2023 wasn't your typical year in music. The genre map was redrawn with legendary artists venturing into uncharted territory. Dolly Parton embraced rock, André 3000 hypnotized with his instrumental flute odyssey, and Taylor Swift revisited her past with re-recorded versions of two beloved albums.

Country music wasn't just playing, it was dominating. Four chart-topping hits, led by Morgan Wallen's 16-week behemoth Last Night, sent the Billboard 100 soaring to twangy new heights. Rap, on the other hand, took a backseat, with a mere three tracks reaching the top – the lowest since 1989.

But music in 2023 wasn't just about numbers. It was about saying goodbye to icons like Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, David Crosby, Jimmy Buffet, Sinead O’Connor, and Jeff Beck, and witnessing the hiatus of BTS as its members began their military service.

The year began with joyful moments: Bonnie Raitt's shocking Grammy win and Rihanna’s return to stage for the Super Bowl LVII halftime show. Supergroup boygenius released their highly anticipated debut, while an AI-generated Drake and The Weeknd track went viral. In a dramatic twist, Coachella's headliner Frank Ocean was replaced by the original Blink-182 lineup after a disappointing mess.

May brought relief with Ed Sheeran's successful copyright defense, while Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour hit the road and the Foo Fighters introduced their new drummer, Josh Freese.

June marked the end of Billy Joel's iconic Madison Square Garden residency, Kesha and Dr. Luke finally settled their decade-long lawsuit, and the Migos reunited in a poignant tribute to Takeoff.

July saw Jason Aldean's controversial hit Try That in a Small Town climb to the top, while August brought lawsuits for Lizzo, a 10-year sentence for Tory Lanez, and relationship woes for Keke Palmer, triggered by Usher's Las Vegas residency.

September celebrated Shakira's historic Video Vanguard Award win as the first South American recipient, The Weeknd’s final feature of his career, Maren Morris' brave departure from country music, NSYNC's long-awaited reunion, and U2's grand opening of the MSG Sphere.

October saw Eric Clapton's surprising fall from grace in Rolling Stone's guitarists ranking, while November kicked off Young Thug's highly publicized YSL trial. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted legends Kate Bush, Rage Against the Machine, and Missy Elliott, but the biggest surprise came from the Beatles, who dropped a new single 40 years after their disbandment.

The year closed with KISS bidding farewell in their final show, and Brenda Lee topping the Hot 100 with Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, a staggering 65 years after its release – a mic drop on Mariah Carey's holiday chart reign.

We reviewed countless songs and albums throughout the year. In this week's newsletter, we'll try to rank the best of them. Take a peek at some of our previous reviews below.

100 Best Songs of 2023 🔥

From Troye Sivan's electrifying rush to SZA's smoldering defiance, from Billie Eilish's introspective Barbie ballad to boygenius' vulnerable comeback, we’ve compiled the 100 best songs of 2023. We’ll countdown the top 25 here, but you can find the full list on Spotify.

25. boygenius, Not Strong Enough (Indie Rock)

“Returning to the scene in seismic fashion, boygenius’ chemistry is undeniable.

Not Strong Enough is a guitar-laden indie rock cut that flirts with folk, country, and pop. The trio’s stacked vocal harmonies are sensational, while the synths and pulsating drums, which kick in on the bridge, make for an electrifying second half.” – March 13

24. NewJeans, Ditto (Contemporary R&B)

“A modest spin on Baltimore club dance music, Ditto is an inventive, subtle approach to K-pop. It incorporates John “Jabo” Starks’ iconic Think drum break and is soaked in early-noughties nostalgia. In contrast to their maximalist peers, NewJeans’ restrained R&B offers up a refreshing alternative to formulaic K-pop.” – January 9

23. Ana Frango Elétrico, Electric Fish (Boogie)

22. POPPY, Spit (Industrial Metal)

“Spit, a cover of Kittie’s 1999 feminist anthem, retains much of the original’s rhythmic structure, but Poppy makes it even more vicious. The distorted howls, the noisy guitar riffs, and the rattling drums all remind us of Slipknot in the late 90s. Poppy has taken a metal classic and not only made it her own, but made it better.” – May 23

21. Foo Fighters, Rest (Alternative Rock)

“The Foo Fighters' roots are in sorrow and suffering, having emerged from the ashes of Nirvana in 1994. Nearly 30 years later, with the unexpected death of Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl was forced to pick up the pieces of his misery once again. We couldn’t have hoped for a finer farewell to Hawkins than Rest, the unsparing conclusion to the band’s latest album.”  – June 19

