The Best Albums of 2023
Everyone does one of these, so this is my list. These albums were great, also, and I don’t think anyone comes to these articles to read the intro. Check these albums out, and let me know what were your favorite albums of 2023.
20 - Baddie Brooks - Reclamation
Detroit-based artist Baddie Brooks called Reclamation “Her most meaningful project,” saying her album “Centers around uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community.”
19 - Killer Mike - Michael
On a purely surface level, Michael displays Killer Mike as hip-hop's lone veteran who pushes destructively seismic raps over beats most emcees would kill to have at their disposal.
18 - Kaytranada and Aminé - Kaytraminé
In what I love to call new-age hip-hop, one where vibes prioritize over lyrical substance, this album stands as the cool kid at the hip-hop table: It's fun and funny, and everyone wants to know what it will do next.
17 - Cleo Sol - Gold
If music could heal, this would be a hi-potion. It's an introspective album that focuses on love and the audio equivalent of sunbathing.
16 - Madison Mcferrin - I Hope You Can Forgive Me
Effortlessly wonderful, testimonial, and soothing to the ears. These are the words I would use to describe McFerrin's 2023 effort, all of which breeze by for 26 minutes.
15 - Raye - My 21st Century Blues
Raye's debut album is the best type of emotionally honest music; it's the kind you can dance to. Production-wise, this project would make most rappers blush, and Raye takes full advantage of maximizing the potential of each song.
14 - Fall Out Boy - So Much (For) Stardust
I am a Fall Out Boy stan. The last song made me cry. Does this album deserve to be up here? Argue with ya momma.
13 - Zutomayo - Jinkōgaku
Zutomayo's music is polished and energetic. The group treads the line between immaturity-pop and refreshingly mature when necessary.
12 - Victoria Monét - Jaguar II
This album is perhaps the last true throwback to pure R&B music, and Victoria Monét delivers an album that answers the question, "How would Aaliyah sound in 2023?"
11 - Chill Place - Lights in the Loft
Chill Place, over the course of eight songs, weaves a sonically old-school obsessed map. Yet, the album finds a way to remain present-day in all the best ways.
10 - U.S. Girls - Bless This Mess
Bless This Mess takes U.S. Girls' ability to turn metaphors into catchy hits to a whole new level. Whether it's discussing new motherhood or gender assurance, each song is a unique yet fun trip.
9 - Allison Russell - 'The Returner
Russell uses her commanding sophomore album as a message of rejuvenation. Throughout ten tracks, she crafts an introspective, spirited and vigorous album highlighted by Russell’s passion for heavy lyrics and beautiful instrumentation.
8 - #WhoisJovie - In My Bag
#WhoisJovie is a man of 1,000 flows. While on paper, each line can run the risk of being butchered by your average Joe. However, Jovie’s ability to make each beat break, bend, and whirl on his whim is the most impressive feat of this project.
7 - SZA: SOS
Largely considered the album of the year, Sza, following a lengthy hiatus, returns with a project that will, and should be considered iconic in the years to come.
6 - Tuyu - Under Mentality
Combining storyline with dramatic musicality has never sounded so good. Tuyu is the shot of expresso in your morning coffee; it makes everything better, and gives you a spark you never knew you needed.
5 - Noname: Sundial
Creepy A.I. cover art aside (not the one above), Noname can do no wrong when it comes to albums, and this is further proof. She's lyrically dense and crafts a project where no topic is off the table, and no song is skippable.
4 - Doja Cat - Scarlet
Doja Cat returned and decided to put forth a rapping clinic. She proves, throughout 17 songs, that she has one of the best pockets in rap and one of the best production teams in all of music. Scarlet is the best rap album of the year.
3 - Kali Uchis - Red Moon in Venus
A purely cohesive project where every song follows a distinct thematic environment is one of the greatest gifts you can provide in album form. Uchis takes her time making a project that's equal parts sensual and creatively brilliant.
2 - Amaarae - Fountain Baby
The first time my partner played this album, I became infatuated. Not because of the daring cover art, but because every song was not good, but great. It was amazing to hear a project where every song took its time to triumph over the prior track, feature fantastic production, and keep a simple concept: getting money and women.
1 - Janelle Monáe - The Age of Pleasure
I say this in the best way possible. The Age of Pleasure forces you to listen to the project from start to finish. This project does not contain a skippable song, moment, or syllable. In every sense of the word, Janelle Monae crafts the perfect project.
