20. Lucinda Chau- YIAN
The Londoner gave us the most fragile and beautiful album to kick the year off. An album that delves into self identity, it’s highly textured blend of gentle strings and keys carry Lucinda’s voice throughout. Emotionally hard hitting and wonderful (think a more classically-tinged Massive Attack), it’s definitely a bit of a hidden gem that rewards repeated listens.
19. Olivia Rodrigo- GUTS
A breezy, fun and slightly goofier followup to Olivia’s debut, this album is definitely the most mainstream on this list. What Olivia does best for me -invoke memories of listening to acts like No Doubt when I was a (lot) younger- is the best aspect of this album. There’s a few cuts that I could live without and overall it’s not quite as strong as SOUR. That said, it’s an easy listen you can turn on any time and definitely deserving of it’s spot on this list.
18. Deerhoof- Miracle Level
Deerhoof’s all Japanese, fully studio produced album is one of their best albums to date. There’s a real sense of playfulness in these tracks, it’s fascinating to hear a band that have been around for so long still being able to bring out some new surprises. Also, the guitar work on this album need a special callout, goddamn great! Definitely one to check out if you have missed it.
17. Black Country, New Road- Live at Bush Hall
Black Country, New Road are one of the most exciting bands going because they are working in such a forward thinking way. What to do when your main vocalist leaves for personal reasons? Tour a new set comprised over entirely new material of course! And that’s essentially what this album is- a compilation of new music played live, which surprisingly, works to a degree of feeling like a new album proper. Unlike it’s slow, plodding, progressive rock tinged predecessor album, this new material seems to go directly for the more raucous elements of their signature sound- the new vocals are an extra layer to the fun- perfect imperfection once again being the charm of the band. Definitely worth checking out, it’s more than ‘just’ another live album.
16. Ayumi Hamasaki- Remember You
This year’s return of Ayumi Hamasaki was a fan-pleaser through and through. There were never going to be any new converts, but for those waiting for her comeback, it was a great, addictive album that filled the Ayumi Hamasaki shaped gap in fan’s lives. Sure, it sounds dated, straight out of the mid noughties, has cheesy moments- but no-one pulls off an ‘avex ballad’ like Hamasaki. Her voice is just as great as ever here too. If you’re a fan, you’ve no doubt already listened. On a personal level, it was one of my most replayed albums of 2023, really hit some nostalgia strings (in the best way) and deserves it’s spot on this list.
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