20. billy woods, Kenny Segal, Samuel T. Herring, FaceTime (Jazz Rap)

19. Róisín Murphy, DJ Koze, You Knew (Microhouse)

“You Knew showcases the throbbing dance music that characterizes Murphy's artistry. With its minimalist house production and strong 90s influence, You Knew provides a glimpse into what Murphy’s forthcoming record promises: unapologetically unique, fiercely original, and consistently daring dance music.” – July 31

18. Ichiko Aoba, Space Orphans (Chamber Folk)

17. Caroline Polachek, Blood And Butter (Art Pop)

“Indie darling Caroline Polachek took to Twitter to tell fans that she was “endlessly f*cking annoyed” at being called this generation’s Kate Bush. Well, sorry to annoy you some more, Caroline, but your audacious decision to include a bagpipe solo in your latest single, Blood And Butter, was a very Bush-esque move.” – February 7

16. Squid, The Blades (Experimental Rock)

15. Taylor Swift, Enchanted (Taylor’s Version) (Pop Rock)

“Enchanted has always been in the upper echelon of Swift’s catalog, but the singer’s growth as an artist has only elevated this formative piece of work. Through Enchanted, Swift showcases the remarkable development of her vocals, now singing with the conviction the song always merited. The track stands as a testament to Swift's ability to craft songs that transcend time, bewitching listeners over a decade after its original release.” – July 17

14. Kelela, Contact (Alternative R&B / Breakbeat)

13. Tainy, J Balvin, Young Miko, Jowell & Randy, Colmillo (Reggaeton)

“Tainy’s Colmillo, an EDM-infused, gangsta house, perreo mega-collab, features more beat switches than SICKO MODE. Tainy’s creative reservoir appears boundless, enabling him to transform abstract ideas into refined experiments that propel Latin music into the future.” – November 6

12. JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown, SCARING THE HOES (Experimental Hip Hop)

11. Tyler, the Creator, SORRY NOT SORRY (Jazz Rap)

“Nearly two years after the release of Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler is revisiting his Grammy Award-winning album with an expanded edition, The Estate Sale. The added section features tracks far better than what most rappers include on their main records, particularly Sorry, Not Sorry, the closer, which is worth the price of admission on its own.” – April 3

10. PinkPantheress, Capable of love (Breakbeat)

9. Black Country, New Road, Turbines/Pigs (Art Rock)

“Turbines/Pigs is a surreal 10-minute ballad that pairs May Kershaw’s tender vocals with her twinkling keyboard before a full band instrumental crashes in for a dramatic finish. The roar of the audience at the end is the only reminder that this stunning epic was recorded live.” – March 27

8. yeule, dazies (Shoegaze)

7. Jane Remover, Census Designated (Post-Rock)

“Census Designated introduces subtle elements of atmospheric shoegaze and emo. The track's energy escalates unabated, culminating in haunting screams and a tempestuous static climax. With introspective lyrics and fuzzy distortion, this six-minute odyssey captures an entrancing blend of exhilaration and desperation.” – September 26

6. The Smile, Bending Hectic (Post-Rock)

5. Lana Del Rey, A&W (Art Pop)

“Halfway through A&W, Lana takes an unexpected turn. The acoustics clear out, and a booming hip-hop beat takes their place. Pulsating synths, a lo-fi bass, and chaotic electronic sounds make a striking contrast to the song’s first half. A psychedelic trap tune from Lana was not on this week’s bingo card.” – February 27

4. Jessie Ware, Begin Again (Disco)

3. By Storm, Double Trio (Experimental Hip Hop)

“In navigating the turbulence of loss, By Storm offer us one of the most impactful premieres in memory. Wildly abstract and densely intricate, Double Trio embraces the avant-garde while blending evocative bars with expressive jazz elements. A truly staggering track in every sense, Double Trio positions By Storm to redefine artistic boundaries and boldly challenge every preconceived notion of hip-hop.” – August 15

2. Sufjan Stevens, So You Are Tired (Chamber Folk)

“So You Are Tired is a breakup ballad that exudes the intimacy of a lullaby, showcasing Stevens' artistry in full bloom. His mastery of the quietly expansive chamber-folk genre shines brightly, with lyrics that are not only absorbing but also profoundly heartrending. It hearkens back to the vintage Stevens who first captured our hearts 20 years ago. This soul-stirring gut-wrencher is nothing short of extraordinary, a return to form that feels like a reunion with an old friend after years apart.” – September 11

