It’s almost time for our Listmas season, and indeed the year as a whole, to draw to a close. While the past twelve months have had their share of ups and downs, as all years are wont to do, I think in all seriousness 2023 has been the strongest year as a whole for new releases since the blog was founded. Reflecting and reminiscing on all the fabulous music we’ve enjoyed, it feels a little baffling that it was all crammed into such a short span of time. Narrowing down our favourite albums from such a bumper offering has been no mean feat, but getting an excuse to revisit them all again has been an absolute dream. So, without further ado, here’s our top ten albums of the past year.
10. FIZZ – The Secret To Life
This sublime project finds Dodie, Orla Gartland, Greta Isaac & Martin Luke Brown supporting & pushing each other to express themselves at their most weird and candid. The result is a grand, vibrant, eccentric whirlwind through a land of madcap psychedelic pop. (Review)
9. Durry – Suburban Legend
Chock-full of heart on sleeve anthems, it’s a future cult classic in waiting. From its relatable lyricism full of sardonic self-deprecating humour, to its grounded & earnest pop punk energy, this sibling duo’s debut consistently delivers, track after track. (Review)
8. Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
The band channel all of their love and grief for their fallen bandmate into this emotionally charged tour de force. A spiritual, life-affirming rock’n’roll revival that somehow manages to turn anguish into something truly uplifting. (Review)
7. Bleach Lab – Lost In A Rush Of Emptiness
A dazzling dream pop record that numbs your heart, only to then thaw it out and make you feel again. Tender and expressive at every turn, its hazy soundscapes offer a deeply engrossing and cathartic listen. (Review)
6. Megan Dixon Hood – East Of The Sun
An enrapturing siren song, weaving environmentalist parables adorned in fairytales & folklore. Grand and bombastic, full of shimmering synths and danceable beats, all the while burning with an incredible inner fire. (Review)
5. Boygenius – The Record
Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers & Julien Baker, while each brilliant and compelling in their own right, all bring out the best in each other when united. Heart warming melodies & gut wrenching lyricism abound on this captivating collaboration. (Review)
4. Hozier – Unreal Unearth
This concept album, depicting heartbreak as a descent into Dante’s vision of hell, is Hozier’s most cohesive and ambitious body of work to date. Every last soulful second feels like an important piece of a grand artistic statement. (Review)
3. The National – Laugh Track
In the wake of a lacklustre record came this stunning return to form released in the same year. Dynamic drum work, tattoo worthy lyrics, sublime soaring guitars; there are moments where it captures the band’s unique brand of bittersweet melancholy at its best. (Review)
2. Lanterns On The Lake – Versions Of Us
The album refines their expansive and expressive soundscapes, adding more fine detail alongside a greater drive and passion. Full of inventive songwriting and interesting themes that frame heartbreak in a way that really resonated with me. (Review)
1. HMLTD – The Worm
Crazed freakouts & pure elegance. Bonkers theatrical fantasy & scathing social commentary. Introspection & speaking truth to power. Python-esque absurdity & unwavering earnestness. The Worm‘s many stark contrasts need to be heard to be believed. (Review)
Belwood Music 