And just like that, end of year list week ends. While 2023 will go down as one of the most productive years in music, it was largely inconsistent from us. At some parts, listening to new music became a luxury. But we made it and couldn’t have done it without the help of our rotating doors of writers, photographers and everybody who filled our inbox with noise.
I’d personally like to say thanks to everyone who got involved with the blog. I am looking forward to bringing new ideas and an even stronger embrace of the orange in 2024.
Anyway! Here’s our Best 50 Albums of 2023. There was a lot of music to enjoy and whittling it down to 50 was tough. Please enjoy having a read through a selection of albums from artists new and old, favourites and new favourites, that have tickled our fancy particularly good. You can even listen to (Our) Best Albums Of 2023 playlist while you read along too. Real nice!!
50. CHARTREUSE – MORNING RITUAL
“Morning Ritual is Chartreuse’s most complete musical release, they’ve always tried something different instrumentally on each EP release. However, this album seems to be an amalgamation of everything that has passed and refined so well for this album release.”
49. CABLE TIES – ALL HER PLANS
The third studio album from Australia’s Cable Ties provides a great summation of a lot of the music we’ve listened to this year: abrasive, in your face noise that takes you through twists and turns on an unpredictable journey. But as good and as chaotic as the music was, it was Jenny McKenchie’s vocals that really made it memorable.
48. WINONA FOREVER – ACROBAT
47. BILLIE MARTEN – DROP CHERRIES
46. DEMOB HAPPY – DIVINE MACHINES
“Divine Machine is a superb listen that delivers a bold sound that leaves many electric highlights throughout. Demob Happy are three albums in to their careers by this point, but it still sounds like they’ve only just arrived on the scene. This is a great album, and one that will further cement the band as one to rely on.”
Divine Machines – Full review.
45. HOZIER – UNREAL UNEARTH
44. CAROLINE POLACHEK – DESIRE, I WANT TO TURN INTO YOU
43. GORILLAZ – CRACKER ISLAND
“In fact, it’s the Gorillaz-only tracks that fare best on Cracker Island. ‘Baby Queen’ has a throwback quality to it that’s reminiscent of the Plastic Beach days, and ‘Tarantula’ offers a playful escape towards the height of Disco. But the real highlight is ‘Skinny Ape’ – a song that starts off small but utilises the vulnerable, distorted synths brilliantly to blossom into an anthemic sound that will leave the ears ringing for ages. With absurd imagery laced throughout these colourful sounds, it is a real gem.”
42. 100 GECS – 10,000 GECS
The duo continues to push the extremes with another record that showcases how fun dabbling at the edge can be. Their hyperactive blend of hyper-pop offers nothing but insane hooks and over the top beats, making for one hell of a half hour.
41. JPEGMAFIA & DANNY BROWN – SCARING THE HOES
40. ELOISE – DRUNK ON A FLIGHT
39. THE LOTTERY WINNERS – ANXIETY REPLACEMENT THERAPY
38. SUDS – THE GREAT OVERGROWTH
Having blown our mind with ‘Paint My Body’ comes SUDS and their debut album The Great Overgrowth. A record that takes a deep breath after pulling free of the undergrowth to deliver a wonderfully concise listen. Diving deep into the fuzziest of Dinosaur Jr. eras, it’s a record that promises a lot of great moments and succeeds at making you feel very satisfied.
37. ARLO PARKS – MY SOFT MACHINE
36. FRANKIE AND THE WITCH FINGERS – DATA DOOM
Leading the way for the depths of the Desert Rock scene is Frankie and the Witch Fingers. On their seventh studio album, the outfit continue to show how knowledgeable they are of the genre. Filtering monolithic riffs through high octane pace or the sludgiest of tempos to deliver heavy hitting jams throughout.
35. DMA’S – HOW MANY DREAMS?
“Overall, How Many Dreams? is an evolution of sound and style for DMA’S whilst they simultaneously stay true to their roots- the Britpop-tinged guitar tracks that attracted them to making music in the first place. It’s easily their most ambitious album to date, and they’ve successfully created an enjoyable blend of pulsing electronic dance and anthemic guitar music that will exhilarate their crowds this festival season.”
How Many Dreams? – Full review.
34. JANELLE MONÁE – THE AGE OF PLEASURE
33. ROYAL BLOOD – BACK TO THE WATER BELOW
32. HIMALAYAS – FROM HELL TO HERE
“From Hell to Here is a thrillride from start to end, leaving a lot of highlights along the way. In spite of its heavy themes, it never sounds bloated or weighed down. Instead, it sounds like a mythical beast that could eviscerate anything in its path. It is hauntingly beautiful in parts, and as shown on its closer ‘After Time’, there’s still room for growth in their sound.”
From Hell To Here – Full review.
31. SUNFRUITS – ONE DEGREE
30. SHAME – FOOD FOR WORMS
Noted for having one of the best artworks of the year, Shame’s Food For Worms delivered a soundtrack worthy of being adorned by the galaxy ocean beings. They continue to fall down the heavier routes explored from 2021’s Drunk Tank Pink to deliver another record that has no qualms in filling your mind with paranoid guitar-heavy anthems throughout.
