Best Singles of 2023 (So Far)

As we approach the halfway mark of this year we’re taking a look at some of the many new singles 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. The Last Dinner Party – “Nothing Matters”

There is something intoxicating about The Last Dinner Party’s **“Nothing Matters”**, the group’s debut single (and as it stands, their only release). The verses are emotional and tense, and the chorus feels like such a sweet release. Since this is the only taste of The Last Dinner Party we’ve gotten so far, it goes without saying I am very very excited to see the different directions the band goes and the trails they inevitably will blaze.

2. Orange Dog Club – “untitled”

Orange Dog Club is a band that I stumbled upon while searching for new music coming from the Buffalo, New York scene. I wasn’t expecting to find one of my favorite songs of the year on this search, but “untitled” from Orange Dog Club absolutely delivered. This track has a 2000s garage rock revival sound but way fresher (and so does the rest of the band’s discography). Their bio on Spotify “critics remain excited to see what’s next for Orange Dog Club”, but I really have to say everyone should be excited to see what’s next for Orange Dog Club.

3. Skatune Network, JER, Jeff Rosenstock – “(Sk)A-Punk”

“(Sk)A-Punk” is a ska cover of Vampire Weekend’s iconic 2008 track, “A-Punk”. Really, wasn’t “A-Punk” always meant to be done as a ska track instead? If you haven’t heard this yet and have reservations about it, I completely understand. But I cannot express the sheer joy this version of the classic will bring you.

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Submissions from Poroye

1. Leon Thomas — “Breaking Point”

This new single by Leon Thomas is so…groovy, so in the pocket, so classically R&B, that I can’t help but play it over and over again. The way the bassline and drums work so well together and give this ballad a groove like no other…I think it’s mad cool. And even though it’s so classically R&B, I think the production and the arrangement of the song is refreshing, the way he approaches it. The way he seamlessly croons over his relationship in this song with beautiful riffs…I love it.

2. Summer Walker ft. J. Cole — “To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug)”

This song does exactly what it said it’d do. Even though this was a letter from J. Cole to Summer Walker, I most certainly felt the love on a personal level. The chill vibe created with the soft vocals in the background and the light piano riff is super laid back and comforting. And J. Cole’s words just hit. I love it.

3. Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar — “AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (REMIX)”

I was already obsessed with this song before, but having Kendrick on this track as a remix really elevates this track!! I love Kendrick, and whenever he and Beyonce collaborate on a song, it always works. I love his rapid-fire lyrics, the way his braggadocio matches with Beyonce’s, and the way he keeps up with the fast-paced track. And he just has so much fun with it! It’s so funnnn ! :)

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Submission from Lindsey Johnson

1. Sir Echo– “Cargo”

**“Cargo”** is one of only three released so far by Sir Echo–but they’re definitely a band to follow. This song is catchy and moody at the same time and will have you singing along by the second listen.

2. Koyo – “You’re On The List (minus one)”

Koyo is preparing to release their debut LP this September, and “You’re On The List (minus one)” is the first single off of it. Their signature style stays true here with emo melodies and lyrics with a hardcore background.

3. The National (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)– “Your Mind Is Not Your Friend”

This track is a hauntingly beautiful piano ballad. Bridgers’ soft harmonies create a ghostly effect over terribly sad lyrics about mental struggles.

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Submission from Kait Dorney

1. Spritbox — “The Void”

Spiritbox has been on the rise as of late, and they continue to highlight their skill with the release of this new single. The Canadian heavy metal band, posed of Courtney LaPlante, Mike Stringer, Zev Rose, and Josh Gilbert, Spiritbox formed back in 2017 but really took off in 2020 at the early start of the COVID-19 pandemic - the band’s genre is hard to pinpoint but there are clear prog metal influences. “The Void” highlights this perfectly and introduces some slight electronic aspects and I find it pairs well with LaPlante’s vocals & the heavy instruments. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Spiritbox has coming up next!

2. Koyo — “You’re On The List (minus one)”

Koyo is a new hardcore band based out of Stony Brook, New York, formed in early 2020, releasing their debut EP in March 2020. They recently were on tour with Bayside and I Am The Avalanche, and they had a phenomenal stage presence. The new “supergroup” consists of members from SeeYouSpaceCowboy & Typecast and compare to other similar bands such as Taking Back Sunday, also hailing from New York. “You’re On The List (minus one)” is the first single released from Koyo’s next planned album release – it’s called Would You Miss It? and it’s scheduled for September 2023. I love this single, it easily sounds like it could have dropped in the early 2000s and it’s a bit nostalgic.

3. The Wonder Years — “GODDAMNITALL”

The Wonder Years have been a long-time favorite of mine, and the release of their new single fits perfectly in their discography. Released to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of The Greatest Generation, “GODDAMNITALL” uses some unused melodies & lyrics from an unreleased demo that was cut from the final track list of that album. The band asked their producer, Steve Evetts, to produce it the same as TGG and consider it a “B side” track, but love how part of it is still brand new.

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Submission from Drayven Oakes

1. BTS — “The Planet”

I was more than excited for the return of one of my favorite bands as members had recently gone into the military and there weren't a lot of new releases. They had finished their compendium album, PROOF, and after this, I was prepared to have to wait until 2025 when they would be able to produce music as a group once again; some of the members are releasing their own side projects. When I heard this single, it was an instant add to my playlist as I have been anticipating another release. It's very heartfelt and comforting as the lyrics are about perseverance and leaving the world in a better place than how you found it.

2. Lana Del Rey — “Say Yes to Heaven”

This single took me by surprise because I wasn’t expecting this song to be released, and I’m sure Lana didn’t either. This was a song that was leaked from her computer and blew up on the internet with how lovely her vocals sounded (as per usual), but it was a surprise when she finally officially released it due to fans exclaiming that there was so much of the song already leaked that she might as well share it. This has been a go-to shower song for me as it's very soothing and ethereal sounding as Lana's songs tend to be.

3. Maneskin — “Gossip”

Maneskin is an awesome Italian band, most known for their cover of “Beggin’”. After becoming internet famous over the span of a month or so, they started touring and have taken their twist on the pop-punk genre and have also been considered a “glam rock” band by some because of their visuals. This song was released in January of this year and has been on many of my playlists as a hype song. I look forward to what they will release in the future.

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Submission from Noelle Janasiewicz

Best Singles of 2023 (So Far)