Our Top 10 Albums of 2023 💿

Written by: Carlyn Warren

2023 is coming to a close and as we reflect over the past year, we can’t help but reflect on all of the incredible music that was released this year. While so many of our favs released albums this year, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite albums. From Miley to Jung Kook, we’ve got a variety of top picks for everyone. 🫡

Niall Horan - The Show

Released: June 9th, 2022

Genre: Pop

Singles: “Heaven,” “Meltdown,” “You Could Start A Cult (with Lizzy McAlpine),” “The Show (with John Legend)”

After 3 long years, our favorite Irishman finally released his third album in June. We’ve been listening to it nonstop ever since and just can’t get enough of Niall’s perfect mix of pop and singer-songwriter. This album is for those who love heartfelt, pop love songs and Niall never disappoints with his visuals, live renditions, and album aesthetics. Niall even released a deluxe version, The Show: The Encore, with live and stripped versions, covers, and features from Lizzy McAlpine and John Legend. We can’t wait to The Show Live On Tour next summer! 🌟

Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS

Released: September 8th, 2023

Genre: Pop

Singles: “vampire,” “bad idea right?,” “get him back!”

One of the most anticipated sophomore albums ever, Olivia proved that she is here to stay and is still breaking records. Following her Grammy Award-winning debut album SOUR, GUTS is on track to earn Olivia more Grammys and earned her nominations in all four of the major categories at the awards show. With a wide range of influences, Olivia cites more punk and alternative influences on GUTS, which you can hear in songs like “all-american b*****” and “ballad of a homeschooled girl.” This is perfect for those who went through their pop-punk era in middle school. It’s all the angst and female rage that we need in our lives. Be sure to check it out if you haven’t and see Olivia on the GUTS World Tour next year. 💜

Tate McRae - THINK LATER

Released: December 8th, 2023

Genre: Pop

Singles: “greedy,” “exes”

Another sophomore album on our list, proved that sophomore slumps are not a trend this year. Tate McRae cemented herself as one of the it girls of pop when she shot to stardom when her 2020 single “You Broke Me First” went viral on TikTok and earned Tate her first top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, Tate released her debut album in 2022 and is back again with THINK LATER. Tate not only has a super unique voice but also writes R&B-influenced pop that will make you feel like the it girl. THINK LATER became her biggest debut to date on Spotify and has songs like “greedy” and “think later” that have you grooving along but also show Tate’s depth and lyricism with ballads like “grave” and “plastic palm trees.” You don’t want to miss Tate live on her Think Later World Tour in 2024! 💭

Boygenius - the record

Released: March 31st, 2023

Genre: Indie Pop

Singles: “$20,” “Emily I’m Sorry,” “True Blue”

Who doesn’t love a good sad girl indie album? That is just what boygenius gave us earlier this year with their debut album and we are obsessed. Indie girl group members Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker prove that they are the ultimate trio with incredible lyricism and emotion that you can hear throughout the album. This album has amazing folk harmonies that feel like a warm blanket while also discussing friendship, romance, and navigating the past and future. This album has elements of country, folk, and indie rock that give it an edge and something for everyone. They even have a short film along with the record appropriately titled The Film, directed by Kirsten Stewart. Don’t miss the trio at the Grammys in February, as the record received an incredible seven nominations. Check out the record here! 💿

Paramore - This Is Why

Released: February 10th, 2023

Genre: Pop Rock

Singles: “This Is Why,” “The News,” “C’est Comme Ça,” “Running Out of Time”

Our favorite punk rock trio made their return to music after six years with their sixth studio album earlier this year and it was even better than we imagined. Described by Rock Sound as a “jittery post-punk record,” this album has that new wave rock sound we love from Paramore while also having lyrics and melodies that we want to scream along to. This album is for those who want to dance but also experiment with punk rage intertwined with unforgettable guitar riffs and pop elements that make Paramore one of the biggest bands in the world. Not only did they give fans this record but also released a remix version of the album, titled Re: This Is Why, back in October of this year. The remix album features artists like Wet Leg, Remi Wolf, and Julien Baker and you can listen here! 🤘

Troye Sivan - Something to Give Each Other

Released: October 13th, 2023

Genre: Dance Pop

Singles: “Rush,” “Got Me Started,” “One of Your Girls”

