Our contributors Will Dodd, Alex Donaldson, and Christian Hasan revisit the year in music as they share their favorite songs and albums from the year.
Will Dodd
Songs
“Contact” – Kelela
“Tell Me” – James Blake
“Jenn’s Terrific Vacation” – Danny Brown & Kassa Overall
“Daydreaming” – NxWorries
“Little Things” – Jorja Smith
“Angel” – PinkPantheress
“Scorpio” – James K & hoodie
“Gravity” – Tinashe
“Moonlight” – Kali Uchis
“I See Myself” – Geese
Albums
Javelin – Sufjan Stevens
Javelin is Sufjan’s most impressive album of his career, and that’s saying a lot considering his body of work. The album packs even more of an emotional punch following his dedication of Javelin to his partner, Evans Richardson IV, who passed away earlier this year. Stylistically, the album feels like a continuation of his work on Carrie & Lowell with some incorporation of electronic influences reminiscent of his underrated The Ascension.
Raven – Kelela
Shortly following 2017’s Take Me Apart, Kelela put out two projects that foreshadowed the direction of Raven—the Take Me Apart remix album and the mix Aquaphoria with longtime collaborator Asmara. The former was a collection of electronic/club-themed remixes of songs from the album, and producers LSDXOXO, Kaytranada, and BADSISTA went on to work on Raven. The latter featured Kelela singing over many existing ambient/new age songs in an hourlong mix format, with lead single “Washed Away” a perfect continuation of this style. For the clubbier tracks, she enlisted producers such as the aforementioned remix artists Bambii, AceMo, and prior collaborator FAUZIA to make one of the most spectacular vocal-driven electronic music albums of all time.
Lahai – Sampha
It’s been a long wait for the follow-up to his excellent debut LP Process, but it doesn’t take too long in the runtime of Lahai to determine that it was well worth it. He incorporates influences from UK Garage, jazz, and jungle this time around and manages to make an incredibly cohesive and consistent album.
Fountain Baby – Amaarae
Amaarae is one of the figureheads of a movement alongside artists such as Cruel Santino, Odunsi (The Engine), brazy, and countless others from Nigeria and Ghana who are making incredibly creative music that incorporates a wide range of genres. Fountain Baby has something in just about any style you’re looking for. Highlights include the mellow “Co-Star,” the Clipse-sampling banger “Counterfeit,” and the new wave-inspired “Sociopathic Dance Queen.” Her unique vocal delivery has always made her a clear standout in the music landscape, and with Fountain Baby she made a clear leap from her debut—it feels like there’s nothing she can’t do.
3D Country – Geese
I must admit, a lot of the incredibly hyped rock bands in recent years haven’t connected with me quite as much as I hoped, but a major exception is this sophomore effort from Brooklyn band Geese. They are certainly as indebted to the late 70s post-punk movement as a lot of their peers in the indie rock world, but they stand out by also looking toward genres like country and blues rock to incorporate into their sound. Something like “I See Myself” could slide in right onto the seminal Rolling Stones album Exile on Main Street, while the excellent title track recalls the classic work of Television. This band deserves to be the next big one in rock music, this album showcases a fine blueprint for making accessible music while at the same time retaining their edge and experimental nature.
Girl in the Half Pearl – Liv.e
This is the fifth sophomore album in the row on this list—it’s always enjoyable to see artists expand on their established sound and Liv.e’s Girl in the Half Pearl does that to perfection. Primarily self-produced with some help from heavyweight producers like Mndsgn, John Carroll Kirby, and Justin Raisen, this album continues her laidback neo-soul-influenced style from Couldn’t Wait to Tell You… but adds some higher energy drum & bass and psychedelic rock-influenced tracks as a change of pace. The album is even stronger in a live setting because her voice reaches another gear performing some of these songs. She could probably make a stellar punk album if she chooses.
