From dynamic female vocalists to the return of male rock icons, 2023 showcased a splendid diversity in music.
Adrian Thrills, our music critic, compiles a list of his top-ten albums, each contributing a unique flavor to the rich tapestry of musical offerings this year.
1. Jessie Ware: That! Feels Good! (EMI)
Jessie Ware’s fifth album marks a significant evolution, propelled by the success of her Table Manners podcast.
Transitioning from a sultry torch singer to a golden-voiced disco diva, Ware, inspired by Chic and Chaka Khan, creates an opulent and cheerful masterpiece.
The album draws from the spirit of New York’s Studio 54, delivering a party playlist to remember.
2. Boygenius: The Record (Polydor)
Despite its masculine moniker, Boygenius is an all-female collaboration featuring Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker.
Topping the UK chart in April, their debut album explores the lives of twenty-something women, blending insightful songwriting with a love for pop legends like Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen.
3. Blur: The Ballad Of Darren (Parlophone)
Moving beyond the Cool Britannia era, Blur’s triumphant live comeback and Wembley Stadium gigs culminated in an album reflecting on the loss of innocence.
Despite the melancholic mood, tracks like The Narcissist and The Heights maintain a melodic, heartfelt quality, showcasing Damon Albarn’s lyrical prowess.
4. Olivia Rodrigo: Guts (Geffen)
Former Disney star Olivia Rodrigo undergoes a musical and lyrical coming-of-age on her second album.
Building on the introspective ‘bedroom pop’ of her debut, Sour, Rodrigo injects an energetic, punky-pop sheen into Guts.
Her humor, though occasionally theatrical, shines through, especially in tracks like Vampire.
5. Lana Del Rey: Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (Polydor)
Lana Del Rey’s sixth chart-topping album takes listeners on a journey, nodding to rock greats and delving into personal revelations.
Collaborations with Father John Misty and Jon Batiste add depth to her rich torch songs, exploring themes of family memories and the fleeting nature of fame.
6. The Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds (Polydor)
In their first album of new songs since 2005, The Rolling Stones demonstrate a timeless vigor.
With fulminating rockers, a timeless ballad in Depending On You, and notable collaborations with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder, the album showcases the enduring power of Mick Jagger and company.
7. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: Weather-vanes (Thirty Tigers)
Alabama singer and actor Jason Isbell delivers a superb set of four-minute pop songs, combining complex character studies with hard-rocking country-soul.
Backed by The 400 Unit, Isbell’s storytelling prowess shines, creating a captivating musical experience.
8. Jorja Smith: Falling Or Flying (Famm)
Returning to her roots in Walsall after five years in London, Jorja Smith crafts her second album, seamlessly blending modern R&B, languid jazz, and alternative pop.
The album navigates between confident ‘flying’ songs and introspective ‘falling’ ones, maintaining a consistently high quality.
9. Depeche Mode: Memento Mori (Columbia)
Facing the loss of founder member Andy Fletcher, Depeche Mode’s first album as a duo pays homage to their 1980s glory days.
Singer Dave Gahan and songwriter Martin Gore deliver melodic songs, demonstrating Gahan’s versatility as both a rock god and compassionate crooner.
10. Taylor Swift: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (Universal)
Taylor Swift, a dominant force in the music industry, re-records two of her early LPs, including the expanded version of her best-selling album, 1989.
Unearthing five unheard songs ‘from the vault,’ Swift’s leftovers prove to be standout tracks, showcasing her enduring influence.
Adrian Thrills provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse musical landscape of 2023.
His commentary on each album offers insights into the artists’ evolution and the distinctive qualities that contribute to the richness of the year’s musical offerings.
The list spans various genres and reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the music industry.
Thrills’ expertise and enthusiasm for the subject shine through in his thoughtful commentary on each album.