29. MAYER HAWTHORNE – FOR ALL TIME
28. THE HIVES – THE DEATH OF RANDY FITZSIMMONS
“The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons marks the start of a new era for The Hives. No longer overseen by the mysterious character, now could be the time for the band to continue showing us how it’s done. It could be seen as a negative that ten years has done little to change their sound, but sometimes it’s good to know what to expect. It’s impressive how it hasn’t affected their speed and punk DNA. The Hives are back, and we are so happy for that.”
The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons – Full review.
27. TEMPLES – EXOTICO
“In spite of its near-hour long runtime, Exotico is a lot of fun to listen to. Temples have done a brilliant job in creating a piece of work that offers a lot of material that flows well. At no point does it feel bloated by its tracklisting, and I think that’s largely down to how diverse and experimental it is. Exotico sees Temples’ sound explored thoroughly, and delivers it in a big, big way.”
26. CHERISE – CALLING
25. HONEYMOAN – SORRY LIKE YOU MEAN IT
24. BOYGENIUS – THE RECORD
“The record is an excellent album, comprised of a supergroup that just happens to be a supergroup. What makes it great is that it exists purely because each member are friends. There’s no expectation or pressure to deliver the goods because of each individual’s status, this is just a chance for some friends to get together and be creative. The result is a record that highlights each artist’s quality while showcasing how good they work together – creating bangers and heartbreakers along the way.”
23. DREAM WIFE – SOCIAL LUBRICATION
22. HOLLY HUMERSTONE – PAINT MY BEDROOM BLACK
21. GENESIS OWUSU – STRUGGLER
20. FIZZ – THE SECRET TO LIFE
Brighton’s FIZZ brought the fun and energy on their debut album. Turns out the secret to life is right here in this album, and inside it contains all of the group vocals and participation to make you feel right at home. This is how I imagine living in Brighton to sound like most of the time, and the rest is feeling warm and cosy listening to ‘Close One’. A rare moment of insulation in an otherwise world-inviting record.
19. MITSKI – THE LAND IS INHOSPITABLE AND SO ARE WE
Charged by her incredible “Hiii! This is Mitski” videos on Instagram comes the illusive artist’s seventh studio album. Embracing hints of Country into her unexpectedly Tik-Tok friendly sound, The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are We is a glorious collection of heartbreak, heartache and reflection of everything in between.
18. NOTHING BUT THIEVES – DEAD CLUB CITY
17. SHIT PRESENT – WHAT STILL GETS ME
16. SIR CHLOE – I AM THE DOG
“Sir Chloe’s latest album, I Am The Dog, is a journey through desire and temptation; feeling consumed by life and so devouring it from the source. Released on 19 May this year, this album sees the band take a grunge hook to the mouth of their previous release Party Favors (2020). The marrying of traditional lyrics and metaphorical lines capture the very essence of basic feeling and the mind’s way of turning it into something else entirely.”
15. THE JAPANESE HOUSE – IN THE END IT ALWAYS DOES
14. MITCHUM YACOUB – LIVING HIGH IN THE BRASS EMPIRE
There was a brief but enjoyable spell of diving into Jazz records this year (shoutout to Somewhere Soul on Insta), and Mitchum Yacoub’s Living High In The Brass Empire certainly fulfilled all those needs. Much like CHERISE’s Calling, this album contained Jazz and all its friends. Incorporating elements from numerous genres to create a sound that is all encompassing and so enjoyable to hear. Whether it’s on in the background or got your full attention, it has all the colour and vibrancy you could need to make your day better.
13. BLONDSHELL – BLONDSHELL
12. JESSIE WARE – THAT! FEELS GOOD!
Jessie Ware’s decision to shift into the world of Disco continues to be a great one, as That! Feels Good! Expands upon the glory left behind by 2020’s What’s Your Pleasure? to produce a follow up that stands out on its own. Packed full of mammoth hits and larger-than-life moments, this is the one record to turn to when you need a quick hit of affirmation.
11. JUNGLE – VOLCANO
Jungle have always been an artist you can rely on, and this year they reached a new level of consistent. Volcano continues to bring the good vibes to the forefront. Bringing another collection of sun-kissed tunes that will help provide a bit of light all year round. Light, and a viral TikTok dance in ‘Back On 74’ too.
10. FOO FIGHTERS – BUT HERE WE ARE
“Arguably the most emotional release of the year so far. Foo Fighters returned to the studio following the unexpected death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins, and Dave Grohl also lost his mother last year too. The result is their eleventh studio album, But Here We Are. An album that feels like if Wasting Light’s ‘Walk’ was stretched into album form. It is defiant in the face of trauma and showcases a solid band performance that delivers on all fronts.
