only recently entering my rotation has left an impact more intense and arguably more powerful than anything else on this list. Conceived of as a conceptual response to Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece What's Going On, ANOHNI's latest work is forged by the burning need for one's mere existence to be acknowledged, as well as the insurmountable battle that accompanies that journey. In short: it's devastating. Amidst a soundscape of bluesy rhythms and R&B influences, ANOHNI's voice is like a beacon of hope, aching with authenticity and etched by the pain of the very things about which she is singing. In every sense of the word, My Back is a catharsis. Across a mere 10 tracks, the album plays out as a perfect demonstration of crippling grief that slowly gives way to hope and acceptance. The sadness of this record is crushing and utterly inescapable, yes, but these songs also exist as rallying cries that provide invaluable visibility to millions of LGTBQIA+ listeners. This is an album that transforms the soul into an audible entity; unafraid to show it in its ugliest and most primal state. My Back Was a Bridge For You to Cross is a deeply personal testimony steeped in decades of history and injustice, and it's absolutely one of the most masterful and evocative bodies of work I've had the pleasure of experiencing this year.
Favorite Track: Can't
2. GENERATIONAL CURSE - ICECOLDBISHOP
Making a debut album is a hell of a lot of pressure. In order for an artist's debut to really be seen as successful, it needs to not only be a critical hit that demands attention from publications and blogs, but it also needs to showcase the potential for an artist to grow bigger and one day dominate the mainstream. It's a tall, tall order for any artist to manage, especially in the world of rap, but on his debut album, GENERATIONAL CURSE, ICECOLDBISHOP knocked it out of the goddamn park. Hailing from Los Angeles, the 29 year-old rapper has been bubbling under the radar for several years now, and in March of 2023 he saw fit to finally explode into the rap scene with one of the most fully-formed, ambitious, and unforgettable albums of the entire year. At just 37 minutes, GENERATIONAL CURSE is utterly captivating and completely engrossing, immersing you within the world of ICECOLDBISHOP with a level of compotency that puts the majority of his more well-known peers to shame. The album is devoid of any features, instead centering BISHOP's performances as the dynamic master of ceremonies. His vocals are shrill and childlike, barking with a spitfire delivery that honors the sound of the West Coast just as much as it revolutionizes it. GENERATIONAL CURSE is certainly many things — exciting, clever, expansive — but the album's real heart lies in its uncompromising depiction of the tragic circumstances that seem to keep the story's narrator awake at night. For every sonic excursion and memorable punchline ("I ain't never been no liar like my mama in this bitch"), there's a real-life story and a harrowing reality that seeps into every facet of this album's sound. This is undoubtedly one of the most phenomenal records that was released this year, and if you're a hip-hop fan who has not yet had the pleasure of tapping in to what ICECOLDBISHOP has to offer...? We really need to pray for our generation.
Favorite Track: FOCUSED
1. Maps - billy woods & Kenny Segal
It's no secret that billy woods is one of the best wordsmiths hip-hop has ever seen. Who else has can lay claim to a decade-plus of prolific releases that combine dense lyrical portraits with free-flowing cadences and a dominating delivery? What he tends to receive less credit for, however, is the factor that I believe elevates his work to the highest echelons of rap lyricism: no matter how esoteric his subject matter might be, billy woods remains grounded and wholly relatable. All of this is to say, his second full-length collaboration with producer Kenny Segal might be aggressively avant garde, but its vivid depictions of the day-to-day mundanities of human life make it completely approachable. As an album, Maps is deeply concerned with transience, both in concept and execution. woods' subject matter on this record draws inspiration from the innocuous chaos of travel and touring — with plenty of his signature harbinging — and Segal matches this energy with a palette of ever-changing sounds and styles. Their chemistry is arguably at its most palpable here, and every single one of the album's 18 songs feels fleshed-out, potent, and memorable. Top that off with a stacked cast of feature artists who all deliver top notch performances (Danny Brown and Quelle Chris continue to duke it out for my personal favorite), and I hope it's easy to see how much adoration I hold for Maps and everything it's achieved. But do you want to know the craziest part?! I wouldn't even consider this my favorite billy woods project — far from it — but it's still my favorite record I heard this year. If that doesn't speak to how much I love this album, I don't know what will, but I do know that even if the only good thing that came from 2023 was Maps (it wasn't, obviously) it would have been worth it.
Favorite Track: Soft Landing
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