Best Songs of 2023
Our writers at Doors At Seven—and everyone who is a part of Doors At Seven across the board—love music. It brings the whole D@7 team together over our shared passion for finding the best music from artists big and small. As we established with the Best Albums of 2023, there was a lot of good music that came out last year. We (finally) are beyond thrilled to share what we have deemed the Best Songs of 2023. We hope you enjoy.
Listen along with the playlist below.
Ash Hausrath, Editor in Chief
“Alma Mater” - Bleachers
If you know anything about me and my taste—from TBT and Staff Picks selections to the songs I post on my personal Instagram story—Jack Antonoff’s music and production make their way into my rotation quite often. With that being said under the admission of being a fan of his, I think 2023 just might have been his strongest year as an artist and producer yet.
On the artist front, Antonoff’s work with Bleachers has been a journey, and the two singles hinting at the self-titled Bleachers album coming in March are beyond promising. “Alma Mater”, the second single released ahead of the upcoming LP, tops the list for not only best and favorite songs of 2023 but approaches the top of the list for best Bleachers songs through the duration of the band’s career. Its cacophonous yet subdued energy is a testament to Antonoff’s constantly evolving signature sound.
“A&W” - Lana Del Rey
While on the note of Jack Antonoff, it would be entirely wrong to create any “Best of 2023” music compilation and not include Lana Del Rey’s “A&W”. This track, while tuning into Antonoff and Del Rey’s strengths, represents a new era for the duo. The deeply emotive nature of her voice and his production work flawlessly together in a track with such an intense dichotomy with two almost distinctly different halves joining forces in a way reminiscent of Antonoff’s production on Lorde’s “Hard Feelings/Loveless” from her 2017 LP Melodrama. The evolution of the Del Rey/Antonoff duo’s work has reached new peaks with each album, and they continue to impress audiences with monumental tracks like this.
“Padam Padam” - Kylie Minogue
“Rush” - Troye Sivan
In another realm, 2023 gave way for a house/dance-pop rebirth led by a couple of Aussies. Kylie Minogue’s return to this sphere was long-awaited yet entirely worth it when she shared “Padam Padam” earlier this year. It’s an anthem and was one of the most defining songs of the summer and shone brightly for the rest of the year. Troye Sivan’s lead single off of Something to Give Each Other, his third studio album, was “Rush”. There is no shortage of things to say about this track. From the moment it starts, you know it’s going to be a moment. I can only hope this trend continues into 2024.
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Justin Donders, Assistant Editor
“A&W” - Lana Del Rey
Del Rey’s return to the trap-inspired sound of Born To Die marks her best single in years. With production courtesy of frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, the over seven-minute-long cut from her Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd record only gets better as it goes on, with scathing lyrics and one of the year’s finest and most complex beats in alternative music.
“My Love Mine All Mine” - Mitski
The now-viral track from Mitski is one of the indie singer-songwriter’s most vulnerable, yet accessible, confessions yet. With a laidback drum beat behind her smooth vocals, the song touches on love as one’s only true possession- a chillingly beautiful theme with an equally beautiful execution.
“The blue” - Gracie Abrams
This song is lyrically unlike most of what makes up the singer-songwriter’s debut heartbreak-centered record, with little glimpses of blooming love that could give any listener butterflies. Abrams details her first encounters with someone over the verses with a strummed-out guitar track, while the choruses see her voice soaring over an amplified one, destined to be screamed live.
“vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
It would be pretty impossible to not include this on a best-of-the-year list…sorry not sorry. Rodrigo elevates the angsty sound of SOUR alongside her producer Dan Nigro to create a cinematic sound, insanely impressive vocals, and (dare I say) her best song yet.
“The Alcott” - The National feat. Taylor Swift
The National and Taylor Swift’s collaborative streak started in 2021 with a joint cut from Swift’s evermore album. Their latest comes from the former’s first 2023 album The First Two Pages of Frankenstein, and sees lead singer Matt Berninger’s raspy voice wane in, out and with Swift’s haunting vocals. The result is a brooding, atmospheric duet with lyrics mixing The National’s usual vivid depictions of mundanity in true Swiftian style.
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Gabriel Berger, Staff Writer
“Solastalgia” - Cattle Decapitation
Whereas most bands tend to soften up in later years, Cattle Decapitation has gotten heavier. With vocalist Travis Ryan’s three vocal styles (death growls, harsh shrieks, and oddly harsh clean vocals) switching around, mixed with a heavy verse, a pummeling drum track, and an atmospheric, mournful climax, it feels like the soundtrack to the apocalypse. Having personally discovered this whole album as smoke choked the NY air during wildfires, the lyrics of humanity’s self-destruction through environmental collapse ring horridly true.