We Buy Diabetic Test Strips – Armand Hammer
This list would feel incomplete without something billy woods-related. 2023 was a monster year for him between this, Maps with Kenny Segal, and his excellent run of features. Armand Hammer is billy’s duo with fellow MC Elucid, and their sixth album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is their most complete work – with a murderer’s row of producers and featured artists such as JPEGMAFIA, El-P, DJ Haram, Moor Mother, Pink Siifu, Junglepussy, and Black Noi$e among many others, how can it not be? Elucid and billy have the best chemistry in hip hop at the moment, they never waste a syllable with their combination of vivid storytelling and exceptional wordplay.
The Omnichord Real Book – Meshell Ndegeocello
Meshell is often regarded as one of the earliest “neo-soul” artists, but she unfortunately often gets overlooked in comparison to peers such as Erykah Badu, D’Angelo and Jill Scott in spite of having equally strong material in the same era. Regardless, The Omnichord Real Book is her debut album on the legendary label Blue Note, and 30 years into her career it just may be the best full-length work of hers. She recruits an excellent roster of jazz musicians to assist her on the album including pianist Jason Moran, harpist Brandee Younger, and vibraphonist Joel Ross among numerous other extraordinary talents, and they come together to make a sprawling album that fuses R&B, jazz, and electronic music into one of the strongest projects of 2023.
Black Classical Music – Yussef Dayes
Although he boasts a highly prolific number of credits to his name at only 30 years old, Black Classical Music is Yussef Dayes’ solo debut album following collaborative LPs with Tom Misch and former creative partner Kamaal Williams. Dayes is part of a scene of incredible musicians in the UK who are deeply rooted in jazz but have their ear towards other genres such as reggae, electronic music, grime, and hip hop – guests on this album range from saxophonist/clarinetist Shabaka Hutchings, reggae artist Chronixx, and frequent hitmaking producer Jahaan Sweet. In a spectacular year for jazz, Black Classical Music stands out as one of the most ambitious, varied, and consistent projects in the genre.
Playing Robots Into Heaven – James Blake
James Blake once again explores similar territory to his earlier works on iconic electronic labels such as Hessle Audio, Hemlock, and R&S. He emphasized it’s not a nostalgic exercise, as this element of his musical identity was just simply dormant for a while as he focused on collaborations with the likes of Beyonce, SZA, and Vince Staples. Lead single “Big Hammer” threw a lot of people off, but if you are familiar with James Blake songs such as “Order” and “Curbside” you knew he liked to get weird with it sometimes. Most of the rest of the LP is more in the vein of tracks like “CMYK”, hitting the perfect blend of melancholia and club-friendliness. “Tell Me” is the perfect example of that type of fusion, it’s a couple degrees away from being an anthemic trance hit yet manages to be emotionally evocative. Playing Robots Into Heaven was his first full-fledged electronic release since 2014, yet he hasn’t missed a beat—it proves why he’s one of the all-time greats.
Alex Donaldson
Songs
“Despair” – D-CNTR
“Amber Deception” – Rhys Langston & Pioneer 11
“Strike (Holster)” – Lil Yachty
“Dracme” – Marco Castello
“Super Shy” – NewJeans
“Heart of Scorpio” – Cornelia Murr & Alice Boman
“Soft Spot” – JMSN
“Moonwalkin” – Glu
“Retributions of an Awful Life” – Heartworms
“I Can’t Give Everything Away” – Spoon
Albums
Zango – Witch
Returning from a near 40-year slumber with a truly great album, with but one original band member remaining would be a tough ask for any band, but Zango proves it is not impossible. A giant of Zamrock, a Rolling Stones-inspired rock movement in 70s Zambia, Witch’s charismatic frontman Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda returns with latter years keyboardist Patrick Mwondela and a host of European musical talent to craft one of the last few years’ best, brightest and most affirming rock albums.
Karma Sheen – Karma Sheen
Karma Sheen arrived in 2023 with a polish and songwriting nous far beyond their years. Blending Hindustani ragas and improvisational alaps with Western psych rock and heavy rock, the band’s self-titled debut is one of the finest fusions of traditional music with psychedelia in recent years. With the roaring guitars of “Homecoming”, tenderness of “Sameer’s Sunflowers” and earworm groove of “Mian Ki Jive”, the band has crafted some of the most blood-pumping hooks of any album this year.
