MK's Top 25 Albums of 2023!
Enjoy! |
| 52 |  | The Lemon Twigs
Everything Harmony
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
“Step Into the Light” – The Acacia Strain
“Strays” – Margo Price
“Midnight Tangerine” – death’s dynamic shroud
“Fatalism” – Polaris
“Versions of Us” – Lanterns of the Lake
"Everything Harmony" - The Lemon Twigs |
| 51 |  | Genesis Owusu
Struggler
25. Genesis Owusu – STRUGGLER
Released: 8/18/2023
Genre: Hip Hop/Soul/Experimental
Scrobbles: 40 |
| 50 | | Genesis Owusu
Struggler
“Leaving the Light” is one of the most hype and fun songs of 2023 and I almost regret not placing it higher on my best songs of the year list. Owusu is firing on all cylinders with this record; it’s melodic, it’s punchy, it’s filled with bops front to back. I love the diversity of the tracks yet their ability to all be fun and interesting, unique and badass. This record completely surprised me with how infectious and addictive it is. I didn’t listen to it nearly enough and I will be absolutely setting aside some time to further explore the densities of these songs soon. But even with my brief experiences with this thing, it earns a spot in the Top 25. Great great stuff! |
| 49 |  | Yves Tumor
Praise a Lord Who Chews, But Does Not Consume...
24. Yves Tumor - Praise a Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume….
Released: 3/17/2023
Genre: Experimental Rock/Psychedelic
Scrobbles: 37 |
| 48 | | Yves Tumor
Praise a Lord Who Chews, But Does Not Consume...
One of many artists that I was unfamiliar with prior to this year and what a surprise it was to hear someone so able to genre hop with such proficiency. Elements of indie, post-punk, alternative dance, electronic, psychedelic, experimental, all weaved into a neat 40-minute package. Each track is inspired, interesting and filled with interesting, unique performances and sounds. Maybe my one gripe is that all the variety hurts the flow of the record a bit but I found the production choices to be consistent and solid with the beats feeling punchy and bassy, the glitchiness of the synths to cut very nicely through the mix, it’s all down extremely well. |
| 47 |  | END
The Sin of Human Frailty
23. END – The Sin of Human Frailty
Released: 10/27/2023
Genre: Hardcore/Noisecore
Scrobbles: 41 |
| 46 | | END
The Sin of Human Frailty
This is the most pissed record of the year. It’s the dirtiest record of the year. It’s the most unhinged record of the year. Brendan Murphy on vocals feels like someone murdered his cat or something. Will Putney’s riffs are dimension shifting works and his production choices are so raw, so bass heavy yet so grimy and filthy. This record has no right to be as heavy and insane as it is but I’m completely here for it. I think if there’s anything to nitpick about, it’s that there’s not a whole lot of diversity. It’s a pissed record and that’s what it is for 30 minutes. |
| 45 |  | Invent Animate
Heavener
22. Invent Animate – Heavener
Released: 3/17/2023
Genre: Progressive Metalcore/Djent
Scrobbles: 45 |
| 44 | | Invent Animate
Heavener
This was the most hyped metalcore record of the year by far and it delivers in almost every way possible. Marcus Vik’s vocals feel so earth-shattering and dynamic over these songs; it’s impressive how easily he molds these melodies into the chaotic proggy nature of these songs and then can just turn on the demon-side with these viscerally charged screams. I love the ambience which goes hand in hand with Invent Animate when they are mentioned; almost like they invented it or something. I feel like this is a collection of the most beautiful metalcore songs of the year with the breakdowns feeling less like breakdowns and more like transcendence. I think the only downfall of this record is that there’s a couple tracks that feel a bit repetitive, almost like padding for the runtime and while those tracks aren’t bad, they just aren’t up to snuff with the best this record has to offer. I love this thing, I love their resurgence and their popularity explosion, it’s very well deserved! |
| 43 |  | Raye
My 21st Century Blues
21. Raye – My 21st Century Blues
Released: 2/3/2023
Genre: R&B/Hip Hop
Scrobbles: 45 |
| 42 | | Raye
My 21st Century Blues
Raye’s debut record delves into serious topics like depression, eating disorders, sexual assault, insecurity and other sort of “taboo” topics very honestly, lovingly and beautifully. Her lyrical ability is unmatched, and her vocal timbre and choices feel like the perfect vessel for delivering her stories and ideas. I really appreciate just how easy it is for Raye to shift from rapped style flows to R&B/Soul belting in the same line; it’s extremely impressive. I love the overall feel of these songs; the production choices are varied and interesting, everything sounds very crisp and clear. This record is one of the best things to come out of this year and I’m looking forward to more! |
| 41 |  | KEN mode
Void
20. KEN Mode – Void
Released: 9/22/2023
Genre: Sludge Metal/Noise Rock
Scrobbles: 24 |
| 40 | | KEN mode
Void
