Best Albums of 2023
Here at Doors At Seven, our heads are constantly on a swivel. Any time one of us hears of new music coming out, we share it with the rest of the staff and we do our best to share our top finds with you between our reviews and new music compilations. 2023 was a great year for new music, and we cannot wait to share our picks for the best albums of the year with you.
And now, the moment you all have been waiting for.
Listen along with the playlist below.
Ash Hausrath, Editor in Chief
HELLMODE - Jeff Rosenstock
HELLMODE by Jeff Rosenstock is not only one of the best albums of 2023 but tops my list of favorites for the year. This album is also one of the best from Rosenstock’s discography which says a lot considering the staples in his collection across acts. HELLMODE is a vast album, exploring different genres while still staying true to Rosenstock’s authentic sound that defies genre bounds.
Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling - Slaughter Beach, Dog
Originally, Slaughter Beach, Dog’s sound felt like an extension of frontman Jake Ewald’s former work with Modern Baseball, but over the past few SBD albums, Ewald has made it clear that growth and expansion beyond the post-emo sound of MoBo. The shift was gradual, but Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling completely redefined Ewald’s and Slaughter Beach, Dog’s essence. With a folkier approach than we’d seen in the past, this is the most polished and confident Slaughter Beach, Dog has sounded. The album is an accomplishment, with casual folk-pop-inspired tracks like “Summer Windows” and monumental epoch tracks like “Engine” sharing a space on the same LP.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess - Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan has found a place on my playlists since I first heard her single “Pink Pony Club” in 2022, but The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess solidified her place as a cultural moment in 2023. Not only is Roan a self-proclaimed Midwest Princess, but she is the current forerunner of the Pop Princess title, at least in my book. Her music is catchy, plays on nearly forgotten pop structures, and is just self-aware enough to be incredibly fun. This album was a long time in the making, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Lucky for us, the artist is already back in the studio, so we should have more Chappell Roan to look forward to in the near future.
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Justin Donders, Assistant Editor
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd - Lana Del Rey
After the soft folk-influenced Chemtrails and Blue Bannisters, Del Rey’s next direction was a mystery. Nothing could have prepared anyone for Tunnel- the most Lana Del Rey album yet that sees the artist at a return to form while she expands on the styles that make her music undeniably hers.
The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We - Mitski
Mitski finds herself at a point I’ve been wanting her to reach her entire career. The singer-songwriter has gone full folk on this woodsy account of love and loss, with a digitized approach to the genre that feels retro while staying uniquely Mitski.
Honey - Samia
Samia Finnerty’s sophomore record is an eclectic mix of piano ballads (“Pink Balloon”), indie-folk ditties (“Charm You”), radio-ready pop hits (“Mad At Me”) and beyond. Nonetheless, the indie singer-songwriter always manages to find a way to make Honey feel like it’s strung together flawlessly.
Good Riddance - Gracie Abrams
Before venturing off as an opener for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour,” Gracie Abrams released her first full-length album, fully produced and co-written by The National’s Aaron Dessner. One could call it a breakup album, but Good Riddance is more like a rollercoaster of emotions in the aftermath of heartbreak, all accounted for by her ability to recount every detail of each feeling precisely.
Calico - Ryan Beatty
Ryan Beatty’s third studio album veers far away from the indie pop territory of his first two. Beatty’s storytelling could fare very well on its own, but the sparse and minimalistic indie folk production allows his words to fully shine.
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Gabriel Berger, Staff Writer
Future World Order - Grave Heist
The Hudson Valley hardcore scene is on the upswing again. One of the bands in this upswing is Grave Heist, who debuted this year with an 11 minute EP, Future World Order. Filled with tons of catchy riffs in 5 tracks, vocals with heavy reverb, this EP kicks butt. With lyrics tackling mental health and politics, they continued to solidify their place in the HVHC scene with a follow-up split in October with New Jersey’s Jawdust, Gravedust.
The Land is Not an Idle God - Wreathe
Neocrust is a microgenre of Crust Punk with various names: Emocrust, Melodic Crust, etc. But it’s all the same genre, Crust Punk with melodic elements, and usually more poetic lyrics. Wreathe is a British band within this genre, featuring legend of the genre Alex CF, who has fronted many bands including Fall of Efrafa. The heavy atmosphere in this album, with memorable melodies and samples, on top of an amazing album cover, sets this antifascist, environmentalist band as one of the modern greats of the genre.