“The Battle of Sudden Flame” - Dawn Ray’d
Dawn Ray’d, the quintessential Anarchist Black Metal band (which was outspoken against the prevalence of fascists in the scene) broke up six months after this third LP released. This song, one that tackles police brutality, feels punk in attitude despite sounding so compositionally black metal. The final rhythmic section outright telling cops they’re cowards encapsulates the anger of the song against this worldwide problem.
“Miss Revolt” - Death Pill
Death Pill hails from Ukraine, where even in the midst of war, they still perform. This song, a single released before their debut EP, features some crazy vocals, with high screams that add to the pummeling instrumentals. Combining riot grrl with metalcore, this song kicks your face in less than two minutes.
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Hannah Forbes, Staff Writer
“Tangerine” - Tommy Newport
I just started listening to Tommy Newport this summer and this is definitely one of my favorite releases of his this year. I’ve never heard a song titled “Tangerine” that I haven’t liked (there are actually a couple that I'm a fan of, coincidentally) and his song is no different. It's upbeat and fun, and I can't imagine someone disliking it.
“Aging Forest” - Post Animal
Post Animal is my number one favorite band of all time. Unfortunately, all we got from them this year was one single, but “Aging Forest” did not disappoint. It starts out with heavy instrumentals that make your jaw drop and follows with striking vocals to match. This was another one that was amazing to see live.
“Hit Me Just a Little” - Tino Drima
This was one of my favorite songs this year because of the catchy lyrics and the unique sound. I’m a sucker for a song that is fun to sing along to. It's a perfect song for a beach day laying out on the sand and absorbing the sun which is where I listened to it a lot this summer. While writing this I also realized it was released on my birthday, so maybe that's why I feel so connected to it.
“Tanlines” - Famous Friend
This song is just beautiful. I can’t even think of another word to describe it. The vocals, the lyrics, the instruments, all beautiful. I feel like taking a warm sunbath with a loved one when listening to this. “Tanlines” reminds me of a blissful love where the two are just enjoying life with one another and appreciating the little things. That in it of itself is beautiful.
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Lindsey Johnson, Staff Writer
“I Got Heaven” — Mannequin Pussy
Mannequin Pussy is one of the most creative artists of our generation. They mix punk, hardcore, pop, and indie elements under politically charged and jarring lyrics. I think “I Got Heaven” is Mannequin Pussy’s best song yet—and there’s most definitely more to come. MP is afraid of absolutely nothing and serves to shock their listeners every time.
“Locals (Girls like us)” — underscores with gabby start
The artist underscores creates techno pop with a punch. In particular, “Locals (Girls like us)” feels like it comes from thirty years into the future. It’s both danceable and epic, with cuts to spoken parts and Christina Aguilera-esque singing. A rap feature by gabby start at the end fades into a sadder outro as the song fades away. This track absolutely transports the listener into a different world.
“Afraid of Heights” — boygenius
Although the rest came as an afterthought to the record, I think “Afraid of Heights” is a standout song. There needs to be no comment on boygenius’s lyrical prowess; their mass of reviews speak for themselves. This song in particular, though, strikes a certain chord in my brain that left me playing it on repeat.
“Shot Down” — Scowl
Scowl is a hardcore band breaking the boundaries of what it means to be “hard”. Front-person Kat Moss is a non-binary singer who brings airy mysterious melodies to the band’s latest EP, with their signature hardcore growls peppered in. “Shot Down” is easily my favorite song from the Psychic Dance Routine EP.
“Modern Girl” — Bleachers
Bleachers is a blast of nostalgia contained in a band. With horns, synths, and Billy Joel melodies, their songs are straight out of an 80’s movie. “Modern Girl” is a track filled with pure fun. It’s heavy on the horns, so if that’s something you fancy, you’ll love this song.
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Kal Mota Lopes, Staff Writer
“Dedicated to Tar Feather” - McKinley Dixon feat. Anjimile
This song never fails to give me goosebumps. Dixon’s lyrical genius over the jazzy and orchestral instrumentation feels so alive. He reads a Toni Morrison quote in the middle but it feels so fitting and perfect. Anjimile’s voice in the chorus is so full and chilling. This track is flawless.
“Geez Louise” - underscores feat. henhouse!
This track is over 7 minutes long but manages to keep you engaged throughout its entire runtime. The song’s transformation does not stop until it ends and travels through so many different sounds. I’ve never felt such a wide range of emotions listening to one track. It can be funny at times and heartbreaking at others. The way they say their lyrics has imprinted on my brain and I cannot manage to get them out of my head. This song is one of a kind.
“3D Country” - Geese
As the album’s self-titled track, this song embodies everything the album wants to be. The chorus is unbelievably catchy and the diction and emotion of vocalist Cameron Winters gives the track an unmatched energy. The instrumental mixed with the backing chorus is so pleasant to listen to. I often listen to this track several times in a row.
“AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM” - Beyonce feat. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s addition to this already incredible track was such a perfect choice. The duo mesh together perfectly and with such spirit and fire. The beat and the chorus are unbelievably catchy and I can almost guarantee this song will get stuck in your head. Beyonce’s performance is impressive and addicting. This song makes me feel like I could fight god.
“Kingdom Hearts Key” - JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown feat. redveil
JPEGMAFIA has placed himself among the greats of producing and sampling. His talent on this track, however, is on another level. I cannot comprehend how this beat was made. Each artist’s verses are some of their best. 19-year-old rapper, redveil, is given 30 seconds and puts everything he has into that short time which is considered by many to be one of the album’s best. He raps like the bank was en route to repossess his house unless some financial miracle took place. Let’s just say the bank would’ve left empty-handed. This track is seriously one of the most impressive rap songs I’ve ever heard and is a perfect display of each artist's talents.
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Ava Paciariello, Staff Writer
“Is It Over Now?” - Taylor Swift
“Is It Over Now?”, one of five vault tracks on Taylor Swift’s rerecording of 1989, her 2014 hit album, is one of my favorite songs that has come out this year. It perfectly captures everything that 1989 is—which is total pop perfection, and I have not been able to stop listening to this one since it came out. It was a hard toss-up between what track I was going to choose as my favorite, but there is just something about this one that makes it extra special.
“Here Comes The Comeback” - Mitch Rowland
Mitch Rowland, guitarist and member of Harry Styles’ band, has released his first album this year, and I was so blown away with how much I enjoyed it. It is the perfect calm, laid-back album to listen to at any time or place. “Here Comes The Comeback” is definitely my favorite track, and came out in the top ten of my Spotify Wrapped this year.
“Everywhere, Everything” - Noah Kahan feat. Gracie Abrams
Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams recently released a rendition of “Everywhere, Everything” and it has quickly become a highlight of my 2023. Their voices complement one another so incredibly well, and I could not think of a better collaboration if I tried. The intensity of the melody mixed with the softness of these two voices creates such a beautiful tone, and I instantly fell in love.
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Blaire Daniels, Staff Writer
“Over the Moon” - Penelope Scott
Penelope Scott combats the struggles of Gen Z turmoil as an indie artist, and her acoustic work, “Over the Moon” radiates this conviction amongst gloom. In the EP Girls Night, the former of EPs in a pair released during 2023, Penelope Scott spearheaded this piece, and she sings emphatically, only accompanied by her six-string, and a resolve to fight against mainstream malice. The full EP is a heartfelt production, as well as the sequel synth-based EP released this year, Mysteries for Rats.
“New Year’s Reprieve” - Bad Moves
Released December 19th, the four-part band Bad Moves has a power pop single titled “New Year’s Reprieve” to prepare their audience for the New Year’s season. An ode to the post-holiday aesthetic, the band’s indie punk rock shredding is clear and expressive, something tantamount to rebellious artists. The piece emphasizes the gritty reality of capitalism, and the laborious tortures consumerist culture creates. Through tight rhythms, sick vocals, and innovative guitars, Bad Moves knows how to respect D.I.Y. rhetoric, and please a crowd.
“Sputnik” - Brigadune.
An up-and-coming band fresh out of Long Island, Brigadune. released their single “Sputnik” early this year. They are an experimental rock band, proud of their diverse musical aesthetic, and driven by their passion for authenticity. “Sputnik” in particular illustrates their fluency in the genre of rock, but Brigadune welcomes jazz, prog, and any genre that will fit their eclectic taste. With another single titled, “Frog Rock” released this past autumn, and possibly a new project in the works, Brigadune. excels at keeping the audience enthralled through their eccentricity.
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Jonathan Fenner, Staff Writer
“So You Are Tired” - Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is so stranger to true melodic and expansive chamber folk music. With “So Are You Tired” being the first single to 2023's Javelin LP. Written and produced by Stevens himself “So You Are Tired” is sung like a goodbye to an old friend with his breathy and whispered vocal tone words are pronounced differently giving a different meaning to every listen. The little details in the track go to show how talented Stevens is and “So You Are Tired” is a great single to Javelin.
“Census Designated” - Jane Remover
“Census Designated” opens with an airy and dreamy verse only to follow up with a shoegaze and bedroom pop synth explosion. With fuzzed vocals and explosive guitars, it is a highlight of the album. Compared to a storm the instrumentals come in and out stronger than before. “Census Designated” can only be described as an everlasting high that continues and continues to swell up until the final section of the song leading the listener excited for what's to come.
“rare animal” - glass beach
glass beach's EP rare animal has come with two singles. “rare animal”, the track, begins with a funky rhythm guitar section similar to those found in mid-west emo and progressive rock. With the screaming vocals and the banging percussion, “rare animals” has given an excellent intro to glass beach’s upcoming project.