In a year dominated by music's grand spectacles, from the vibrant hues of the Barbie soundtrack to the dazzling ensembles of Taylor Swift's Eras tour, The Independent's selection of the best albums for the past 12 months takes an intriguing turn toward quieter realms. Despite the industry's penchant for maximalism, our writers found themselves captivated by the nuanced beauty of insular, pastoral folk from artists like Flyte, Billie Marten, and boygenius. The moony ballads of Lana Del Rey and Mitski, along with the eerie Irish folk-rock of Lankum and Grian Chatten, also found a special place in their hearts.
While quieter affairs stole the spotlight, the loud and unconventional weren't ignored. The vibrant, psychedelic world of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and the sexually liberated, full-throttle thrills of Janelle Monae provided a balance to the quieter tones. From ambitious orchestral compositions to voodoo funk and acid folk, The Independent's curated list encapsulates the diverse soundscape of 2023.
Let's delve into the countdown, beginning with the 30th spot occupied by Kesha's "Gag Order." The album, produced by Rick Rubin, sees Kesha confronting past trauma with a fusion of trippy, experimental electronica and earworm hooks.
Next up is the 29th spot, claimed by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets with "Fronzoli." Navigating a surreal world where AI reigns supreme, humanity ventures to Mars, and salvation rests in the hands of Captain Gravity Mouse, the album delivers a concoction of Detroit garage, math punk, acid folk, and melodic psychedelia.
And at the 28th position is Roisin Murphy's "Hit Parade," adding another layer to the diverse musical tapestry of the year. As we embark on this journey through the top 30 albums of 2023, each entry promises a unique sonic experience, blending genres, pushing boundaries, and defining the musical landscape of the year gone by.
In the vibrant tapestry of musical exploration, Roisin Murphy's "Hit Parade" kicks off our countdown at the 28th position. Celebrating her 50th year with a newfound embrace of playful silliness, Murphy delivers her most danceable record to date. DJ Koze's richly textured Balearic backdrops serve as the canvas for Murphy's emotive journey, ranging from joy to sorrow and spitting rage to shrugged acceptance. Funk guitars, electronic bleeps, and golden brass add layers to the album, while Murphy's versatile voice growls, purrs, swoops, and soars, creating a whimsical yet powerful sonic experience.
Thomas Bangalter takes the 27th spot with "Mythologies," marking his return after Daft Punk's disbandment. Shedding the iconic helmet, Bangalter ventures into orchestral territory with an extraordinary and ambitious work composed for Angelin Preljocaj's ballet of the same name. "Les Amazones" bursts with life through a flurry of violins, while "Le Minotaure" lowers its head in a menacing grumble of bass and snarling strings. An Odyssean journey captured with panache, "Mythologies" reveals the beating heart behind the robot mask.
Moving to the 26th position, Mitski's "The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We" immerses listeners in a world filled with pedal steel, fiddle, cicadas, howling dogs, and Tex-Mex trumpet. Hailed as "America's best young songwriter," Mitski channels the vengeful spirit of Nancy Sinatra, delivering a rich and dark seam of swooning Americana. The album feels like a series of boozy, nocturnal confessions, exploring themes of drinking, family, and failed attempts to sell one's soul to the devil at midnight.
The Rural Alberta Advantage secures the 25th position with "The Rise & Fall," an album that perfects their magical concoction of frantic pace, powerful folk-rock songcraft, clattering noise, and haunting melody. Infused with the misty enormity of the Canadian landscape, the fifth album introduces modern synthetic touches and a fresh grandeur in tracks like "Real Life" and the towering "10ft Tall," caught mid-demolition.
As we journey through these albums, each offers a unique sonic landscape, weaving together diverse influences and emotions to shape the musical narrative of 2023.
Entering the musical sanctum at the 24th position is Everything But the Girl with "FUSE," their first album in 24 years. Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt craft a mature electronica haven, structuring songs around vaulting arcs of yearning melody illuminated by stained glass synths. Delving into the complexities of modern challenges, the album explores "microaggressions and human transgressions," urging forgiveness for trespasses. Tracks like "No-One Knows We're Dancing" strike a balance between melancholy, wit, and bouncy beats, offering a sonic sanctuary enriched with Thorn's sarky Sade-like vocals.
At the 23rd spot, The Kills captivate with "God Games," their sixth album where bones rattle, hip-hop horns blast, and Alison Mosshart croons like a sci-fi Siouxsie Sioux. Uncategorizable in their garage rock exotica, The Kills explore corroded dub, voodoo funk, insidious gospel, junk shop pop, and even flamenco calypso, creating exhilarating experimental backdrops. Their musings on religion, tabloid infamy, and lockdown paranoia redefine indie rock in this eclectic offering.
