Absolutely thrilled to share our favorite releases from this remarkable year in music. It's a joy to witness the triumphant return of seasoned veterans who have graced the industry for decades, alongside the exciting emergence of new talents. What unites these diverse artists is their remarkable ability, each within their own genre, to reinvent themselves with their recent releases. Here are the ten albums that collectively represent the artistic evolution and enduring brilliance of musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape of 2023.
Depeche Mode's 15th studio album, Memento Mori, emerged on the Columbia label this spring, marking a significant shift as the first release following the passing of Andy Fletcher in 2022. This album, serving as both a memorial to Fletcher and an exploration of broader global tragedies like Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, centers around the predominant theme of mortality.
The lead single, "Ghost Again," set the thematic tone for the entire album, where Depeche Mode's iconic electro-pop sound seamlessly transitions between classic elements and occasional forays into industrial and experimental sounds. Despite concerns about the transition to a duo following Fletcher's departure, Dave and Martin defy expectations, delivering a remarkable record that not only showcases their enduring production quality but also establishes a profound connection with the listener.
Memento Mori stands as a testament to Depeche Mode's resilience and ability to evolve, reaffirming their status as pioneers in the electronic music landscape. The album manages to capture the essence of the band's legacy while pushing boundaries and resonating with the current global climate.
02. Glüme - Main Character [Italians Do It Better]
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Glüme, previously known as Molly Marlette, resurfaced in the music scene. Having released an album in 2012 under her former moniker, she returned with Main Character, her second release. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it unfolds as an almost conceptual journey, shedding light on her experiences as a childhood actor while paying homage to the legendary Marilyn Monroe. Noteworthy collaborations on the album include names like Sean Ono Lennon (son of John and Yoko), Rufus Wainwright, of Montreal, and Johnny Jewel, with a subtle nod to Lana Del Rey.
Staying true to her signature style, Glüme's music maintains a melancholic and introspective electro-pop sound, a continuation from her debut release. In the realm of electro-pop, Main Character stands out as one of the finest releases of the year. Notable tracks that capture the essence of the album include "Child Actor," "Brittany," "Main Character," and "Queen of LA."
03. Lana Del Rey - Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd [Polydor]
In late 2022, Lana Del Rey made a triumphant return with her 9th studio album, unveiling it with the release of the title track. True to her distinctive music style and tone, The Tunnel under the Ocean Blvd, immerses the listener in an intimate exploration of Lana's personal world, delving into themes of self-image, family dynamics, aging, and the fading allure of glamour.
This album doesn't merely dwell on nostalgia; instead, Lana weaves references from her early years into a tapestry of fresh and innovative sounds. The result is undeniably one of her most remarkable releases to date, offering a mesmerizing blend of sensual slowcore that invites the listener to drift away. Standout tracks such as "A&W," "Candy Necklace," "Let the Light In," and "Paris Texas" epitomize the album's captivating allure.
04. Yves Tumor - Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) [Warp Records]
Yves Tumor's sixth studio album maintains a remarkable consistency with their previous work, particularly the last two albums. Each track stands out independently, boasting its own nuanced intensity and a masterful fusion of electronic and rock guitar elements. Whether exploring post-punk, neo-psychedelia, industrial, or art rock, Yves Tumor consistently excels, delivering a unique and thoroughly engaging musical experience.
Beyond their musical prowess, Yves Tumor also demonstrates a talent for translating intriguing and unpredictable artistic imagery into their music videos. This ability to meld captivating visual expressions with their sonic landscapes adds an extra layer to the overall experience.
Highlighted by standout tracks like "God is a Circle," "Purified by the Fire," and "Ebony Eye," the album serves as a testament to Yves Tumor's versatility and artistry, reaffirming their status as a band that consistently pushes boundaries and delivers enthralling musical journeys.
05. Blur - The Ballad of Darren [Parlophone]
In recent years, Damon Albarn has been remarkably prolific in the music scene. Since the 2015 release of The Magic Whip, he has kept a steady output, contributing to four albums with Gorillaz and releasing a solo album in 2021. His latest studio effort, The Ballad of Darren, may be concise at only 36 minutes, but it adeptly encapsulates the full spectrum of its melancholic beauty.
