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A megapost for 2023, after the break!
2024 Update:
Greetings! All this might be familiar to readers who stop by every now & then... BUT I had some issues cataloging the past Favorite Album Series recently. Thus I felt it might be easier to archive all my words in a giant blurb to keep forever. Felt by starting with the new & moving backwards would be the best as my opinions & feelings probably wouldn't change as much in comparison with past entries, you know? This is a long series & you can relive them all over the next 10 weeks or so?
Still stand by this list. We'll see what I think at the end of the decade...
Original Words (from December 2023):
My Favorite Albums of 2023
#23 - 'For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition' by Drake
For another year goes by and another year where I get called out for being a Drake simp by Spotify. Honestly I can't recall listening to 'For All The Dogs' over 30 times in 2023 but that's what the algorithm states I did. So I begrudgingly added it on this end of the year list.
It's quite sad that I don't remember any lyrics besides maybe J.Cole's "FPS" lines & the cringeworthy chorus of the poorly executed "Slime You Out". Happily the Scary Hours bonus tracks helped elevate the listening experience here at the end of the year. There's nothing remarkable or special about this project. Will probably forget I even gave it a spot on this list. BUT, Spotify believes I played it a lot so I guess it gets a plug.
If you can't tell, I'm still really upset. More so I spent airspace on this soulless project. Plan on correcting this in 2024. I do like comfort tunes... but I still don't believe those robots.
#22 - 'Oppenheimer (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' by Ludwig Göransson
Still debating what film was my absolute favorite from 2023. Right now it's between John Wick 4 and Oppenheimer. The later definitely had the best soundtrack as Ludwig Göransson continues to add classics to his filmography/discography with each passing year. The gravity of guilt that runs rampant throughout the film only made tenser by Ludwig's brilliant score that suffocates each scene until explosion is heard.
Hope they win all the awards in 2024 but they may have a strong challenger... which will be my #21 pick!
#21 - 'Barbie The Album' by Various Artists
I still haven't seen the Barbie film as of this posting, but even I... a radio wise listener... couldn't escape the pink colored influence of Barbie, Ken, & her musical friends. It was everywhere in 2023. Dua Lipa, Ice Space, Nicki Minaj, Ava Max, and Billie Eilish played on the radio every morning as I drove my long lost aging Prius around the block over the summer. Felt like the Barbie hits were played at the same time, every day. And they were fantastic pop hits.
This is the kind of musical compilation that I would've went crazy for in my youth because I loved a mixtape soundtrack. They don't make them like this anymore. Best enjoy it.
#20 - 'I Told Them...' by Burna Boy
After claiming our #5 spot in 2022, Burna Boy surprised me by dropping 'I Told Them...'. So much so I didn't discover it until I started putting together this list. Now I haven't stopped listening to it since. Sadly I'm only one man, no team behind me. So if something passes by my ears... it's on me.
Do remember hearing "Sittin' On Top Of The World" on the radio but didn't realize it was Burna Boy. Didn't click. Glad I always pump the brakes at the end of the year so I can catch up on these gems. Love how 'I Told Them...' feels made for mainstream over last year's very personal 'Love, Damini'. Guests are hip hop heavy hitters like Dave, 21 Savage, J.Cole, GZA, RZA, etc. over international flair like Ladysmith Black Mambazo & J.Balvin or Ed Sheeran.
Love how comfortable Burna Boy sounds on this project. Makes for a chill listening experience.
#19 - 'GUTS' by Olivia Rodrigo
No sophomore slump for Olivia Rodrigo as 'GUTS' matured her youthful heartbroken songbook into something with a little more edge. Or bite, like a "vampire" per se. A metaphor that speaks volumes about how mesmerizing each song plays with their hypnotic choruses & rebellious hooks that get stuck in your head for days. Olivia made a record for her core audience that reflects equally much of her teenage angst they're probably feeling at the same time as her. Can't help but applause the synergy between artist & fanbase that allows her to standout in this crowded pop ocean.
A musical force that now moves like a tidal wave... just listen to 'lacy'. Simply breaks this listener.
#18 - 'Is It?' by Ben Howard
I was shocked how much I loved this version of Ben Howard.