The Japanese House claims the 22nd position with "In the End it Always Does," a second album backed by soft sprinkles of guitar and splooshy dollops of synth. Amber Bain's delicately jazzy affair explores scattered, diaristic thoughts on various relationships, including the power dynamics of her experience in a throuple. "Sunshine Baby" beautifully likens love to "the feeling when the windscreen wipers line up with a song," offering a nuanced and introspective sonic journey.
At the 21st spot, The New Pornographers present "Continue as a Guest," showcasing their indie rock prowess. The album weaves together diverse elements, delivering soulful musings on religion, tabloid infamy, and lockdown paranoia. The Kills' evolution over two decades culminates in this virtually uncategorizable offering, solidifying their place in the Indie rock 2.0 landscape.
As we navigate this musical odyssey, each album unfurls a unique narrative, adding depth and diversity to the musical echoes of 2023.
Embarking on a sonic journey, The New Pornographers' Carl "A.C." Newman takes an unconventional approach to inspiration for their ninth record, "Continue as a Guest." Amid pandemic-induced craziness, Newman listens to all previous records backward, resulting in a career high for the Canadian indie supergroup. Newman's alt-pop songwriting reaches new heights with angular and atmospheric edges on tracks like "Really Really Light" and "Pontius Pilate's Home Movies," making this record a standout in the indie landscape.
At the 20th position, Avelino emerges with "God Save the Streets," making waves in a relatively quiet year for British rap. Inspired by the Sex Pistols' "God Save the Queen," Avelino navigates his hometown, delving into themes of fame, success, loyalty, doubt, and self-worth. Collaborations with grime veterans Ghetts and Wretch 32, especially on tracks like "Vex" and "Sin City," showcase Avelino's prowess. The album closes with the masterful "Acceptance," where Avelino delivers sharp wordplay and hard-hitting truths over stuttery trap beats and stark piano notes, solidifying his place in the rap scene.
Blur takes the 19th spot with "The Ballad of Darren," their belated ninth record that draws stylistic inspiration from John Cale, Radiohead, Bowie, and Arctic Monkeys. This immersive and suave album features sprawling elegance, cosmic strings, and romantic desolation. Tracks like "St Charles Square" and "The Narcissist" showcase Blur's evolution, delivering a lush and subtly matured version of the band that transcends Britpop.
The 18th position introduces Flyte with their eponymous album, marking an exploration into insular, pastoral folk. The album weaves a sonic tapestry with soft sprinkles of guitar and splooshy dollops of synth, creating a delicately jazzy affair. Flyte's introspective and intimate approach shines through, offering a contemplative musical experience that resonates with listeners.
As we delve into these albums, each reveals a distinctive sonic landscape, adding layers to the diverse musical narrative of 2023.
Flyte takes the 17th spot with their self-titled album, a departure from its predecessor, "This is Really Going to Hurt." While the previous album delved into raw emotions of betrayal from a long-term relationship, the self-titled album basks in the glow of new love. Frontman Will Taylor draws inspiration from the same room as his partner and fellow musician, Billie Marten. The band's pastoral folk creates an intimate and comforting atmosphere, conjuring images of flickering fires, low-slung beams, and rain-dappled window panes. It stands out as one of the coziest and most comforting albums of the year.
PJ Harvey secures the 16th position with "I Inside the Old Year Dying," delivering Wicker Man vibes as Polly Harvey delves into the mud and murk of her rural childhood. The folk-grunge record tracks the turning of seasons, with lyrics inspired by the narrative poems from Harvey's 2022 collection "Orlam." Written in 19th-century Dorset dialect, the songs paint vivid pictures of soldiers appearing through the mist, strange creatures, and pagan elements. It's a mucky, pagan whirl that captures the essence of Harvey's distinctive musical storytelling.
Stornoway claims the 15th spot with "Dig The Mountain!" marking their return after a six-year hiatus. This fourth album celebrates their pastoral roots and oceanic obsessions while exploring proggy funk, ambience, afrobeat, and earthy industrial grooves. The album reflects on man's debts and connections to nature, weaving idyllic musings on rural fatherhood and upbringing on tracks like "Excelsior" and "Anwen." Stornoway's ability to blend diverse musical elements results in a wondrous and immersive musical journey.
Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts" takes the 14th position, offering a knuckle-punch of a record that doubles down on spiky, snarky pop-punk. Rodrigo's guitar lines snarl and lyrics take aim at ex-lovers, societal confines, and personal introspection. With tracks like "Vampire" and "Lacy," Rodrigo embodies teenage life with messy contradictions. The album's momentum is exaltant, noisily pushing its way to the top of the charts, showcasing Rodrigo's undeniable talent and versatility.
As the musical voyage continues, each album unveils a unique sonic tapestry, contributing to the diverse musical landscape of 2023.