Often unhinged and discomforting, KEN Mode have made an entire career of making their listeners feel like psychopaths for listening to their music. It’s sludgy, grungy, noisy, filled with raw power and visceral emotions. I found myself captivated by music similar to this style throughout the year, but KEN Mode and a select few others really did it justice with songs that are intricately craftly yet embrace the noisiness and chaos that it seeks. This was also my first experience with this group so I’m looking forward to visiting their back catalog and seeing how they got to this point. |
| 39 |  | Yussef Dayes
Black Classical Music
19. Yussef Dayes – Black Classical Music
Released: 9/8/2023
Genre: Nu-Jazz/Jazz Fusion
Scrobbles: 34 |
| 38 | | Yussef Dayes
Black Classical Music
This is the kind of jazz that really tickles my fancy. The intricacies of the drum patterns, the off-kilter horns, the experimental song structures, it’s all so fascinating. Yet all the elements of traditional jazz are still ever-present especially in terms of the overall feel, the flows, the aesthetic, it’s all there with a twist. By far the best drum performances I’ve heard all year feature on this record, it’s entrancing, I find myself just listening to the drums and ignoring everything else at times just because of how impressive and energetic they are. Being a guitar player, that’s usually where my focus goes to, but the drums really take over this thing, they are the forefront and the highlight. I never find myself bored listening to this record; it does go on for well over an hour which can feel a bit draining at times BUT I do feel like it’s worth the time and effort to listen to. These songs shouldn’t be missed or ignored, they are genuinely fun and fascinating. |
| 37 |  | Sufjan Stevens
Javelin
18. Sufjan Stevens – Javelin
Released: 10/6/2023
Genre: Indie Folk/Electronic/Rock
Scrobbles: 29 |
| 36 | | Sufjan Stevens
Javelin
This was actually my first experience with Sufjan Stevens, and I was blown away at just how easy it is for him to engulf a listener with emotions with words and tone. These songs are impressive, diverse and wonderful. I think it’s also fair to say that a lot of the lyrics on here are particularly devasting considering the loss of his partner. The emotional weight and punch of these songs is exhilarating in a way, yet easily could force a tear from your eye. It’s a dynamic that I don’t often find in music where a singular album can force you through a range of emotions, yet Steven’s does so effortlessly. Fantastic record! |
| 35 |  | Thantifaxath
Hive Mind Narcosis
17. Thantifaxath – Hive Mind Narcosis
Released: 6/2/2023
Genre: Experimental Black Metal/Progressive Metal
Scrobbles: 21 |
| 34 | | Thantifaxath
Hive Mind Narcosis
After waiting 9 years for a new full length from Thantifaxath, it’s finally here and it does not disappoint. The doom and gloom of the pacing, the chaos that ensues when the drums start pounding, the nightmarish guitar plucks and melodies. This thing is sinister, it’s unsettling, it purely exists as nightmare fuel and I’m completely here for it. This is the kind of music that would be playing over the speakers in Hell; the masses would tremble if this music was played at the Super Bowl halftime show. I love these songs, there’s not much I can really say other than these songs are very calculated, very intricate and offer more of what Thantifaxath are great at. |
| 33 |  | Kelela
Raven
16. Kelela – Raven
Released: 2/10/2023
Genre: R&B/Electronic
Scrobbles: 40 |
| 32 | | Kelela
Raven
Kelela’s sophomore record is sophisticated, majestic and completely breathtaking. The soundscapes are dense with tension, each track freely moving with ebbs and flows, navigating soft ambient textures building into massive releases of dance beats, R&B with breakbeats and Passionate soulful outbreaks. With this release clocking in at over an hour, there’s plenty of material to fall in love with here. Kelela’s vocals are entrancing and never fail to complete and heighten the power of the songs she sings over. Also, the production value on this album is *chef’s kiss, gorgeous. Very crisp and bassy, a clean yet explosive sound. Easily one of the best records of the year. |
| 31 |  | Orbit Culture
Descent
15. Orbit Culture – Descent
Released: 8/18/2023
Genre: Melodic Death Metal/Groove Metal
Scrobbles: 44 |
| 30 | | Orbit Culture
Descent
Orbit Culture have been around the block and their melodic brand of groove metal is very familiar to those who have listened to anything of theirs in the past. However, ‘Descent’ feels like a natural evolution in songwriting ability as well as a transformation sonically into something that defies all genre standards. The James Hetfield-esque vocals, the Meshuggah-esque/Djent chugs laced through the songs, the melodic sensibility of bands like Volbeat all come together into something very unique yet unhinged. I was hoping their follow up to ‘Nija’ would be a bit more explorative and I think we have that here with the songs diving into various sub-genres of metal stylistically yet still being Orbit Culture at the center of it all. Plus, the grooves, the breakdowns, the grandiose nature of it all, it’s captivating and exhilarating. Great stuff! |
