As with every year following the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, this year has been tough. Not just for the music industry, but for the world at large. War, illness and general chaos has surmounted our expectations as a part of the human condition. As sentimental as it may sound, though, music has been there through it all. From the sizzling protest anthems to the intimately introspective ditties, the world of music has brought together people from all over, genre preferences aside. This year’s top album picks are all together captivating in every sense of the word, from the electrifying hard rock of Ghost to the delightfully abrasive industrial of HEALTH and everything in between. 2023 was a year of great adversity, yet all that immense pain bore some excellent art. With that, please enjoy our annual Top 40 Best Albums of 2023!
– Skyy Rincon
40. Ghost – Phantomime
It’s rare that an EP shines through a sea of full-lengths, let alone one comprised entirely of covers. But if anyone can do it, it’s Ghost. Between the undeniably catchy opening rendition of Television’s “See No Evil,” an especially electrifying version of Genesis’ “Jesus He Knows Me” and the Grammy-nominated take on Iron Maiden’s “Phantom Of The Opera,” Ghost has further cemented their position as the kings of hard rock.
– Skyy Rincon
39. Dwarves – Concept Album
It’s a multi-genre album with plenty of bite. Blag Dhalia’s voice fits every song perfectly, especially the alternative or metal-infused tracks. The lyricism is simplistic, but the instrumentation makes up for it.
– Jacqueline Sumida
38. Janelle Monae – The Age Of Pleasure
The eclectic rhythms found in Janelle Monae’s album The Age of Pleasure make it the perfect set of songs to dance to at a club. Using a variety of instruments to create beats which play on a loop during each song, the music is lively and youthful while also rhythmically wise beyond its years.
– Marjan Alagheband
37. The Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Future Is Your Past
The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s The Future Is Your Past highlights the band’s and Anton Newcombe’s indie groundbreaking skills while showcasing his flexible voice, unforgettable guitar riffs and acoustic vulnerability.
– Eve Pierpont
36. Full Of Hell + Nothing: When No Birds Sang
This is a solid and mind dazzling album that features a heavy face smacking mix of metal and harmonic music that is filled with wicked instrumentation and vocal performances from both bands. When No Birds Sang is a genius collaborative album by Full of Hell and Nothing display their passions for music.
– Caitlin Stoddard
35. Better Lovers – God Made Me An Animal
Greg Puciato unites here with former Every Time I Die members to form Better Lovers. Their EP God Made Me An Animal arrived as a sterling example of progressive hardcore, shifting between atmospheric tension in full throttle onslaught.
– Raymond Flotat
34. Meg Myers – TZIA
TZIA by Meg Myers holds the 34th place on this list. This 15-track album is cohesive and heavily electronic with dark tones and nods to pop thrown in.
– Jocelyn Paymer
33. Kimbra – A Reckoning
A bold musical statement, A Reckoning shows Kimbra crafting something cohesive that uses her flair of genre-bending arrangement and lush harmonies to produce an anxious and rhythmic art pop album.
– Cristian Garcia
32. Caroline Polachek – Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
An album easily characterized by sincerity, Caroline Polachek brought along a verifiable hit in Desire, I Want To Turn Into You. She sings sweetly, the content she deals with is simple yet somehow complex at the same time, and most importantly, she stays collected all the while, committed to nothing but quality.
– Zachary Blair
31. Icona Pop – Club Romantech
For what it’s worth, clubby house music rests on Icona Pop’s Club Romantech. While the album relies heavily on the electro-house genre, it still holds a plethora of head-bopping tunes to keep the party going.
– Angela Ramirez
30. Cold War Kids – Cold War Kids
The Cold War Kids shift tone and emotion masterfully on their self-titled album. They showcase their impressive musical range and diversity throughout the 37-minute runtime.
– Max Goertzen
29. Sparklehorse – Bird Machine
Coming in at number 29 is Bird Machine by Sparklehorse. With a mix of electronic, punk, and acoustic tracks, everyone can find a song to enjoy within this album. The crunchy punk vocals and distorted guitar riffs blended with electronic aspects make this album a one-of-a-kind and a joy to listen to.