Aşk – Altin Gün
Moving away from the synth-heavy sonics of their previous two albums, Dutch-Turkish psych revival act Altin Gün return to gritty guitar rock on Aşk without missing a beat. Bursting to life with storming opener “Badi Sabah Olmadan”, the Anatolian psych sextet start as they mean to go on, with stomping standouts like “Rakiya Su Katamam” and slower, more refined cuts like “Kalk Gidelim” proving that they are still one of the finest acts going.
Lux Eterna Beach – Colapesce & Dimartino
A sprawling pop epic, Italian songwriters Colapesce and Dimartino come together on Lux Eterna Beach for their second and final collaborative project and make it one of the most sublime records of the year. From the beautiful opener onwards, the pair tackle love (“Forse Domani”), politics (“Ragazzo di Destra”), and more, proving that the breakout success of 2021’s “Musica Leggera” was no fluke.
World of Hassle – Alan Palomo
Returning under his birth name from a long stretch out of the spotlight, Alan Palomo (fka Neon Indian) returns with 13 fun, hypnotic, and danceable tracks of synth-drenched pop. The retro-vibes of the album don’t hinder but rather enhance Palomo’s songwriting, with the smooth “La Madrileña” and raucous “Meutriere” among the best pop tracks of the year in any language.
H.T.III (Deluxe) – Gabe ‘Nandez
Gabe ‘Nandez is a unique artist with a unique story. Rapping across multiple languages, the well-travelled ‘Nandez draws from all his experiences on the deluxe edition of 2023’s excellent H.T.III, with the extended cut only adding more examples of ‘Nandez’ layered beauty to his impressive catalogue.
Der Assistent – Der Assistent
Der Assistent, the dubby side project of Fotos lead singer Tomas Hessler, is a stark departure from his previous work but no less welcome. * tracks of elevator ready pop music, Hessler crafts an immaculately cool and breezy vibe on his solo debut, with bouncy synths, echoing percussion and stringy guitars
Quaranta – Danny Brown
On Quaranta, Detroit rap great Danny Brown brings on board names such as The Alchemist and Quelle Chris to produce what is his most low-key album to date, and likely his most introspective. His first album in four years, Brown crafts a tremendous spiritual successor to 2011’s XXX, examining himself with an almost uncomfortable depth at times in order to create an uncompromising and enthralling self-portrait.
Green Monster – Kito Jempere
On the constantly ambitious Green Monster, Russian DJ Kito Jempere crafts a set of 14 constantly shifting soundscapes like no other. Collaborating with 26 artists from across the globe across the album, each of the 14 sonic journeys on Green Monster is a vibrant and colourful word unto itself. “The Closing Shift At The Jazz Cafe”, a sultry synth ballad featuring Jimi Tenor, Starving Yet Full, Ÿorik, and Mak Glonti, is a testament to the variety at play on the record.
Hardly the Same Snake – Skinny Pelembe
South Africa-born, UK-raised genre-bending up-and-comer Skinny Pelembe (real name Doya Beardmore) comes of age on Hardly the Same Snake. The album, Beardmore’s second, goes beyond what we have seen from him thus far, with crisper, more inventive production and soaring vocals on the likes of standout single “Don’t Be Another”.
Christian Hasan
Songs
“Tears” – Skrillex, Joker, & Sleepnet
This trifecta was one of the most anticipated tracks off Skrillex’s sophomore album, Quest For Fire. Channeling basslines and percussion rooted from deep UK influence, the three producers unleashed one of the heaviest songs of the year. Throw in the emotional lyrics and an Ocarina of Time sample to make this a track that could make you cry literal tears of rage, awe, joy, or satisfaction.
“Don’t Want You” – Falldren & Galena Crew
Hardwave is in such a unique moment in Electronic music culture right now. While Wave traditionally encourages listeners to turn inwards with introspection, the influence of American Trap music, festivals, and nightlife is undeniable in this community’s movement- this ethos shines through with “Don’t Want You.” San Francisco based Falldren teams up with Chicago trio, Galena Crew, providing one of the most unique Wave meets Trap memories of the year.
