The Top 23 Albums of 2023

By: Finnian Gilbride

Millions of songs are released every year, in every style and genre you can possibly imagine, and even in ones that you can’t. It’s difficult to keep track of all of this new music coming out, so I decided I would listen to all of it so that you don’t have to. That’s right, I listened to every single song ever. Most of them were pretty bad, but a lot of them were really good, so without further ado, here are my top 23 albums of 2023. Starting with…

#23: That! Feels Good!, by Jessie Ware

Genre: Disco, Dance-Pop, Funk.

Favourite Songs: Pearls, Hello Love, Free Yourself

This album is fun! Jessie Ware is back after 3 years with her 5th studio album. That! Feels Good! is an excellent example of how disco can and should survive in the modern music scene. Songs like “Pearls” are so polished it’s hard not to get into the groove of this album. If you’re a fan of dancing, or just that kind of music, you should absolutely check out this album.

#22: Accept, by Dead Calm

Genre: Indie Folk, Emo, Sadcore

Favourite Songs: Bleed, Oh My God, Rot

Accept is one of the most pure and genuine explorations of the teenage experience I’ve ever seen. It’s a truly beautiful album, because of how deeply human it is. Dead Calm is one of many side projects of Liam McCay, which include sign crushes motorist, Take Care, Birth Day, and countless others, which makes a lot of sense when you listen to some of the stylistic decisions made on this album. Overall I really enjoyed this album, and would recommend it to any fans of the previously mentioned artists.

#21: Zach Bryan, by Zach Bryan

Genre: Country, Singer-Songwriter, Indie Folk

Favourite Songs: East Side of Sorrow, Fear and Friday’s (Poem), Jake’s Piano - Long Island

Zach Bryan is a force to be reckoned with in the country world. I knew he was good, but I wasn’t expecting just how beautiful some of the imagery and themes explored on this album would be, such as on “East Side of Sorrow”. This album is not scared to bring new ideas to country music, incorporating some unconventional ideas to great effect. Zach Bryan is certainly deserving of his spot on this list, and this album excites me to think of what he’ll go on to do in the future.

#20: Girl with Fish, by feeble little horse

Genre: Alt Rock, Shoegaze, Alt Country

Favourite Songs: Freak, Pocket, Slide

feeble little horse flex their alternative rock muscles on their latest album Girl with Fish. This album is catchy, infectious and super fun to listen to. Every instrument and voice fits so well, and the endless charm of this album is what puts it on this list. Fans of punk music or alt rock music in general should check out this album. It is worth your time.

#19: The Loveliest Time, by Carly Rae Jepsen

Genre: Pop, Indie Pop, Dance-Pop

Favourite Songs: Kollage, Psychedelic Switch, Kamikaze

Carly Rae Jepsen, of “Call Me Maybe” fame, has returned a decade later to graciously give us The Loveliest Time. This album is a delicious feast of fun, funky, pop music, and is a bit of a shock if you’re coming straight from “Call Me Maybe” without having listened to any of CRJ’s music since then. It’s a good change, and is exciting new territory for the Canadian pop star to explore. Do yourself a favour and listen to at least a few seconds of “Kollage”, you won’t regret it.

#18: Grog, by Frog

Genre: Alt Country, Slacker Rock, Indie Folk

Favourite Songs: Black on Black on Black, Maybelline, So Twisted Fate

NYC duo Frog have been on the fringes of the alternative scene for years. This album hasn’t necessarily boosted them into the mainstream, but it is very very good. Grog is a tasteful blend of slacker rock, alt country, with bits of punk, folk, and funk. It’s a mix that works surprisingly well. If you’re a fan of Frog, you are likely already celebrating this album. If you’re not a fan of Frog, it’s never too late.

#17: After The Magic, by Parannoul

Genre: Shoegaze, K-Rock, Alt Rock

Favourite Songs: Polaris, Sound Inside me, Waves Inside You

The south korean shoegaze artist Parannoul has released their expertly crafted album: After the Magic. This is not just another shoegaze album, it is Parannoul’s unique perspective on the genre that makes After the Magic so great. I appreciate the use of other non conventional instruments common in the genre, such as the strings in the title track “After the Magic”. With their creativity and sheer musicality, it’s no wonder After the Magic made this list.

#16: The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, by Mitski

Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Country, Indie Folk

Favourite Songs: Bug Like an Angel, Heaven, My Love Mine All Mine

Mitski’s last release prior to this one raised a lot of eyebrows, and a lot of people were asking the question: Does Mitski still have it? She does, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We crushed any lingering doubts concerning Mitski’s songwriting ability. She absolutely killed it with this album, it’s gut-wrenching, tear jerking, and an all around beautiful soundscape. The country influences on this album were so tastefully and subtly introduced that you hardly notice they’re there at all, despite how much they add to the overall vibe of the album. If you’ve been wondering about Mitski, this album is a good place to start.

