2023 has officially come to an end, and the year was full of new, outstanding music by our favorite artists.
With new albums from bands that haven’t released anything in years, to new up-and-coming artists releasing their first full-length albums. 2023 was full of new music that made us headbang, dance and even ponder on life – and to that, we are here to tell you what some of our contributors were playing on loop since their release.
Neon Noir by VV (released January 2023)
The dark wave and gothic icon and former frontman vocalist of HIM ,Ville Vallo turns new page and released his solo debut record “Neon Noir” on January 13, 2023. The entirety of the record is a transformative gloomy yet glimmering filled with nostalgic synth and distorted instrumentation gaining inspiration from 80s and 90s. The leading track such as “Echolocate Your Love” experiments on riffy driven guitars and punchy drums with a flair of a melodramatic nature pinpointing the journey one will experience upon listening to “Neon Noir”. Valo’s haunting and beautiful songwriting makes an appearance on every turn of the record igniting a strong passion in the heart. The exemplary lovesick lyricism throughout the album provokes an invocation of the supernatural and higher beings sending you into another worldly dimension. “Neon Noir” is a melodic soundscape experience that defines the beauty and sorrow of the gothic-pop genre. – Hanna Oliva
This is Why by Paramore (released February 2023)
In February, Paramore returned with a brand new sixth album called This Is Why, which marked the final album of their current record contract with Atlantic. The album once again follows a sonically different sound (just like it’s predecessor After Laughter) – Paramore returned to their funk and rock roots through tracks like “The News,” “You First” and “Figure 8,” while also managing to experience with new rhythms and tones, such as the momentous “Thick Skull” and “Liar.” The album is perfect from start to finish, as it shows how much they’ve evolved since they signed with the record label in 2004. Guitarist Taylor York shreds the guitar in every track, drummer Zac Farro drums like no one is watching, and lead singer Hayley Williams manages to show vulnerability and shows off her vocal range. The piercing moment of the album is its closer “Thick Skull,” which was the first song recorded on the album. Singing about their collective experience through a poignant riff and immaculate metaphors, Paramore managed to finish what they started and ended with a bang, making them a huge influence in the alternative rock world. – Keylee Paz
The Jaws of Life by Pierce the Veil (released February 2023)
The Jaws of Life is a pivotal moment for Pierce the Veil – after the band parted ways with their drummer Mike Fuentes, there was a huge gap of time (and a hiatus) between their last album Misadventures (released in 2016) and The Jaws of Life. Their album returned to their sound known for in their first two albums Selfish Machines and A Flair for the Dramatic, which lead to the buzzing guitar riffs and crescendoing chorus lines. Pierce the Veil also prove that their versatility has grown fonder of the years, with tracks like “Pass the Nirvana” and “So Far, So Fake” having a heavy sound with screaming lyrics, to heartfelt tracks like “Emergency Contact” and the title track “The Jaws of Life.” Their fifth album took a leap into something new and endured different obstacles and changes, but Pierce the Veil made it happen in the most positive way possible – taking big leaps to a more grunge-pop sound, which worked in their favor. – Keylee Paz
Cuts and Bruises by Inhaler (released February 2023)
After Irish rock band Inhalers first studio album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, the Dublin heartthrobs released Cuts and Bruises February of 2023. However, this band is more than just four good looking Irish beer lovers in leather jackets. The eleven track album is full of relatable poetic/elegiac lyrics and experimental tone. Fan favorite, “Love Will Get You There” is about embracing love wherever you can find it, which is such a beautiful concept making you feel emotional and cheerful at the same time. The four slow it down a bit with “If You’re Gonna Break My Heart”, “Valentine”and “Perfect Storm” opening with, “In a different time / In a different space/ Still want you in my head” which is such a strong relatable opening that is like a punch in the stomach. Years before Inhaler’s appearance on listening platforms, the only evidence of them existing was located in the armpit of soundcloud with an extremely low quality upload of “My King Will Be Kind”. Compared then to now, these Dubliners have toured with Arctic Monkeys playing sold out arenas and headlined a North American Tour and it’s only up from here. – Gracie Archibeque
The Record by boygenius (released March 2023)
