2023 TOP 9

2023 had a lot of great music, which made choosing my top 9 albums for the year much, much harder. If I'm being honest, I’ve been experiencing a bout of imposter syndrome regarding writing about anything that isn’t for work. It felt almost like a disrespect to try and honor these works with words that weren’t 100% perfect or groundbreaking or particularly funny or interesting. But if for no one but me, I still wanted to uphold this little tradition I’ve created for myself anyways.

Because I had a wildly incredible year–an acoustic boygenius set of never-performed, brand new songs at fingerprints records in Long Beach; the Era’s Tour (in the third row!!) in Cincinnati; LCD Soundsystem in Columbus; MUNA two nights in a row at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles; a show at the legendary Troubadour. I am lucky to have experienced all of this–and largely in the company of no one but strangers.

I’ve always been pretty independent which allows me to do what I want, but it doesn’t come without crippling anxiety which leads to over-thinking instead of being present. My therapist said I need to work on recognizing sensations instead of thoughts–and these few moments of bliss, whether at a show or when a song or a sound clocked me right between the eyes, are amongst some of the times where I feel closest to achieving this.

So without further ado, some of songs and albums that uprooted my world in more ways than one in 2023:

Utopia by Liza Anne

A treat to listen to from start to finish, every song on Liza Anne’s third album “Utopian” showcases their ability to work through the stressful ups and downs of growth and self discovery with not only grace and empathy but strength and humor. There are valuable lessons to be learned on songs like “Treat Me” and “Listen” and “Sentimental”; sleight straightforwardness on tracks like “Rainbow Sweater” and “Internet Depression”; and an over the top breakup banger from “Shania Twain Is Making Me Cry.”

I was fortunate enough to see Liza as a supporting act for Pussy Riot in Chicago earlier this year where I learned this album was written throughout the process of coming out as both non-binary and queer, really amazing context to have as a newly out person. Seeing some of these tracks live, and getting to talk with Liza after their set was really special (and Pussy Riot?? I was speechless).

“Sentimental” touched me in a way that few songs do from the first line: “Signs in the window say closed for the season.” Triggering my nostalgia sensors, it felt like someone was singing a lifetime of sensation back to me. For me it’s hard to get past what I’m thinking to experience what I’m feeling–and it feels like I’ve missed out on a lot because I was so worried about others and even just myself thought about me. So I needed to hear: “Just because you lost a lot of could-haves, doesn’t mean that you lost you. I get a little sentimental, guess that’s just something I do.”

I really love this shameless earnestness. I’m tired of pretending like I don’t love everything and everyone. I long to be a being of light! I wish, and on occasion feel, there is good in every being! And that we’re all just learning who we are day by day, moment by moment! This is what it feels like listening to Utopian–and for 35 minutes, I think it’ll make you believe it too.

Favorite Track(s): Shania Twain Is Making Me Cry, Sentimental, Out of Nowhere

I’d Be Lying If I Said I Didn’t Care by Hannah Georgas

I listened to this album probably about a dozen times just to make sure I was getting the full and proper effect to write this. There’s so much to take in, from the sounds to the raw and relatable lyricism, I can see why Hannah has worked with the likes of the National and Sara Bareilles. This is her fourth self-produced album and with each listen I hear something new, more relatable (“I feel really cool when I’m listening to Joy Division”), and some other way to weave Georgas’ own experiences with my own.

"Not The Name You Say" was the first track I’d heard and the sort of organ sounds at the beginning really scratched my brain in all the right places. Upon further listen’s, all the sounds, the buzzing, the time signature were really doing it for me. A few more listens, and finally I am hearing what Georgas has to tell me. The title sounds a bit self-deprecatory and throughout she goes back and forth–I don’t fit in, I’m not the one you want and I’m glad about that, but I also don’t necessarily know where I belong elsewhere. Much like a lot of my own internal dialogue, this effort to force someone (or yourself) into a box doesn’t go very far. But as Georgas titters a few tracks later–this too shall pass.

Favorite Track(s): Better Somehow, Not The Name You Say

the record by boygenius

What a year it was for the boys. As I was lucky enough to see them not once, not twice, but an absolutely over the top three times this year, I can confidently say that these three together create something special that mesmerized crowds across the world.

At a time when so many queer and trans folks are being persecuted (the latter murdered in America by the hundreds in 2023) boygenius has been unabashedly open about their radical acceptance of not just other queer folks, but anyone who’s been outcast, marginalized, or otherwise faced intense struggle. They’re revered by Joan Baez, Dave Grohl, even Barack Obama put “Not Strong Enough” on his annual 2023 summer playlist. They’re nominated for 6 Grammys, including some of the Academy’s biggest awards.

Despite all this grand attention, which has skyrocketed astronomically in the last year of the bands existence, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus remain silly yet steadfast in their devotion to causes bigger than themselves. They continue to foster spaces for young, diverse groups of people to gather, all through beautifully crafted songs inspired by a keen understanding of the power of love, friendship, and connection.

the record did all this and more: it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you sing, it makes you re-evaluate how you can be a better friend, partner, and person. And singing these songs in unison with thousands of other people, in this space the boys created, is about as close to Stonewall as we’re gonna get in 2023 (i.e. thousands of teenagers screaming “kill the bourgeoisie”).

