The year 2023 saw the release of some incredible albums, from genre-bending rock to innovative electronica. Here are the top 10 albums of the year, according to critics and fans alike:
“Burna Boy: I Told Them” – This Nigerian afrobeats album was a critical and commercial success, winning a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album. It features Burna Boy’s signature blend of traditional African sounds with modern pop production.
“Hozier: Unreal Unearth” – This Irish folk rock album was a departure from Hozier’s previous work, with a darker and more experimental sound. It was met with critical acclaim, with Pitchfork calling it “Hozier’s most daring and rewarding album yet.”
“Yussef Dayes: Black Classical Music” – This British jazz fusion album features Yussef Dayes’ intricate drumming and soaring saxophone solos. It was praised for its originality and innovation, with AllMusic calling it “a landmark album for a new generation of jazz musicians.”
“Blur: The Ballad of Darren” – This British indie rock album was a reunion of the original lineup of Blur. It was praised for its catchy melodies and nostalgic lyrics, with NME calling it “a love letter to their fans.”
“Boygenius: the record” – This American indie rock supergroup album features Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus. It was praised for its raw honesty and vulnerability, with The Guardian calling it “a beautiful and moving album about love, loss, and friendship.”
“Jamie Branch: Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war))” – This American jazz trumpeter album is a free jazz exploration of current events. It was praised for its virtuosity and its exploration of social and political themes, with Pitchfork calling it “a bold and ambitious album that pushes the boundaries of jazz.”
“Corinne Bailey Rae: Black Rainbows” – This British soul singer album is a return to form for Bailey Rae, after a hiatus of several years. It was praised for its soulful vocals and its mature songwriting, with The Independent calling it “a beautiful and heartbreaking album about loss and resilience.”
“Creeper: Sanguivore” – This British punk rock album is a dark and introspective exploration of the human condition. It was praised for its heavy riffs and its powerful lyrics, with NME calling it “a brutal and beautiful album that will stay with you long after the last note has faded.”
“Sufjan Stevens: Javelin” – This American folk rock album is a return to Stevens’ roots, with a focus on acoustic guitar and simple melodies. It was praised for its intimacy and its exploration of personal themes, with Pitchfork calling it “a quiet masterpiece.”
“Fires in the Distance: Air Not Meant for Us” – This American post-rock album is a sprawling and ambitious exploration of soundscapes. It was praised for its creativity and its ability to transport the listener to another world, with Exclaim! calling it “an immersive and unforgettable experience.”
These are just a few of the many incredible albums that were released in 2023. With so much great music out there, it’s hard to know where to start. But if you’re looking for something new and exciting to listen to, these 10 albums are a great place to start.