Occult Classic - Final Girls
This New Jersey band released their debut EP this year. Mixing hardcore and death metal in a way that isn’t really deathcore, this all-woman band has been on the rise this year, ending it opening for Suffocation. This album combines groovy riffs and drums, with vocals that go from singing to high growls that set their sound apart. With gothic, slasher lyrics, this band is one to keep an eye on.
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Hannah Forbes, Staff Writer
This One’s For the “Losers” - metaphor
metaphor is a small indie rock band out of San Diego, California. They randomly came up on my TikTok page after they released this album in June and I can confidently say it has been my favorite release of the year. If you listen to any one of my top picks of the year, please listen to this one.
Dead Club City - Nothing But Thieves
Nothing But Thieves was one of my top artists this year and their new album Dead Club City kept up with their previous releases. I got the chance to go see it live in Brooklyn in September and they did not disappoint. The energy the band has for their music live and recorded is unmatched.
So Much (For) Stardust - Fall Out Boy
So Much (For) Stardust is another good release from one of my top bands of all time. I also got the chance to see this one live and they put on a beautiful show featuring songs from almost all of their albums. Their newest album is a great addition to their discography and you know I can never get enough Fall Out Boy. They are my ultimate road trip artist and I will always hit shuffle on their albums for trips.
RUSH! (ARE U COMING?) - Måneskin
Måneskin has become a recent favorite of mine, this new album included. I just like how raw and raspy the vocals sound along with the hint of an Italian accent. It reminds me of the kind of rock my dad would show me as a kid (not necessarily dad rock). I also really love their tracks that are in Italian. They have a sound that is uniquely Måneskin and I love that.
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Lindsey Johnson, Staff Writer
Girl with Fish - feeble little horse
Girl with Fish is feeble little horse’s second album. The group has already created a super recognizable and iconic sound. With shoe-gaze esque backing, layered yet understated vocals, and switching to catchy clear guitar riffs around each sonic corner, feeble little horse does everything but disappoint. Even ending up screaming à la “Pocket”. This album is a must-listen.
Cupid And The Stupids - Cupid and the Stupids
Cupid and the Stupids are stupidly simply amazing. Inspired by what seems to be 50’s crooners, punk music, and musical theatre all at once. Under-mixed and muted songs are crafted to tell love stories in their own unique way. Every song is drastically different and incomparable to any other modern albums I’ve heard.
To Learn - Leith Ross
Leith Ross’ most recent album is a stunning collection of acoustic guitar and gut-wrenching lyrics. This album is a complete no-skip for anyone who likes boygenius, Ethel Cain, or Adrienne Lenker.
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Kal Mota Lopes, Staff Writer
Girl With Fish - feeble little horse
Philidelphia band feeble little horse’s sophomore album is such a breath of fresh air. I have still heard nothing like it. It is such an amazing mix of genres and the way the sounds blend together is so addicting and concise and makes me feel fuzzy and nostalgic for something I never experienced. If you haven’t heard this yet YOU NEED TO.
3D Country - Geese
This album by NYC band Geese is outrageous and innovative. I have no idea how they thought to mix post-punk and art pop with traditional southern and country elements in a way that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The melodies and production are so intriguing and creative. The entire album feels like its cover. 3D Country is seriously game-changing and I’ve fallen more in love with it with every listen.
Wallsocket - underscores
Until I listened to Wallsocket, I never thought I could find hyperpop beautiful, but this album has some of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. It never gets boring for a second and makes sure to grab your attention any chance it gets. It’s fun, it’s evocative, it’s gorgeous, it’s energetic. Not to mention being lyrically brilliant and a concept album with an amazing story. I don’t know what else you can ask for in an album.
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz! - McKinley Dixon
The instrumentals on this experimental jazz rap album are nearly perfect. McKinley Dixon is an absolutely incredible songwriter and has crafted a brilliant masterpiece inspired by the novels of Toni Morrison. Each track feels alive and transforming. The live instrumentation mixed with the electronic production is such a great combination. This album is very underrated and I would suggest listening to this as soon as possible.
Live at Bush Hall - Black Country, New Road
Black Country, New Road is truly revolutionary and is one of the most impressive musical acts of our generation. Their album last year, Ants From Up There, is so important to me and remains one of my three favorite albums of all time. They’ve seemingly cracked the code about how to make music that takes the art form to its furthest extent. This album thankfully carried on that pattern. Even if the songwriting wasn’t so impressive, the instrumentals on this album are so insanely beautiful and perfectly embody the journey that the tracks take you on. This album will make you smile and it will make you cry. Please listen to both of these albums.
