The 20 Best Albums of 2023

Congratulations everyone, we made it to the end of the year. 2022 was a wild ride (to say the least), but it did provide some really good music, and it looks like 2023 will do the same. I’m sure that next year will come with its own surprises, but at the very least, we’ll have a host of new music to get us through it. From Paramore’s revival to the return of Iggy Pop, and Green Day — these upcoming albums will be there to keep us company all year round. Check it out!

Iggy Pop, Every Loser (January 6th)

Retirement, who? Iggy Pop might be 75 but he’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, on January 6th he’s ringing in the new year with his new album Every Loser. Produced by Andrew Watt for Gold Tooth Records, the album features the rock-legend's signature electric sound.

Sam Smith, Gloria (January 27th)

Sam Smith is entering a new era. After teasing fans with the thumping “Unholy,” Smith is gearing up to release his next album. Judging from the title and Smith's newfound love of cheeky lyrics and leather, Gloria is shaping up to show a more rugged side of the singer. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Green Day, Nimrod: 25th Anniversary Edition (January 27th)

Greenday is returning to its roots. The rock band re-packaged their hit record Nimrod to celebrate its 25th year anniversary. According to Pitchfork the re-release includes original demos, exclusive recordings from their live-shows, and two unreleased shows.

Ellie Goulding, Higher Than Heaven (February 3rd)

In 2023 Polydor Record is bringing Ellie Goulding’s angelic vocals from the studio straight to you. Higher Than Heaven, drops on February 3rd, and according to the artist, “It’s about being passionately in love.” Listen to the album's first single, “Let it Die” for a preview of the synthesized music that’s yet to come.

Shania Twain, Queen of Me (February 3rd)

Grab your cowgirl boots and head to the dance floor because Shania Twain is back, baby! On February 3rd, the queen of country is releasing her sixth album Queen of Me, along with a nation-wide tour. The singer explained the concept behind the album on Instagram, writing: “These days, I’m feeling very comfortable in my own skin - and I think this album reflects that musically. Life is so short and I want to be uplifted, colorful, unapologetic and empowered. I want to carry a clear message, particularly as a woman, to always remember my power and I hope the songs are a reminder to you, of that same power inside you.” Cheers to that!

Paramore, This is Why (February 3rd)

Paramore released their first single “This is Why” in 2022, following a five year hiatus. In 2023 they’re returning to the music scene in full swing with a debut album and coinciding tour. This Is Why, features the zany punk-rock sound you know and love — just, all grown up.

Caroline Polacheck, Desire, I Want to Turn Into You (February 14th)

Polacheck puts her pop vocals to the test in her fourth album, Desire I Want To Turn Into You. As the title suggests, the upcoming record is all about human desire and connections. Listen to her latest EP, Welcome To My Island for a preview of her synthesized sound.

Macklemore, Ben (March 3rd)

Macklemore is changing things up with his latest album, Ben, which is a nod to his real name Benjamin Haggerty. If his latest single, “Faithful” is any indication of what’s to come, fans of the rapper can expect cleverly strung together lyrics and his signature drawl.

Lana Del Rey, Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (March 10th)

Lana’s next album is shaping up to be an instant classic. Earlier this year she released the title track, which featured her signature woeful hum and poetic lyrics. If history repeats itself, the full album will do the same. A fresh Lana Del Rey masterpiece right in time for spring? What more could you want!

Metallica, 72 Seasons (April 14th)

Metallica has returned, and their new music proves heavy metal is alive and well. Next spring the iconic band will release their new album 72 Seasons, but to hold us over they dropped a new song called Lux Æterna. The electric track sounds like a refreshed version of the music that made them famous.

Call me old-fashioned, but I love a good album. Even in the age of A.I. DJs, curated listening experiences (or playlists, for those of us born before 2000), neverending singles, and surprise music drops, I’ll always opt to listen to a full record. That’s right—top to bottom, no skips.