1. George Clanton, I Been Young (Baggy)

“I Been Young brilliantly blends baggy percussions with Clanton's signature chillwave aesthetic while infusing it with chart-ready pop elements. The result is an entrancing and immersive track, where psychedelic synths and mesmerizing percussion beautifully complement Clanton's rich vocal delivery.” – July 31

25 Best Albums of 2023 💿

25. Lil Yachty, Let’s Start Here. (Neo Psychedelia)

“Despite the recent developments in Lil Yachty’s craft, we could never have predicted his latest album, Let’s Start Here., a full-throttle psychedelic rock record that avoids rap entirely. The album is Yachty’s Dark Side of the Moon. It’s a trippy tour de force that demands to be heard.” – January 30

24. Wednesday, Rat Saw God (Indie Rock)

“On Rat Saw God, singer Karly Hartzman brings her autobiographical lyrics to life by painting vivid vignettes of growing up in the South. The stories are strikingly detailed, yet they’re mundane enough that they could be the universal coming-of-age story for anyone who grew up in small-town America. Though the memories may not be yours, it’s impossible not to recognize a piece of yourself within the band’s songs.” – April 17

23. slowthai, UGLY (Post-Punk / UK Hip Hop)

“After a series of failed therapy sessions, slowthai tries to therapize himself with his latest project, UGLY. There’s a relentless sense of urgency, which never yields as slowthai delivers his stream-of-consciousness to fans in the most depressive and vulgar ways possible.” – March 13

22. ANOHNI, My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross (Chamber Pop)

21. Squid, O Monolith (Experimental Rock)

“Birdsong, woodwind flair, and mystical themes bend Squid’s signature post-punk sound in unexpected directions. These natural sonics separate Squid from their peers, carving out a niche within London’s burgeoning guitar scene.” – June 19

20. Jeff Rosenstock, HELLMODE (Power Pop)

“HELLMODE embodies the essence of punk without succumbing to clichés. It presents a genuine and distinctive artistic expression seldom found in contemporary punk music. While it may not achieve flawless perfection, it deliberately avoids the pursuit of polished aesthetics.” – September 11

19. MIKE, Burning Desire (Abstract Hip Hop)

18. Swans, The Beggar (Post-Rock)

“At 69, Michael Gira finds himself contemplating the essence of life, the impermanence of mortality, and the poignant prospect that these songs may be his last. As the album unfolds, it delves into apocalyptic themes, showcasing Gira's most introspective and soul-searching lyricism—an existential journey laid bare.” – July 17

17. Danny Brown, Quaranta (Conscious Hip Hop)

“Over the past decade, Danny Brown has established himself as a disruptor in hip hop, defying convention with his distinctive, off-kilter delivery. His inclination to expose self-destructive habits on record marked him as one of the culture's most intriguing yet disconcerting figures. However, beneath the unconventional humor and chaotic persona, a persistent undercurrent of anguish has always existed—an aspect that he directly confronts on Quaranta.” – December 4

16. Mitski, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We (Indie Folk)

15. George Clanton, Ooh Rap I Ya (Chillwave)

“Across Ooh Rap I Ya, Clanton skillfully weaves lush vaporwave and dream pop synths, evoking the spirit of the early '90s. His genuine celebration and profound appreciation for this era resonate throughout his work. At 35 years old, Clanton's nostalgia for the '90s is unmistakably authentic.” – July 31

14. Armand Hammer, We Buy Diabetic Test Strips (Experimental Hip Hop)

13. Caroline Polachek, Desire, I Want To Turn Into You (Art Pop)

“On Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, Polachek takes pop music in bold, unexpected directions. Crammed with every imaginable type of sound, the record avoids crumbling under the weight of its own ambition. Instead, it transcends the limits of pop without ever losing the genre’s essence.” – February 27

12. Jane Remover, Census Designated (Shoegaze)

11. Kelela, Raven (Alternative R&B)

“Beyoncé’s Renaissance and Kelela’s Raven are strikingly similar, but where Beyoncé paid homage to the black, queer roots of dance music, Kelela asserts her place in that history.” – February 14

10. yeule, softscars (Dream Pop)

9. underscores, Wallsocket (Indietronica)

“Wallsocket fearlessly embraces complex, avant-garde ideas, and they all land seamlessly. It's undoubtedly one of the most audacious and creative projects of the year. In an era where "hyperpop" has become a buzzword losing some of its authenticity, Wallsocket serves as a powerful reminder of why hyperpop and its offshoots remain at the forefront of musical innovation—unbridled innovation and a steadfast refusal to conform to any musical conventions.” – September 26

8. Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter, SAVED! (Southern Gospel)

7. billy woods, Kenny Segal, Maps (Abstract Hip Hop)

“For proof that rappers can spit bars better than emcees half their age, look no further than 45-year-old Brooklyn rapper Billy Woods on his latest album Maps. On Maps, the enigmatic Woods explores potent themes that only a rapper who’s experienced their fair share of life could address with both credibility and conviction.” – May 23

6. Black Country, New Road, Live at Bush Hall (Art Rock)

5. Jessie Ware, That! Feels Good! (Disco)

“Disco to the max, That! Feels Good! overflows with pounding piano chords, four-on-the-floor percussion, mighty brass ensembles, and infectious basslines. The record is a tongue-in-cheek, hedonistic whirlwind that lacks all subtlety in its unabashed celebration of sexual freedom.” – May 2

4. Sampha, Lahai (Alternative R&B)

“Lahai is an intimate exploration of existence, family, spirituality, and particularly, the passage of time. Through vulnerable songwriting and striking sound design, Sampha transcends any notion of a sophomore slump.” – November 6

3. Parannoul, After the Night (Live) (Shoegaze)

“When we think of the greatest live performances of all time, several come to mind: Bob Dylan at The Royal Albert Hall, Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, The Who at Leeds, or The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East. Are we wrong to believe that Parannoul at KT&G Sangsangmadang should be added to that list?” – April 3

2. JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown, SCARING THE HOES (Experimental Hip Hop)

“A daunting listen, SCARING THE HOES is not for everyone. Peggy’s dense, abrasive production paired with Danny’s manic, intense flows create a whirlwind listening experience. The unusual mixing is just another example of how hip hop’s two most enigmatic personalities continue to skew rap conventions.” – March 27

1. Sufjan Stevens, Javelin (Indie Folk)

“Stevens possesses a rare ability to authentically capture the depths of sadness, and Javelin is no exception. The album masterfully navigates the balance between sorrow and uplift, infusing even the darkest emotions with a glimmer of hope.” – October 10

15 Best Music Videos of 2023 🎥

15. PinkPantheress, Ice Spice, Boy’s a liar Pt. 2 (Dir. by George and Frederick Bord)

14. Billie Eilish, What I Was Made For? (Dir. by Billie Eilish)

13. Mitski, My Love Mine All Mine (Dir. by A.G. Rojas)

12. Danny Brown, Jenn’s Terrific Vacation (Dir. by Noel Paul)

11. Travis Scott, SIRENS (Dir. by Travis Scott)

10. slowthai, Yum (Dir. by Crowns & Owls)

9. Olivia Rodrigo, bad idea right? (Dir. by Petra Collins)

8. Lil Yachty, sAy sOMETHINg (Dir. by Crowns & Owls)

7. Weyes Blood, God Turn Me Into a Flower (Dir. by Adam Curtis)

6. George Clanton, I Been Young (Dir. by George Clanton)

5. Tyler Childers, In Your Love (Dir. by Bryan Schlam)

4. Little Simz, Gorilla (Dir. by Dave Meyers)

3. Tyler, the Creator, SORRY NOT SORRY (Dir. by Tyler, the Creator)

“In the self-directed music video for Sorry Not Sorry, Tyler recreates his alter egos from his past album cycles, including Wolf Haley, Chub Bum, Flower Boy, and Igor. On the confessional outro, as Tyler’s personalities take turns apologizing for their past discretions, a shirtless Tyler kills off each alter ego one by one. He leaves Tyler’s current alias, Tyler Baudelaire, for last. The video ends with Baudelaire’s death, effectively bringing the Call Me If You Get Lost era to an end.” – April 3

2. Kyle Gordon, Planet of the Bass (Dir. by Ori Segev and Noah Dixon)

“Kyle Gordon's meticulous craftsmanship hits the bullseye each time. Every detail is spot on, including his playful substitution of female stand-ins in music videos, which nods to Eurodance's penchant for unabashedly swapping vocalists with models.” – September 11

