Top 50 Songs Of 2023
Alright friends, here are my Top 50 Songs of 2023! Like my year-end albums list, these are in no particular order. Enjoy.
PS – In case the embed is being weird, the Spotify playlist is HERE.
Alex Lahey – Good Time
I’m with Alex Lahey here – “I just want a good time / Don’t care how / But I know everybody needs it”
Be Your Own Pet – Hand Grenade
It’s so great to have Be Your Own Pet back in action. This track is a blast.
The Beths – Watching The Credits
At this point, I’m not sure it’s even possible for me to do a year-end song list that doesn’t include an entry from The Beths.
Big Thief – Vampire Empire
While I’ve really never been all that into Big Thief, I adore this song. What a banger.
Bully – Days Move Slow
I’m no longer sure of the last time this Bully number wasn’t at least partially stuck in my head.
Cable Ties – Time For You
“I’ve got no time / But I’ve got time for you” is such a great line. This might be my favorite Cable Ties track.
Chai – Para Para
This is an absolute pop gem from Chai.
Cherry Glazerr – Ready For You
The bit of glossiness on this alt-rock track from Cherry Glazerr really puts it over the top.
Chris Farren – Cosmic Leash
This is a big, rad song from Chris Farren.
Death Valley Girls – Magic Powers
Death Valley Girls with a dreamy, psych-tinged ear worm.
Deeper – Build A Bridge
“It’s the right kind of rhythm.” Yes it is, Deeper.
Dream Wife – Orbit
Dance to this immediately or Dream Wife will come and get you.
Ellis – Forever
Ellis with one of the best bedroom pop tunes of 2023.
Empty Country – Erlking
This lyrically-heavy number from Empty County (aka Joseph D’Agostino, formerly of Cymbals Eat Guitars) is such a stunner.
Faye Webster – But Not Kiss
This is a flawless song from Faye Webster.
Feeble Little Horse – Steamroller
“You fuck like you’re eating” never fails to make me laugh. Thank you, Feeble Little Horse.
Frankie Rose – Anything
An electro pop standout from Frankie Rose.
Gal Pal – Angel In The Flesh
This is a really nicely textured tune from Gal Pal.
Geese – Cowboy Nudes
Geese with a soaring, playful number that always puts me in a good mood.
Gglum – Splat!
I love how fresh this sounds. I’m excited to hear more from Gglum in 2024.
Girl And Girl – All I See
Frenetic garage rock from Girl And Girl.
Greg Mendez – Maria
Greg Mendez with the most endearing song about getting arrested at a crack den.
HAHA – Only Gets Better
This is a nice slice of synth pop, but it’s also just great to hear Maria Taylor (Azure Ray) again.
Hotline TNT – Out Of Town
So noisy, so hooky, so good. Thanks, Hotline TNT!
Indigo De Souza – You Can Be Mean
I appreciate Indigo De Souza’s disdain for toxic people.
Island Of Love – Fed Rock
This one from Island Of Love is a total scorcher.
Jeff Rosenstock – Liked U Better
A really catchy blast from Jeff Rosenstock.
Joanna Sternberg – Stockholm Syndrome
Joanna Sternberg with the saddest of songs.
Liza Anne – Cheerleader
It doesn’t get much more fun than this Liza Anne tune.
Man On Man – Hush
I love a big wall of sound, and that’s exactly what this Man On Man track serves up.
Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven
Pure ferocity from Mannequin Pussy.
Margaret Glaspy – Act Natural
This is a really charming number from Margaret Glaspy.
Marnie Stern – Believing Is Seeing
Welcome back, Marnie Stern. You’ve clearly still got it.
Middle Kids – Highlands
What a driving and infectious effort from Middle Kids.
MSPAINT – Titan Of Hope
This MSPAINT track always amps me up.
The National – Tropic Morning News
I really like the way this song moves – it’s slick work by The National.
Palehound – The Clutch
Palehound with a charged rocker.
Ratboys – Black Earth, WI
This is 8.5 fantastic minutes of rootsy rock from Ratboys. I always smile when that sweet guitar solo hits.
Rocket – Portrait Show
The soaring chorus on this Rocket track is great.
Screaming Females – Mourning Dove
An endearing and well crafted rocker from Screaming Females.
Shalom – Soccer Mommy
A grungy gem from Shalom.
Slothrust – Pony (Ginuwine Cover)
What a fun cover by Slothrust.
Slow Pulp – Cramps
Slow Pulp with a fuzzy ripper.
Sufjan Stevens – Will Anyone Ever Love Me?
Get yourself a good cry in via this Sufjan Stevens track.
Twin Temple – Be A Slut
Twin Temple are right – “Be a slut / Do what you want”
Upchuck – Crashing
A straight up rocker from Upchuck.
Valley Queen – Chord Of Sympathy
This is such a wonderfully layered track from Valley Queen.
Wallice – Best Friend
Wallice with a relatable (and catchy) tune about lost friendships.
Weakened Friends – Awkward
I’m always into the intense energy that comes with a Weakenend Friends song.
Youth Lagoon – Idaho Alien
I’m glad that Trevor Powers reignited Youth Lagoon – this is an entrancing track.