Favorite track: Not Strong Enough (my most streamed song in 2023)

Snow Angel by Renee Rapp

We are so lucky to collectively witness the advent of Reneé Rapp: actress, musician, Broadway caliber performer, bisexual icon! At just 23, Miss Rapp has starred in several Broadway shows, an HBO series, and co-written and produced an astonishing EP and debut album. Rapp has mastered every medium of her art, and to see her embrace what is likely to be her best project yet (herself!) is very exciting.

Throughout Snow Angel, we hear Rapp’s excellence both as a vocalist and a songwriter willing to put it all out there without, for lack of a better term, giving a fuck. From cursing an entire bloodline on “Tummy Hurts,” to “Poison Poison”, where Rapp’s uninhibited god-tier lyrical ranting comes to a head:

You're the worst bitch on the Earth I hate you and your guts I think you should shut the fuck up and die You get on my nerves Fuck you, you dumb bitch Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you

I’m sorry, what is more iconic than that? Another performance I was really bummed to miss–thank you TikTok for the never ending fomo.

Favorite Track(s): Talk Too Much, So What Now?

In The End It Always Does by the Japanese House

This was a standout album for me in terms of new music. I hadn’t really listened to the Japanese House prior to this year and it’s not what I usually gravitate towards (think more synthy, electric style indie pop), but there was a lot I loved about this album, including a gorgeous MUNA feature. I was disappointed I couldn’t muster the 22 year old stamina I once had to haul my ass to Detroit to see “One for for sorrow, two for Joni Jones” live earlier this month, but perhaps one day.

What struck me most about the “In The End It Always Does” is its very prescient vulnerability–like how the title is foretelling but also incredibly vague. In the end it always does? Does what? To whom?? It may seemingly just be Amber Mary Bain sharing the woes of post breakup struggles and mundane days spent ruminating in solidarity. But Bain’s voice and accompanying production creates an upswing that keeps your ears perked and hopes high.

Favorite track(s): Touching Yourself, Sunshine Baby, One for for sorrow, two for Joni Jones

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

If you haven’t listened to this yet, I must insist you go right away! Find your nearest pair of earbuds and get ready for 49 minutes of homoerotic campy pop bliss! The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is an album you can’t listen to without smiling, or at least smirking as you wonder “what the fuck?” because regardless you still love it.

From start to finish on Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan (formally Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting more and consistently astonished by both her lyrical prowess and incredible vocals. As the title implies, we’re tuning into a hero’s journey, one that unfolds throughout 14 tracks filled with humor, heartbreak, love, and liberation.

It’s the plot twist that is “Pink Pony Club” however when I realize it’s not Chappell’s downfall we’ve been witnessing but her ascendence. Her detractors will see it as her fall but we, her beloved audience, and she, know better–this is her destiny.

Favorite Track(s): My Kink Is Karma, Guilty Pleasure

Yard by Slow Pulp

Who’s top albums of 2023 WASN’T this on? I heard Slow Pulp for the first time earlier this year (I am way behind considering they formed like a decade and a half ago) and it’s been a daily staple for me since. I can see them blowing up in a big way very soon. It’s not that they’ve reinvented the indie-folk wheel, they’re just doing it better than anyone else. Lead singer Emily Massey’s storytelling is poignant, self-aware, and straightforward, and a subtle twang paired with more traditional alt-rock culminates in a kind of new “timeless” sound.

Favorite Track(s): Yard, Broadview, Carina Phone 1000

Proof Of Life by Joy Oladokun

What a blessing to have seen Joy Oladokun perform some of the tracks off Proof of Life this summer right here in Columbus (with Jensen McRae supporting, can you believe!). So many tracks on this record gave me, maybe not full-throated hope, but a glimpse of it and a better perspective to consider. Joy’s writing, gentle demeanor, humor, and earnestness come together to create an album that not only tells you to keep going, but makes you want to.

Favorite Track(s): Changes, Somebody Like Me, The Hard Way

Lost In A Rush Of Emptiness by Bleach Lab

Some of my all-time favorite bummer songs, Lost In A Rush of Emptiness by Bleach Lab is the band's first album and project recorded all together in a shared space. From the cover to the lyrics to the general vibe, Lost is just that: 44 minutes of settling into the void. I relate to this sense of listlessness and could wax on all day about it–but Bleach Lab makes it sound a lot better and cooler.

Favorite Track(s): Counting Empties, Nothing Left To Lose

Honorable Mentions

My Soft Machine by Arlo Parks

Dollface by Hana Bryanne

Girl With Fish by Feeble Little Fish

Tracey Denim by Bar Italia

Sorry I Haven’t Called by Vagabon

Guts by Olivia Rodirgo

1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

EPs

The Tree by Maren Morris

How (Vmp Edition) by Dead Gowns

The rest by boygenius

Mud On My Superstars by Keni Titus

DEMOS by Wyatt Davidick

We’re All Doomed by Shallow Alcove

Keeper by Good Terms

Rivals by Tommy LeFroy

God, I Hate This Place by Annie DiRusso