“SIN” – ROSSY
One of Sable Valley’s most anticipated IDs in 2022. The scene’s resident melody magician and Arp-Queen channels a darker, aggressive vibe on this one. Originally debuted in RL GRIME’s Halloween XI: Dead Space, this single followed ROSSY’s EP, Heaven’s Door, which saw her dominate the scene with sold out tours & festival breakouts.
“OK!OK!OK!” – ISOxo & Wavedash
A standout on ISOxo’s interstellar debut of an album, kidsgonemad!, this collaboration has been teased since 2021 and some sources say it almost didn’t make the final release. Let’s count our blessings on this one thanks to this SD-based Filipino-American prodigy and his work with the self-proclaimed boy band from Chicago.
“Instance” – VARI
Hex Cougar’s imprint, Alter/Ego, had a quiet year but sometimes less is more. The label shines the spotlight on American-based Producer/DJ VARI to channel a hypnotizing blend of arpeggiated synths and jaw-smacking drum programming. One of the catchiest melody hooks of the year in another perfect example of the parallels between Wave and Trap.
“Gaudiel” – Baclash
The opening B-Side track to Soul Food Music Collective’s third compilation features Denver-based Producer/DJ breaking out of his comfort zone. Described as the musician’s first-ever Drum & Bass record, the record was inspired in a studio session that followed a re-watch of The Lord of The Rings saga, hence the name and majestically-sonic vibe.
“Around Me” – RL GRIME
Rarely do we get to experience uptempo club bangers from the Los Angeles-based maestro in Trap.. unless you’re familiar with his now retired Big Room House project, Clockwork. “Around Me” feels undefinable genre-wise, leaning into garage and Stutter-House.
“Drive54” – yeaitsnat
Another standout on Soul Food Compilation Vol. 3, this record concludes the LP’s journey with a light, poppier take on the ever-evolving movement that is American Garage. Co-produced and written by wes pierce, yeaitsnat makes her official debut, singing about regret in lost love and concluding that she will always find a way home, somehow.
“Super Shy” – NewJeans
Heralded as the next generation of K-Pop’s transcendence of music culture, NewJeans delivers one of the radio anthems of the Summer. It looks like the Korean music scene is aware of the rising sounds coming from the Garridge underground and songs like “Super Shy” indicate that such inspiration finds a way to reach the masses one way or another.
“more than words” – Hitsujibungaku
The ending song in Season 2 (Part 2) of the Jujutsu Kaizen anime is emotionally-riveting, nostalgic, and fresh. This Tokyo-based Rock trio’s name translates to “Sheep Literature.” Including this song on this list and sharing my genuine feelings on all of these records isn’t something I’m used to. As a musician myself, I feel like I’m at my best when I can also share the language of music with everyone. Because music is more than words as the band sings in the record’s comforting chorus.
Paths by G JonesAlbum
Paths – G Jones
The sophomore follow-up to 2018’s The Ineffable Truth was well worth the five year wait. Not to say that G Jones hasn’t gifted us with stellar records in said timespan. From last year’s “On The Platform,” (a heavenly-roller coaster that I am begging friends and family to play at my funeral) to heavier collaborations in “R.A.V.E. (Realizing Alternative Visions for Earth)” and “Say What” with EPROM and ISOxo.
Paths sees G Jones level up his craftsmanship as a songwriter and curator. The album flows seamlessly with immaculate sound design and technologically-infused vocal snippets. It’s almost as if the device you are playing it on is speaking to you in real time, just like the first computers of Generation X did many moons ago.
Storytelling through sound and feeling is what Paths successfully achieves. It feels like G Jones is sharing a message that reveals self-discovery is an endless cycle, one that will always feel familiar and foreign at various times.
2023 saw G Jones make his headline debut at Red Rocks to debut Paths: Live. Unlike his already unique DJ sets, the live show features all-original music with revamped and exclusive edits of his entire discography, which now irons out to a decade-plus years of work and expression.
Saint Audio 