Lucky for me (and you), this year has birthed a surplus of great albums. We’ve seen experimental music from the likes of Killer Mike, who dropped Michael, a surprising gospel testimony, and André 3000, who stunned with the impressively lyricless wind instrument record, New Blue Sun. Don’t worry if you’re more into songs with words, though—there were plenty of those, too. Boygenius proved themselves, yet again, as poetic masters on The Record. Meanwhile, industry titans like The Rolling Stones and Paramore returned to the studio, adding stunning new albums to their repertoires. Oh, and did we mention Olivia Rodrigo? Yeah, she nailed it with GUTS.

As usual, we’ve curated our favorites. Consider it an early holiday gift. Or perhaps, a sign to grab your headphones and give your favorite artists their flowers. Either way, the best albums of 2023 are waiting for you below.

Jungle, Volcano

I’ll admit it: I was late to the Jungle train, but discovering this band was the highlight of my year. Jungle makes the kind of music you feel in your bones. The kind you tap your feet to without noticing. The kind you put on when the party’s hit a lull. Their latest album, Volcano, is a groove-fest that will make you want to get up and move. Each track takes electro-funk and disco beats to new heights with clever rap verses and synthesized beats. Listening to the 14-song set feels like stepping out of a time machine into a party at Studio 54. Don’t believe me? Break my no-skips rule and listen to “I’ve Been in Love.”

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Olivia Rodrigo, GUTS

The sophomore slump must’ve skipped past Olivia Rodrigo because GUTS is a tour de force. While Sour, her acclaimed debut album, explored the life of a teenage girl, GUTS amplifies what it means to be a young woman. Most problems persist. Fitting into social crowds is still hard. Going on dates is still awkward. Being a woman, still (always) complex. Even so, Rodrigo turns her discomfort into something we can all scream along with. Listening to her shout is downright cathartic. Hearing her yearn in "Lacy" to emulate a woman who doesn’t exist? It's a somber reminder of societal expectations—a reality that becomes bearable when you realize she struggles with it too. Meanwhile, grungier fare, like "Get Him Back" and "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl," offer a peek into Rodrigo’s personal life, both with hooks that sink bone-deep.

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Hozier, Unreal Unearth

We first faced Hozier's twisted songwriting talents when he released his self-titled debut in 2014. In 2019, he touted his genius again with Wasteland Baby!, a record that explores lust and desire. And now, in 2023, he released Unreal Unearth and doubled down on what we already know to be true: No one can write a song quite like Hozier can. Here, the Irish singer-songwriter uses the framework of Dante’s Inferno to explore life since the pandemic. Spoiler alert: It’s complicated. Look no further than the vampy track, "Eat Your Young," which will make you second guess the very nature of indulgence. An honor to his homeland, Hozier included a flurry of Irish language lyrics throughout the album as well. “There’s so much that cannot be expressed outside of that language,” Hozier said in an interview with The Irish Times explaining the choice. We're listening.

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The Rolling Stones, Hackney Diamonds

Hackney Diamonds is the band's first album of original material in 18 years and the first LP since Charlie Watts, the band’s longtime drummer, died in 2021. It’s safe to say Watts would be proud of the work they’ve put out. With a tracklist that features surprising contributions from Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder, Hackney Diamonds gives the legendary outfit's repertoire a breath of fresh air, while honoring their rock 'n' roll legacy. The opening track, "Angry," has a classic Stones lean, while "Sweet Sounds of Heaven," which arrives near the end, pairs Lady Gaga’s vocals with Mick Jagger for a modern duet between two legends. There’s also "Bite My Head Off," a punk-inspired rant featuring Paul McCartney on the bass. Rock on.

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Kaytranada & Amine, Kaytramine

This list wouldn’t be complete without a powerhouse collaboration. In Kaytramine, the renowned producer Kaytranada teamed up with the rapper Amine for a set that's bright, fresh, and fun—like summer compressed into an LP. Don’t let their high energy fool you though, Kaytramine is an expertly crafted project. The pairing of Amine’s signature flow with Kaytranada’s well-produced beats are a treat for any listener. Plus, this project is a full-circle feat. Nine years ago, when Amine dropped out of college and began rapping on SoundCloud, one of his first songs was a riff on Kaytramine’s 2013 single, "At All." It didn’t take long for the two artists to get acquainted; their vibe just works. It was great back then, and it’s even better now.

