Though we’re about to say goodbye to 2023, we certainly won’t be saying goodbye to the wealth of fantastic music that the year brought us. Since the beginning of December, the God is in the TV team have been busy reflecting on their favourite songs, albums and live music performances that the year brought us.
In a year where Kylie Minogue raced back to the centre of the dancefloor and Taylor Swift spoilt us with even more ‘From the Vault’ tracks, there’s A LOT to consider, so it’s been quite a mammoth task. Without further ado, let me run you through my favourite ten tracks of 2023…
Tom A Smith – Little Bits
I don’t think a day passes where I haven’t listened to Tom A Smith. Despite being on tour for most of the year, the young musician’s released a wealth of material and ‘Little Bits’ is definitely my favourite.
modernlove. – Ruin Your Night
Boasting punchy drums and sonic guitar sounds, ‘Ruin Your Night’ by modernlove. has the potential to be a huge indie anthem. Despite being fuelled by raw lyrics about having an awful night out, it exudes a euphoria that transports me back to festival season.
Sea Girls – Weekends & Workdays
Sea Girls are one my favourite bands and they never fail to disappoint. Melodic as ever, ‘Weekends & Workdays’ seamlessly joins the bands repertoire of tracks that come alive in a live setting.
The Lathums – Struggle
Prior to the release of their second studio album, The Lathums released ‘Struggle’ – a powerful tracks that features some of their most personal lyrics yet. Piano led, the track details the bands experience with loss and finding salvation in music, which is something that resonates with most of us.
Dolores Forever – Good Time All The Time
If there’s a band who have mastered the art of songwriting, it’s Dolores Forever. It’s been one hell of a year for the dreamy indie duo and the infectious hooks and lush harmonies of ‘Good Time All The Time’ in particular have me obsessed.
Paris Paloma – Labour
Having elevated Paris Paloma to TikTok stardom, ‘Labour’ explores the uneven give and take in relationships. The pop anthem resonates with females everywhere and went down a storm during the singer songwriters set at Neighbourhood Weekender back in May.
Blink 182 – One More Time
Released as the title single of their latest album, the wistful ‘One More Time’ sees Blink 182 address Mark Hoppus’ recent battle with cancer and Travis Barker’s near-fatal plane crash in 2008. Telling the tale of their latest reunion, the moving track highlights the importance of friendship and serves as a warning of how easy it is to neglect it.
Love Fame Tragedy – Don’t You Want To Sleep With Someone Normal
If you’re not familiar with Love Fame Tragedy, it’s the alt-pop brain child of Matthew Murphy. Released earlier this month, his latest single ‘Don’t You Want To Sleep With Someone Normal’ is a major ear worm that fills me with high hopes for his upcoming album. Throughout the Wombats frontman’s career, the topic of mental health has never been shied away from, and this song is no exception.
Frankie Beetlestone – Cannonball
‘Cannonball’ was Frankie Beetlestone’s first single of 2023 – that was back in February and it’s still in my playlist, which says it all. The Sheffield singer-songwriters brutally honest lyrics about a toxic ex sit alongside hypnotic electronic beats and pulsating bass to create a dreamy soundscape.
Johnny Marr – Somewhere
Last month saw Johnny Marr release a compilation to celebrate the first decade of his solo career. Never one to go through the motions, the Manchester legend shook the ‘Greatest Hits’ format up with the addition of two new tracks – one being, ‘Somewhere’. Boasting an infectiously catchy chorus, the melodic track showcases not just Johnny’s smooth vocals, but also his skills as a lyricist – both of which have gone from strength to strength over the last ten years.
