As the year draws to a close and the festive season envelops us in its warm embrace, there’s an added layer of joy that comes with the arrival of end of year lists. Whether it’s top albums, songs or live music performances, these compilations offer a reflective journey through the highs and lows of the past year.
From highly awaited comebacks to promising debuts, 2023 poised to be a standout year for albums. The God is in the TV team are currently taking another look at the albums that have shaped our year. Without further ado, I present my top ten albums of 2023 – after #1, they’re in no order because it was simply too difficult.
Tom Rasmussen – Bodybuilding
Conceived as an intricate exploration of violence in three dynamic acts – escapism, reality, and revenge – Body Building stands as a profound representation of trans joy, queer love, and unapologetic defiance. Tom Rasmussen’s artistic vision transforms the album into a multifaceted narrative, weaving together themes that transcend the conventional boundaries of music. While Body Building might be aptly described as a perfect slice of dance-pop, it steadfastly refuses to confine itself to the limitations of a single genre. Tom’s boundless creativity and experimental spirit propel the album through a spectrum of sounds, seamlessly transitioning from pulsating electro beats to infectious pop melodies. This fearless exploration into the unknown – coupled with Tom’s inherent versatility – creates an enchanting and ever-evolving sonic landscape.
Blink 182 – One More Time
As fans everywhere eagerly awaited their return, Blink-182 did not disappoint with the release of One More Time. Featuring the original line up, One More Time both evokes a sense of nostalgia and serves as a testament to the bands growth as musicians. The album showcases a newfound depth in the trios songwriting, while still retaining the infectious hooks and rebellious energy that characterised their early years. Blink-182’s lyrics have always been a compelling aspect of their music, though they’re more poignant than ever on One More Time – they reflect a band that has weathered the storms of time and experience, particularly on the title track.
Lucy Spraggan – Balance
August saw Lucy Spraggan release her seventh album into the wild. Titled Balance, it’s one of Lucy’s most reflective releases yet, with her pouring her heart and soul info every single song. Renowned for tackling difficult topics that tend to be evaded within the media, Lucy’s transparency continues to serve her well and she touches on various topics close to her heart – including her personal experience of being diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, to the difficulties of overcoming imposter syndrome so that she can enjoy her well deserved success. Laced with the honesty and authenticity that sets her work aside from that of other artists, Balance is definitely a record that Lucy Spraggan should be proud of.
The Lottery Winners – Anxiety Replacement Therapy
Anxiety Replacement Therapy, the debut album from The Lottery Winners, arrived earlier this year and it has everything – from infectiously catchy choruses to honest lyrics. Described by frontman Thom Rylance as a “self-help tape” for those struggling in life, it tackles a multitude of issues – including austerity, mental health, personal development and anxiety. If the album didn’t have enough going for it already, it also hosts collaborations galore, with a wealth of strong celebrity names lending their vocals – including Frank Turner, Boy George and Shaun Ryder.
Sufjan Stevens – Javelin
Representing a remarkable milestone, Javelin stands as the tenth studio album from the profoundly gifted American musician, Sufjan Stevens. Serving as a poignant return to Sufjan’s intimate singer-songwriter roots, Javelin sends listeners on a mesmerising journey through sound that showcases Sufjan’s extraordinary talent and artistic vision. With its sheer brilliance and artistic depth, the album not only reaffirms Sufjan Stevens’ mastery but also solidifies its place as a standout contribution to the musical canvas of 2023.
James – Be Opened by the Wonderful
Late last year, Manchester legends James thrilled fans by announcing that they’d be celebrating their 40th anniversary by releasing a double album – arranged and conducted by Joe Duddell, the album was recorded at Blueprint Studios and features a full orchestra and gospel choir. When it comes to James, you’re always to expect the unexpected and instead of just reworking their greatest hits, they reworked a selection of deeper cuts and even recorded a new track titled ‘Love Make A Fool’. A testament to the artistry of the band, Be Opened by the Wonderful invites listeners to experience the depth and beauty embedded in each and every track that’s without a doubt been carefully chosen by the band.
Johnny Marr – Spirit Power
Johnny Marr has certainly proved unstoppable this year – juggling multiple projects and leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Just last month, the Manchester icon celebrated a decade since he launched his solo career by releasing his compilation album, Spirit Power. Personally curated by Johnny, Spirit Power encompasses songs from all four of his widely acclaimed UK top ten solo albums – as well as five previously unheard demos and rarities that are stripped to the bone, drawing attention to just how gifted he is as a songwriter and musician. Aside from housing a plethora of brilliant guitar work, the album serves as a testament to the substantial strides that Johnny has taken in his solo career – distinctly highlighting the evolution of his lyrics and the strength of his vocals over the past decade, showcasing a remarkable journey of artistic growth.
Jake Shears – Last Man Dancing
American singer Jake Shears released his second solo album this year. Titled Last Man Dancing, it’s a triumphant testament to his evolution as an artist. While his debut album introduced fans to his introspective and personal side, its follow up sees him take a bold leap into vibrant, upbeat territory. The ex Scissor Sisters frontman even manages to elevate the musical experience with captivating collaborations that add depth and diversity to the tracks – including the legendary actress, Jane Fonda, who lends her voice to ‘Radio Eyes’.
The Maine – The Maine
The Maine marks the ninth studio album from the American rock band of the same name. Characterized by its electric and frenetic pacing, the album showcases a robust collection of tracks, each resonating with the upbeat singalong choruses that have become synonymous with the Arizona rockers. As reflective as ever, John O’Callaghan’s lyrics contribute significantly to the album’s success. However, the allure extends beyond his captivating vocals, encompassing Jared Monaco and Kennedy Brock’s funky riffs, Garrett Nickelsen’s pulsating bass, and Patrick Kirch’s robust drums — collectively delivering a powerhouse musical experience. As one of the enduring bands from the pop-punk era, The Maine continue to demonstrate their ability to continuously adapt to an ever changing industry.
Neon Waltz – Honey Now
2023 welcomed the release of the Neon Waltz’s second full length album, Honey Now. A standout addition to the Scottish quartets evolving discography, the album is a testament to the band’s remarkable ability to cultivate a musical landscape that is not only profoundly melodic, but also emotionally resonant. Each track unfolds like a carefully crafted story, with lush instrumentation and evocative lyrics that draw the listener into a world of dreamy landscapes.
