Best Albums of 2023

 

What to say of the year in music? Obviously Beyoncé and Taylor dominated the live music scene with their respective tours changing economies this summer and putting a dent in the cultural zeitgeist. SZA finally released her much-anticipated sophomore album at the end of 2022, then overtaking much of the 2023 conversation. Personally, I moved to a new city and had a stellar record store a few minute drive down the street, wrecking my bank account and upping my love of collecting albums new and old. Ultimately, my top two albums were a battle between the sad folks and three & four were returns from top pop stars early in their careers. 

Click here for a link to my 2023 playlist of best songs of the year

Ok, here we go with top 10 albums.

10. James Blake - Playing Robots into Heaven

Blake is back with the house beats. While I don't have this album memorized front to back, I've enjoyed the vibes and a few of the tracks have served as perfect night-time city driving, making me feel like I'm in a video game.

9. Youth Lagoon - Heaven is a Junkyard

Hello Youth Lagoon. YL is back after a brief retirement but I love the sound, bringing me back to the early years of the band. To me, YL shines best blending melancholy with hooky beats and that shines through on Heaven is a Junkyard. 

8. Zach Bryan - s/t

Zach Bryan might be trending amongst the gen-z kids these days but he hooked me with his folksy americana country that didn't feel cringey. My first real foray into Bryan's music (turned on by his collab with Maggie Rogers), his vocals are on point and lyrics are full heart-on-sleeve. Oh, and his Justin Vernon collab on the song Boys of Faith (separate EP) served as a repeat list 20x over on a road trip of mine this fall. 

7. Barbie the Album

Totally bought into the Barbie cultural revolution of 2023 and the vinyl was no exception. Original pop bops throughout with some of my fave artists. Ice Spice, Lizzo, Haim, Billie. Hot take: not a super-fan of I'm Just Ken. 

6. Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine

Parks is great. And perfect easy-listening music. Thus, my most-listened to artist of the year. I'm glad she returned with such a solid sophomore effort. Don't sleep on her breezy vibes!

5. SZA - SOS

The long awaited SZA album slaps. While I wouldn't consider myself a super fan as of a year ago, the SOS album is one of those no-skips, lengthy classics. I'm into it. She dropped this December 2022 but we all know the new year starts 12/1 for annual lists.

4. Olivia Rodrigo - Guts

Yesssss. More perfect bangers. Graduated from high school bops to college hits. I'm here for it. Making bad decisions and living through it with gusto. Ballads and pop. Rodrigo, keep doing your thing!

3. Troye Sivan - Something to Give Each Other

After the perfect-for-summer Rush single, the rest of this vibey album was just perfect for queer joy and hook-ups and celebrating life. I'm might be too old for Troye but this is a great pop album.

 

2. boygenius - The Record (& The Rest)

AOTY front runner for me for much of the year. The sad girlies came storming back after their EP and, wow, just rocking out and sharing the mic and the writing and just embodying how a super-band can/should be. Moving as hell and then just having fun. So good. Live show was a dream; no notes.

1. Sufjan Stevens - Javelin

When asked who my favorite artist is, I often say Sufjan. And then clarify that I'm mostly into his folksy stuff and then selective electronic stuff and the orchestra stuff is good but mostly my thing when in the pop format. Well, Sufjan blends so many of his sounds just perfectly on this album, letting the quiet stuff lead the way then following it with booming crescendos here and there. Oh yeah, this album is devastating, talking about loss and loves. Could put half the album's tracks on any sort of "best of 2023" list. I respect Sufjan for his artistry and authenticity and not being icky. He also embodies the most perfect sad boy life when he announces news of a sudden paralyzing health condition shortly before the album release and then dropped news of the recent death of his long-time partner the day his album dropped. I'm so heart-broken for him and hope he finds healing and joy and, selfishly, hope he continues to make music. 

