It’s that time for my annual look back on my favorite new music. I think I say this every year, but 2023 was one of my favorite years for music, which is why this year’s list is longer than usual. However, there was one remarkable standout.
BEST OF THE BEST
Gabriels Angels & Queens Many albums have hit me hard over the past twenty years[1], but I have to go back to 2004 Evanescence’s Fallen and 2005 Madonna’s Confessions On a Dance Floor, respectively, to find an album that captivated and excited me like (but not as much as) this. Gabriels’ music is a finely woven tapestry of soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, pop, cinematic, and classical. I’ve not heard anything like it.
THE REST OF THE BEST
- Jessie Ware That! Feels Good! Enticing, tantalizing disco.
- Renee Rapp from the Broadway stage (Mean Girls) and TV (HBO) to an impressive and emotional pop music debut.
- Laufey Bewitched exquisite and sophisticated Jazz-pop for Gen Z or anybody that loves jazz vocalists.
- Royal Blood Back to the Water Below thunderous rock, straight, no chaser.
- Roosevelt Embrace melodic, anthemic, synth-pop.
- Romy Midair homage to 90s/2000s Eurodance from Dua Lipa songwriter (Electricity) and ex-the xx lead singer.
- Janelle Monae The Age of Pleasure It’s not a genre. It’s a vibe.
VERY HONORABLE MENTION
- Victoria Monet Jaguar II R&B/hip-hop/pop songwriter’s Grammy-nominated debut full-length album.
- River Iris Tactile Hallucinations talented and clever young pop singer-songwriter.
- Aluna MYCELiUM banger album from a dance music legend.
- Alison Goldfrapp The Love Invention “sleek synth disco” (Pitchfork) debut album from the frontwoman of the electronic music duo Goldfrapp.
- Within Temptation Bleed Out Dutch symphonic metal band continues to evolve with this heavy and cinematic album.
- Tori Kelly tori silky R&B comeback from her last release in 2019.
- Madison McFerrin I Hope You Can Forgive Me daughter of Bobby McFerrin “understated yet emotionally open mix of a cappella, electronic pop, jazz, and soul” (Apple Music).
- V Layover smooth, suave, jazzy Quiet Storm vibes from the BTS member.
- Jung Kook Golden this BTS member’s album has the sounds, songwriting, production, and videos of someone seeking Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Justin Bieber global pop stardom levels.
SINGLES FROM NON-ALBUM MAKERS
- Dua Lipa singles Dance the Night (from Barbie The Album) and new single Houdini
- Tyla the single Water and three other singles from a highly anticipated March 2024 amapiano (S. African house music) release.
[1] Lady Gaga Born This Way (2011), Royal Blood Royal Blood (2014), Katy B Little Red (2014), Rag ‘n’ Bone Man Human (2017) come to mind.
Ray's Musings 
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