– Jocelyn Paymer
28. Mammoth WVH – Mammoth II
Mammoth WVH continued to build off of the success of their debut album with the release of Mammoth II, showcasing Wolfgang Van Halen’s growth as a lyricist and musician. Tracks like “Waiting ” hone in on heavier themes of grief and introspection while still retaining the defining rock influences that are at the center of Mammoth WVH’s music.
– Katelyn Wright
27. Fall Out Boy – So Much (For) Stardust
Exploring the transient identity of fame, disillusionment and the pursuit of authenticity in a world that often seems superficial, “So Much (For) Stardust” is a sonic journey chock full of dynamic instrumentation that not only solidifies Fall Out Boy’s place in the contemporary music landscape, but also showcases a band unafraid to challenge their own artistic boundaries while sustaining the signature energy and lyrical depth they’re known and loved for.
– Riley Wilkerson
26. Dethklok – Dethalbum IV
Dethklok’s Dethalbum IV is a never-ending barrage of metal excellence. Every aspect screams intensity, from the blistering guitar solos to the thundering double bass pounding. The violent voices rip through the mayhem, packing a sonic assault that leaves you gasping for air. Each song is a molten combination of ferocity and precision that demonstrates the band’s technical abilities.
– Nikita Costa
25. Myrkur – Spine
The album is simply stunning because of how the instrumentation brings a strong dose of metal and folk music that blends nicely with the lovely folklore theme and Myrkur’s bittersweet and mystical vocal performance.
– Caitlin Stoddard
24. boygenius – The Record
Our 24th-ranked album, The Record, by Boygenius, stands out amongst its fellow indie albums released this year. From acapella verses on “Without You Without Them” to indie-screamo on “$20,” this album captures multiple genres and combines sound in a way that is distinctly Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker.
– Jocelyn Paymer
23. Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation
From tracks like “Flowers” to “Wildcard” Miley Cyrus’s Endless Summer Vacation is both a kiss farewell to her youth and the person she loved during that time. Throughout the album, Cyrus tells her story mostly using pop and funk styles. However, some songs embrace electronic, calypso, ballad and country flares.
– Devan Jackson
22. Sufjan Stevens: Javelin
Once again, Sufjan Stevens creates another masterpiece that is hauntingly beautiful. Known for his well composed melodies and bittersweet lyrics, every moment on Javelin trades in the ornate pomp of his previous work for something down to earth and spiritual. This album is a tender tribute of love and death.
– Cristian Garcia
21. 100 gecs – 10,000 gecs
Glitchy hyperpop found its home on “10,000 gecs.” Released on March 17, the duo’s third studio album is a manifesto of their traditional, high-pitched sound with an added oomph of rhythmic instrumentation. Together, Laura Les and Dylan Brady celebrate silliness and expand the bounds of creativity.
– Angela Ramirez
20. Echosmith – Echosmith
The familiar pop band, Echosmith, came into 2023 carrying heavy luggage. In other words, they used the baggage of their members’ pasts to create a narrative strung together by sentimental songs sad in nature. They are made up of reflections galore, and with each one of them comes tales about sorrow and sadness. Then there’s the vast array of instruments the group used, which includes everything from roaring electric guitars to savory synths, all of it coming together to form this singular take on living dangerously while crestfallen.
– Zachary Blair
19. Blink-182 – One More Time
With the return of Tom DeLonge, Blink-182 really stormed back with One More Time. There’s no Blink without DeLonge, and it’s obvious on this record how much he means to the group. Most importantly, this isn’t a sad farewell, well, except for the album’s title track. Barker’s production is all over this album, especially in its subtle emphasis on the rhythm section. Barker also puts a more physical edge on his drumming with this album; there’s a serious poetic touch to his usage of snare. This album culminates a decades-long career with a new, somewhat sentimental edge to help pull everything through.
– Jacqueline Sumida
18. Baroness – Stone
Baroness recently presented fans with their sixth studio album, Stone, and it’s equal parts placid and fierce. Although songs such as “Shine” begin with soft and tranquil instrumentals, the pace quickly switches gears, offering listeners plenty of energy and grit. The entire album experiments with a variety of sounds and layers, with tracks such as “Bloom” and “The Dirge” providing a lighter, introspective sound. These songs add a perfect balance to the rest of the album as “Anodyne” punches things up with its dynamic instrumentals, welcome distortion, and vibrant tone. Stone tackles a myriad of musical impressions, and Baroness uses the album to showcase its versatile talent.
