List
2023 Staff Picks: Music
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
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Voyageur
2023 by Toure, Ali FarkaGet this itemThis posthumous collection of music by the late, great Malian musician Ali Farka Touré is part homage, part luxuriating in the virtuosity. The intricate guitar riffs, harmonious vocals and goading grooves are all present, offering a final joyful melding of Touré’s hypnotic desert grooves. Suggested by Adam and Chris.
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Principia
2023 by En Attendant Ana (Musical group)Get this itemStepping out from the long shadow cast by Stereolab, this agile French combo revels in post-punk indie guitar shivers, thick cut bass, krautrock grooves, and catharsis stirring vocals. It all comes gloriously together on 'Wonder,' the album's best cut and one of the finest singles of the year. Suggested by Mariah and Chris.
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Everything Is Alive
2023 by Slowdive (Musical group)Get this itemMore than 30 years after their debut, the shimmering layered guitars and songcraft of the band are as strong as ever, creating songs that urge listeners to transcend the malarkey and give in to a bliss just out of reach. 'Kisses' may be our favorite track! Suggested by Chris and Paul.
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(I'm Just) Chillin', on Fire
2023 by Niño, CarlosGet this itemLA-based renaissance man Carlos Nino has been gathering like-minded new-age jazzheads, vibe gurus and fellow travelers for spiritual-goulash recording sessions for years now. Improvisations give way to the cosmic and you don’t fight it, you feel it. Suggested by Chris.
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This Is Why
2023 by Paramore (Musical group)Get this itemIt doesn’t matter what she puts out–Hayley Williams’ voice will always be effortless to listen to. With a mix of catchy pop tunes, tasteful ballads, and the pop-punk flare from the band’s past days, This Is Why showcases how Paramore has matured as a band while still staying true to their roots. Suggested by Elise.
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Quest for Fire
2023 by Skrillex (Musical Group)Get this itemI loved this album because it is a great example of "less is more." Skrillex provides hard-hitting beats and genre-bending creativity in a package that is not overproduced. Suggested by Paul.
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Pendant World
2023 by Balmorhea (Musical group)Get this itemBalmorhea is frequently referred to as neoclassical, though this slippery catchall genre, which the duo embraces, fails to capture that they’re really just making very good imaginary soundtracks for Windham Hill documentaries. And I’m down with that. Suggested Chris.
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The Returner
2023Get this itemWe were captivated by this album from the very first song to the last. It’s funky, sensual, groovy, organic, and celebratory. According to the Montreal-born artist, the album was inspired by "survivors' joy" and you can feel and hear it with all your heart. Suggested by Megan and Sharon.
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Rustin' in the Rain
2023 by Childers, TylerGet this itemChilders is a breath of fresh air in modern country music. He is so far removed from the generic bro country that has taken over country music in the last decade and his music harkens back to when country music stood for 3 chords and the truth. I loved this album for how the new songs evoked classic country and how classics (like his cover of 'Help Me Make It through the Night') felt modern and new. Suggested by Lynnanne.
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Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?
2023 by Jackson, KaraGet this itemHands down my favorite debut of the year, Jackson’s blend of folk, rock, and introspective lyrics is a delight. Decidedly off-kilter, lyrically fierce, overflowing with sly, inventive production touches and all held together by Jackson’s assured delivery, you don’t want to miss this one. Suggested by Chris.
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Ahora
2023 by Melenas (Musical group)Get this itemThe first track on Ahora sets its tone--a metallic sample kicks off the percussion, a catchy organ lick drops in, followed by glorious sprawling synth, and finally the one single lyric line sung in harmony. Throughout, this record is more than the sum of its parts or any one or another influence. It feels distinctly its own. Suggested by Mariah.
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Lucky for You
2023 by Bully (Musical group)Get this itemChanneling my inner indie/alt rock taste for this pick. It’s an emotional album for sure. Also, Bully’s collaboration with Soccer Mommy on the track ‘Lose You’--it gets to me every time. Suggested by Sharon.