Honorable Mention

• Abraham Alexander - SEA/SONS
• Omar Apollo - Live For Me EP
• Feist - Multitudes
• Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loveliest Time
• Jungle - Volcano
• Killer Mike - MICHAEL
• Mitski - The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
• The National - Laugh Track
• Noname - Sundial
• Rhye - Passing EP
• Romy - Mid Air
• Sampha - Lahai
• Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)
• Toro y Moi - Sandhills EP
• Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!

Best Albums of 2022

 

I keep having issues getting high/normal res pics load...

Music happened this year. A lot of releases from long-time favorites that delivered. A few top five releases by new folks that I'm excited about. This was the year of vinyls for me, re-framing the way I have been experiencing music, diving into new albums but also more frequent visits to older favorites. I also got to a few shows this year: MUNA, HAIM, Carly Rae Jepsen, & Wet Leg. Oh, a lot of women in this list. All of them actually, either individual artists or vocally fronted by. Here we go.

10. Beach House - Once Twice Melody 
Same gauzy, hooky goodness.

9. Semler - Stages of a Breakdown
Semler has had a break-out year or two and is a fun follow on the social medias. Queer Christian music that ranges from sing-alongs to hazy worship to bops and I'm mostly here for the bops.

8. Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter
Oh shoot, a lot of atmospheric albums to start out the list. but Ethel Cain had a great entry to the music scene this year. Distinct POV in the lyrics and great expansive tracks. Worth the time investment in this long album.

7. Sylvan Esso - No Rules Sandy

Most listened to artist of the year. Though I probably need to spend a little more intentional listening time with this album to delve into the individual tracks. This duo is reliably great and I'm here for them having fun with a no rules project.

6. Lizzo - Special
Lizzo is a pop force to be reckoned with. Numerous bops on this album and continued pop positivity. She's also crushing it with her award winning reality competition show, playing enslaver J-Mad's flute at her DC show, and dropping a documentary on HBO Max. Looking forward to where she goes next and wouldn't be annoyed if she experiments on future albums.

5. Maggie Rogers - Surrender
Ok, I see you Maggie. Some great leading singles with That's Where I Am and Want Want. And some great, sentimental tracks with I've Got a Friend and Different Kind of World. This album is a little more rocker gurl vs. electronic pop, which takes some getting used to, but the album grew on me and will provide plenty of re-listens.

4. MUNA - self-titled
Break-out pop rockers of the year, for sure. Which is a convoluted statement because they've had a few albums (on another label) and they hooked us with single Silk Chiffon with feat. Phoebe Bridgers last fall (2021). But this album is fully realized and just great. Can't wait to see what else they do. Also: saw them live in Hummelstown, PA in January 2021 for a perfect small, local show.

3. Wet Leg - self-titled 

Irresistible punk gurlies from the UK. I wouldn't have pegged any of those descriptors to be something that would be something I would be interested in but they know how to write a hook. Both goofy and rockin, this album is a blast. Was able to see them live in Harrisburg, PA and they were a hoot.

2. Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time
This album has a lot of great tracks. Carly is queen of crafting a pop bops and I'm here for it. She goes a few different directions and takes some chances. A collab with a Rufus Wainwright (yes!) and that beach song (meh) but that's what seasoned artists do. Also, I was able to see her on tour and it was everything I want out of a concert (medium sized crowd, seats, bop after bop, and seeing with good friends where we could walk to our Airbnb afterwards).

1. Beyoncé - Renaissance

Beyoncé creates a moment. A conversation. She fills a musical need that we didn't know we needed. Collaborations and homages abound. Less autobiographical than her last two albums, Renaissance is a call to the dance floor, to live life fully. The album is expansive, weaving into a number of different sounds. Bangers, grooves, hip-hop, disco, queer ballroom. Oh, I live for the Energy, Break My Soul, & Church Girl trifecta line-up. I'm here for all of it. 