| 29 |  | Rid Of Me
Access To The Lonely
14. Rid of Me – Access to the Lonely
Released: 11/3/2023
Genre: Noise Rock/Indie Grunge
Scrobbles: 44 |
| 28 | | Rid Of Me
Access To The Lonely
Baring the namesake of one of PJ Harvey’s most acclaimed records, this group clearly gains influence from the aforementioned artist and adds their own brand of punk, grunge and melody to this record. Rid of Me is a new band to me and they have blown me away with their songwriting, their vocals and I think most importantly, the attitude of their aesthetic. This band feels dirty, I assume all the members haven’t showered in months. These songs have such a grimy appeal to them with the riffs and melodies complimented by raw, impactful production choices. I love the flow of the record and how each track is able to differentiate itself and add to the aura of this group without sacrificing artistic integrity of pigeonholing themselves within a certain style of genre. Truly one of the best rock/punk records of the year and a band to lookout for in the future. |
| 27 |  | Pupil Slicer
Blossom
13. Pupil Slicer – Blossom
Released: 6/2/2023
Genre: Mathcore/Post-Metalcore
Scrobbles: 40 |
| 26 | | Pupil Slicer
Blossom
Pupil Slicer have come a long way from their mathcore/grind roots. This record sees them at their most vulnerable, at their most willing to experiment with different sounds and genres and do it very well. The vocals are impressive, ranging from shrill and chaotic to angelic. To say that mathcore/grind elements have been abandoned is a misstatement; there’s plenty of calculated chaos that utilizes those quick bursts of insanity. The dissonance of the guitar riffs, the punchiness of the drums, the moodiness and crunch of the bass tones, this record really melds all these elements into something that feels very fresh and unheard of in this scene. The band is also unafraid of delving into proggy territory with some lengthier tracks and unfold slowly and methodically. This record picks up from where ‘Mirrors’ left off and bests it with better songs, more memorable melodies, and bigger breakdowns! |
| 25 |  | Complete Mountain Almanac
Complete Mountain Almanac
12. Complete Mountain Almanac – Complete Mountain Almanac
Released: 1/27/2023
Genre: Indie Rock/Folk
Scrobbles: 45 |
| 24 | | Complete Mountain Almanac
Complete Mountain Almanac
This debut record helmed by Rebekka Karijord is gorgeous indie bliss with each song representing a month and the lyrics telling a story that corresponds with that month. The record feels like a cool breeze, the flow of each track immaculate the vocal performances are soothing and relaxing to the point that this record would make a lovely soundtrack for a nap in a hammock on a cloudy September afternoon. This was one of my first loves of 2023 and has remained in my playlists and rotation throughout the year. Hopefully we get some more amazing stuff like this in the future from these artists. |
| 23 |  | Dying Wish
Symptoms of Survival
11. Dying Wish – Symptoms of Survival
Released: 11/3/2023
Genre: Metalcore/Melodic Death Metal
Scrobbles: 59 |
| 22 | | Dying Wish
Symptoms of Survival
What Dying Wish accomplish so well is taking an older, riff-based style of metalcore and polishing it with beefy, crisp production. The songs here are pulse-pounding, aggressive slabs of intensity with vocalist Emma Boster unleashing fantastic vocal performances throughout, in both harsh vocal stylings and her clean voice. This record expounds upon what worked with previously by adding more melody, more dynamics and more aggression, with each track playing a vital role in the flow and success of the entirety of this product. While I loved their previous record, ‘Symptoms of Survival’s’ songs pack a bigger punch and offer an even brighter future for this group because these tracks go and don’t stop. |
| 21 |  | Billy Woods and Kenny Segal
Maps
10. Billy Woods + Kenny Segal – Maps
Released: 5/5/2023
Genre: Hip Hop/Experimental
Scrobbles: 44 |
| 20 | | Billy Woods and Kenny Segal
Maps
With their second full length collaboration, Woods and Segal up the anti with 17 awesome tracks that feature some of Woods’ best lyrics, best flows and best energy and of course, features some of Segal’s best production work and beats. As someone that is not super into hip hop music and is a novice at what works and doesn’t work, I feel confident in identifying Wood’s proficiency at unraveling narratives and vignettes with his words. His descriptions, his word choice, his references, they’re all so calculated and interesting. Every listen through this record is like a new experience because there’s so much to take in and listen to. I really love the brevity of some of these tracks; they don’t waste time with useless features or choruses where it’s unnecessary. But then on the tracks that do have features like “Soundcheck” with Quelle Chris or “Year Zero” with Danny Brown, the features are killer, the lyrics are sharp and awesome. Just a really great record! |
| 19 |  | Jessie Ware
That! Feels Good!
