2023 Music In Review: Best Songs

My year-in-review series marches onward! Feel free to go back to my list of favorite EPs and look forward to hearing about my favorite albums from 2023 very soon. But for now, let’s dig into my favorite songs, singles and deep cuts alike, of the year!

Honorable Mentions: “Rebuke” by Aminé and Kaytranada, “It Must Change” by ANOHNI and The Johnsons, “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan, “Double Trio” by By Storm, “Clearer Picture (of You)” by Greg Mendez, “Loading” by James Blake, “Jenny’s Out of Town” by Kerry Charles, “Heaven” by Mitski, “Carnavoyeur” by Queens of the Stone Age and “KITCHEN LIGHTS” by Westside Gunn (featuring Stove God Cooks).

30. “Bass Jam” by Danny Brown

On the closer to the long-awaited sequel to 2012’s breakout “XXX,” Detroit-native Danny Brown trades his trademark yelpy chaos for quiet and serene contemplation, meditating on the healing and connecting power of music in this bittersweet tribute to his past and his family.

29. “20200817 Proud True Toyota” by Mac DeMarco

Indie icon Mac DeMarco covers so much stylistic ground across the hours of mostly instrumental demos that make up “One Wayne G,” but this silly little tune about the simple joys of hitting the road in a car you love is classic Mac, and it’s the tune I’ve returned to most from that massive album.

28. “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” by Sufjan Stevens

Sometimes a song sounds so elegantly crafted it’s shocking it hasn’t existed for decades, and that description perfectly fits this timeless treasure from Sufjan Stevens’ exploration of love and loss, “Javelin.”

27. “road” by awakebutstillinbed

These San Jose-based emo rockers take you for a cathartic rollercoaster ride on this eight-minute-plus epic, opening with fiery guitars and throat-destroying vocals from Shannon Taylor, before eventually soaring into an overwhelmingly uplifting finale.

26. “Daddy” by Nourished by Time

Baltimore-based producer and singer Marcus Brown polishes his nostalgic style of ’80s inspired songwriting and soundcraft into pure dance pop euphoria on this instantly catchy and irresistibly groovy banger.

25. “I See Myself” by Geese

Try Not To Sing Along Challenge: Impossible Edition. If this soulful indie pop wonder doesn’t spark joy in the deepest parts of your being and have you belting out the chorus after a few listens, I pray for your heart of stone to melt.

24. “You Can Be Mean” by Indigo De Souza

A casual listen to this breezy indie rock song from North Carolina-based singer-songwriter Indigo De Souza might only reveal the lighthearted whistling and bright synth tones, but tuning into the lyrics will reveal a devastating and weary exploration of trauma that makes this a difficult, but undoubtedly worthwhile listen.

23. “We’re In Love” by boygenius

The members of boygenius primarily write songs about the tragic endings and emotional hurts that come with romantic relationships, and that makes Lucy Dacus’ gentle piano ballad about a love so strong it transcends lifetimes hit all the harder.

22. “Nudista Mundial ‘89” by Alan Palomo (featuring Mac DeMarco)

This bilingual pop masterpiece from Alan Palomo, formerly known by his slushy electropop moniker Neon Indian, is surreal paradise on-demand, completed by the goofy radio DJ chatter from Mac DeMarco.

21. “Death Wish” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Alabama-native songwriter Jason Isbell and his outfit start off the masterful “Weathervanes” with a devastating bang, the band’s somber americana backdrop providing the perfect foundation for Isbell’s heartbreaking tale of watching a loved one spiral into self destruction.

20. “Needs” by Tinashe

Over a trap beat that strikes just the right balance between hard-hitting and ethereal, R&B veteran Tinashe delivers effortless charisma and confidence, transforming what could have easily been another disposable pop song about a disposable romance into one of the most addictive songs of the year.

19. “Hollywood Baby” by 100 Gecs

Hyperpop pioneers Laura Les and Dylan Brady weren’t satisfied to just do more of the same, and this ’00s rock throwback, with its unforgettably sticky chorus and heavy distorted riffs, shows just how much their genre-hopping approach paid off.

18. “Ghost Run Free” by The Lemon Twigs

Brothers Brain and Michael D’Addario plenty of feel-good anthems for their wonderful “Everything Harmony” record, but this one stands above the rest, elevating its propulsive energy and hooky melodies with production that nods to the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s without sounding dated or stale for a second.

17. “Sinking Into You” by TURQOUISEDEATH

This sample-heavy cross between acoustic balladry and electronic orchestration by UK-based electronic producer TURQUOISEDEATH was already one of my most-listened songs of the year before a remastered version featuring even more bright synths and atmospheric effects landed on the immersive “Se Bueno.”