What a great day it was for indie lovers everywhere when boygenius announced their return to the music scene earlier this year. The supergroup consisting of Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julian Baker, released their second studio album titled The Record, in late march. Through songs such as “Cool About It,” “Strong Enough” and “Leonard Cohen,” the album shows an extremely vulnerable side to the artists as they navigate love, friendship and life overall. With melodic harmonies and deep-cut lyrics, The Record has received extremely high praise, which was definitely well deserved. Since its release, the group has toured all over the United States, been the covers of many magazines such as Rolling Stone and Alternative Press, and has even taken over the screen with TV performances on SNL and Jimmy Kimmel. The album was also rated highly on pitchfork, with a score of 8.2, and has been nominated for a whopping six Grammys. Although the members of boygenius are incredible on their own, it is always exciting to hear the amazing music they create and to see the joy they bring to fans each time ‘the boys’ come together. – Amarylis Rodriguez
But Here We Are by Foo Fighters (released June 2023)
Foo Fighters have come a long way, with their first album being recorded entirely by Dave Grohl and released in 1995. Their newest album, But Here We Are, is the Foo Fighters 11th studio album. Their previous 9 releases featured now-deceased drummer Taylor Hawkins. After a pensive and difficult hiatus in 2022 due to Hawkins’s death, Foo Fighters came out louder and more vital than ever, all the while honoring Taylor’s legacy. In Hawkins’s absence, Grohl drums with a heart for the entirety of the album, but here we are. Shortly after dropping the single “Under You” from their new album, it was announced that Josh Freese would be the latest addition to the Foo Fighters as the drummer for the supporting tour, with a big shoe to fill. This newest album contains heavy and passionate rock songs like “The Teacher” and melodic and ethereal elements to songs like “Show Me How.” This album explores responses to themes of love, loss, acceptance, and, most of all, perseverance. Foo Fighters already have release dates for their 2024 Everything or Nothing at All tour. With openers, including Alex G, L7, and The Breeders, fans are ready for this unforgettable tour. – Kate Jancosko
Space Heavy by King Krule (released June 2023)
After what felt like a grueling three years of patiently waiting for new music, alternative artist Archy Marshall, aka King Krule, released the long awaited Space Heavy in early June. Staying true to his sound, much like the rest of the Krule’s discography, Space Heavy can only be described as beautifully somber. From “Hamburgerphobia,” to “Seagirl,” featuring Raveena, each and every song on the fifteen-track album contains a mixture between the singer’s uniquely strong vocals, beautiful melodies and heavy bass lines. Intricate guitar riffs could also be heard on some of the songs as well, such as “From the Swamp” and “Flimsier,” which greatly adds to the lure and complexity of the album. Since its release, King Krule has toured all around the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, while fans have kept the record on repeat. – Amarylis Rodriguez
Playa Saturno by Rauw Alejandro (released July 2023)
Rauw Alejandro is no stranger to creating summer hits – after all, we had “Desesperados” with Chencho Corleone on repeat in 2021. Alejandro released his interstellar third studio album Saturno in November 2022, which included reggaeton hits like “PANTIES Y BRASIERES” with Daddy Yankee, “GATAS” with Chris Palace, and other notable collaborations. He announced Playa Saturno as a surprise summer album that serves as a continuation of the latter, and oh what a summer album it was – with 90’s style inspired rhythms mimicking the original reggaeton sound, Rauw successfully managed to perfect interpolations of unconventional themes in the genre. With the signature collaborations “Baby Hello” with producer Bizzarap and “Celebrando” with queen of reggaeton Ivy Queen, every track contains that classic dembow flow and has an overall message: it’s time to party. Playa Saturno is yet another showcase as to why Rauw Alejandro remains a key player in the new-age reggaeton phase we see today. – Keylee Paz
Piggy by Peter McPoland (released August 2023)
With gritty instrumentals filled with vibrant guitar solos and vocals, Peter McPoland has taken his newest album Piggy to a whole new level. Piggy, released in August of 2023, dove deeper into his indie style that was seen in his debut album Slow Down in 2022. McPoland wrote all the songs on his own, and they were produced in his apartment bedroom. His first release from the album was “Digital Silence” which initially gained traction on TikTok, leading his audience to wait in anticipation for the rest of Piggy. McPoland’s use of repetition is a common theme seen through many of his tracks, notably through the songs “Ceiling Fan/Piggy,” and “Turn Off The Noise.” Whether you are at his concert or listening to his music alone in your room, the energy reaches a new high with each repeated word or phrase. Piggy was a big leap forward in McPoland’s producing capabilities and once again he has put out an album exceeding expectations, making him the face of emerging artists in the indie-rock genre. – Taarena Rathore
