With 2023 in the rear view mirror, it’s time for a special post of my favorite music of the year. I discovered less new music in 2023 than in previous years, and that’s mostly because I listened to less music in 2023 than in previous years. I won’t go into the reasons why, but suffice it to say that I wasn’t my usual self for much of the year. My creativity was down and my productivity took a huge hit, but I had no one but myself to blame. I’ve made changes in my life for the better, so I don’t think 2024 will be a repeat of 2023 for me creatively. I will certainly strive to do better this coming year.
Without further ado, here are the top new tracks from 2023 that found their way into my play queue. I’ll post at most one track per artist.
11. Ann Wilson & Tripsitter – This is Now
I used to listen to audio books a lot more than I do now, back when I had a long commute for work. Then I was working from home for a year or so, and without the commute, I stopped listening to audio books, sad to say. Now I have a tutoring job that takes me out of the house, and I’m back to listening to my audio library during my commute. The book I’m listening to now (at the time of this writing) is the Ann and Nancy Wilson biography, Kicking and Dreaming.
I hadn’t realized Ann had a weight problem in her youth. When I had the occasion to see her from recorded events in the 70s, she was skinny. In the 80s she put on some weight, as can be seen in her music videos from the time, though the video producers back then did their best to hide it. I’m not finished listening to Kicking and Dreaming, and I’m eager to hear more about all that the Wilson sisters went through. Whatever Ann’s personal issues have been, her voice has remained strong through the years, and I love that she continues to release new music. Ann Wilson is my Queen of Rock.
10. The Yves – Cherry-Coloured Funk
Stevie Scott’s voice continues to amaze me. From when I first saw her on American Idol, to her stint as a solo artist, to her time as lead singer with machineheart, and now as lead singer for The Yves, I continue to be in awe of her talent. Just listen to her falsetto in the track, Cherry-Coloured Funk. It’s out of this world. And, yes, you’re seeing the British spelling of coloured, but that’s because this track is a cover of a song made popular in the 90s by the British band, Cocteau Twins.
9. Ella Eyre – Head in the Ground
I read that Ella Eyre had surgery on her vocal chords and had to relearn how to speak and sing. I’m not sure when the surgery was, but I’ve been enjoying her music for a few years. I’ve always found her voice to be a bit husky, which I love, and I’m glad she still has that quality, despite any operation.
I been a bad, bad human being lately. I damn near lost my mind. I spent way too much time doing the wrong thing, ha. I been running ’round ’round the same old circles. I just can’t find the joy. I run, hide and avoid all the drama, all the trauma with my… Head in the ground too long.
Lyricists: Ella Eyre / Tiggs Da Author
8. Olivia Rodrigo – vampire
Some of the young uns these days are so creative, and have the means to express it. Olivia Rodrigo is one of them, and greatly impresses me. I’ve always had the urge to be creative, and even though I’m an old dude, I’ll take inspiration from anyone, no matter what age they are.
7. Sarah Lake – Good to be Gone
Every so often I search online to see what’s happening, if anything, with my favorites from the early American Idol seasons. This year, I found that Sarah Lake, formerly known as Sarah Mather, released new music. Yay! She’s singing country, and she’s got the voice for it. Turns out she’s been releasing lots of tunes over the past few years, and I’ve been lagging behind. I’ll be remedying that over the coming year.
6. Alanis Morissette – No Return
There aren’t a lot of lyrics to this song, but what gets me is the way Alanis delivers them and the vibe of the music. I love the show this tune is from, Yellowjackets. This track fits the show perfectly.
Oh, so cute, so revival, so alone. Birthday suit, just a smile, no one home. Same as you.
Lyricists: Anna Waronker / Craig Wedren
5. ZZ Ward – Ride or Die (feat. Vic Mensa)
I like bluesy rock, and ZZ Ward never fails to satisfy with her tunes. I could do without the rap break, but it’s not so bad. It used to be that the inclusion of rap in a song would be enough to make me skip it. But over the years, I’ve learned to tolerate rap more and more, and have even grown to like some of it. Anyone can change with time, eh. Who knows what future-me will like? I don’t even know.
4. salem ilese – PainHub
The lyrics of salem ilese often speak to her personal issues. Of course, salem’s personal issues are bound to be the same issues facing a broad number of young people (and even some older ones), sometimes extending to a national level or beyond, like the issue she addresses in the lyrics to PainHub.
Make no mistake love, we’re on PainHub. From when we wake up ‘til we’re asleep. Don’t wanna make love, just wanna break stuff. Watching our world blow up on repeat. I kinda hate it how I kinda like it now. Wish we were logging out, but we’re in way too deep. Make no mistake love, we’re on PainHub. From when we wake up ‘til we’re asleep.
Lyricists: Andrew Goldstein / James Abrahart / Salem Ilese
3. Grimes – I Wanna Be Software
This track clearly states what Grimes wants, in case anyone had doubts. She’s doing her best to achieve her goal. If you haven’t heard about GrimesAI yet, you should look into it. There’s more to it than I’ve had a chance to research. I’ve listened to a good number of songs released using GrimesAI vocals, some of which are more impressive than others. None of the GrimesAI tracks rival her real voice. But give her time. I believe she’s just getting started with AI, in a way that doesn’t appear to be treading on anyone’s copyrights. Grimes keeps pushing boundaries in all she does, and I look forward to seeing what boundaries she’ll be pushing next and in the future.
2. Miley Cyrus – Jaded
Miley Cyrus has evolved over the years, and yet seems to have always stayed true to herself. I respect that. Her 2023 album, Endless Summer Vacation, produced one of her biggest hits, Flowers, her second number one hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. While I like Flowers, I played a different track from the album more, perhaps because I’m such a jaded character myself.
1. Fefe Dobson – Hungover
I’m a huge Fefe Dobson fan, and was tickled that she released a new album, Emotion Sickness, in 2023, her first new full album in over ten years. It’s loaded with pop-rock goodness, and I’m not yet decided on which track is my favorite, but Hungover saw the most play time from me in 2023. She’s another artist who has always stayed true to herself, even to the detriment of her singing career at times, and she has my greatest respect for it. I’m not her father, but I can’t help but feel proud of her, and a bit concerned for her, at the same time. She’s had some rough times, from what I’ve read, and it often comes through in her lyrics, which are so drenched with emotion.
Feels like I’m losing my edge. If I’m alive or I’m dead, it makes no difference. I’ll just do this shit all over again.
Lyricists: Bryn McCutchen / Fefe Dobson / Kirstyn Johnson / Sam Arion
And that’s a wrap for my favorite tunes released in 2023. For more of my musical favorites, new and old, check out Mike’s Music Mixes. Watch for more of my music mixes in 2024.