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Raye, My 21st Century Blues

As the saying goes: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. In My 21st Century Blues, Raye proves this theory to be true. Throughout the album’s scathing, heartbreaking, and occasionally uplifting 15-track run, she sings about toxic relationships, body dysmorphia, and even an existential crisis (or two). But what makes My 21st Century Blues a standout is that it’s entirely hers. After spending years writing for other artists (like Beyoncé, Little Mix, and Charli XCX), Raye finally had the space to hone her voice. The result? A blaring, honest, and high-octane record that goes down as smooth as honey.

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Killer Mike, Michael

The men of Outkast went for it in 2023 with their solo fare. Michael is Killer Mike's first solo album in over a decade; the record takes his rap sensibilities and melds it with gospel to tell his life story. In an interview with Zane Lowe, the rapper explained that the record was influenced by his "submission to god." With references to his late grandmother and the civil rights movement peppered in, Michael clues fans in on the powerful forces that made him the man he is today. If you want to know who Michael Santiago Render truly is, listen to this.

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Chris Stapleton, Higher

Chris Stapleton’s fifth studio album Higher is a(nother) country blues masterpiece. Produced with his wife, Morgan, the sprawling 14-track set exudes the type of confidence that only comes with age. Stapleton's voice is clear and luxuriously weathered, bolstering harder fare, like "White Horse," and seducing on sexier cuts, like "Loving You On My Mind." A cowboy hat is not included, but you might want to buy one after tuning in.

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SG Lewis, AudioLust & Higher Love

AudioLust & Higher Love is a party starter, plain and simple—if you’re looking for an effortlessly cool setlist for your next gathering, this is the one. But the beauty of AudioLust & Higher Love is that it’s perfect for everyday activities, too. Commuting to work? Listen to "Infatuation." Doing household chores? Try "Missing You," to make the mission more fun. In a slump? "Holding On" is there to boost you back up. There’s a song for every mood you’re experiencing (or want to emulate). What’s better than that?

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Metro Boomin, Heroes and Villians (Villains Version)

Metro Boomin’s Heroes and Villains (Villains Version) showcases the buzzy studio wiz's production power at its best. The expansive tracklist features collaborations with Don Toliver, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, A$AP Rocky, and more, piecing together a fascinating patchwork of heavy and heavier hip-hop songs. It's obvious that Metro has the Midas touch. Who else could turn John Legend’s vocals into a trap anthem? With each transition and beat drop, Heroes and Villains proves to be Metro’s best work yet.

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Labrinth, End & Begins

Labrinth’s latest offering will make you feel like you’re in an episode of Euphoria (makes sense, he does the score for the HBO hit). On Ends & Begins, the musician lulls you into a trance with tantalizing beats and vulnerable lyrics. The album opens with a stark revelation in "The Feels," where Labrinth sings that he got hit by a (metaphorical) truck and only levels up. By the time Zendaya makes an appearance on the cut, it's clear that the blunt-force trauma they’ve experienced is love. That theme is carried throughout Ends & Begins as Labrinth muses about, and occasionally thrashes at, his need for love and attention. Can you have one without the other? By the time you reach the end of the album, the question remains unanswered, but it'll gnaw at you for days to come.

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Miley Cyrus, Endless Summer Vacation

If there’s one thing Miley Cyrus knows how to do, it’s have fun. On Endless Summer Vacation, she invites you to join in her post-divorce party, with a mix of sing-along ballads and club-ready tracks. The whole album shines, but if you asked for my favorite song, I’d point to "You," a desperate plea for "everlasting love" that showcases Cyrus’s voice—raspy and well-rounded—at its best. Additional standouts include "River," an energizing hit, and the perfectly angry, "Muddy Feet (feat. Sia)." Whether Miley is yearning for love, pissed off, or in a late-night haze, you’ll find yourself right there with her.

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Lil Yachty, Let's Start Here

Let’s Start Here makes one thing certain: this is not the Lil Yachty you remember. Here, he trades his signature bars for a '70s-inspired groove and soulful singing. It's the latest swerve from an artist who's become a king of them. When Lil Yachty emerged in 2016 with his album Lil Boat he transformed what it meant to be a modern-day rapper; with a sound tied to no location except the Internet, it defied the longstanding trend in the genre that where an MC is from is as important to their style as what they say. Since then, he’s continued to shift the conversation with innovative twists. Let’s Start Here is his latest feat—his biggest and brassiest attempt yet—proving that art is meant to be experimental.