It offers humanity in its purest form, filtered through the traditional Foo Fighters sound. There are the well-layered, hook-heavy singles in ‘Rescued’ and the late-summer vibes of ‘Under You’. All filled with powerful vocals and lyrics. It is unashamedly vulnerable, yet strong-willed and full of gusto too.”
9. MHAOL – ATTACHMENT STYLES
“Attachment Styles is a superb record. It tackles the complexity of heavy subjects with open-hearted honestly and illustrates them with a musicality that is equally challenging. Leaving all emotion, wit and experience for us to hear. It absolutely warrants your attention, shining a light on the big topics while also shattering the taboo on songs like the near-eight minutes of ‘Period Sex’. It is enthralling, eye-opening and an excellent listen. An early contender for album of the year? For sure.”
Attachment Styles – Full review.
8. PENNY RICH – IF EVERYONE’S AN EXPERT, WHAT’S LEFT TO BE LEARNT?
Welsh trio Penny Rich really brought the fury on their debut album. Having not heard of them until the release of If Everyone’s An Expert…the record truly came and knocked us for six. Their sound should not be possible with just three members, but that’s only the first of many realisations about them. If you like your music to be drenched in sludge and full of riffs that will leave your jaw far apart from your face, then this is for you.
7. PARAMORE – THIS IS WHY
“Five years after the release of the colourful After Laughter, Paramore returned to their roots. This Is Why brings the guitars back to their best: scatting about the place to deliver grooves and riffs that certainly hit hard. The title track is a gloriously wonky descent into madness that delivers hooks to the ears and a chorus that sounds like an introvert’s dream. It leads the way for the remaining tracks on the album to let loose and do their thing too – often creating memorable moments that have continued to impress since its release in February.”
6. BLACK HONEY – A FISTFUL OF PEACHES
Black Honey have been killing it for the last few years, but this year’s new album took them to the next level. A Fistful of Peaches comes at you with the aggression of a well armoured peach but has the vulnerability seep through to deliver a relatable listen. Whether it’s riffs or self-affirmation-laced lyrics, this is a fistful you will enjoy. Note: ‘Charlie Bronson’ is a beast live.
5. COACH PARTY – KILLJOY
Another band that have stood out from the crowd of noise is Coach Party. KILLJOY is the perfect album to turn to for when you wanna feel a little angry. It is filled with rage and reasons that make you wanna deliver haymakers to the world.
4. PEACH – PEACH
“PEACH is a fantastic album, and as someone who grew up almost exclusively listening to Desert Rock, it is a welcome, modern addition to the genre. It holds all of the grittiness and brutality that helped the likes of Kyuss and QOTSA become so revered, while tearing through it in a speed that still hurts to keep up, even after repeated listens. This is one of the most exhilarating debuts of the year. This is a peach that doesn’t bruise easily.”
3. DREAM NAILS – DOOM LOOP
“Despite being as fearless and outspoken as it is, Doom Loop also has a sense of hope to it. While largely is sounds aggressive and in your face, there’s an openness and accessibility in its topics that allows anyone to come and join in. ‘Femme Boi’ is one of the catchiest tracks on the record, but lyrically wouldn’t be relatable to a lot of people. With all the issues happening across the world, Dream Nails have produced something that has a desire to simply see the world be better. Something we can all come together to support.
It’s a record that will grab your attention with instant hits but has the depth to convince you to really listen. It is easily accessible while unpredictable, which makes it even more entertaining. Dream Nails have grown and solidified themselves as a band to truly get behind.”
2. BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD – LIVE AT BUSH HALL
Black Country, New Road essentially started from scratch after the departure of singer Isaac Wood, and their decision to retire all of the music from their first two albums to focus on the post-Isaac output is something I will respect forever. The first substantial release of that world comes in the form of Live At Bush Hall, a collection of songs that might never have studio versions released, but that’s okay.
What’s inside is a wonderful array of ideas and collaboration from some wonderfully talented individuals. Various instruments and members are allowed to lead the way, bringing so many moments that you would not get from a traditional set up. It is fantastic material, and with the added atmosphere of the crowd and their nervous excitement, it becomes one of the best live albums around.
1. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – IN TIMES NEW ROMAN…
To the surprise of nobody, Queens of the Stone Age take our top spot for (our) Best Album of 2023. In Times New Roman… showed the band back with a renewed lust for life and a desire to tear our faces apart. Returning to deliver monstrous riffs while sounding fresher than ever.
Genuinely, their show at London’s O2 Arena was the best gig I have ever been to. They were on fire and seeing Josh dive into the crowd during the elongated spoken word section of ‘Straight Jacking Fitting’ is something I will look back on fondly. Best album of 2023. Greatest band of all time.
In Times New Roman… – Full review.
And that is it! 50 albums that receive the Dead Good Music peel of approval. We hope that you enjoyed and didn’t disagree too much, but if you did, don’t let us know.
Cheers 2023 for being so sonically cool, but now’s the time to regroup and prepare to do it all over again for 2024! Thanks very much. We love you.