2023 Albums You Should Listen To
Happy new year! I hope your holidays were as fun and relaxing as mine. Mine were so relaxing that I failed to deliver the final newsletter of the year. I had promised to share not a definitive list of the best albums of 2023, but rather a list of albums that I enjoyed, and think are worth listening to.
So, before 2024 really kicks into high gear with new music, here are some albums I recommend with a few tasting notes to help you figure out where to get started.
AudioLust & HigherLove by SG Lewis
Groovy, synthy, electro-pop
Groovy, for fans of Jenny Lewis
Indie rock-pop, reminds me of a particular band that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Endless Summer Vacation by Miley Cyrus
I unironically love Miley and her voice
falling or flying by Jorja Smith
Absolutely lovely R&B vocals with clear Caribbean musical influence
A Fistful of Peaches by Black Honey
Rock music isn’t dead
Follow the Cyborg by Miss Grit
St. Vincent-like, futuristic rockExcellent angsty teenage rage, pop-punk throwback.
Fun, rock-driven melodies
Steven Spielberg’s daughter makes really good music. One of my favorite albums of the year.
R&B, listen to On My Mama on repeat.
Sufjan finally told us his songs are both gay and about Jesus. Listen if you want to feel incredibly depressed but like in a good way.
The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski
My Love Mine All Mine is one of the best love songs probably ever written (I do not say this lightly)
Mellow, guitar driven indie rock
The Loveliest Time by Carly Rae Jepson
I also unironically love CRJ (as should everyone). She is the current queen of pop.
90s throwback, listen to if you like Sheryl Crow
I think the album title gives you a pretty good sense of what you’re getting into, contemporary R&B. My favorite song is Mary Jane.
Small Town Temple by Ella Hooper
Folksy acoustic rock. Does Americana well, even though she’s Australian. Gives Jenny Lewis vibes, but in a different way than the U.S. Girls album.
That! Feels Good! by Jesse Ware
Sexy, disco vibes
Not your teenage pop-punk and one of my favorite albums of the year
Through and Through by Baby Rose
Sultry vocals, feels like sticky honey
When I Hear Your Name by Maeta
90s R&B vibes. I’m obsessed with the song Cool Cat, only to discover it’s a Queen cover.
Happy Listening!