9. Jessie Ware – That! Feels Good!
Released: 4/28/2023
Genre: Nu-Disco/Soul
Scrobbles: 35 |
| 18 | | Jessie Ware
That! Feels Good!
With Jessie taking the number one spot on my songs of the year list with the gorgeous, sensual track “Begin Again”, the rest of the record is no slouch harnessing vibes and energy of the late 70’s with disco infused pop melodies. These tracks are infectious, fresh and fun; these are the kind of songs that you dance in your living room with a broom in a night gown to on a Thursday night after the kids have gone to bed. One of the things that feels most satisfying are Jessie’s vocals and how she’s able to shape-shift to various identities and styles throughout all these songs; quickfire melodies, drawn out belts, soft whispered melodies, it’s all seamless and she’s so proficient of a vocalist that nothing seems out of the realm of possibility for her. Fantastic record! |
| 17 |  | Viscera (UK)
Carcinogenesis
8. Viscera – Carcinogenesis
Released: 3/3/2023
Genre: Technical Deathcore
Scrobbles: 87 |
| 16 | | Viscera (UK)
Carcinogenesis
One of the fiercest most aggressive records of 2023; combining the breakneck pace of technical deathcore with somewhat melodic sensibilities and brain-bending chugs and breakdowns. Having followed this group since their inception, I can confidently say that this record encompasses the best of their abilities with 9 tracks that allow each individual instrumentalist and vocalist to shine. The songs are brutal, it’s not overstuffed with ‘content’ which is an issue I have with some modern-day deathcore bands that feel the need to have hour long plus records that are just non-stop. Viscera finds a good balance and I think we as the listener are rewarded with a very awesome slab of heaviness. |
| 15 |  | Anohni and the Johnsons
My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross
7. Anohni and the Johnsons – My Back was a Bridge For You to Cross
Released: 7/6/2023
Genre: Indie Rock/Soul
Scrobbles: 31 |
| 14 | | Anohni and the Johnsons
My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross
A devastating and passionate effort from vocalist Anohni that tackles very difficult social subjects involving the trans community, love and acceptance. As the first track signals “it must change,” Anohni begs the human race to just be more accepting and loving to those finding their way and trying to be themselves. The vocals are so torn and soulful with the instrumentals taking influence from soul, rock and pop all while being complimented so naturally by Anohni’s gifted vocal cords. This record brings a tear to my eye and while it’s a difficult listen, it’s very rewarding and lovely in many ways. |
| 13 |  | Great Falls
Objects Without Pain
6. Great Falls – Objects Without Pain
Released: 9/15/2023
Genre: Sludge Metal/Noise Rock
Scrobbles: 21 |
| 12 | | Great Falls
Objects Without Pain
If I wanted to make someone feel uncomfortable or just completely unsettled, I would turn this bad boy on. It gives me a similar feeling to when I heard ‘God’s County’’ by Chat Pile last year. The vocals are draining to listen to in the best way possible; almost encapsulating a bestial or primal form with just how raw and unfiltered they are throughout the record. The instrumentals are noisy, abrasive and unrelenting leaving me breathless at the end of each track. It’s a stressful listen in many ways; it feels like you’re watching someone have a panic attack while on fire. This was one of the biggest surprises of the year for me along with a very late entry as I didn’t listen to this till the end of November. Absolute beast of an album. |
| 11 |  | Judiciary
Flesh + Blood
5. Judiciary – Flesh + Blood
Released: 3/10/2023
Genre: Hardcore/Thrash Metal/Metalcore
Scrobbles: 61 |
| 10 | | Judiciary
Flesh + Blood
Moving away a bit from their crossover thrash roots into a more metallica hardcore sound, Judiciary explore these new soundscapes admirably with insanely fun riffs, massive expanses of sonic space leveled with dissonance and breakdowns and not to mention, a certain knack for songwriting in this style. These tracks are punishing, every second feels like someone is trying to rip the nails from your fingers. There are tasteful guitar solos interspersed, most noticeably on the opening track “Flesh” which fucking slaps by the way. This album is just a super fun time, it doesn’t waste time, it doesn’t waste energy on bad ideas, it only employs the best of the best, and I’m confident in proclaiming this record as “All Killer, No Filler.” |
| 9 |  | Sigur Ros
ÁTTA
4. Sigur Ros – Atta