Grian Chatten commands the 13th spot with his solo debut, "Chaos For The Fly," crafted in collaboration with Fontaines DC producer Dan Carey. Departing from the post-punk guitar maelstrom of Fontaines DC, Chatten embraces hazy Gallic textures, folk clatter, retro orchestration, and electronic burbles. His solo venture, soaked in sophistication, draws inspiration from diverse influences, including Glen Campbell, Serge Gainsbourg, and Leonard Cohen. Chatten's poetry, charmingly languorous yet occasionally biting, explores themes of love, lust, addiction, and isolation, providing an affectionate catch-up with his demons.
SZA claims the 12th position with her second album, "SOS." Solána Imani Rowe, a former biology student, showcases wonderfully fluid and intimate interior monologues. The album opens with gunfire, evolving into wonky soul, creating an immersive experience. SZA's songs ride waves of rolling percussion, flooded with watery synths, and swirling with dark thoughts. Tracks like "Kill Bill" delve into the contemplation of murdering an ex, revealing the complexity of her lyrical exploration. Although released in December 2022, "SOS" missed the Best Of lists for that year, making it a notable inclusion in 2023.
Margo Price seizes the 11th spot with her career-best fourth album, "Strays." Crafted after a six-day magic mushroom trip with her husband and collaborator, Jeremy Ivey, the album captures a range of emotions, from psych-rock joyride on "Been to the Mountain" to the sprawling western epic "Hell in the Heartland." Price's voice shines at its best, oscillating between Stevie Nicks' dangerous croon and Patti Smith's swagger. "Strays" showcases Price's magnificent storytelling, delving into themes of paranoia, change of heart, and a fearless exploration of life's unpredictable journey.
As the countdown continues, each album unfolds a unique musical narrative, contributing to the rich tapestry of 2023's musical landscape.
Peter Gabriel claims the 10th spot with "i/o," an album 28 years in the making and released 21 years after its intended sister-piece, "Up." Gabriel's 10th original material album sounds remarkably unlabored and contemporary. Tracks like "Panopticom," "Four Kinds of Horses," "Olive Tree," and "The Court" tackle themes of religious terrorism, virtual worlds, online judgments, and the people-power potential of AI. Aging and mortality weave into the narrative, with "And Still" paying tribute to Gabriel's departed mother and the stunning piano lament "Playing for Time" addressing poignant deals with mortality. Yet, the title track and "Road to Joy" exude arena pop life, infusing energy into the album.
Raye commands the 9th position with "My 21st Century Blues," the year's most exhilarating debut. Rachel Keen, the talent behind Raye, seamlessly marries the swooning drama of classic jazz and soul with post-millennial beats and punchy vernacular. Drawing inspiration from the late Amy Winehouse, tracks like "The Thrill is Gone" and "Escapism" exude brassy swagger and messy confessions. In a post-MeToo era, Keen fearlessly addresses issues like date rape, body dysmorphia, and exploitation in the music industry, crafting a debut that resonates with raw authenticity.
Young Fathers secure the 8th spot with "Heavy Heavy," a fourth album that draws from and wonderfully roughs up the spiritual tradition. Hailing from Edinburgh, Young Fathers construct a compelling musical journey that feels like dancing on burning pews, offering fervent swamp soul sermons with tracks like "Drum" and "Rice." "Shoot Me Down" emerges as a surge of celestial gospel, while "Tell Somebody" showers the listener with a slo-mo cascade of shattering stained glass. "Heavy Heavy" explores euphoric new extremes of sound and energy, challenging the musical landscape of 2023 to keep up with its intensity.
As the countdown continues, each album brings its unique flavor to the symphony of 2023's musical panorama, promising an exciting culmination.
Lana Del Rey makes a soul-stirring return with her ninth album, "Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." This musical tapestry delves into questions of family, legacy, memory, and death, blending them into a cocktail of swooning balladry. "Margaret" emerges as a pure paean to love, asserting its claim as one of the most romantic songs of the year. The folky reverie of "A&W" takes an unexpected turn, ushering in a sleazy, synthy bassline that echoes Del Rey's secret yearnings. The album showcases Del Rey's prowess in hushed experimentalism, creating an immersive experience for the listener.
Caroline Polachek seizes the 7th spot with "Desire I Want to Turn Into You," her seventh album and the second under her name. Polachek masterfully navigates the fine line between delectable pop earworms and experimental brilliance. A maximalist outing, the album explores a spectrum of sonic influences, featuring Mediterranean guitar licks, tropical bass lines, and Polachek's operatic vocals that cascade into rare melismatic expressions. "Desire I Want to Turn Into You" stands as a testament to Polachek's ability to craft music that captivates and pushes boundaries simultaneously.