#15: Tracey Denim, by bar italia

Genre: Slacker Rock, Alt Rock, Post-Punk

Favourite Songs: guard, punkt, yes i have eaten so many lemons yes i am so bitte

English rock band bar italia have come out with their 3rd studio album: Tracey Denim. I absolutely love this album, it’s charming in a weird punk-y kind of way, and it has a certain appeal to it I can’t quite put into words. The best way to understand would be to listen to it. Tracey Denim is the type of album you return to often, and that gets better with every listen. It grew on me significantly, making it’s way up to #15 on this list.

#14: Javelin, by Sufjan Stevens

Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Indie Folk, Chamber Folk

Favourite Songs: Will Anybody Ever Love Me, So You Are Tired, Goodbye Evergreen

This album was released during an extremely difficult time for Sufjan Stevens. He had just suffered the untimely death of his partner, and a diagnosis with a severe chronic illness. This album is an extraordinarily beautiful and genuine expression of grief. It is difficult to describe the sheer potency of the lyricism on this album. Sufjan’s expert songwriting shines through, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

#13: Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?, by Kara Jackson

Genre: Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Americana

Favourite Songs: rat, no fun/party, therapy

Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? is the latest release from singer and songwriter Kara Jackson. Although the instrumentals on this album are beautifully ethereal and strange, Kara’s lyrics are what really shine through on this album. Her ability to invoke emotions and tell stories is truly stunning. She is still quite young as well, so this appears to just be the beginning of a series of excellent folk/americana albums.

#12: Multitudes, by Feist

Genre: Chamber Folk, Indie Folk, Art Pop

Favourite Songs: The Redwing, Hiding Out In The Open, Love Who We Are Meant To

Canadian singer and songwriter Feist is back with the very pretty and soft spoken Multitudes. This album draws from lots of different places stylistically, and ties it all up quite nicely. Feist’s lyrics are top notch on this album, especially on “Love Who We Are Meant To”. The pseudo-delay effects on songs like “The Redwing” are so beautiful, and I consistently return to this album for a breath of folk-y fresh air. Feist has undoubtedly earned her spot on this list.

#11: Space Heavy, by King Krule

Genre: Jazz-Rock, Dream Pop, Psychedelia

Favourite Songs: Seagirl, Seaforth, Tortoise of Independency

King Krule has nothing to prove in the indie world, but he’s going to do it anyway. Space Heavy is potentially King Krule’s best release yet, with some really interesting new creative directions being taken here. Songs like “Seaforth” really contribute to the space-y vibe of this album (hence the name). Fans of King Krule’s earlier work, as well as bands like Beach House or the Cocteau Twins, should absolutely check this album out.

#10: 3D Country, by Geese

Genre: Blues Rock, Art Rock, Alt Country

Favourite Songs: Cowboy Nudes, Domoto, 3D Country

At the number 10 spot is 3D Country, the 2nd studio album by the American rock band Geese. While the primary genre of this album is Alt Country, every song explores its own unique styles, which makes for a very eclectic and beautiful mix of songs. 3D Country plays with classic rock and country components and adds their own unique perspective with jazz and punk elements in songs like “2122” and “Domoto”. The Brooklyn based band has certainly solidified their place on this list with this album.

#9: Let’s Start Here., Lil Yachty

Genre: Psychedelia, Art Rock, Trip Hop

Favourite Songs: IVE OFFICIALLY LOST ViSiON, WE SAW THE SUN!, the BLACK seminole.

Lil Yachty has dived into the realm of Pink Floyd and other prog rock legends with his album Let’s Start Here. This album is super trippy, and it’s very well made too. The amount of different soundscapes that are so effortlessly weaved on this album is impressive. Especially given how well Lil Yachty holds onto a distinct identity on this album, it sounds like him. I imagine that this is the first of several albums to follow this format, either from Lil Yachty or some of his contemporaries.

#8: Rat Saw God, by Wednesday. 

Genre: Hard Rock, Alt Country, Slacker Rock

Favourite Songs: Hot Rotten Grass Smell, Turkey Vultures, Chosen To Deserve

Rat Saw God is a very, very good album. It even has a steel guitar. It’s very difficult to make an album, simultaneously have a steel guitar, and also sound Metal, but Wednesday did it. Rat Saw God rocks, with lyrics that examine themes of childhood and love, and effortlessly draw you in to make you feel part of the music. Rat Saw God is a must listen for fans of Deftones or my bloody valentine. Wednesday crushed it with this album, and they deserve their top 10 spot.

#7: Greg Mendez, by Greg Mendez

Genre: Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Slowcore

Favourite Songs: Maria, Goodbye/Trouble, Rev. John/Friend

Greg Mendez’s self titled album, Greg Mendez, is a beautiful and at times devastating exploration of emotions and addiction. The songwriting on this album is absolutely phenomenal, and the lyrics are often like an emotional gut punch, hitting you completely out of nowhere (in a good way of course). The instrumentals on this album are equally pretty though, and both are showcased on potentially my single favourite song of the entire year: “Maria”. It’s a little under 2 minutes long (which is criminally short), so if you have a bit of time to spare, I cannot recommend it enough.

