It's easy to slip into hyperbole when writing about the year's best music. I'll attempt to avoid that here, though. Was 2023 one of music's best years? No, in my opinion. Was it a good year for music, however? Yes--because if you listen to enough music in multiple genres over the course of a year, it's always at least a good year for music. Here are 25 of my favorite songs from this year:
25. Walk Between Raindrops-Hailey Brinnel (I've always liked Donald Fagen's original jaunty version, so it's a pleasure to hear this cover with well-sung vocals and brassy backing. This is approximately how Suzanne Vega might sound as a jazz singer.)
24. Delirium-Whatitdo Archive Group (This track combines some of the best elements of Isaac Hayes's classic "Theme From 'Shaft'" and Povo's "The Art Of Blakey.")
23. Almost True-Janet Evra & Randy Brecker (Evra pulls off sultry vocals effectively, and Brecker's trumpet playing adds a lot to the tune's mood.)
22. St. Louis Blues-Cecilia Smith (As a native St. Louisan, I'm drawn to any well-played or well-sung version of this. Smith captures the tune's spirit well on the vibraphone.)
21. Eastern Ave-Flasher (This May release is a fun blend of power pop, dream pop, and grunge. I also like the lyrical reverence for the past.)
20. Watching The Credits-The Beths (I immediately liked the energy of "Happy Unhappy" and "Dying To Believe" when I first heard them. I was pleased to hear a similar energy in this 2023 track--and I'm glad I'm not the only person who finds reviews inherently interesting to read, even when I don't end up seeing, hearing, or reading the material being reviewed.)
19. Three Day Weekend-Kait Dunton (This steady, loping melody, released in September, shows that sometimes, a rhythm section is all you need. Dunton anchors this trio on piano compellingly.)
18. Lighthouse-Caroline Spence featuring Sarah Jarosz (Vocally, this May release reminds me somewhat of Shawn Colvin and Patty Griffin.)
17. Slapjack-Angela Petrilli & The Players (This guitarist can shred. I'll be curious to see where her career goes from here.)
16. After Midnight-Phoenix featuring Clairo (An appealingly energetic rhythm. It's good to hear Clairo soften the vocals on this alternate version.)
15. Sad Dream-EchoWave (Power pop with a dark twist? It's interesting hearing a blend of Beatles and ELO influences spun this way. This is a well-constructed March release with memorable vocals and adroitly handled mood shifts.)
14. Slow Down Girl-Jonny Benavidez featuring Cold Mink (When I first heard this tune in February, I would have sworn it was from the '60s. With its Burt Bacharach influence, especially on trumpet, "Slow Down Girl" sounds so convincingly of another era--and would sound great after "The One Who Really Loves You" by Rosie & The Originals.)
13. Late September Breeze-The Kennedys (While Autumn has always been my favorite season, it's bittersweet for some people. Maura Kennedy captures that emotion convincingly, as usual, in her vocals.)
12. This Is Why-Paramore (This title track from Paramore's February release establishes a commanding groove from the first note. In addition to a tight, catchy chorus, the lyrics make a convincing case for being a recluse who mostly abstains from social media. Also recommended: "Running Out Of Time.")
11. Call It Like It Is-Bailen (A rhythmically and vocally strong track with a solid hook. These are good, direct lyrics, as well, about trusting your intuition when something seems off.)
10. Let It Ride-Norah Jones & Robert Glasper (A solid blend of styles on vocals and piano, as I'd expect from two such compelling artists. I also recommend the Norah Jones & Bedouine collaboration, "When You're Gone;" it's another highlight from the "Norah Jones Is Playing Along" podcast.)
9. My Love Mine All Mine-Mitski (This September release's endearing lyrics remind listeners that even when you pass away, your heart still remains with your beloved one.)
8. When The Lights (Ancestrumental Mix)-Declaime (A throbbing, attention-getting instrumental with '70s influences.)
7. What You Wanna Hear-Beth Bombara (Yet another tune with a '70s throwback feel and another example of appealing vocals and guitar from this artist. This track, released in August, is one of Bombara's most compelling tunes. There's a general consistency in this St. Louis metro artist's music that warrants national attention. Also recommended: "Everything I Wanted.")
6. Precious Time-Tommy Emmanuel featuring Sierra Hull (One of the more endearingly tuneful blends of guitar and mandolin I've heard.)
5. Wind The Clock-Alison Brown (After just one listen, I was convinced that this May release is one of 2023's best instrumentals. If you don't think the banjo is a melodic instrument, perhaps this will change your mind. I'm hard-pressed to name another banjo player besides Bela Fleck who can blend folk and smooth jazz elements so seamlessly.)
4. ASR-Meshell Ndegeocello featuring Jeff Parker (A compelling June release with a strong "Can't get back the time..." hook. I hear elements of Earth, Wind & Fire and Young Disciples.)
3. Make It Right-The Everettes (I was already singing along with this one day in May, despite hearing it for the first time. This April release sounds like a lost '60s Motown track that should have been a hit.)
2. Don't Bring Me Down-Juliana Hatfield (Hatfield pulled off multiple successful covers of Olivia Newton-John songs, and she succeeds again with this infectious cover of an ELO hit. Her voice is ideal for sustaining the song's energy and conveying these lyrics about not being a killjoy. I've listened to this repeatedly since first hearing it, so I can't justify ranking it any lower than this.)
1. I Can't Escape From You-Jeremy Pelt (For the first time since I started this blog, the year's top musical honors are going to a jazz instrumentalist. Pelt plays trumpet with a tone reminiscent of Miles Davis, and the orchestral backing makes this strong ballad all the more sublime. It wouldn't surprise me if couples have slow danced to this in their living rooms. This melody radiates warmth and class, and I'm pleased to call it my favorite song of 2023.)
