Paramore's first album as a group in nearly six years is a true return to their signature sound. After their pop-rock divergence on 2016's, "After Laughter", Paramore has successfully transformed back into that rock sound that everyone knows them for. On "This Is Why", lead singer Haley Williams sounds confident and strong as ever over polished, punky instrumentals. In just ten tracks, the band covers topics such as: disassociation, anxiety, and revelation. I hope that Paramore continues to stay together as a band for at least one more release because this record is a win for not only Paramore fans, but post-punk fans everywhere.

Top 3 Tracks: Big Man, Little Dignity, Crave, This Is Why

Many know Lil Yatchy as sort of a meme rapper. With smash hits like "Minnesota" and "Poland", the rapper's unique voice paired well with the somewhat soundcloud esk beats. However, in 2023, Yachty fully went for a psychedelic sound and it sounded great. It was a surprise to many when Yachty released this record, however, it was a surprise in the best way possible. Yachty takes influence from psychedelic legends like Pink Floyd and Tame Impala to create this psychedelic trip. Yachty's vocals as well as the features are carefully placed, making this record an all-around fun and engaging listen. I hope that Lil Yachty continues to push this sound further and puts his own twist on it in the near future.

Top 3 Tracks: sHouLd i B?, the BLACK seminole, the ride- 

There are not many artists out there putting out pop records as consistent as Carly Rae Jepsen. The soundtrack to most of our childhoods was Jepsen's smash hit "Call Me Maybe" which was released in 2012. That song was a blessing and a curse because it caused many to look over Carly Rae Jepsen's full albums which are filled with incredible pop tracks. In her sixth studio album, Jepsen dives into disco and even some trip-hop making it her most experimental release yet. However, she is still able to stay in her lane of making well-crafted pop music. "The Loveliest Time" is definitely one of, if not the most, consistent pop releases this year. 

Top 3 Tracks: Psychedelic Switch, Stadium Love, Put It To Rest

The only artist that appears twice in my top ten records of the year is Danny Brown. "Quaranta" (40) is the long-awaited follow-up to his 2011 album "XXX" (30). Danny Brown became a legend in the underground rap world with his breakout record, "Atrocity Exhibition", which contained loud abrasive beats and Danny's signature high-pitched rapping vocals. However, on "Quaranta", Danny strips it back vocally and instrumentally. This record is arguably Danny's most personal and introspective release, as he raps about growing up in Detroit and how rapping changed his life. Danny Brown continues to be a gem in the rap scene.

Top 3 Tracks: Jenn's Terrific Vacation, Down Wit It, Tantor

Not many records this year are as catchy and fun as Caroline Polachek's, "Desire, I Want to Turn into You". The album is the follow-up to her promising debut, "Pang", which perked the ears of pop listeners immediately. Caroline quickly became an indie pop darling with listeners having high hopes for her second release. "Desire, I Want To Turn into You" showcases Caroline's enchanting vocals on full display. You are truly transported into another world when you press play on track one. The production on this record is unique and addicting, making it one of my favorite pop records I've listened to. 

Top 3 Tracks: Welcome to My Island, I Believe, Butterfly Net

Nothing was more of a relief than when the beat dropped on track 1 "HYAENA" on Utopia. Travis Scott revealed that his 4th studio album would be called "UTOPIA" back in 2020. After the long wait, the follow-up to the iconic "Astroworld" is finally here. Scott raps better than he has ever rapped before on this record. "UTOPIA" is Travis's most diverse release, containing some of his most experimental beats yet. This album met my expectations and is gradually becoming my favorite album from him. Features from SZA, Teezo Touchdown, and Drake make this album even more of an exciting listen. Definitely the best mainstream rap album of the year. 

Top 3 Tracks: MODERN JAM, MY EYES, I KNOW ?

If there is one thing that "GUTS" proved, it is that Olivia's debut "SOUR" was not a fluke. I wasn't very worried though; I knew that Olivia would pull through with a quality record, and that is exactly was "GUTS" is. Olivia leans into her pop-rock side even more on this record and sounds great doing it. Her confidence level and maturity are growing through her sound and songwriting. Great sophomore album. I dive deeper into the entire record in my full review: Spilling my “GUTS” on Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album 

Top 3 Tracks: ballad of a homeschooled girl, pretty isn't pretty, making the bed

Javelin finds singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens at some of his most vulnerable moments yet. If this record's lyrics didn't hit hard enough, Stevens dedicated this release to his partner who passed away earlier this year. On "Javelin", Sufjan Stevens comes to terms with grief and reminiscences on the good times as well as the bad ones. This is single-handedly one of the most beautiful records I have ever listened to. The delivery and songwriting is on a level of it's own. Stevens captures the beauty that is hidden within greif so well, making "Javelin" a flawless record. While the subject matter is heavy, I think everyone should listen to this album just because of how enchanting it is.

Top 3 Tracks: Sh*t Talk, So You Are Tired, Will Anybody Ever Love Me?

There is something so exciting and so addicting about this album. I can't tell if it's rapper, JPEGAMFIA's incredible sampling and wordplay, or if it's Danny Brown's flawless delivery. Either way, this record is becoming on of my favorite albums ever. Although, this album won't be for everyone. This record is loud, it's abrasive, it's off the walls, but that's what makes it so unique and fun. JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown feed off eachothers energy exceptionally. Both rappers continue to be some of the most underated artists in the music industry. I truly hope this isn't the last time we see these two hop on a project together.

Top 3 Tracks: Burfict!, F*****yol Tester, God Loves You

On her 9th studio album, "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd", Lana Del Rey gets more personal than ever. Del Rey dives into personal topics like family loss, stressing her purpose in life, and finding love. The rawness of this record is breathtaking and contains some of Del Rey's most beautiful instrumentals yet. If listeners are somehow not impressed with the slower tracks on the record, in the last three songs, Del Rey dives back into a more R&B sound, like tracks on 2017's Lust for Life. I think this album is everything that makes Lana Del Rey, Lana Del Rey. For her to be putting out records of this quality, this late into her career proves to show that her talent is one of a kind. The beauty of this record is undeniable, making it my album of the year. 

Top 3 Tracks: A&W, The Grants, Let the Light In