1. Troye Sivan, One of Your Girls (Dir. by Gordon von Steiner)

“The accompanying music videos for Troye Sivan’s Rush and Got Me Started provided visually striking interpretations of his songs, accentuated by captivating choreography. Rush mirrored the track's seductive essence through kaleidoscopic imagery, neon lights, and an abundance of sweaty bodies. Got Me Started featured evocative performances set against Wong Kar Wai-inspired backdrops in Bangkok. Yet, it’s the music video for One of Your Girls that truly stands out, with Sivan appearing in drag as he straddles a half-naked Ross Lynch. This is undoubtedly one of the most provocative, boundary pushing artistic expressions taken by a male pop star in recent memory.” – November 6

10 Worst Songs of 2023 🗑️

No list of the "worst songs of 2023" would be complete without addressing the overtly political tracks released this year. A new battleground emerged, where artists wielded lyrics like sonic Molotov cocktails. Songs like Jason Aldean's Try That in a Small Town and Oliver Anthony's Rich Men North of Richmond became lightning rods for controversy, deliberately crafted to provoke reactions, and they succeeded in doing so. However, their provocative nature fell short of harnessing music's inherent ability to unite people and bridge divides. These songs exacerbated discord rather than fostering unity.

The list of politically charged songs extended further to include Hi-Rez's 2+2=5, Donald Trump's Justice For All, and Tom MacDonald's collaborations with Adam Calhoun and Dax, such as American Flags and Black and White. Regardless of one's stance on the messages conveyed in these songs, sonically, the tracks were painful to listen to.

And now, for the top 10:

10. Bizarrap, Shakira, Shakira: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Electropop)

“On the latest installment of Latin trap producer Bizarrap’s viral YouTube music series, Shakira demonstrates zero restraint. The 45-year-old ruthlessly attacks her ex-husband, soccer star Gerard Piqué, and his 22-year-old girlfriend, Clara Chía. “I’m worth two 22’s / You traded a Ferrari for a Twingo / You traded a Rolex for a Casio,” she sings. Elsewhere, Shakira mocks Piqué’s intelligence and airs his dirty laundry, including his 2019 tax fraud case. Sonically, the song is generic and fails to live up to the Colombian singer’s star power, hence the tabloid fodder.” – January 16

9. Jung Kook, Jack Harlow, 3D (Contemporary R&B)

8. Sam Smith, Koffee, Jessie Reyez, Gimme (Afrobeats)

7. Drake, Search & Rescue (Trap)

“Quintessential Drake, Search & Rescue uses corny bars (“Don’t know how to express my love / that’s why I American Expre-e-e-e-e-ss my love'“) to explore the rapper’s never-ending quest for a life partner. The beat lacks soul, the lyrics are uninspired, and Drake’s crooning is devoid of any enthusiasm. As has become the norm, Drake put more focus on the song’s marketing than the music itself.” – April 17

6. Lil Mabu, MATHEMATICAL DISRESPECT (Drill)

5. Falling In Reverse, Watch The World Burn (Nu Metal)

4. will.i.am, Britney Spears, MIND YOUR BUSINESS (Dance Pop)

3. Jax, Cinderella Snapped (Power Pop)

2. Meghan Trainor, Mother (Dance Pop)

1. Paul Russell, Lil Boo Thang (Nu Disco)

Paul Russell's Lil Boo Thang isn't just a catchy TikTok jingle; it's the poster child for the over-sampling plague that ravaged the airwaves in 2023. Lil Boo Thang doesn't merely borrow from the Emotions' timeless Best of My Love; it strips the song bare, leaving a hollow echo of its former glory. Its saccharine veneer barely conceals the creative void beneath. Where's the daring reinterpretation? The transformative spark? We’re left with a sugary confection that’s a monument to the creative bankruptcy plaguing contemporary music.

Now, let's be clear: this isn't a blanket condemnation of sampling. Hip-hop giants like Madlib, DJ Premier, and Kanye West have built careers on weaving sonic tapestries from decades past. But in 2023, soulless samples felt like an epidemic, infecting tracks like David Guetta's Baby Don't Hurt Me (a limp regurgitation of Haddaway's What Is Love), Kim Petras' Alone (a pale shadow of Alice Deejay's Better Off Alone), Coi Leray's My Body (a bastardized take on Lesley Gore's It's My Party), DJ Khaled's Supposed To Be Loved (Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. spoiled by lazy production), DaBaby's Trickin' (a Devo's Whip It remix with no sense of direction), and Jason Derulo's Hands On Me (Ben E. King's Stand By Me smothered in glitter). The list, sadly, goes on.

In 2023, originality often felt like a forgotten language. The airwaves hummed with spectral melodies, and Lil Boo Thang stood as the most grating example.