He goes full Folk-electronica on his 5th studio project, 'Is It?', and it totally works. Well... for me at least. You might feel differently but still compared with existential folk departure that started to occur back in 2014, this experimental version of Ben Howard feels more translatable and relatable. This album brings out all the loveliness of Ben's sounds that I remember falling in love with on 'Every Kingdom' back in 2012. Though shattered, broken, and glitchy I can still feel that old familiar feeling.
The forest we used to walk through is now fully realized in musical virtual reality with cables being exchanged for roots. And I don't mind these beautiful tales from this ghost in the machine. Hope you dig it as well.
#17 - 'Passage' by Johnathan Blake
Being one of the two jazz records I listened to as I wrote these blurbs, Johnathan Blake's 'Passage' is one of the most compelling listens in recent memory. Pity I don't own it on vinyl because the wax would've lit up this dark winter office so warmly. This record is somewhat a spiritual sequel to Blake's 2021 Blue Note Records debut, 'Homeward Bound', and features 5 new original compositions from Johnathan and his band. All dedicated to his father John Blake Jr, acclaimed Jazz Violinist. Making it an album that oozes deep feelings.
I spent most of 2023 reconnecting to my musical blog roots by not missing out on international sounds, country anthems, and these chilling blue notes. Was hard to keep up but totally worth it.
#16 - 'College Park' by Logic
Logic's 'College Park' was probably the first album that really connected with me at the start of 2023. Ended up taking my favorite tracks like "Wake Up". "Lightsabers", "Paradise II", "Ayo", and "Lightyear" on the road until I wrapped up Sub Season 2. Is it 'Bobby Tarantino II'? Of course not. Still a solid indie rap project that features some heavy hitters. Logic sounds refreshed and focused on almost every track. Helping to remind this listener what passion sounds like. Kinda rubbed off on me too.
So why is it so low on the countdown? Cause I forgot about it until I looked back on the my Apple Music screenshots. That's all on me though. Surprised my aging brain dropped it so hard. Doesn't help that this year felt so damn long. No joke. Maybe now it will stay with me? Hopefully?
#15 - 'That! Feels Good!' by Jessie Ware
Didn't have a favorable taste from Jessie's 2023 fun, carefree, disco swing project after the initial play. Which sucks. Have been a big fan of hers since her debut. 2014's 'Tough Love' remains one of my favorite albums of the last decade. Maybe I was having an irregular disconnect? Only for a bit as I kept coming back to 'That! Feels Good!' randomly and finding something new to vibe with each play.
Did I have to grow with the fanbase? Possibly. Jessie just wanted to have fun on wax and I had to have fun with her in order to take the most from this album. "Freeing Myself" in every musical sense. All I had to do is hit play, hop in the time machine, and begin again...in my disco suit.
Guess I got the point after all?
#14 - 'Javelin' by Sufjan Stevens
A heartbroken Sufjan Stevens continues to pierce my musical soul as 'Javelin' was "thrown" at us after the passing of Sufjan's late partner, creating a explosive sonic force much like his 2015 masterpiece 'Carrie & Lowell' or 2021's 'Convocations'. Two albums I appreciate more with each passing year. You can add this one to that list too.
Tragedy continues to be a major driving force to Sufjan anthems but this series isn't all dark. 'Javelin' sure has emotional moments but there's also this glorious, heavenly brightness beaming throughout each track. Tears with a smile painted on the face. Presenting a love that hasn't faded. Will anybody love him like before? The author doesn't know but whatever love remains continues to hug him in angelic hugs as he griefs through song.
Such a beautiful collection of tunes. Only reason why it's this low on my countdown is mainly because I didn't spend much time with it. Hurts to hold it close... you know? Breaks the armor around my heart instantly. Hope you can handle it.
#13 - 'Volcano' by Jungle
Jungle went full soul on their fourth studio album... causing this amazing Volcanic explosion from the speakers. Dare you not to get sweep up in the burning waves because 'Volcano' is a fantastic time. I especially just love putting it on in the background as I'm cleaning this office. Just vibing along. Quite hard to keep those hips in check. All they have to do is absorb what they hear. The music will do the rest.