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• Alex G - God Save the Animals
• Coco & Clair Clair - Sexy 
• Death Cab for Cutie - Asphalt Meadows 
• First Aid Kit - Palomino 
• Harry Styles - Harry’s House 
• Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers 
• Leikeli47 - Shape Up 
• Omar Apollo - Ivory 
• Phoenix - Alpha Zulu 
• Pusha T - It’s Almost Dry 
• Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen
• SZA - SOS 
• Taylor Swift - Midnights  

Best Albums of 2021

 

I'm trying to keep my music listening alive. I get distracted by podcasts, TV, and life. I still really love listening to music and discovering new or current artists and albums. Lots of my albums are for the vibes or mood. My top two albums were legit "sought out all of the time" though. Sidenote: ten years too late, I took the plunge and bought a record-player (in November). Hoping that keeps me hooked in to the scene. The following are my top ten along with a list of other honorable mentions.

10. Leon Bridges - Gold-Diggers Sound

Leon continues to bring the sweet, smooth tunes. He does so again on this one. 

9. Jorja Smith - Be Right Back

Okay Jorja just has incredible vocals and her sound is so silky. And British. 

8. Paris, Texas - BOY ANONYMOUS

This group is a vibe. I'm here for it. 

7. Adele - 30

Adele saturates our culture. She has the vocals and the tracks to back it up. I'm generally a fan and respect her. I also don't have her on repeat. With 30, Adele meanders in the best way possible. There's some Rolling in the Deep sounds, some Motown girl group sounds, and her usual powerhouse ballads. She knows herself, she gets musically adventurous here and there, and there's a freshness that I'm here for.

6. Snail Mail - Valentine

Front-woman Lindsey Jordan levels up on this one. Her indie hooks and lyrics are fresher than ever. When I first heard single Valentine, I think I listened 10x in a row.

5. serpentwithfeet - DEACON

Black, queer love coming at ya in R&B. More accessible (to me) than his last, this whole album is a vibe and a bop. 

4. Rhye - Home

My most listened to artist of the year according to Spotify. Rhye is generally smooth and sexy. But emphasis on the smooth. Thus, this one was played a lot of mornings while working. It's lovely.

Clairo - Sling

Clairo also leveled up on this one. Her sound got more full and mature. And she's a young 23 years old. I feel like I'm listening to 1970's folk. Yes, more, please. 

2. Olivia Rodrigo - Sour

Where did Olivia come from?? I was generally aware of the Driver's License phenomenon. And then Deja Vu dropped and I was hooked. Her full album rolled around and bop after bop. Pop-punk, ballad, pop-bangers. She's a force to be reckoned with. 

1. Lucy Dacus - Home Video

Been a fan for a minute. Singles Hot & Heavy and Brando were solid and I was into the "exploring hometown" concept. Then VBS dropped and it was non-stop listens. That track's recollection of a religious upbringing, held not with rejection but rather growth and at a different place in the present. Plus the Slayer rock moment at the three minute mark. Single Thumbs is outrageously good too. Lastly, I saw Lucy live this September in Richmond, VA with good friends and doing something resembling normal life was such a gift.

Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)

• AJ Tracey - Flu Game
• Arlo Parks - Collapsed in Sunbeams
• Big Red Machine - How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?
• Cautious Clay - Deadpan Love
• James Blake - Friends That Break Your Heart
• Jose Gonzalez - Local Valley
• Lil Nas X - Montero 
• Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
• Semler - Preacher's Kid
• SG Lewis - times
• Sufjan Stevens & Angelo de Augustine - A Beginner's Mind
• Vince Staples - self-titled
• The War on Drugs - I Don't Live Here Anymore

Best Albums of 2020

Oh what a year. We made it, mostly. This year has been filled with tragedy and turmoil, if not immediately, then in a collective way. The way we relate to any medium has been altered. Music listening was relegated to home/patio. The live experience was all but eliminated (or relegated to a "virtual concert"). And "best listened to while driving" listening took a hit as well. Still, plenty of great releases and an influx of surprise drops. 