One More Time… by Blink-182 (released October 2023)
2023 is a big year for all the fans of the original members of Blink-182. After the indefinite absence of Tom Delonge from the notorious trio, Matt Skiba has taken his place since 2015. This year was extra special with releasing the album One More Time…, as Delonge has officially rejoined the group. This album isn’t just a comeback for the original members of Blink-182 and celebrates the band’s ups and downs throughout the years. After singer Mark Hoppus was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in 2021, it reminded both the band and fans of Blink-182 to not take anything for granted, celebrate differences, and, most of all, make every moment memorable. This new album doesn’t stray away from blink-182’s iconic sound, but some tracks experiment with a more acoustic sound like “ONE MORE TIME.” The band released a full North American tour for 2024 to celebrate this iconic comeback. With Pierce The Veil opening for shows the entire tour, fans are ready to jam out live one more time. – Kate Jancosko
Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones (released October 2023)
The Rolling Stones blessed us this year with their first original album in nearly two decades. Hackney Diamonds, an album whose name comes from the broken glass one finds in the streets of Hackney, has been described by critics as their best work since the 1970s, and it’s hard to argue with them. From the punchy opening track, “Angry,” to the near-eight-minute ballad “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” to the punk-esque “Bite My Head Off,” the album is a tasting menu of what makes the Stones so great. The sheer variety of music featured on the record is enough to earn praise, but the energy contained in each track pushes the album to heights not seen from the band in decades. Being the band’s first release since the passing of longtime drummer Charlie Watts, the album has a few melancholy points, which fit well between the louder, more raucous songs. For Stones fans, the album is a triumph, proving to the rest of the world that even after 60+ years the band still has the magic that propelled them into the spotlight in the mid-1960s. – Morgan Rosenbaum
Golden by Jungkook (released November 2023)
Ending the year strong with his highly anticipated release, Jungkook, BTS’s youngest member, made his solo debut with the album Golden. Embracing diversity, he deliberately released an all-English album to transcend linguistic boundaries. With pre-release singles like record-breaking “Seven (feat. Latto),” certified platinum by the RIAA, and “3D (feat. Jack Harlow),” the album showcases his versatility as he effortlessly explores electro-pop, ballads, and funk. The theme of love is prevalent throughout and going through each stage with discovery, desperation, happiness, heartbreak, and moving on to be able to love again. Jungkook’s most discernible influence is undeniably Michael Jackson, evident in the vocal hiccups and intricate choreography in the lead single “Standing Next To You.” Interestingly, it’s the slower songs that linger in the listener’s mind long after the final note as they are the more hard-hitting and emotional pieces in the album. There is no denying that in the current moment with Golden, Jungkook boldly establishes his presence on the global pop scene. – Andrea Diaz
The Fear of Fear EP by Spiritbox (released November 2023)
Canadian metalcore band, Spiritbox has their eyes on the new prize with their latest ep, The Fear of Fear. The record was released on November 3rd, 2023 featuring 6 brand new tracks featuring a wide range of multi-dimensional experimental sounds pushing the limits on what defines the metalcore scene. The brilliant genre defying minds of Courtney LaPlante, Mike Stringer, Zev Rose, and Josh Gilbert strike upon one another creating an outburst of massive raging energy catapulting them into untouchable levels. Following the success of their first debut album, Eternal Blue in 2021 the band has fully devoted themselves into their craft developing a new found state of mind. The pushing and pulling tension of the record performed by Laplante’s screams and entrancing vocals in their track such as “Jaded” captures the true essence and identity of the band. Throughout “The Fear of Fear” the blend of heavy riffs, breakdowns, and melodic atmosphere shows their never ending versatility. Spiritbox has further torn apart the rigid expectations within the metalcore genre due to their heavy extravagant sonic blends. Their diverse and poetic poignant lyricism paired along with their explosive sound has labeled them into become one of the most prominent bands within the metal scene. – Hanna Oliva
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