Released: 6/16/2023
Genre: Post-Rock/Ambient
Scrobbles: 50 |
| 8 | | Sigur Ros
ÁTTA
The long-awaited return of Sigur Ros does not disappoint with their signature ambient tones and slow-moving melodies being at the forefront of this record, each song delivers emotional weight and sonic satisfaction unlike anything else released in 2023. While I can certainly see that the vocals might not be for everyone with the high pitched, head voice style of singing that feature on most tracks, but I find it extremely dizzying and entrancing in the best way possible. The songs here of the highest quality and rival some of their best works on albums like ‘Takk’ and ‘( ).’ This is one of the most satisfying returns I’ve heard this year and I hope we don’t have to wait as long for the next entry in their discography. |
| 7 |  | TesseracT
War of Being
3. TesseracT – War of Being
Released: 9/15/2023
Genre: Progressive Metal/Djent
Scrobbles: 38 |
| 6 | | TesseracT
War of Being
I’ve been a pretty big fan of what this band has done in the past but I feel all their work has culminated in this ultimate expression of musicianship that easily surpasses any music they’ve written previously. The songs feel incredible, the production is crisp and clear, it smacks you in the face with its power and precision. The real highlight for me is vocalist Dan Tompkins and the unfathomable improvement that he’s made since the release of ‘Sonder.’ He seems so confident, his highs soar above the clouds, the choices he makes feel so much more natural and decisive and even his harsh vocals feel fuller and more well-rounded. The melody choices are addictively good and each track benefits so much from these choices. Songs like “Tender” and “Echoes” which are more melodic by nature, still have as much of impact as some of the more aggressive songs like “War of Being” and “The Grey.” Overall, I’ll plainly say that this is their best work yet and I’m very excited for where they go next! |
| 5 |  | Lana Del Rey
Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
2. Lana Del Rey – Did you Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd…
Released: 3/24/2023
Genre: Dream Pop/Indie Pop
Scrobbles: 90 |
| 4 | | Lana Del Rey
Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Elizabeth Grant, better know as Lana Del Rey, needs no introduction with her records and singles touching many a heart over the last decade plus. Her latest release is long, winding, enchanting and bold. While not every track is a smash hit, the consistency of the record puts it on par with the excellence of her new age classic ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell.’ Having recently listened through some of her earlier records, I can distinctly hear the maturity of her vocal performances and her heightened lyrical ability with these newer tracks. Songs like “Sweet”, “Candy Necklace” and “A&W” have the same saccharine, haunting mood as her earlier work with just better sounding instrumental palettes and vocal deliveries. Overall, I think it’s fair to say that this is her second-best output of her career and I look forward to hearing more. |
| 3 |  | PJ Harvey
I Inside the Old Year Dying
1. PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old Year Dying
Released: 7/7/2023
Genre: Folk Rock/Grunge
Scrobbles: 112 |
| 2 | | PJ Harvey
I Inside the Old Year Dying
Harvey’s long and versatile discography is now bookended with one of her most mysterious and mystical releases to date, combining folk sensibilities with raw, grungy stylings; a beautiful blend of falsetto wails and whispered chirps cascades through these odd melodic yet harrowing passages of music. Each song feels like a slight extension of the previous track, building off it’s strengths and continuing this very unspecific story arc. This record is hard to pin down, and often, understand, but that’s what makes it so interesting to me and why it’s been my most listened to album of the year. I feel like with every listen, there’s a nugget of brilliance that I uncover for the first time that heightens this records grandiosity. |
| 1 | | PJ Harvey
I Inside the Old Year Dying
While humbly hushed and quieter than her early records, a similar angst pervades some of these tracks just as intensely without the necessity of distorted guitars and aggressive drums. This record wasn’t an immediate banger and that’s what makes it special; the necessity of repeated listens and time to digest each track. It’s hard to imagine PJ topping this one but that doesn’t stop me from looking forward to what comes next from the legendary songstress. |
|