16. “Breakdown” by Ruston Kelly

This alt-country songwriter went full pop on his third album, “The Weakness,” and no track shows just how well he pulled it off like this one, with its acoustic strumming, ‘90s-reminiscent filtered drum breaks and theatrical strings elevating, not diluting, his vulnerable songwriting.

15. “yes! yes! a thousand times yes!” by Home Is Where

This Florida-based emo band poured all their songwriting power into this anthem, drawing you into its romantic absurdism with instantly catchy guitar licks and a singalong chorus before an electrifying second leg of raw, propulsive, headbanging rock.

14. “抵達圈谷之前的稜線 (On the Way to the Glacial Cirque)” by Cicada

This Taiwanese neoclassical group crafts an absolutely magical journey on this eight-minute track, using deceptively simple arrangements of piano, strings and acoustic guitar to deliver cinematic scale and stunning beauty.

13. “Don’t Let It Get To You” by Andy Shauf

In isolation, this serene indie pop track from this Canadian singer-songwriter doesn’t seem very noteworthy or profound, but in the context of the album where it serves as a thematic climax, its quiet peace carries more power than most dramatic ballads ever could.

12. “Life’s Terms” by Navy Blue (featuring Zeroh)

Sage Elsesser is no stranger to getting personal in his lyrics, but the soulful blends of horns and pianos helmed by beatmaker Budgie and the moving guest verse from Zeroh make his bold introspection and against-all-odds optimism hit harder than ever.

11. “Psychedelic Switch” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Jepsen has long been dedicated to the art of getting everyone on the dance floor to let loose and sing along, and this French house revelation of a song feels like the product of more than a decade of practice, with her hopelessly romantic lyrics soaring over a euphoric blend of looping guitars, stabs of strings and driving drums.

10. “Hello Love” by Jessie Ware

Much like “Psychedelic Switch,” this lush and lively number is perfectly engineered for a crowded floor. But while Jepsen made the perfect banger for a party, English singer Jessie Ware crafted the perfect lovesick soundtrack for a slow dance. Ware’s tale of leaving behind the fear and trauma from past relationships to lose herself in the arms of an inescapable new lover is awe-inspiringly beautiful, especially when paired with her band’s rich blend of horns, strings, hand drums and guitars.

9. “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” by PinkPanthress and Ice Spice

Call it a meme, trend, or fluke if you want, but there’s no denying the raw power of this all killer, no filler dance-pop revelation. UK producer and singer PinkPanthress’s blissful beat and intoxicatingly sweet vocals would already make for an incredible track, but the endlessly quotable verse from rap sensation Ice Spice takes it to a whole level. These two women made a song about their distrust and heartbreak that is so impossibly blissful it’s hard to believe a single bad thing has ever happened to either of them. I feel no guilt about this pleasure, and “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” the best mainstream hit I’ve heard in years.

8. “A LA CARTE” by Quadeca (featuring brakence)

It’s still hard to believe Quadeca transformed from “that one YouTube stunt rapper” into one of the most exciting and inventive artists in music today, but he did, and this emo-rap masterpiece proves he‘s here to stay. The beat’s bittersweet mix of warbly guitar licks, punchy drums, bright keys and atmospheric keys support and compliment Quadeca’s animated rapping and brakence’s winding melodies, making for one of the most replayable songs of the year.

7. “SNAKE EYES” by Aries

From the second those nimble layered guitar licks kick in, this melodic rap banger never loses momentum. Producer and vocalist Aries passionately performs an unforgettable chorus and each moody line in between, all propelled forward by those unmistakably emo guitars, punchy drums and bright synths. In a tight two minutes, “SNAKE EYES” gives me everything I expect from Aries and more. This barely edges out “A LA CARTE” for emo rap song of the year, and was the track I listened to most in 2023.

6. “Steppa Pig” by JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown

As compelling as opener “Leaf Beef Patty” is, this demented club banger is what reassured me on first listen that JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown’s collaborative album would be a masterpiece. Both Peggy and Danny have standout bars and hilarious quotables buried in the depths of this beat, but it’s easy for them to get lost in the chaotic waves of 808 bass, synths and soulful sampled vocals. The production is the true star of the show, and the fact that Peggy put this futuristic, intricate, adrenaline-pumping beat together on an analog sampler is nothing short of mind-blowing. Turn the volume up and catch a witty lyric here and there, but mostly just lose yourself to the joyous insanity of this production miracle.

5. “Seaforth” by King Krule

In an album as dark and despondent as “Space Heavy,” and in the context of Archy Marshall’s generally slow and sad discography, “Seaforth” is a blessed ray of light that cuts through the darkness. Make no mistake: The moody subtext is here, but the focus is fixed on hope and love that stands up to anything, even the end of the world. Over bright guitars, light drums and warm horns, Marshall croons to us about wandering through an apocalyptic landscape with a loved one, taking shelter in a passion so strong it makes the state of their world seem unimportant. “Seaforth” is a compellingly performed and gorgeously produced few minutes of liberating comfort, and the next time the brokenness of the world weighs you down, I highly recommend giving it a spin.