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Ava Paciariello, Staff Writer
1989 (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift
This year, Taylor Swift reclaimed her hit 2014 album 1989. This album meant so much to me nine years ago, and even more now that I have grown up with it. To me, 1989 is the epitome of pop perfection. Songs like “Style” and “Blank Space” set the bar for all pop music going forward, and truly changed the game. That being said, I was more than intrigued to see what the songs from “The Vault” were going to be, and I was not disappointed. Just like the rest of the album, their instant catchiness has you singing along on your first listen.
4th Wall - Ruel
In 2019, I went to see Ruel in a tiny theater in Manhattan, and now in 2023, he has finally released his second full-length album. His growth as an artist has been exponential, and watching it happen has been just as fulfilling. Each year the crowds get bigger, and the music gets better. 4th Wall is a perfect album top to bottom, and I’ve come to the conclusion that there will never be a Ruel song that I don’t like.
Guts - Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album Guts was one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2023. This album is the perfect mix of pop, with a little bit of that punk aspect we caught glimpses of on her previous album, Sour. Olivia really tapped into that on Guts, and I knew it was going to be one of my favorite albums immediately upon its release. Her maturity and growth as an artist and a person are so evident on this album, and I truly believe there is a song for everyone on this one.
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Blaire Daniels, Staff Writer
The Brightest Days - Origami Angel
Origami Angel released The Brightest Days this past June which lit up the summer. The musical duo of Ryland Heagy on guitar/vocals and Pat Doherty on drums established themselves as iconic in the pop-punk scene, from earlier albums such as Gami Gang and Somewhere City. With a niche electronic flare, The Brightest Days shined a new light on the pit with uplifting ukulele sections, passionate verses, and witty lyrical wordplay.
HELLMODE - Jeff Rosenstock
Jeff Rosenstock has cemented himself as an icon in the ska scene from past bands including Bomb the Music Industry!. However, since he started writing music under his own name, Rosenstock has released bombastic punk albums like HELLMODE that elaborate upon the treacherous and chaotic world we live in. His guitar isn’t afraid to screech, his rhythm keeps you content, and his musicality expresses the possibilities in the multitude of human emotions. Like a burning fire you can’t look away from, Jeff Rosenstock captivates listeners through rebellious rhymes, and he seldom fails to disappoint.
Bear Market - Mom Jeans
Like a breath of fresh air, Mom Jeans released a laid-back collection of their previous work in the album “Bear Market”. Mom Jeans is known for their role in defining the midwestern emo scene, and in their latest iteration, the band stepped away from their renowned electric guitar riffs and brought a wholesome sound to the forefront with an acoustic substitute. The down-to-earth nature of the album revamps the same tunes you’ve been moshing to, and hones in on the passion that first established their sound. Bear Market as an album compliments the Mom Jeans discography very well, adding a unique chapter to the band’s history.
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Jonathan Fenner, Staff Writer
Bewitched - Laufey
With her breakout hit "From the Start" Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir has released her second full-length album. This album takes you through the motions of love with heart-shattering pieces like "Second Best" and "Promise" to hearfelt letters to your inner child with ballads like "Letter to My 13 Year Old Self". Laufey, being a classically trained jazz muscian, meshes the jazz standard sound with low vocal registers and soft instrumentals with the bombastic livings of city life, situationships, and being a little bit romantically delusional. Bewitched is everything her breakout record Everything I Know About Love lined out. If you have fifty minutes to sit back and relax with an album on the wintry, snowy days, Bewitched is the perfect album to give a spin.
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd - Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey's 9th studio album is arguably her best work yet. Lana's vocal work is second to none on this record as she explores the idea of her woman-hood. This album is all about the reflection of Lana's life with tracks such as "A&W" where Lana reflects on herself and where she is in her life. Interwoven into the trackslists are interludes of sermons spoken by Beverly Hills Pastor Judah Smith. Between Lana's trademark ballads and upbeat songs like "Peppers" and "Taco Truck x VB" this album is a great addition to Lana Del Rey's discography.
Wallsocket - underscores
Busting out of the scene in 2018 with her debut album Skin Purifying Treatment, underscores has been on an upward trajectory in the indie scene. Underscores finally got their footing with a very refined and expansive sonic landscape with loud industrial anthems such as “Locals (Girls Like Us)” featuring gabby start to pop punk hits with the intro "Cops and Robbers". This album is 100% worth a listen as it's been universally praised by critics and fans alike.