Everything just flows together wonderful. Wish I can explain it even further, but then my words would hurt your experience probably. If you love the dance genre, just want a fun listen, then take a trip through the Jungle and listen for that 'Volcano' bursting.
#12 - 'the record' by boygenius
Indie pop superstars Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, & Lucy Dacus formed supergroup boygenius years ago to much critical acclaim and buzz. All the blogs ate up their dream-like soundwaves back then. So of course when their debut dream team project 'the record' arrived back in March... the world went crazy for their musical friendship. Especially how they translated their unique sounds into something transcendent. Making the slow cook for their debut totally worth the long wait.
I thought the album was pretty fine after my first listens. Only a few songs connected with me over the past few months. That's why it's not in the top 10 sadly. Which is strange cause I'm totally the audience who would've been obsessed with 'the record' in years past. Probably would've bought the vinyl like a hipster. Kept asking myself... "What is wrong with me???" Something doesn't seem right. Right?
This album definitely plays better (to me) on a long solo freeway drive. Didn't take much of those in 2023. Might change my mind if I take on my Christmas vacation in a few days. I'll try to give it more of my time in a more calming space. Cool? Good thing about albums are they are evergreen.
#11 - 'Lahai' by Sampha
Six years is a long time to wait for a new album but Sampha put his entire soul from that time frame to create such a spiritually soulful musical journey that encompasses the highs & lows. The crux of the entire ride comes from the title 'Lahai', the name of his late grandfather, and how that loss is translated while raising his family and all the feelings that come from that. Much of his personal doubts, confusions, and demons are balled up in these lovely electronic soul waves which dictates broken poetry.
This is a heavy album that rewards attention... and retention. The more you focus, the brighter the picture will become. Luckily I loved listening to this album around the house and in the car. Giving my drives around the hometown that nice "Rose Tint".
#10 - 'Just Because' by Claire Rosinkranz
Claire Rosinkranz's 'Just Because' was my most played album for Summer 2023. Her moody indie pop blues sounded wonderful traveling around California. Gave everything out the windshield a dream like filter. Didn't get a press release about it. (Well maybe... haven't check my Yahoo Mail in ages) Just stumbled across the album randomly looking at Apple Music front page. Took a few starred tracks - "Sad in Hawaii", "Banksy", "Wes Anderson", etc. - with me before downloading the whole thing after becoming entranced.
I just love how she seamlessly switches styles between catchy pop songstress, dreamy indie vocalist, and hard hitting rhymer... all within one track. It's all her, having fun and it pops like bubblegum from the stereos. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did in 2023.
#09 - 'Zach Bryan' by Zach Bryan
Glad I didn't miss Zach Bryan's buzzworthy self-titled album cause I almost did. Heard everyone praise it since the album was released back in August. Non-stop headlines. Calling to me. Constantly.
Found his project such a religious folk experience on my first listen in mid-November. Harked back to the first time I heard Ben Howard, Damien Rice, Bon Iver, James Bay, and Mumford & Sons. Emotionally wrecking me... completely... each play. Felt like a better man listening to each track. Does that make sense? Cause it doesn't to me. I can feel the sheer, unfiltered, power of music when I listen to this album. Paralyzed at the core. A feeling that I can only compare to listening to... strange as it maybe... DMX. No joke. Guess that's what happens when you empower your poetry with grace?
This probably would've been my #1 album if it released earlier. Or if I got to it sooner. No notes. Just enjoy...as I go back and listen to his entre discography some more away from the page.
#08 - 'Welcome 2 Collegrove' by 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
'Welcome 2 Collegrove' was late addition to my 2023 Soundtrack and has dominated much of my Fall/Winter drives. Felt like I was in such a safe pop bubble throughout the year that this hard hitting, tongue-in-cheek, hip hop collaboration album got me out of that funk. Dug their last project together for it is easy to love 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne. Extremely talented rappers that vibe wonderfully together. Can put this on and just zone out to their complex wordplay over smooth beats.
There's a lot to digest over the 21 tracks that mixes in interesting skits. Do they all work? Sort of? At least they gave us the option to skip a few of them. Sometimes you just want to get to the good stuff. Narratively they work well to build the music world we're traversing over the near hour playtime. Choice is good. And 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne respect our attention.
