Following up on last year, here are my favourite albums of the year for 2023. My view of what makes the list is:

1. The album will be released in 2023.

2. The whole album is enjoyable, from track 1 in order.

3. At least one banger.

Volcano | Jungle

What an album. I will probably recommend this one to everyone (and check out their other stuff). A beautifully crafted section of disco and soul packaged in pop sheath. And with Roots Manuva and Channel Tres to drop in for some quality MCing. My banger on here is from Back on ‘74, with the video displaying some incredible choreography.

Last Rotation of Earth | BC Camplight

There is something about the intriguing lyrics and endearing tones. This American-born artist based in the UK makes amazing reference to the beautifully mundane of Britain. I get consumed with the combination of bleak, disorientating, and uplifting.

My Big Day | Bombay Bicycle Club

Firstly, what an album cover. But this album touches so many genres and styles that it is almost like you get 11 bands for the price of one. But yet, everything feels in place and not like a playlist. A great commute soundtrack!

2 Ruff, Vol 1 | Chase and Status

Here. we. go.

Everything Chase and Status does seems to just be outstanding. EVERYTHING.

This is my favourite album this year, with a true heavy-hitting drum and bass that makes you want to leave the house at 2 am to find a rave. An energy that no one else comes close to and leaves you pumped and ready for anything. Recommended for the gym, you’ll get that extra couple of reps from it.

Added bonus to watch the boiler room session from this year.

the record | Boygenius

I did not expect to put the first album of this supergroup in, but I kept returning to it. It is thoughtful and haunting and feels like the pages of a diary told through 3 phenomenal storytellers. Keep it for the quiet, gentle nights when you just need some me-time.

Starcatcher | Greta van Fleet

What if you took some amazing musicians, locked them in a room with a bunch of instruments and Led Zepplin I-IV? This album. I am an absolute sucker for great lyrics and killer guitar riffs, and this is exactly that.

72 Seasons | Metallica

The band that reinvents and comes back time and time again. I wasn’t going to add this in, but after the second or third listen, it clicked like I didn’t expect. A force to reckon with and metal for this decade for sure.

It’s moody, powerful, and direct in the atmosphere it creates. For a band to release this going into their 4th decade is just astounding.

The Ballad of Darren | Blur

This one takes a few listens, but trust me, it’ll grip you.

It’s 8 years since their last album, but this is one to invest in and enjoy the craft of each song and how the album tells a story, and, after some time, you will feel like you’ve known this for years. It is simultaneously late 90’s but not, and new … but not. When you get it, you really get it.

Heavy Heavy | Young Fathers

This album shouldn’t work. Like the combination of easy-listening ballads, stomping rock, choral harmonies, and hip-hop beats doesn’t make sense … unless Young Fathers are doing it.

This absolutely slaps you in the face and reminds you to put down the same tired old albums and experience something new and fresh.

And that’s it. A few good’uns in 2023 didn’t quite make it (check out Kylie’s newest release) but loved none the less. See you in a year for 2024’s list.