– Kelly Catlin
17. Aesop Rock- Integrated Tech Solutions
When Jackson Pollock came into the art scene, the very meaning of what made people believe was art- was desecrated. Now, as a conscious individual, telling people what to do with their lives is not something one should do. However, fan of Jackson Pollock’s abstraction or not- Aesop Rock’s 2023 release Integrated Tech Solutions will take you down the same path of every layered brush stroke in Pollock’s canvases just the same. Aesop’s album release is funky, synthetic, with the right blend of techno and bass. Throughout this album, listeners will recognize homage to various forms of literature, and passion as Aesop calls out systemic injustices. Aesop reminds us that we can not escape, but we are here, and we are now.
– Chloe Williams Delgado
16. Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
The Foo Fighters’ latest album features some of their most emotionally potent and haunting lyricism. After the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, lead member Dave Grohl ties in heavy themes of anger, loss, and acceptance. The trimmed-down, ten-track tracklist offers all punch and no filler. From hard rockers like “Rescued” and “But Here We Are,” to the multi-phased “The Teacher” and tearjerker “Rest,” the Foo Fighters are no holds barred on But Here We Are.
– Max Goertzen
15. Wargasm – Venom
Venom is a unique album which showcases Wargasm’s authentic style of electronic and rock into the lingering darkness. Each track is filled with the thrilling sounds of heart jolting electronic beats that sizzles the atmosphere with an ’80s musical vibe that can cause some people to dance while listening. Guitarist Sam Matlock and vocalist Milkie Way are not afraid to express themselves creatively on this record because each guitar riff and vocal performance shows how much Wargasm have grown as a band and surely the duo’s fan base will not be disappointed with Venom by how Matlock and Way are able to share their musical passions with other people.
– Caitlin Stoddard
14. Neil Young – Chrome Dreams
With having such a prominent and long-lasting career as folk-rock legend Neil Young, it seems rather selfish to ask for more music from him. But Young continues to deliver, even into his late 70’s. The compilation album released this year, Chrome Dreams, contains songs recorded in the mid 1970’s as an acetate disc to be considered for a 1977 release. The record was never officially released until 2023, but versions of the tracks were bootlegged long before then. Sonically, Chrome Dreams highlights all the best parts of Young’s discography from the intimate and passionate, acoustic ballads such as “Pocahontas” to the explosive, long-winded jam sessions such as “Like a Hurricane.” On these vault tracks, Young is both dignified and observant in his songwriting, and only demonstrates that even Young’s unreleased music can easily go toe-to-toe with some of his greatest hits.
– Greg Poblete
13. Gunship – Unicorn
Gunship came through in 2023 with proverbial guns blazing on Unicorn. The album is a showstopper of the finest craft of electro dance, the kind that doesn’t know a place in a subset genre, defined by the themes of the moment without any real vision. Yes, Unicorn blasts the top tier of dance music as a timeless entity, using everything imaginable at their disposal to put together real musical serpentine aimed at real drama on the dance floor. Never a boring four-to-the-floor snore, this is vibrant, engaged songwriting angling at the operatic heights of the best of Depeche Mode’s early career. The trio of Alex Westaway, Dan Haigh and Alex Gingell are joined by an incredible roster of guests as well including: Milkie Way, Dave Lombardo, Lights, John Carpenter, Gavin Rossdale, Carpenter Brut, HEALTH and more. This is dance music the way it should be, alive and poignant, powerful and moving beat by beat.