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The Muppets Mayhem [Original Soundtrack]: Music from the Disney+ Original Series
2023 by Dr. Teeth And The Electric Mayhem (Musical Group)Get this itemAs a lifelong Muppet fan, of course I watched the Disney+ new series Muppets Mayhem following the Muppet band, The Electric Mayhem. Not only is the series funny, sweet, and heartwarming, but the music truly rocks! From new songs to reimagined pop and rock classics, I can't stop listening and singing along. Suggested by Mandy.
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Love in Exile
2023 by Aftab, AroojGet this itemThis trio of three master musicians meeting for an unhurried set of songs based on previous improvisatory sessions is a cool glass of water. Texture and harmony take precedent with melodies emerging and shimmering like a tonic. Deep, lovely, and rooted. Suggested by Chris.
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You've Got to Learn
2023 by Simone, NinaGet this itemFinally! The long-awaited release of Simone's 1966 Newport Jazz Fest set. It's relatively short, but teems with intensity, from the inspired performance, to the audience's rapturous approval, to the wind hitting the microphones. Suggested by Adam.
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You're the One
2023 by Giddens, RhiannonGet this itemI’ve been looking forward to this CD for a while, and it does not disappoint. I love the way Giddens tells a story with each song, and I love her blend of blues, soul, folk, jazz, country, cajun, and gospel. It’s as joyful as it is moving. Suggested by Sharon.
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That! Feels Good!
2023 by Ware, JessieGet this itemWare, an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally, created this finely honed work of Disco advocacy to show her solidarity, support, and thanks. It’s also a deliciously radiant homage to the freedom, acceptance, and loved-up vibes found on the most welcoming dance floors. Suggested by Chris.
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The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
2023 by MitskiGet this itemWith gorgeous writing and beautiful melodies, themes of love, loneliness, and identity explored, this is heartbreaking and exquisite. Suggested by Sharon.
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Halo
2023 by BakarGet this itemDecidedly lo-fi, striking British accent, and walking a fine line between pub rock, soul, and indie, this one. Like a warm, worn sweater. Youthful, tossed-off and charmingly disposable. Suggested by Chris.
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So Much (for) Stardust
2023 by Fall Out Boy (Musical group)Get this itemA solid comeback that has easily become one of my favorite Fall Out Boy albums–which is saying a lot for someone who fell in love with FOB from their rougher roots in the early 2000s. It’s an energetic and witty album, with a touch of nostalgia that I very much appreciate. Suggested by Elise.
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Cousin
2023 by Wilco (Musical group)Get this itemThis Chicago-based band has been making outstanding albums for nearly three decades, and Jeff Tweedy and company are still going strong. The lyrics, melodies, and creativity will bring me back to it again and again. Suggested by Sharon.
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72 Seasons
2023 by Metallica (Musical group)Get this itemMetallica returned a bit earlier this year with an exceptionally executed (writing, performance, recording, packaging) album. It picks up where Hardwired from 2016, left off, but Seasons ranks up there with some of their finest work. It's lovely and inspiring to see bands celebrating milestone anniversaries (40 years for these folks) continuing to produce strong albums. Suggested by Adam.
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World Music Radio
2023 by Batiste, JonGet this itemIt’s a concept album, with a fictional interstellar DJ transmitting all types of musical genres. Sounds kind of out there. The more I listened, I couldn’t help falling under its spell and really liking the variety and inclusivity. Suggested by Sharon.
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Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume (or Simply, Hot between Worlds)
2023 by Tumor, YvesGet this itemNot really adhering to any genre, Yves Tumor’s restless sonic exploration does show a deep affection for distortion pedals and lo-fi grime. If I were to slot them, “Leftfield Pop” works as good as any bearing. Suggested by Chris.
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Chronicles of A Diamond
2023 by Black Pumas (Musical group)Get this itemIt’s groovy, funky, soulful, and psychedelic. I love the vocals, the beats, the pop, hip-hop, and rock and roll sound. I'm taken to a happier place whenever I give this a listen. Suggested by Sharon.
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Chemistry
2023 by Clarkson, KellyGet this itemAfter what felt like forever, Kelly Clarkson FINALLY released her newest album “Chemistry” and I could not have been more excited. An instant favorite, I feel all the pain of her divorce in her songs (Lighthouse) and moving on (Rock Hudson), and hear the excitement for new love in her future (Favorite Kind of High). No one does a breakup album quite like Kelly Clarkson! Suggested by Denise.
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