Best Albums of 2023 (So Far)

As we approach the halfway mark of this year we’re taking a look at some of the many new albums and EPs that have played into the soundtrack that is 2023! From emo to indie rock to pop there is a little something for everyone!

Listen along with the playlist below.

Submissions from Ash Hausrath

1. Nicole Yun – Matter

If you keep up with the Weekend Replay, you probably saw me lose my mind in the middle of April over Nicole Yun’s new LP, ***Matter***. And that was me holding back a little bit. This album has had such a tight grasp on me and I am so lucky it won’t let go.

Front to back, ***Matter*** stuns in such a profound way. Yun does not shy away from getting personal in the lyrics, but her passion is amplified to new heights with her vocals and simple yet striking instrumentation. I’m so serious and please listen to me when I tell you: this album will change your life and you need to listen to it.

2, boygenius – the record

I simply cannot imagine a world without boygenius. The individual powers of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus are insurmountable. Combined, they redefine what it means to be a supergroup. The lyrics on the record are probably the number one strength, but it is such a polished and refined album all around which makes it very difficult to pick just one standout track. This album is as close to perfect as I have ever witnessed, and I am beyond excited for a boygenius future.

3. Yves Tumor – Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)

Yves Tumor is not an artist I had heard much from before the release of Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds), but since then, they’ve been on my radar. If I could describe this album in one word (which is a near-impossible task), I’d probably go with beautiful. Tumor’s vocals are so rich and they can stretch their voice in really unique ways, but everything going on behind them is just as impressive and beautiful. This is also one of those albums where no matter what your niche of music is, there will be something on here that you’ll love. I just so happen to love it all, and I hope you do too.

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Submissions from Poroye

1. Ravyn Lenae — HYPNOS

***HYPNOS***, an amazing debut album by Ravyn Lenae, is one of my favorite albums I got to listen to this year for many reasons. There’s so much variety in the album, both musically and lyrically, that really shows her range as a musician and songwriter in general. Her light and airy vocals, paired with various synths create such a dreamy and groovy soundscape throughout the entire album. Also, the genre-bending and mixing going on are so cool! ***HYPNOS*** is a beautiful mixture of R&B/Alternative R&B, Soul, Pop, Dancehall, and Afrobeats; and she floats in between these styles seamlessly and in a way that is so uniquely her. Also, did I mention that it’s her debut album? Amazing body of work you should all listen to at least once.

2. boygenius — the record

Listening to the record by boygenius was one of my favorite unprompted album discoveries. I first listened to “Cool About It”, as it was a song recommended to me on YouTube. After listening to that song, I knew I had to dig through the album. I love everything about this album. The ways they invoke feelings of bittersweet reflection, rage, helplessness, and just sheer vulnerability. I love the folk and acoustic elements, the quiet moments in songs like “Without You, Without Them” and “We’re In Love”. But I also love the rage and the loud, emotionally-charged moments in “$20” and “Satanist” And I love how natural it is, how easily they fit together. Plus, I love me an all-women band that makes good music. So good.

3. Omar Apollo — Ivory

I know this album was released last year, but I was a bit late to the Omar Apollo train and only started listening to him this year; so I’ve got to make up for lost time. To say the least, Ivory is a journey. It takes us through a range of emotions and situations, from yearning to lovesickness to bittersweet reflection and acceptance. And on par with that, he excels in moving through various styles, from Bedroom Pop to Motown to Latin-infused Trap. His vocals are so strong and soulful, and I love the way he wears his heart on a sleeve in his lyrics. I know a fellow deep feeler when I see one :)

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Submissions from Lindsey Johnson

1. Indigo De Souza – ***All of This Will End***

De Souza’s newest album is a sad indie-pop wonderland. Scattering the use of synths, distorted guitar, and wispy vox, De Souza creates an environment of comfort for exploring the dark side of life.

2. Scowl – Psychic Dance Routine

Scowl’s newest EP Psychic Dance Routine twists the traditional hardcore/punk genre. Front Kat Moss makes use of the entire range of their voice in these songs, going from smooth and sultry vox to animalistic growls. This is a twist on Scowl’s discography that I loved.

3. Die Spitz – Teeth

This Texas-based fully female band is full of punk power. The tracks are raw and unrefined in a fantastic way. If you’re into songs that are intense and grungey, this entire album will fight right into your playlist.

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Submissions from Kait Dorney

1. Hot Mulligan — ***Why Would I Watch***

***Why Would I Watch*** is Hot Mulligan’s fourth album and it’s arguably one of their best already. Continuing the trend of their creative song titles – such as **“Cock Party 2 (Better Than The First)”** and “John "The Rock" Cena, Can You Smell What the Undertaker” – this is a 12-track album with some meaningful undertones within the lyrics. Alternating between series themes of mental illness, self-doubt, and generational trauma, it’s extremely relatable in today’s world yet still has a catchy tune with some upbeat rhythms.