– Raymond Flotat
12. Romy – Mid Air
Romy’s debut album Mid Air was Romy’s first solo endeavor without her band The xx. The album was notably personal to her as this is the first time she’s publicly addressing her sexuality through music. This album is filled with gentle techno/trance and Romy’s soft vocals. Romy takes you through a journey filled with danceable beats and uplifting messages throughout. She received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Recording. The standout singles from the album are “She’s On My Mind” and “Strong” ft. Fred again…
– Jazlyn Morales
11. Empire State Bastard – Rivers Of Heresy
Full Frontal meets No Mercy. This album is as vulnerable as it is unrelenting – screaming at you to shut up and listen while imploring you to stand up and act. Rivers Of Heresy, the debut album by Simon Neil and Mike Vennart was described by one critic as “bold, brilliant, but bileful,” a sidecar project that had a moniker but no mission for a decade or longer. Empire State Bastard had the messenger, just no message. A wish came true, they landed Slayer’s Dave Lombardo to pound the skins and musical mayhem materialized. Staring at the album art barely braces your brain for the full-frontal lobotomy about to blow your mind apart and scatter your soul to smithereens. Unleashing the fury kept at bay in bands called Biffy and Oceansize, the sonic surrender starts with the first cut “Harvest,” and never relents until “The Looming” stops echoing after more than six minutes of hammer-pounding. “Sons and Daughters, Moi?,” and “Palms of Hands” allow but a breath before “Tired, Aye,” “Blusher,” and “Stutter” pick up the pace, with “Sold!” being a caustic bitter taste of that aforementioned bile. The last lines a self-fulfilling prophecy: “I will empty my heart out (sold) / I will figure a way out (sold).”
– Ric Leczel
10. Old Crow Medicine Show – Jubilee
Opry Members Old Crow Medicine Show’s Jubilee reinforces their place in the Americana and Country music scenes. Ketch Secor and Willie Watson in “Miles Away” harmonize amongst pithy banjo’s and snare drums while a fiddle and cinematic build up culminate in a bluesy nostalgic chorus. “Keel Over and Die” is a spoon slapping, boot stomping country jig full of strings, banjos and harmonicas; while “I Want It Now” is a jazzy bluegrass rock track. Sierra Ferrell accompanies on “Belle Meade Cockfight,” a spritely fast tempo duet adorned with moments of similarity to Gaelic Storms “John Ryan’s Polka.” OCMS traverse genres with sounds hailing from the Highlands of Scotland, the hollers of the Smoky Mountains and the speakeasy’s of New Orleans. Each song is a journey into a carefully crafted ornate storyline told in only a way Old Crow Medicine Show knows how, in a manner signature to them.
– Megan Outten
9. Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, is another angelic album that is full of storytelling songs and slow reflective melodies. While the record seems to hit close to her debut albums, Ultraviolence and Born to Die, there is no doubt that you can hear her artistic evolution. With her development of sound also comes her progression of self. Her lyrics cover ideas including the grief from death, resentment for her mother, emptiness and not having children and a family of her own. “A&W” is just one power hitting song that speaks to what women face in this society, and “Kintsugi” will be adored by anyone who knows what it feels like to lose multiple family members. The album concludes with “Taco Truck x VB” and to fans of Noman Fucking Rockwell! there will be sense of familiarity as it samples “Venice Bitch.”
– Eve Pierpont
8. Gorillaz – Cracker Island
Cracker Island perfectly embodies where an ongoing musical project like Gorillaz should go throughout its ongoing discography. Musician and composer Damon Albarn simply did it again with his latest Gorillaz release, featuring a rigid lineup of songs sparkled with stadium level guest features including Stevie Nicks, Bad Bunny and Thundercat. This album is trendy, which is by far the most important concern with established artists attempting to stay relevant in an ever changing musical society. Albarn defeats these stereotypes of resilience simply through quality, whether it be in the production, songwriting, or artist collaboration. This project is ethereal, given the classic Gorillaz sound appreciated over the years. Cracker Island is also impressively fresh in the various arrangements presented throughout the tracks. Electronic drums carry this project the whole way through, leaving the listener satisfied and emotive. Albarn’s voice is also spectacular as always, at this point perfectly honed into his desired yet achieved sound.