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Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan

Zach Bryan defined this year in music with his 2023 self-titled album. Beginning with a reflective poem about Bryan’s life, which he delivers over a simple string guitar, the 27-year-old says, "I don’t need a music machine telling me what a good story is/And matter of fact, I’ve never asked nothing from nobody." It’s true, and refreshing. This is Bryan and Bryan alone, distilled into swirling folk- and country arrangements. "I’ve got no explanation for these songs," Bryan said upon the album’s release. "I just wrote some poems and songs that I wanted to share because I think they’re special. Some of them are heavy, some of them are hopeful, but more than anything what’s most important to me is that they’re all mine."

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Gracie Abrams Good Riddance

Indie scene queen Gracie Abrams finds her footing in Good Riddance. The artist’s second album is full of lyrical treats and whimsical earworms that’ll make you feel like the star of a Greta Gerwig film. On "I know It Won’t Work," she muses about a relationship she hopes to rekindle, despite knowing it’s destined to fail. Later, on "I Should Hate You," Abrams confronts the complex position of wanting to hate someone she still loves. Like her previous EP, This is What It Feels Like, Abrams uses songwriting to cope with confusing emotions—bringing her audience right along with her. Good Riddance kicks things up a notch, wrestling with inconclusive ends.

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André 3000, New Blue Sun

New Blue Sun might not have any lyrics but it charms hard. This record, a wind instrument exploration from the former Outkast rapper, strays far from anything he’s created before, and cheekily acknowledges his past. (Cue up "I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A 'Rap' Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.") So, what does that mean? Well, expect to hear peaceful wind chimes and quaint bird calls, followed by yoga-studio-worthy instrumentals that will soothe you and make you smile. New Blue Sun might be a departure from what you’re used to, but it’s well worth the trip.

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Boygenius, The Record

After dominating the pop charts with their Muna collaboration "Silk Chiffon," Boygenius released their debut album, The Record—and it's even better! Stunning, to put things simply. Over the course of 12 songs, the band muses about life with frank, poetic lyrics that it sometimes only Lucy Daucus, Pheobe Bridgers, and Julien Bakers would dare to write. "Without You Without Them" is a folk-inspired triumph that asks who the trio would be without those who came before them."Not Strong Enough," the midway album marker, gives a pop-rock spin to existential dread. The album wraps things up with "Letter to an Old Poet," using Bridgers's fairy-like voice to deliver a complex message about giving love to people who don’t deserve it.

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Arlo Parks, My Soft Machine

On her second LP, Arlo Parks makes good (better, even) on the promise of her debut. The album cascades through Parks’s wide breadth of emotions as she sings about growing older, falling in love, and finding her footing as a young adult. Parks's peaceful arrangements lull you into a sense of calm before the sense of ease is intercepted by jarringly honest lyrics, like, "I want to belong to you, I’m sorry," or the equally devastating, "I sparkle in the rare case that you tell me I’m your sunray." Even in moments of despair, Parks summons a sense of hope for the future.

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Paramore, This Is Why

Following a five-year hiatus, Paramore came back bigger and louder in 2023 with their sixth LP. (Fans were eager for the return; the set landed at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200 following its February release). Following years of solo work, and a whole lot of life, This Is Why has a new energy for the zany punk-rockers. Rattled and occasionally jittery, it's unlike anything else that dropped this year.

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Lana Del Rey, Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (March 10)

Lana’s latest album, Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, features her signature woeful hum and characteristic poetic lyrics, but this isn’t a typical album for the 38-year-old singer and songwriter. With a staggering 16 tracks and 78-minute runtime, many of the songs stray away from traditional conventions, with Del Rey switching perspectives mid-song ("A&W"), trailing off into thought ("Sweet"), or referencing her catalog ("Taco Truck x VB"). It's a weird yet delightful next step for Del Rey, who has built a career out of surprising her listeners.

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