4. “Polaris” by Parannoul

South Korean shoegaze and indie rock one-man band Parannoul is known for their cinematic and lushly produced epics, but this opening track to their sophomore album reaches new euphoric heights. The true magic of “Polaris” lies in the duality between its halves and how well they complement each other, despite their totally distinct sonic palettes. The track opens with carefree vocalizations, clean guitars, crisp drum machines and achingly pretty strings, forming a wonderfully naturalistic foundation for Parannoul’s charming and soothing vocals, emotionally resonant despite any language barrier. But the song really takes off after a swell of strings at the midpoint launches you into a dizzying build of distorted synths, guitars and drums, transforming the song into something much heavier, but equally as beautiful in time for the final chorus. Even if nothing else on “After the Magic” hits me quite as hard as this opener, that’s just fine with me; this one song contains enough theatrical production and songwriting genius to rival most full albums.

3. “FaceTime” by Billy Woods and Kenny Segal (featuring Samuel T. Herring)

The idiosyncratic and jazzy production from Los Angeles-native beatmaker Kenny Segal and the visually arresting and emotionally compelling writing from New York-based rapper Billy Woods are at their absolute peak on this sorrowful, regal tune. Segal’s blend of breathy saxophone, dusty drums and swirling chimes serve as a hypnotic vehicle for Woods’ masterful lyrics, balancing telling a complete story with bursts of downright painterly imagery, diving deep into the details of the clothes, cocktails, scents, sounds and scenes he finds himself immersed in. All Woods’ vivid writing puts you directly in his shoes and makes you feel exactly what he feels: lost in an exotic place, detached from a dissolving relationship by distance, but forced to face inescapable emotional consequences. Tied in a perfect thematic bow by Samuel T. Herring’s beautiful hook, “FaceTime” is one of the most emotionally devastating rap songs in recent memory, and one that demands many, many listens to fully unravel its dense detail and potent vulnerability.

2. “Across The Pond Friend — Live at Bush Hall” by Black Country, New Road

Much like “FaceTime,” this live performance from English post-rock group BC,NR is a complete story, but while Woods’ verses come across like the most depressing chapter of a verbose novel, this soaring number might remind you of your favorite romantic comedy. “Across The Pond Friend’’ overflows with innocent, blissful romance, due in part to a charmingly boyish vocal performance from saxophonist and flautist Lewis Evans, who channels the same heart-on-his-sleeve gravity that made the band’s former frontman Isaac Wood so compelling. Supported by the lush arrangement of strings, horns, guitar and piano, Evans sings his bittersweet tale of falling for someone on a spontaneous trip and then having to say the inevitable goodbye, delivered with magnetic vulnerability, power and joy. If you’re looking for something to give you that elusive, youthful sense of adventure, and a heartfelt story along with it, “Across The Pond Friend” might be just what you need.

1. “Only” by Sampha

Some songs find the perfect way to encapsulate the weight of life’s struggles and still face them with unflinching hope, reaching deep and speaking to each listener’s unique experiences to deeply inspire them. “Only” is one of these one-in-a-million songs. This masterpiece, along with many others on his alternative R&B and neo-soul album “Lahai,” represents years of work and dedication to the craft from English singer and songwriter Sampha. That’s what this tune is on paper: A carefully constructed, alt-R&B tune with inventive, detailed production and personal songwriting, an example of music being more than worth the wait after Sampha kept us waiting six years for a new album. But as I write this little blurb, I’m afraid I won’t be able to put “Only’s” effect on me into words. But I want to, and I want you to find the same deep, lasting inspiration this song has given me. Countless times, I’ve found myself absentmindedly singing Sampha’s lyrics and melodies from start to finish, but it’s not just how catchy this tune is that keeps me coming back. Sampha put so many feelings so many of us find ourselves struggling with into the perfect words. His lyrics about the fight to accept love, stay connected to those who care about him and keep his faith strong hit harder on every repeated listen, and his gorgeous voice draws every possible emotion out of his intimate words. As detailed and immersive as the production is, with its cool pianos, pulsing synths, crisp drum machines and bursts of distortion to catch your attention, “Only” doesn’t feel like a pop song that’s been fine tuned and adjusted to hell and back. It’s the soul of this song that draws me in over and over again, and that beating heart of hope is elevated by every element of this incredible song. Thank you, Sampha, for taking your time with “Lahai” and giving me one of my new favorite songs.

You can follow John on Twitter (sigh, aka “X”) at @JohnMichaelBr15. Or given the total mess that platform is these days, follow here for more blog posts or on Instagram at @johnmichaelbricker.