– Kiril Hadjipetkov
7. Killer Mike- Michael
Not to be cheesy, but Killer Mike literally killed it with a 14 track, 53 minute and 51 second, album of the year release- Michael. Prowling in Atlanta, Killer Mike has been taking his place hit release after hit release and deserves nothing short but to be included in album of the year. Listening to Michael is not an escape but a wake up call to speak up about what’s going on. Speaking up for others, your community, and most importantly yourself. Lovers of rap and hip hop beam with pride for Killer Mike, as not only does he have sick flows on profound beats, the rapper is also an actor and social activist. The new year is rolling in, but Michael isn’t being left behind, and listeners look forward to what Killer Mike is going to slaughter next. Do yourself a favor, and let Christmas come early by gifting your ears the spirit of profoundly hit album release Michael.
– Chloe Williams Delgado
6. Filter – The Algorithm
Filter front man, Richard Patrick, has created an album that can be played during almost any mood. The Algorithm is the first record to come out after Filter’s 7-year hiatus and includes two songs that Patrick worked on with Brian Liesegang for what was supposed to be Rebus, a follow up to Short Bus– “Summer Child” and “Command Z.” The record follows a mood ebb and flow of getting pumped for a party, partying and then the song you put on at the end of the night to smoke a joint to. The Algorithm consists of rock, hard electronica, ambient, screaming and wistful singing, just to mention a few elements. It is more a reflection of a classic Filter album, and fans that praise Filter’s first three albums will thoroughly enjoy this one. Patrick and all of his collaborators have produced an album that will age like fine wine.
– Eve Pierpont
5. Scowl – Psychic Dance Routine
With a storybook album format, a killer lead vocalist with an extreme edge and a great instrumental to match, Psychic Dance Routine has it all. It falls back and forth between a more metal, scream edge and a lighter vocal pattern that helps keep the record from being a one-trick pony. And Kat Moss rocks the album like a live concert. The album uses natural sounds like ticking clocks or a simple drumstick rhythm to help bring in the rest of the band. Those sounds make the album seem more unique and give an interesting bridge between the tracks. While the harder tracks are excellent, the lighter songs are the top tier of the album. The title track of the album is perfection. From the simplistic intro of only electric guitar to the reserved opening drum beats, it’s a fiery track under the surface. Moss easily shows her lower range with a couple of different visits and a bridge that serves as a great ending to an already impressive track. Overall, Scowl has one of the best albums of the year with so many twists and turns and hopefully has even more impressive work coming up in the upcoming year.
– Jacqueline Sumida
4. Fever Ray – Radical Romantics
Radical Romantics is a lot to indulge in, perhaps a blessing or a curse depending on the listener. However, it is undoubtedly complex, with various layers presented throughout the project. Electronic themes paint this image over with a smear of futuristic auditory stimulation, somewhat alluding to the rave scene while constructing an entirely different sound altogether. “New Utensils” is a perfect example of Fever Ray’s untapped sound, a culmination of peculiar synths, alien drum samples and angelic vocals. Electronic influence is by far the most fun part of this project as well as perhaps the most intellectual measure taken to ensure a wholesome, new sound. In terms of intensity, the levels are certainly varied. Some tracks pertain to a relaxed demeanor while others are abrasive, in your face and overall chaotic. Fever Ray’s genius is something to study but also something to deeply enjoy. While many elements of this project may seem avante-garde or polarized from mainstream music, it is incredible to see how these varied elements come together to create the album that stands here today. Radical Romantics combines a plethora of sounds, a combination of frequencies that can only be replicated in the way they were initially created.
– Kiril Hadjipetkov
3. K.Flay – MONO
K.Flay’s latest album, MONO, is a record of self-reflection, overcoming struggles and artistry at its finest. MONO cannot fit into one genre, and neither can K.Flay. From rock to electronica to rap to featuring a piano ballad-ish moment, this record is a skillful masterpiece of determination and inspiration. After becoming deaf in one ear, K.Flay wrote the opening track “Are You Serious?” and this new outlook on music and sound has allowed this album to be one of freedom and experimentation. With executive producer, Paul Meany, K.Flay was able to write a record that is full of tension and vulnerability. The album has movement of the psyche and sound, as well as a song for just about anyone to connect to. Features on MONO include Vic Fuentes and Kid Sistr. “Raw Raw,” “Irish Goodbye,” “Punisher” and “Perfectly Alone” are just some songs to mention that exhibit her wide array of genre hopping that is executed perfectly. This dynamic record is one that will live on for fans, and for the artists herself. MONO doesn’t follow a traditional structure, is full of tempo changes and even replicates the tinnitus noise that K.Flay has in her unhearing ear. This mixture has made an unforgettable record.
