Jesse’s Top 20 Albums of 2023
What a fantastic year in music!
Last year I published my first Top 20 list of albums created in the year 2022. For this year’s list, I have consumed nearly 150 outstanding albums over the last few months. Even though I listened to a ton of albums as research this for this list, there are still many more that I haven’t gotten to. I want to thank all the artists who continue to make music for the world to enjoy. We are grateful.
I referenced the Rolling Stone’s Top 100 albums of 2023, Paste Magazine’s Top 50, Variety’s list, Pitchfork’s list, and many albums suggested by my peers. In my personal training studio, there is always music playing, so I have the privilege to listen to, share and enjoy many albums from musicians across the world. So much incredible music continues to be made and I am proud to share my Top 20 albums that were created in the year of 2023. These albums span the entire globe and cross multiple genres. Many cannot be defined by a single genre. Each creates its own mood and vibration, taking you on a journey into the minds, locations and experiences of its creators. My main criteria was that I wanted to be challenged by the music, the lyrics, the beats, the rhythms or the space between. I chose albums I would listen to over and over again. I’m hoping you discover a few ‘new to you’ favorites to enjoy as we bring 2023 to a close.
A Gift and A Curse, by Gunna
A dark and brooding album. Punishing beats, rhythmic lyricism that flows up and down and left and right effortlessly. You get the feeling that Gunna has been wronged and he’s letting us in on his pain and loss. It’s a serious album that feels like hardship and struggle, but it makes you want to focus and try harder.
The Evil Genius, by Mr Eazi
Nigerian artist, Mr Eazi provides a clean, elegant and eclectic album filled with African rhythms, sounds and textures. Smooth flowing vocals and the music is bright and vibrant. A great album for an afternoon gathering.
Life Under the Gun, by Militarie Gun
You can almost feel the spittle spraying from the lead singer’s lips as the bass line punches and the guitar ruffles your feathers. It’s aggressive music without being inaccessible. A very racuous listen for weight lifting or fast driving.
El Comienzo, by Grupo Frontera
This south Texas band delivers accessible Mexican music with flowing melodies and side street vibes. Listen and be taken to another place, another time, another country. The sound is also sweet and sincere. A sunny day with the windows down.
Like..? (Deluxe), by Ice Spice
When I heard the name Ice Spice I had a difficult time thinking that I would have any interest in the music. I was wrong. Her voice is soft, suave, smooth and the Bronx accent is undeniable. The beats are infectious and her vocal assault keeps you excited and engaged because you don’t know what will come next. Turn it up before a night out.
Strength, by Samory I
When I think of classic reggae albums, I think of legends like Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, but Samory I from Kingston, Jamaica, creates a modern classic album with nods to the past that satisfy the roots reggae sound, but infuses new sounds and textures with uplifting songs about rebellion and triumph.
Maps, by billy woods and Kenny Segal
A sophisticated album that harkens to Wu-Tang’s 36 Chambers. Have a Webster’s dictionary nearby to help comprehend. A druggy sound production and clear enunciation with lyrics that make your mind spin, you would do well to find a quiet place with good headphones and take a trip with billy.
Endless Summer Vacation, by Miley Cyrus
Heartache, betrayal and reawakening are central themes to this great album by a fully formed and talented artist. You can dance, cry and take a run while listening. It’s catchy and you’ll be singing along. You don’t want to overlook it. Sit by the pool and put it on.
I Told Them…, by Burna Boy
Burna Boy’s tone, phrasing and delivery are infectious. You can’t help but lean in and want to understand the story he’s telling. It’s braggadocio, pain, and party all wrapped in one. Swirling African rhythms that make you sway, nod your head and move your feet. The chanting is ancient and spiritual, but is happening right now. African music is in living rooms and car stereos across the globe, as it should be.
This Stupid World, by Yo La Tengo
From the opening drone you know you’re in for a challenge. You may not be able to handle it, the assault might make your ears hurt, but if you can manage, you should take a drive with This Stupid World. There’s a lot of angst, dread and fear and that’s not a bad thing. There is a storm rolling in on the horizon, try and let it roll over you.
Genesis, by Peso Pluma
Like Manu Chao, Peso Pluma makes world music that is steeped in deep Latin tradition and passion. Imagine a dark and mysterious room filled with Mexican music that makes you want to weep and dance and sing. It’s music that takes you on a journey into the depths of another country, and you don’t need a passport to experience this.
Imagine This is a High Dimensional Space of All Possibilities, by James Holden
This is what the depths of outer space might sound like; the Big Bang or the sound of a new star being formed. Put your spacesuit on and blast off, and be prepared for a thrilling ride. Let it play while you study or create your masterpiece.
Zach Bryan, by Zach Bryan
All at once this music is Guy Clark, Boy and Bear, Mumford and Sons, and The Lumineers, and yet it is unique to Zach Bryan. There’s a blue collar, hard working midwestern man in there, but also a sensitive midwestern boy as well. A very enjoyable listen after a hard days work.
Let’s Start Here., by Lil Yachty
“Psychedelic R&B” that will challenge what you might think about musical genre. There’s no need for genre here, you can’t define what Lil Yachty has created, and it’s an entertaining listen. Late night and into the bleary hours of the morning is a decent time to enjoy. A bit like if Andre 3000 had a rock band.
Sun Arcs, by Blue Lake
This is a gorgeous album with pastoral musical meditations by Texas-born Copenhagen-based artist Jason Dungan. All instrumental and serenely dedicated to the natural world, you’re taken away to a quiet place for meditative walks amongst the ice, snow and flowing trees.
Unreal Earth, by Hozier
It sounds like you are flying over an Irish landscape, cold, green and rugged with a smile on your face and a tear rolling down your cheek. I think Hozier has created a masterpiece here; it’s the pop music of the Irish countryside, one that aches and yearns. A long road trip through the trees and into the clearing.
Heaven is a Junkyard, by Youth Lagoon
An album by Trevor Powers, who is Youth Lagoon. He delivers a dreamy, catchy, beautiful album that is thoughtful and engaging. Listen on a cloudy day or in the rain. It is both painful and triumphant and maybe the result of overcoming a challenging health condition.
Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)), by Jaimie Branch
Sometimes you want to be challenged by an album. Sometimes you want to be taken on a trip, transported or transfixed. Jaimie Branch’s record takes you all the way. She made a timeless album that would have made Miles Davis proud. This album is a joy to listen to. RIP Jaimie.
Something To Give Each Other, by Troye Sivan
One of the funnest albums I’ve listened to in a long while. It’s Harry Styles-esque, but focused on dancing and moving your body in a sensuous way. It’s boy pop, dance music and incredibly fun. There’s some heartache present as well, making it a fully emotional experience.
Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?, by Kara Jackson
My favorite album of the year. It’s like watching a small indie theater performance where there’s a solo actor on the stage with minimal production. The actor bears their soul with pain and tragic comedy. Kara is a poet and performer who creates a beautiful confessional album with tasteful textures and inventive storytelling. Sit down and be taken on a tour through the artist’s wonderful mind.
Honorable Mentions: Migrate or Die by Heidi Lynne Gluck, Mid Air by Romy, Kaytramine by Kaytranada and Amine, Cousins by Wilco, Practice by Free Range, Desire by Caroline Polacheck, First Few Pages of Frankenstein by The National, The Record by Boygenius, Another Blue by Crosslegged, Weathervanes by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski, 10,000 gecs by 100 gecs, Madres by Sofia Kourtesis, Ticket to Fame by Decisive Pink, Long is the Tunnel by Daneshevskaya.
Please check out last year’s list as well!