Corinne Bailey Rae claims the 6th position with "Black Rainbows," challenging the simplistic portrayal of her as an easy-breezy pop-soul singer. This eclectic exploration of the Black experience breathes life into true stories found in the archives of Black history. Bailey Rae employs riot grrrrr punk, psychedelic synths, and jazzy piano to amplify different narratives, breaking away from reductionist stereotypes. "Black Rainbows" showcases Bailey Rae's sophistication as an artist, offering a rich and diverse sonic journey.
Billie Marten secures the 5th spot with "Drop Cherries," her fourth record, which unfolds as a series of vignettes portraying a relationship. The album opens with a crystalline hum that sets the stage for an immersive experience. "New Idea" serves as a reset button, inviting listeners to unfurrow their brows and drop their shoulders, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Marten's vocals seamlessly blend with softly strummed guitars and swelling strings, captivating listeners in the slipstream of "Drop Cherries.
As the countdown progresses, each album adds depth and nuance to the musical mosaic of 2023, promising an eclectic array of sounds and emotions.
Sufjan Stevens occupies the 3rd position with his 10th album, "Javelin," a poignant exploration of grief dedicated to his late partner Evans Richardson. Much like the acclaimed "Carrie & Lowell" in 2015, Stevens returns to the intimate, broken tones reminiscent of his early works. Tracks like "Genuflecting Ghost," "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" and the explosive "Goodbye Evergreen" showcase industrial clanks and sizzles, respectfully danceable yet anchored in muted pianos, caressed acoustic guitars, and soul-swelling ghost dimension harmonies. "Javelin" stands as a heartfelt and introspective masterpiece.
Janelle Monáe commands the 2nd spot with "The Age of Pleasure," a departure from her sci-fi fixations into the realm of carnal fun. Monáe's fourth album heralds a new era, featuring celestial horns and dancehall synths. Collaborating with Grace Jones, Sister Nancy, and Amaarae, Monáe embraces a celebratory and liberatory bacchanal. The album mirrors Monáe's personal evolution, marked by her openness about pansexuality and a fluid array of pronouns. "The Age of Pleasure" invites listeners to join a joyous musical journey.
Claiming the top spot is Lankum with "False," their sublime third album that almost secured them the Mercury Prize. The Dublin folk four-piece delves into wild, desolate landscapes, accompanied by tales of scorned lovers, grieving parents, and superstitious sailors. Radie Peat's mastery shines on "Go Dig My Grave," drawing from a family of "floating verse" songs dating back to the 17th century. Ian Lynch guides "The New York Trader" through a maelstrom of strings and hurdy-gurdy. Throughout "False," a palpable sense of discord and unease evokes goosebumps, marking Lankum's mesmerizing musical prowess.
As the countdown culminates, these albums promise to enrich the sonic tapestry of 2023 with their emotional depth, innovative sounds, and profound storytelling. Each entry reflects the diverse and evolving landscape of contemporary music.
In a soul-baring confession, boygenius introspects on their debut album, "the record," proclaiming, “I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself.” Comprising indie powerhouses Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, the supergroup candidly shares that collaborative songwriting allowed them to be more "earnest" than in their solo endeavors. Across the 12 songs, simplicity and enigma interweave like intricate puzzle cubes, revealing the complexities of female solidarity amidst the messy challenges of friendship.
While the album exudes an aura of openness, the lyrics explore the duality of connection. Early lines like “speak to me until your history’s no mystery” are countered by the expressed fear that familiarity might breed distance: “I might like you less now you know me so well.” Sonic textures oscillate between acoustic and electric, echoing their shared appreciation for late-'90s and early-'00s lo-fi sounds of Elliott Smith and Iron & Wine. The album's emotional spectrum ranges from swoony to soppy to sweary, creating an immersive experience where listeners confront hard truths within the confines of a safe space.
boygenius' debut not only showcases the individual strengths of its members but also creates a collective sonic tapestry that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability. The album promises to be a memorable addition to the indie music landscape, inviting listeners into an intimate exploration of self and connection.
In conclusion, boygenius, the indie supergroup comprising Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, delivers a candid and introspective debut album titled "the record." The 12-song collection intricately weaves simplicity and enigma, exploring the complexities of female solidarity and the challenges within friendships. The album's lyrics navigate the delicate balance of connection, from the initial openness to the fear that familiarity might breed distance.
As the trio shifts between acoustic and electric sonic textures, drawing inspiration from the late-'90s and early-'00s lo-fi sounds, they create a unique musical landscape. The result is an immersive experience that ranges from swoony to soppy to sweary, allowing listeners to confront hard truths within the shelter of a safe space.
Boygenius' debut is not merely a showcase of the individual prowess of its members but an authentic and vulnerable collective expression. The album stands as a poignant addition to the indie music scene, inviting audiences to join the trio on a journey of self-discovery and connection.