You know what December means? Year-end list time! As I do every year, I have put together a playlist of songs from my Top 10 Albums of 2023.
boygenius' brilliant debut full-length the record was my most listened to and most loved album of this year. I was so fortunate enough to see them live twice. First at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens and then a few months later on my birthday at Madison Square Garden. Their live shows are epic sing-a-longs of pure emotion. The friendship and creative partnership between "the boys" - Julian Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus is a revelation and it shines on the record.
I was a bit skeptical of Olivia Rodrigo's follow up to 2021's Sour which was on my Top 10 of that year. Rarely does an artist strike twice especially when they are following up such a successful debut. Guts exceeded my expectations. It is bratty, fun and chock-full of bangers.
Technically SZA's beloved album SOS came out in December 2022 but everyone is giving it a 2023 pass and we all know that it rules. Mitski's cinematic seventh LP The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We is absolutely gorgeous. If you haven't already checked out acclaimed artist L'Rain's (aka Taja Cheek) newest genre-mixing album I Killed Your Dog, you must. Girl Ray are a pop band from North London and their newest LP Prestige was inspired by '70s disco specifically NYC ballroom culture. You know that I am in! Speaking of the United Kingdom, next up is The Tubs debut album Dead Meat. The band features former Joanna Gruesome guitarist Owen "O" Williams. It feels like a throwback to my '90s college rock days. Also throwing it back is the indie pop of San Francisco's The Red, Pinks and Purples The Town That Cursed Your Name. Paris band En Attendant Ana's new one Principia reminds me at times of Stereolab in the best way. Closing out the list is Jess Williamson's Time Ain't Accidental who made my Top 10 list last year with the record she released with Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) under the moniker Plains.
I'd love to know what artists made your Top 10 this year. Please leave your list in the comments or send me a message. Thank you for listening. Wishing you all health and happiness in the New Year.
xo,
Julie
Julie's Top 10 Albums of 2023
boygenius - Satanist
Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right?
SZA - F2F
Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine
L'Rain - Pet Rock
Girl Ray - Hold Tight
The Tubs - I Don't Know How It Works
The Reds, Pinks and Purples - Too Late for an Early Grave
En Attendant Ana - Black Morning
Jess Williamson - Time Ain't Accidental
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