December means two very exciting things: the holiday season and, maybe more importantly, Spotify Wrapped! Seeing everyone posting their top artists and songs this year got me thinking about all of the amazing music releases of 2023.
It can be hard to find new music – trust me, I also listen to the same 10 songs over and over – but I wanted to share my top 10 albums of the year in hopes it will provide some inspiration if you are in a musical rut.
- Something To Give Each Other by Troye Sivan
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As a fan of Troye Sivan since middle school, I have been waiting for Something To Give Each Other to have its day in the sun, and that day is finally here. The perfectly concise 10-song album combines heartfelt breakup songs with head-bopping club music to create a little something for everyone.
The dual Grammy-nominated artist exceeded all of my expectations with his breakout singles “Rush” and “Got Me Started,” featuring an iconic one-of-a-kind sample. This is and forever will be a no-skip album for me, solidifying it as my number one in 2023.
My top three: “In My Room,” “One of Your Girls,” and “How to Stay With You.”
- Unreal Unearth by Hozier
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I was transported back to my AP Literature class with the Dante’s Inferno and Greek mythology-inspired lyricism of Hozier’s Unreal Unearth. The songs combine classic literature and Irish-inspired stories and provide political commentary in the process. Each song brings a unique contribution to the album, and it seems no matter how many times I listen, I notice a new message with each replay.
My top three songs: “De Selby (Part 2),” “I, Carrion,” and “All Things End.”
- I Love My Girl, She’s My Boy by Between Friends
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One of my top artists of the year, the brother-sister duo Between Friends continues to encompass the perfect holding-on-to-summer feeling of nostalgia and heartfelt relationships. The earworm choruses and catchy lyrics of I Love My Girl, She’s My Boy were stuck in my head all summer long. If my life were a movie, this would undoubtedly be my soundtrack.
My top three songs: “What’s Up,” “Bruise,” and “I love my girl, she’s my boy.”
- Rustin’ in the Rain by Tyler Childers
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I have to be honest, I don’t listen to country music very often, but this album caught me by surprise. It feels like old-timey bluegrass, but Tyler Childers casts light on topics typical country music avoids.
Rustin’ In The Rain encompasses everything I would want in a country album, from catchy steel drums to feel-good messages to encapsulating the simplicity of the countryside.
My top three songs: “Phone Calls and Emails,” “Percheron Mules,” and “Rustin in the Rain.”
- The Answer Is Always Yes by Alex Lahey
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After seeing Alex Lahey perform live in 2022, I couldn’t stop listening. Her breakout songs “Spike the Punch” and “Every Day’s the Weekend” are some of my go-to feel-good songs. Although The Answer Is Always Yes is considered a break-up album, I resonate with it just the same. What seems to be at-times simple songwriting is balanced with non-stop energy and genuine storytelling.
My top three songs: “The Answer Is Always Yes,” “Makes Me Sick,” and “Good Time.”
- Rush! by Måneskin
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Måneskin, once again, did not miss with Rush! and I couldn’t be happier. I have tapped into my glam rock side with this mix of English and Italian songs that make me want to jump up and down. I have followed Måneskin since they won the Eurovision song competition in 2021 and it’s safe to say this album did not disappoint.
My top three songs: “BLA BLA BLA,” “MAMMAMIA,” and “GOSSIP.”
- emails I can’t send by Sabrina Carpenter
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I couldn’t escape Sabrina Carpenter on the internet this year no matter what, and her album emails I can’t send went viral for a reason. A pop revival was on the agenda in 2023 and this album played a major role. An emotional rollercoaster, this album deserves all of the praise it’s receiving, and then some.
My top three songs: “Feather,” “bet u wanna,” and “Already Over.”
- GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo
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Released somewhat late into 2023, it was not until recently that I listened to Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS all the way through, though I had been hearing it all over the internet for the last few months.
This album took all of the grunge, angry girl energy that was subtly present in her first album and turned it up about 100 notches, and I’m not complaining. A mix of ballads and scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs songs make this album one of my favorites this year.
My top three songs: “lacy,” “get him back!” and “teenage dream.”
- The Record by BoyGenius
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My supergroup of 2023, boygenius, continues to make me smile, cry, sing along, and everything in between with The Record. The diary-like songwriting caught my attention, and the harmonies are mesmerizing to say the least. The beautiful lyrics and layered songs create the perfect indie record in my opinion.
My top three songs: “Not Strong Enough,” “Without You Without Them,” and “$20.”
- Like..? by Ice Spice
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No one had a better debut release in 2023 than Ice Spice with her EP Like..?. 2023 was a year like no other for the breakout star, and this album effortlessly solidified its place on my top 10 with its catchy hooks and clever lyricism. But if I’m being real, I just can’t stop dancing along every time I listen.
My top three songs: “How High?” “Princess Diana,” and “Deli.”
With albums coming from household names like Taylor Swift, Drake, and more, it was hard to choose my top albums of 2023, but my year in music would not be the same without these 10.
What were your albums of the year?
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