– Eve Pierpont
2. Genesis Owusu – STRUGGLER
Genesis Owusu’s STRUGGLER opens with “Leaving The Light,” a hip-hop and EDM number immediately transporting the listener to another multiverse. “The Roach,” is an anthemic self-personification, while “See Ya There” questions systemic belief systems. Owusu is soft in his vocalization, offset by a funky blues bassline. “Freak Boy” is a poppier centrifuge of cosmic synths and strumming low bass. “That’s Life (A Swamp)” is a mix of electronic synths and shuffle rhythms accented by jazz instrumentation, whereas “Stay Blessed,” is a blend of distorted grunge guitars and hi-hat punctuated double bass. In the revelation “Stuck To The Fan,” Owusu alliterates against alternating beats, Roach wondering is this real life, or is it fantasy? Owusu’s lyricism throughout is poignant and infectious, lingering like a cataclysmic flash while furthering the narration. STRUGGLER closes with “Survivor” illustrating Owusu’s instrumental genius and cultural awareness. The climax, “Forever I walk on the path of the sinner / The path of the roach, walk of humanity,” breaches the penultimate moment. Owusu carries the anvils of cultural existentialism with allusions to The Killers and Franz Kafka; all in one album that is as entertaining as it is relevant.
– Megan Outten
1. HEALTH – Rat Wars
Industrial rock band HEALTH are no strangers to heavy music, both sonically and lyrically. Their latest release Rat Wars has taken their output to new heights creating a superb balance of abrasiveness and vulnerability. “Demigods” kicks the album off with an intricate, slow-burning medley of instrumentation and production, building in intensity as Jake Duzsik’s melodious vocals propel the track forward. A pulsating, attention-capturing beat is introduced towards the end of the song, delivering a delightfully heavy breakdown, imploring listeners to headbang and dance simultaneously. “Demigods” bleeds into “Future Of Hell” incredibly well, setting the tone with an unrelenting, adrenaline-fueled beat that, despite standing in direct contrast to Duzsik’s dreamy vocal delivery, complements the overall composition quite impressively. “Hateful” showcases the band’s impressive electronic capability, creating a track that is entirely danceable and unapologetically intense. “Hateful” blends into the next song “(Of All Else)” which serves as an instrumental companion track. For some, instrumentals may warrant a skip, however, HEALTH’s decision to extract vocals from the equation on “(Of All Else)” leaves listeners with a newfound appreciation for the band’s musical prowess as a whole. After the brief interlude, “Crack Metal” returns with a vengeance, pairing blaring electronic accompaniment with skillful percussion and serene singing. The last quarter of the track unleashes an all-out sonic assault on the ears with heavy riffs dominating the mix with undeniable power. “Unloved” maintains a softer beat throughout which mirrors Duzsik’s breathy vocals before launching into an EDM-esque section to bring the track to a satisfying close. “Children Of Sorrow” comes out gun-blazing with heavy guitars, leaning into metallic influences while managing to conserve the delicate balance with electronics. The track is also lyrically heavy with Duzsik lamenting “still fear you’ll abandon me / don’t abandon me.” The next track “SICKO” opens with a distorted sampling of Godflesh’s “Like Rats,” marking yet another successful collaboration for HEALTH following their beloved DISCO4 series. “Ashamed” and its companion track “(Of Being Born)” serve as a dynamic duo of sorts, unafraid to explore the immensely emotional sides of the human psyche. “DSM-V” is arguably the centerpiece of the entire record despite coming second to last on the tracklist. The energy of the track is incomparable to say the least, creating a full circle experience for listeners when it references the opening track “Demigods” by name. The closing track “Don’t Try” is a stripped-back, emotionally compelling tribute to introspection which proves that Rat Wars delivers on its promise to be overtly vulnerable and uncompromisingly heavy.
– Skyy Rincon
Photo Credit: Ekaterina Gorbacheva
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