Overall, this crazy thick album really put me in a great mood. That's why it will last on my Apple Music rotation into 2024.
#07 - 'Gettin' Old' by Luke Combs
This album was on-repeat while converting our websites.
I loved how emotional Luke Combs got while presented his 2023 dirt road anthems. There isn't much happy country on 'Gettin' Old' sadly. This record cuts deep as Luke reflects on his current state of mind. Still high tempo tracks usually have deeper meaning underneath the hood. Basically capturing some of the tragedies of getting old. Think that's why I connected with it quickly. Time & the world continue to sling dirt & mud onto us. Music like this allowed me to meditate in the hypnotical shower as it all came dripping down the drain.
There is relatable beauty all over this amazing collection of songs. "You Found Yours", "Where The Wild Things Are", "Still", & Luke's mega smash cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" should all be experienced once. That's this listener's recommendation. Some of the best country tunes I heard all year. For there's no better genre to fall in love with than country music. Boy did I miss this feeling...
#06 - 'ILLENIUM' by ILLENIUM
Sometimes it's hard to convey what made an album special when I first played it or why it lasted so long on my playlist. But ILLENIUM's genre-bending 'Self-titled' 2023 project does that to me. He put out one hell of a special record that encompasses EDM, House, Techno, 2000s Pop Rock, R&B, Trance, etc and made everything feel anthemic. Set me soaring through the universe at lightspeeds with tears rolling down my eyes. Even transforming my car into a jam pack festival field each time a song appeared in rotation.
My fondest memory about this experience was listening to "All That Really Matters" for an entire day cause I loved Teddy Swims' delivery. Grasped onto the lyrics like a pray throughout the year. Happily the rest of the album is just as awesome! Once I was able to keep moving through. Features so many guests and comebacks. Avril Lavigne's vocals on "Eyes Wide Shut" and All Time Low on "Back To You" felt like a refreshing rain. Went in expecting a EDM project but walked away with a forever favorite that rocked more than it dropped the bass. Moved the hell out of me. And I loved how it made me felt. if that makes sense? Hope so.
#05 - 'The Loveliest Time' by Carly Rae Jepsen
Not sure what happened since 2015's 'EMOTION' but I've been a hardcore Carly Rae Jepsen fan ever since. No excuses why she continues to appear on these yearly countdowns. I just love the music she puts out. Wish I had a better answer. Her artistic sensibilities connect with this listener each time she drops a record. Call it my "comfort pop"? More amazing pop music to play in the car is not a bad thing. Especially when they feel so soft on drives, you know?
'The Loveliest Time' feels like the b-side collection to 2022's 'The Loneliest Time' much like 2019's 'Dedicated' got a B Side in 2020. Adds more to the collection, while feeling different than the previous album cycle. Right? This project is especially full of stadium friendly feel good cuts that probably soar while Carly tours the world.
I gave 'The Loneliest Time' (2022) a glowing showcase on last year's list but I will say causal Jepsen fans might not connect with this project. She experiments with styles and genres a bit more here. All I can say is give it a few chances. Took a me a few plays to appreciate everything I heard. Then I couldn't stop playing it... especially the middle portion. Really taps that psychedelic pop sundae. Again... probably plays amazing during a live concert. Just sayin...
#04 - 'In The End It Always Does' by The Japanese House
You don't know how close The Japanese House came to being crowned my favorite album of the year for a second time. Albums #4 through #1 were in a dead heat up until I put fingers to keyboard. Still think 'Good at Falling' is a perfect album. But I loved how much Amber evolved her dream pop sounds here to fit more radio friendly spaces. Doesn't change the fact that there are a handful of tracks on 'In The End It Always Does' that took my breath away throughout the year. "Sad to Breathe", "Morning Pages", "Over There", and "Sunshine Baby" changed me. They were religious experiences that still give me chills.
Don't think many albums encompass that feeling of floating down stream on the most beautiful day of the year. Warm thoughts that I love to hold to as I drive across the USA. Whether in the hometown or somewhere new. This album is magical. Might regret not making it #1 but doesn't change the fact these numbers don't really matter. We only use them to put importance on a feeling. And other albums had more of an impact on me, I guess? They all meant worlds to me. Especially this one. Truly can't recommend it enough!
