Whew. Another year has passed, and suddenly the number “4” assumes a more menacing form than it ever has before. Luckily for us, 2023 will always be tethered to the time capsule that is music. From chart-toppers to hidden gems, we’ve passionately debated and meticulously selected the ultimate collection of our favorite albums of the year. You know, so 2023 will live on forever. Supposedly.
We hope you will celebrate the remarkable ride that 2023 has been, alongside us, through the best of 2023’s sonic tapestry.
Desire, I Want To Turn Into You – Caroline Polachek
Caroline showcases her unique and otherworldly vocal techniques inspired from her fascination with traditional Japanese singing. She experiments with song and lyric structures that are genre-stretching. Working closely with Danny L Harle (another sick producer formerly signed to PC Music (R.I.P)), they pulled from a lot of different influences and sounds, including samples of Danny’s own newborn baby, bagpipes, and recordings from her time working on the album in Barcelona with Sega Bodega, who jumped on the project during the later stages. Since its release on Valentine’s Day, I’ve been actively obsessed with at least one track from this album at any given point, with my tops being “Sunset”, “Crude Drawing of An Angel”, “I Believe” and “Billions”.
Leo Hudson, Playlister & Events Coordinator
Flex Musix – Osamason
Through the intense drums and crazy vocal splicing, this album encapsulates all the great aspects of underground rap right now. Flex Musix’s catchy hooks and uncommon synth arrays set it apart from the rest.
Ari Ferdiansyah, Photographer/Videographer
Happy Music – Supershy
This album is musical odyssey where happiness reigns supreme. What sets this album apart is not just its infectious melodies, but the attention to rhythmic intricacies that dance through each composition, so get ready to press play and let the vivacity of these tunes wash over you. 🙂
Kiana Ansari, Director of Operations
Larger Than Life – Brent Faiyaz
I liked how Brent expanded his sound into a more upbeat R&B, and a lot more of his lyrics seemed to be more pro-relationship (lol). Also, he dropped it as an unannounced surprise which adds to the understanding I have about him as an artist, which is essentially, “idgaf imma drop when I want”.
Kirby Lum, Playlister & Artist
I love the features and the diversity between the songs. Perfect for any mood you’re in!
Taylor White, Playlister
Let’s Start Here. – Lil Yachty
Let’s Start Here. is nothing like anything Yachty has done before. He strayed from his usual trap style and experimented with more psychedelic rock influences. Throughout the album Yachty samples Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Tame Impala, Radiohead, and so many others to immerse you in an alternate world. Each time I listen I hear a new sample or guitar lick that adds to the brilliance of the album. “REACH THE SUNSHINE.” and “the BLACK seminole.” are some of my favorite tracks on the album.
Katie Pierce, Events Coordinator
Norm – Andy Shauf
I LOVE ANDY SHAUF! He makes some super rad concept albums, such as this one. Check him out!
Sami Skaff, General Manager
Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) – Yves Tumor
Bombastic. Carnal. Dangerously uncouth and stunningly seductive all at once. Yves Tumor explores delicate themes of love and shame in captivating rockstar fashion.
Max Ray, Editor-in-Chief
Rejected Fish – ShitKid
I am an absolute wh*re for demos and alternative versions of music. Rejected Fish by ShitKid is a release that compiles “rejected” versions of songs from her 2017 album Fish. With Fish already existing as an incredible take on anger, redemption, and punk-rock, Rejected Fish forces you to consider those feelings from a sort of alternative reality; a world that’s epic-movie-montage-like, and where there’s explosions at the end.
Abbott Swanson, Art Director
Shelter – Alice Phoebe Lou
I had the pleasure of first hearing it live in Lisbon on Alice’s tour. Loving was the opener and played as the band during the show. It was just an amazing show. She’s probably one of the best live performers I’ve ever seen. It definitely put me on to her newest album.
Cassia Gray, Web Design Manager
Something to Give Each Other – Troye Sivan
#1 cuntiest album of 2023. It’s sonically a huge growth from Troye’s earlier albums and samples so many iconic songs in a modern way.
Dillan Yee, Marketing
Sprinter – Amttrak
This album just rocks. The soft vocals, paired with sounds that act as interjections, somehow meld so perfectly. If you can, try to catch a live show. The band really pours their souls into their instruments on and off the record. It’s amazing to witness.
Hayley Costello, Playlister
The Secret to Life – Fizz
This was the first album in a while that I couldn’t stop playing on repeat. There is lots of variety, which isn’t always the case these days with albums, and there are tons of catchy songs on it. Fun vocals and vibes all around!
Sed Elliott, Photographer/Videographer
ULTRAKUNST – Brutalismus 3000
A top to bottom album for sure. Every song has a driving beat and intense vocals. They stay top of the techno game for me. “IS U CHEMICAL?”, “SUKA SUKA”, “DIE LEIBE KOMMT NICHT AUS BERLIN” are some tops, but all are great.
Lozes Gibson, Events Director
Wallsocket – underscores
She says so many words at the start of “Locals”.
Dom Mary Harris, Editorial
10,000 gecs – 100 gecs
Easily the most fun album of 2023. It’s a great elaboration on 1,000 gecs, and it makes nu-metal and ska more accessible. “757” and “Hollywood Baby” are the best songs.
Mac Moran, Playlister & Editorial
Abbott Swanson is our Art Director. She made the art.
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