#6: Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?, by McKinley Dixon

Genre: Hip Hop, Jazz Rap, Neo Soul

Favourite Songs: Sun, I Rise, Live! From the Kitchen Table, Run, Run, Run

This album is filled with so much energy. Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? is the 4th studio album from American rapper McKinley Dixon. It draws heavy influence from author Toni Morrison, and explores heavy themes, such as racism and slavery. McKinley Dixon’s rapping on this album is on another level of amazing. The lyrics and the beats are outstanding. This album is a must listen for any Jazz Rap or Neo Soul fans, it will not disappoint.

#5: the record, by boygenius

Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Indie Rock, Indie Folk

Favourite Songs: We’re In Love, Revolution 0, Leonard Cohen

We start the top 5 with the highly anticipated debut full length album from supergroup boygenius, which was released on March 31st, 2023, and I have not stopped listening to it since that day. the record unequivocally proves that boygenius are more than just the sum of their parts, these three elevate one another to an entirely new level of songwriting. Whether it be a more indie rock direction being taken with songs like “$20” or “Satanist, or a folkier song like “Cool About It” or “Leonard Cohen”, boygenius surpasses the extremely high standards they set on their first EP. Not to mention the absolutely devastating lyricism on “We’re In Love” or “Letter To An Old Poet”. boygenius have given us a gift.

#4: Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard, Lana Del Rey

Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Alternative Pop, Chamber Pop.

Favourite Songs: A&W, Let The Light In, Peppers

Oh my god. Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard, or DYKTTATUOB for short, is one of Lana Del Rey’s best albums ever. Which is impressive given just how influential she has been in the pop scene for over a decade. This album is diverse, ranging from indie folk ballads such as “Let The Light In”, or the 7 minute epic chamber pop track “A&W”. The exploration of themes like religion and love is beautifully done, this album is so full of subtleties, you discover something new with each listen. Overall a phenomenal album from Lana Del Rey, and my personal favourite of hers.

#3: Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, Caroline Polachek

Genre: Art Pop, Experimental Pop, Electronica

Favourite Songs: Sunset, Blood and Butter, Welcome To My Island

This album was a home run from Caroline Polachek. Desire, I Want To Turn Into You is a masterclass in pop songwriting and production, and seamlessly incorporates elements of countless different styles, which shouldn’t work but do. Such as the breakcore influence on “Fly To You”, the bagpipe solo on “Blood and Butter”, the Björk-esque “Welcome To My Island”, or the flamenco sensibilities on “Sunset”. Desire, I Want To Turn Into You is absolutely deserving of the #3 spot on this list

#2: STH, by JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown

Genre: Experimental Hip Hop, Industrial Hip Hop, Breakcore

Favourite Songs: Lean Beef Patty, Garbage Pale Kids, Burfict!

In March of 2023, JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown came together for their highly anticipated collaboration, and they certainly delivered. I don’t think that even the wildest expectations anyone had for this album came remotely close to what we got. The sample flips on this album are unbelievably creative, and expertly produced. Danny Brown's lyrics fit so perfectly with the harsh, industrial sound of this album. I continue to return to this album, there’s not a single dull moment on this entire album, it is wall to wall noise in the best possible way.

Honourable Mention: blómi, by Susanne Sundfør

Genre: Chamber Folk, Psychedelia, Folk

Favourite Songs: fare thee well, ashera's song, blómi

Honourable Mention: Isn’t It Now?, Animal Collective

Genre: Art Pop, Psychedelia, Ambient Pop

Favourite Songs: Soul Capturer, Broke Zodiac, Gem & I

Honourable Mention: Maps, billy woods and kenny segal

Genre: Conscious Hip Hop, Abstract Hip Hop, Jazz Rap

Favourite Songs: Babylon by Bus, Soft Landing, Year Zero

Honourable Mention: Fountain Baby, Amaarae

Genre: Afropop, R&B, Dance-pop

Favourite Songs: Angels in Tibet, Big Steppa, Princess Going Digital

#1: 10,000 gecs by 100 gecs

Genre: Hyperpop, Alt Rock, Ska

Favourite Songs: Hollywood Baby, I Got My Tooth Removed, mememe

The top spot on this list goes to an album that couldn’t possibly be more deserving of it. This album is so awesome, I don’t even know where to begin. 10,000 gecs is so unapologetically fun and lively, there’s not a single bad song on this album. The production is phenomenal, whether it be on a more hard rock song like “Hollywood Baby”, or a more ska influenced “I Got My Tooth Removed”. This album is simultaneously diverse and cohesive in a way that only truly great albums are. Laura Les and Dylan Brady outdid themselves, both in the making and in the writing of these songs. 10,000 gecs will be a staple for years to come, even decades, and will undoubtedly inspire countless musicians.

That’s the list, and I will defend each and every one of these albums to the death, so feel free to argue with me about it. Either by just stopping me in the halls or by email (gilbf8546@wrdsb.ca). Thank you so much for reading. Even if you just scrolled to the bottom to see what #1 was, I still appreciate the effort.