Another long-awaited return to music, Troye proved he was back and better than ever when the lead single, “Rush” became a massive hit and earned him three ARIA awards in his home country of Australia and his first two Grammy Nominations. This album is full of those electro-pop songs we love in Troye’s music but also takes us on an emotional journey that celebrates queerness and is largely influenced by house music. He even samples Bag Raiders' "Shooting Stars" on “Got Me Started” and makes it sound effortless. Troye’s confessional lyricism combined with the upbeat dance grooves, make this one of our favorite albums of the year. Be sure to grab tickets to see Troye live on the Something to Give Each Other tour next year! 🪩

Miley Cyrus - Endless Summer Vacation

Released: March 10th, 2023

Genre: Pop

Singles: “Flowers,” “River,” “Jaded”

A huge contrast to her 2020 glam rock album Plastic Hearts, Endless Summer Vacation shows us a different side of Miley with a more dance-pop, dreamy feel. After, the lead single “Flowers,” eight-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, we knew that we were going to love this album. The album not only showcases Miley’s amazing vocals but also feels like her most authentic songwriting yet while pulling elements of her influences in country, rock, and hip-hop. Endless Summer Vacation also earned Miley two Grammy nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year. While Miley hasn’t announced any plans to tour the album, you can check out her special on Disney+, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), which features live performances of the album as well as gives us a glimpse into the creative process of the album. 🌴

Jonas Brothers - The Album

Released: May 12th, 2023

Genre: Pop

Singles: “Wings,” “Waffle House,” “Summer Baby”

The second album from the Jonas Brothers since their reunion in 2019, this is the ultimate summer, feel-good album. Complete with those JoBro harmonies we love so much, The Album feels timeless and has funky grooves that will have you out of your seat in a second. While there are jams like “Celebrate!” and “Waffle House” that have walls of harmonies and upbeat guitar riffs, we also see the brothers’ growth and songwriting skills with ballads like “Little Bird” and “Vacation Eyes.” No one does it like the JoBros and we can’t wait to see them on stage again in 2025 for their 20th anniversary tour! 😍

Reneé Rapp - Snow Angel

Released: August 18th, 2023

Genre: Pop

Singles: “Snow Angel,” “Talk Too Much,” “Pretty Girls”

The debut album from the incredible actress and singer-songwriter, Snow Angel feels like the perfect display of Reneé’s jaw-dropping vocals, lyricism, and angst that will have you in your feeeeels. With production by Alexander 23 and Jon Bellion, this album is the perfect mix of upbeat pop and heartfelt ballads with traces of hip-hop and rock. You can even hear Reneé’s musical theater background with dramatic buildups on songs like “Snow Angel” and the emotional ballad “I Hate Boston.” She didn’t stop there, releasing Snow Angel (Deluxe) in November with even more songs and a remix of “Tummy Hurts” with Coco Jones. While Reneé just finished up her U.S. leg of the Snow Hard Feelings Tour, you can get tickets to see her on the European leg here and catch her on-screen as Regina George in the film adaptation of the musical Mean Girls. 👼

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday 2

Released: December 8th, 2023

Genre: Hip Hop

Singles: “Super Freaky Girl,” “Last Time I Saw You”

The follow-up to her 2010 hit album Pink Friday, the queen of rap has done it once again. With a range of samples, genres, and features Nicki proves once again that she can do it all. From a sampling of Billie Eilish’s “when the party’s over” on the rap ballad “Are You Gone Already” and the classic trap beat behind tracks like “Bahm Bahm,” there are bops for everyone on Pink Friday 2. It’s definitely the perfect continuation of Pink Friday and the Barbz were fed with the 22 track album as well as the Gag City Deluxe version with more songs and features. Don’t miss queen Nicki on the Pink Friday 2 tour next year, which is sure to be a party full of pink and dance beats. 💗

Honorable mentions:

• Doja Cat - Scarlet

• Hozier - Unreal Unearth

• Kelsea Ballerini - Rolling Up The Welcome Mat

• Ed Sheeran - Autumn Variations

• Jung Kook - Golden

• Sam Smith - Gloria

• Zach Bryan - Zach Bryan

As the final notes of 2023 linger, our hearts resonate with the diverse melodies that have defined this musical year. From soulful pop to punk-infused anthems, each album has been a sonic journey. These releases, spanning genres and emotions, have not only filled our playlists but have woven themselves into the fabric of our memories. As we bid farewell to the albums that accompanied us through this year we eagerly anticipate the harmonies that 2024 will unveil. Cheers to the transformative power of music, the artists who crafted these masterpieces, and the anticipation of new melodies yet to be discovered. Be sure to let us know your favorite album of this year on our Instagram, X, and TikTok! 🌟

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