My top ten list evades any new artists, an indicator of either my age or this year or maybe both. I enjoyed Taylor's two releases and she continues to fascinate with her ever evolving sound anchored by engaging story telling; that said, she didn't make my top ten. A mid/late December release (Maggie) makes the top ten and we'll see if that position rises/falls with time. 

Some of my favorite tracks from the year can be found here at this Spotify playlist.

My 2020 top albums + honorable mentions here:

10. Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated: Side B

What would we do without Carly Rae Jepsen? A B-Sides album, I had low expectations but, of course, Carly is filled with pop hits and this one got plenty of spins this year. Keep 'em coming, Carly. 

9. Caribou - Suddenly

Caribou consistently releases great singles and albums. This is no exception. Home and You and I are wonderful tracks. The whole album hits. Mood music at its finest. 

8. Maggie Rogers - Notes from the Archives: Recordings 2011-2016

Welp, Maggie dropped a collection of past recordings mid-December. This somewhat breaks my "no-reissues" rule for favorite albums list but, well, these are the first time the tracks are seeing anything close to a major label release and it's 2020 so rules are irrelevant. Obviously these tracks are still fresh in my brain so time will tell how the collection holds up, most likely rising in ranking once I have hindsight. Upon first listens, I've enjoyed the various sounds Maggie has explored, ranging from garage rock to folk while her voice maintaining what I love about her as an artist. The expanded commentary edition is a good listen, contextualizing the sets of songs. If you haven't yet, go give this a listen!

7. Soccer Mommy - Color Theory

Women have been killing the rock genre for a long time though, for the last five years or so, they've exclusively been filling the genre for me. Lucy Dacus, Snail Mail, and Soccer Mommy have lead the field. In this sophomore effort, Color Theory was on heavy rotation and standout single Circle the Drain was one of the best of the year. 

6. Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension

One of a few artists who have remained front and center for me for ten+ years. Electronic Sufjan isn't my favorite version but the album created a number of solid tracks and his writing and producing are top shelf. Video Game was the closest thing to a single and hooky, Tell Me You Love Me showcased impassioned Suf, and America captured this year's sentiment as well as can be. 

5. Run the Jewels - RTJ4

Always hard-hitting and in-your-face with Killer Mike & El-P perfectly playing off each others. Oh La La is maybe the catchiest of the bunch and walking in the snow and JU$T are a whooping one-two-punch. Socially conscious and critical from the start of their career, RTJ4 dropped just as the summer protesting began, creating the perfect soundtrack for a much needed for on-going racial inequity reckoning.

4. Tame Impala - The Slow Rush

Maybe this band shouldn't be this high on my list. But also they're a vibe and they dominated the first few months of the year. 

3. Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher

I slept on Phoebe's first album much longer than I should have. And then Phoebe took over the music scene with collabs with Julien Baker & Lucy Dacus (boygenius), Connor Oberst (Better Oblivion Community Center), produced on Ethan Gruska, and a bunch of other things. Oh, she owns the internet and her impromptu Iris Bandcamp cover with Maggie Rogers hit #1. Anyhow, this album rules and is so subtly perfect and she screams on the last track.

2. Sylvan Esso - Free Love

Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn just bring it. Thoughtful and danceful and quiet and loud. Ferris Wheel is the perfect pop song and Rooftop Dancing is a vibe and Numb marries the dance + groove. Would love to see them live again (one day) as they are two of the most passionate and sincere folks on stage. 

1. HAIM - Women in Music Pt. III
My most listened to album of the year by a landslide. HAIM has their distinctive sound and who isn't a fan? When single Summer Girl dropped in 2019, I thought to myself, "this is a whole new direction and I'm into it." A series of singles then the full album dropped summer 2020 and, well, it was a perfect summer album and then a perfect while-working album and the perfect breezy balm for a crooked year. Thanks Haim sisters, keep reinventing and making great pop albums.