#03 - 'DANCEHALL MAGIC' by BRADIO
Was watching one of my favorite YouTubers, Sydsnap, earlier in 2023 and she had a interview with her one of her favorite bands... BRADIO. I only a heard a few selects of their past projects but the conversation made me go check out 'DANCEHALL MAGIC'. Fell in love almost instantly. "So damn fun and funky!", I thought after my first plays. Slowly became addicted to everything I heard coming from my car speakers. Haven't stopped playing it since. Keeps my good mood flowing.
Sure I don't really speak the language. That's why music breaks barriers. Can easily grasp onto a beat or a feeling. Allowing the vibes to travel right to my core. All you gotta is let it in. Maybe you'll feel the same way about something sounding so damn fresh. Enjoy 'DANCEHALL MAGIC' for it is my biggest surprise and standout on this list. It brings the funk!
#02 - 'Drive' by Tiësto
We're a few days from New Year's celebrations. Totally recommend taking 'Drive' by Tiësto with you. Especially if someone randomly passes over the Aux Cord. You won't have to do any work after that. Trust? Cool!
Is it Tiesto best album? I think so. The album flows wonderfully as each guest star takes the mic in front of solid, masterfully, put together beats maestro'd by Tiesto. Starting with "Chills (LA Hills)" sets the tone for the entire 30+ minute experience. Describes the feeling up and down my arms as I listened too. 'Drive' is an album doesn't waste your time. It gets in and gets out before over staying its welcome. Left me wanting more & more for months. This is kind of EDM I love.
Why is it not number one, despite dominating my Apple Music Replay Playlist? Well... another artist brought out more feeling while listening to music in 2023. Doesn't change the fact this is an amazing record. Addicting with every playthrough.
#01 - 'TRUSTFALL (Tour Deluxe Edition)' by P!nk
Will always remember how P!nk (gonna write Pink moving past this line BTW lol) continually wrecked me throughout 2023. Recall sitting alone in my room playing "All I Know So Far" on repeat all night just before TRUSTFALL dropped in February. Trying to come to terms to this latest chapter in my life. Dumbfounded by the road ahead. Not sure why that song brought out so much emotion from me that evening but it set the tone for the rest of the year.
Turned out to be the first BIG step to feeling like my old self again.
Listening to 'TRUSTFALL' felt like the best therapy session I had with myself. Looked at everything differently for the first time in a SUPER long time ever since. Made me feel at peace everyday. I wasn't sporadically raging at the family or with myself. Got more motivated. Made me make some solid big boy decisions. Was nice to feel in control, you know? Thought I would fall backwards but I haven't yet. I survived my turbulence. Sure I'm not out of the woods yet. Still got a long way to go. At least I can have fun again. Right? Or I just ran out of fight finally. Maybe that happened too?
Which basically encompasses all the things Pink touches over the, now, Disc 1 of the project. Fighting for balance. The newly released Tour Edition Disc 2 added the sauce that put this album in my number one spot this year. The Bonus Track "All Out of Fight" shattered me as I drove to work a few weeks ago. Punctuating the final words I needed to hear moving out of this decade long chapter. We tend to focus on the bad stuff... but "what about the love we made before all this?" Exactly. It hasn't gone away. Still burns fondly in the past, doesn't it? "Why not focus on that?", I thought. Had good days ever since.
(Plus there's a great duet cover from Pink & Brandi Carlile of "Nothing Compares 2 U" you should experience on Disc 2.)
One bad thing recently is feeling horrible from this recent string of sicknesses. They have been ROUGH. But I'm in Cabo at the moment. Enjoying another Mexican sunset with the two most important people in my story. Starting to feel finally fine as I enter my 40th year on Earth is crazy cool. Plus the website is back! I have loved every second of this series. Sure there's probably horrible typos but who cares? Expect more in 2024. Really want to this to be my safe haven once more. Still gotta do more. Surely.
My Favorite Album of 2023: 'TRUSTFALL' by Pink surprisingly got me back to life. Just had to let go. Who knew?
Thanks for reading all these posts!