2. Pierce the Veil — The Jaws of Life

As a longtime PTV fan, this album held high expectations, but they absolutely surpassed them. Especially with Vic Fuentes becoming a father with his first daughter, The Jaws of Life really shows the maturity and growth of the band as a whole, and the individual members. This is their first album since 2016 & first without Fuentes’s brother on drums and is made very much for the “elder emo”. When that drama and sadness from your teenage years follow you into adulthood and you still feel that loss but differently, this is the album for you.

3. Paramore — This Is Why

This was another album that held high expectations and very easily surpassed them. Paramore is constantly changing the game and has been changing their sound as they grow individually, and This Is Why is no exception to their progressiveness. It’s also their first release since After Laughter in 2017, and Hayley Williams says, “You’re either with us or you can keep it to yourself”. I love her attitude and find a lot of inspiration within their music.

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Submissions from Drayven Oakes

1. SEVENTEEN — FML

I have been a fan of Korean music for a very long time, but I have just recently explored one of the most popular K-pop groups out there, Seventeen. Pleasantly surprised, I fell in love with this album which is a mixture of noise music they’re experimenting with and some other ballad-y feeling songs. The song that really caught my attention was **“I Don’t Understand But I Luv U,”** which was a comment a fan sent them on one of their lives, and Woozi, a member of the band, exclaimed how good that would be as a lyric for their upcoming EP. All in all, ***FML*** has a couple of really great songs to dance to with a couple slower ones to balance it out.

2. TOMORROW X TOGETHER — The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION

Following the storyline behind the band, TXT, this EP is an accompaniment of the lore surrounding the music videos and the songs they release but is easily enjoyed by fans and non-fans alike. On this EP, there are a couple of very upbeat and exuberant songs as well as some more depressing ones. My favorite track being “Tinnitus” which is named this as it’s supposed to symbolize the incessant ringing of negative thoughts in one’s head; someone who feels as though they were meant to be more but they’re struggling with finding their own self-worth and feels as though they’re watching everyone else achieve greatness from the sidelines.

3. The National — First Two Pages of Frankenstein

I have also been a very big fan of The National ever since I heard their album Trouble Will Find Me. I found out that they were releasing an album this year and practically leaped with joy over how awesome I knew it would be. I was definitely not disappointed as they really blew it out of the water and made some of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a while. With features such as Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, and Sufjan Stevens, there is a different feel to every song and something for everyone who listens to this album.

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Submissions from Kal Mota

1. Black Country, New Road - ***Live at Bush Hall***
The band’s first project after the former frontman, Isaac Wood, left for mental health reasons. Given the massive acclaim (both critical and personal) towards their first two albums particularly revolving around Isaac’s powerful evocation and brilliant lyrics, I was a little nervous upon first listen. I had nothing to worry about. The opening track, **“Up Song”** powerfully instills the band's passion for both music and each other, proudly boasting “Look at what we did together, BCNR Friends Forever”, a reflection of the album. The piece is a beautiful ode to Isaac and the growth of the group’s art as you can hear their love through every line and note as the band once again pushes the boundaries of human creativity.

2. JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown - SCARING THE HOES

This extremely anticipated project from the eccentric duo is a creativity-filled breath of fresh air from anything else I’ve ever heard. The album’s near-perfect mastering with perfectly intentional roughness is complimented highly by its wide array of samples, sound effects, and purposefully weird internet-focused subject matter and references. The two artists, both known for their chaotic personalities and imaginations blend together a deep project you can analyze for hours, fight to, and laugh to that absolutely encapsulates both of their energies as artists.

3. Gorillaz - Cracker Island

The virtual band’s tenth album, Cracker Island is a hypnotically melodic project that features much more pop and electronic aspects than most of their other work which Damon Albern masterfully crafts to create a unique piece of the group’s catalog. Gorillaz is known for its incredibly wide and uncommon feature lists. A trend they continued on this project as they brought together a list of artists you wouldn’t ever think would feature on an album together including Stevie Nicks, Bootie Brown (The Pharcyde), Tame Impala, Bad Bunny, and Beck. It’s a satisfying, crisp, and addicting record that continues the band’s expansion into every genre possible.

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Submissions from Molly Merola

1. Salami Rose Joe Louis – Akousmitakous

I chose this album because it is ethereal. Very soft, feminine energy which I personally thrive in. She talks about subjects most women in their mid twenty’s deal with- getting old, cutting off friends, people with ulterior motives. She pairs it with a jazz/indie sound that is very unique. It has a calming energy that helped when I’m feeling mentally ill.

2. Mac DeMarco – One Wanye G

This album speaks for itself. It is mostly instrumental and shows a side of Mac we haven’t really seen. He clearly is stepping out of his more commercial sales era and is just showcasing his raw talent. It is paired with very upbeat songs along with some slower, more emotional ones. He sings in a couple of the songs, but I really love the instrumental aspect, it’s an album I’ve been putting on to zone out and get shit done.

3. quickly, quickly – Easy Listening

This year has been a lot of smooth electronic psychedelic music. I have sort of been stepping back from metal a bit and diving into a synthetic lo-fi indie vibe. It’s relaxing. quickly, quickly released this album midway through the year and it has some sort of spooky elements to it. Every song has some sort of intricate loop along with a very present drum beat.

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Submissions from Noelle Janasiewicz