Honorable Mentions (listed alphabetically):
Childish Gambino - 3.15.20
Christian Lee Hutson - Beginners
Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia
Ethan Gruska - En Garde
Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters
Fleet Foxes - Shore
James Blake - Before EP
Megan Thee Stallion - Good News
Niklas Paschburg - Svalbard
Taylor Swift - Folklore
Troye Sivan - In a Dream EP
Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud

Best Albums of 2019

New music from 2019! I'm getting old and thus listening to music less (that's a trend, right?). But I still love a good tune. 2019 is the year I've hopped on the Spotify train indefinitely, whatever that means for my music listening. And after a concert-draught in 2018, I was happy to see a couple good local shows this year - Mountain Men and Lucy Dacus.

I've included my top 10 albums along with 10 honorable mentions. Sufjan Stevens and Lucy Dacus had some killer tracks but their EPs were quite full enough to warrant making the top 10 list... otherwise, here we go.

Oh, and here's a Spotify 50-track playlist of some of my favorite songs.

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10. The National - I Am Easy to Find
The National are back. The indie rock veterans have a distinct sound and they've wisely pushed themselves to experiment with new approaches. Last album Sleep Well Beast went a little loose and jangly. I Am Easy to Find brings in a number of female musicians including Sharon Van Etten, Lisa Hannigan, among others. The result brings a fresh take that I'm here for.

9. Jai Paul - Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)
Recorded and leaked a while ago, the album officially came out in 2019, which is when I became aware of Jai Paul. Str8 Outta Mumbai is a jam and a half. Weird and distorted but all around a good listen.

8. Toro Y Moi - Outer Peace
My first foray into Toro Y Moi's discovery and I dig it. Both groovy and choppy. Tracks Ordinary Pleasures and Freelance are so fun. (And yes, a similar vibe as Jai Paul.)

7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated
Carly knows how to write really good pop songs. And I like listening to them. Who would have ever thought the Call Me Maybe earworm darling would carry on to make bubble-gum pop that has substance?

6. Bon Iver - i,i
Hi Justin Vernon. Keep making music. And I like the way you go with this one, infusing your latter digital sound with your earlier lush and heart-filled stuff.

5. Angelo de Augustine - Tomb
This is my go-to low-key album of the year. Plus track Time is just beautiful and has the perfect whistle hook.

4. Lizzo - Cuz I Love You
2019 is the year of Lizzo. She dominates the charts and has the infectious personality that draws people in. Her music is unabashedly fun and self-empowering. With non-stop pop hits, I've kept coming back.

3. James Blake - Assume Form
To be honest, James Blake had started to fade from my periphery. While making solid albums for the last decade, I enjoyed his sound but thought it would be more of the same. But Assume Form has a fresh sound, honest lyrics, and kept me surprised. A release early in the year that has kept me listening.

2. Maggie Rogers - Heard It in a Past Life
At long last, Maggie makes her major label debut. Her EP from a few years ago also landed on my top 10 list and I've been highly anticipating this one. With bop gems like Light On and Burning and slow burn masterpieces like Alaska and Fallingwater, she brought along a few tracks from the EP and only leveled up with the full album. Can't wait for more from this artist.

1. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
Thanks Vampire Weekend for only getting better. While the last album, Modern Vampires of the City was focused and reflective on life and faith, Father of the Bride is sprawling and a little more comfortable with their given situation. With the many tracks comes some new sounds and some features from folks from bands Haim and The Internet.

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Honorable Mentions (alphabetical)

Beck - Hyperspace 

Charli XCX - Charli

Chance the Rapper - The Big Day 

Lucy Dacus - 2019 

The Head and the Heart - Living Mirage

Helado Negro - This is How You Smile 

Kishi Bashi - Omoiyari

Sufjan Stevens - Love Yourself / With My Whole Heart 

The Tallest Man on Earth - I Love You. It's a Fever Dream. 

Thom Yorke - ANIMA