Drawing parallels to Albarn's earlier solo work, this album possesses a more mainstream appeal. Despite the band's enduring presence, largely rooted in their '90s legacy, The Ballad of Darren stands as a compelling testament to their longevity and serves as a noteworthy comeback. Notably, the album's brevity doesn't compromise its ability to convey both the heights and depths of its emotional resonance.
Highlighted by tracks like "The Ballad," "Barbaric," and "Russian Strings," the album showcases Albarn's continued prowess in crafting evocative and engaging musical landscapes.
06. Sufjan Stevens - Javelin [Asthmatic Kitty]
Sufjan Stevens, in the wake of the loss of his longtime partner, unveils his deeply poignant 10th studio album, Javelin. This emotionally charged piece transcends mere musical expression; it bleeds with raw sentiment, presenting sorrow in a palpable and immersive manner. The album, a product of Stevens' home studio recordings with the collaborative contributions of his friends, exudes a sense of expansive team production.
"Javelin" is an explosive amalgamation of feelings and harmonies, effectively seducing the listener into its powerful narrative. Stevens, known for his adeptness in turning acoustic compositions into epic and beautiful sonic landscapes, continues to showcase his mastery in this album.
Highlighted by tracks such as "Goodbye Evergreen," "So You Are Tired," and "Shit Talk," the album navigates the depths of grief while simultaneously celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, making it a standout in Sufjan Stevens' illustrious discography.
07. Kylie Minogue - Tension [BMG Rights Management]
Kylie Minogue's enduring presence in the music industry spans an impressive four decades, and what stands out is her consistent ability to secure Top ten hits in each era. With Tension, her 16th studio release, Kylie orchestrates a veritable dance festival. While her previous album leaned towards a disco influence, Tension sees her drawing inspiration from the synth-pop of the 80s and the house and dance vibes of the 90s.
This album stands out as one of Kylie's finest releases in the past decade, showcasing her prowess in navigating the realms of electro-pop and dance. It reaffirms that these genres remain her playground, and she continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene.
Highlighted by tracks like "Vegas High," "Tension," and "10 out of 10," the album is a testament to Kylie Minogue's ability to evolve with the times while maintaining a signature sound that keeps her music fresh and relevant.
08. Slowdive - Everything is Alive [Dead Oceans]
Slowdive, marking their fifth studio album in thirty years with Everything is Alive, continues to defy the temporal boundaries of their illustrious career. While music critics often highlight their initial albums, Just for a Day and Souvlaki, as career peaks, each subsequent Slowdive release exhibits a distinctive depth, quality, and authenticity.
Everything Is Alive emerges as the quintessence of Slowdive, offering a synthesis of elements from their earlier records. The album, perhaps leaning more towards ambient synth and less on guitars, showcases the band's evolution and maturity. Despite these shifts, Slowdive remains faithful to their dream pop/shoegaze trademark, demonstrating an enduring commitment to their unique sonic landscape. With a collection of songs that could be considered highlights in their entirety, Everything is Alive stands as a testament to Slowdive's ability to evolve while staying true to the essence that defines their genre-defining sound.
09. Alison Goldfrapp – The Love Invention [Skint]
Goldfrapp, a musical entity with a two-decade legacy and seven studio albums under their belt, took a compelling turn during the pandemic in 2022. Alison Goldfrapp embarked on her first solo endeavor following a successful collaboration with the Norwegian duo Röyksopp. This solo venture, co-produced by Richard X, who previously worked on Goldfrapp's Head First, represents a musical exploration that falls under the umbrella of electropop. However, it ventures into other genres such as nu-disco, house, and synthpop, embracing the dance concept synonymous with the duo's collaborative efforts.
This solo album not only showcases Goldfrapp's versatility as an artist but also demonstrates a commitment to keeping the dance floor alive. The tracks, including "Never Stop," "Love Invention," and "So Hard So Hot," serve as vibrant highlights, epitomizing the album's dynamic blend of electronic genres. As Goldfrapp steps into the realm of solo work, the result is a continuation of their tradition of delivering infectious and dance-worthy tunes that captivate listeners across a spectrum of electronic music genres.
After an almost 24-year hiatus, the iconic duo Everything but the Girl has made a triumphant return with their eleventh studio album. Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn, who pursued individual projects during this lengthy hiatus, reunited to deliver Fuse. This album is a compelling fusion of downtempo acoustic and electro-driven tracks, featuring a more serious and mature set of lyrics.
Everything but the Girl has always possessed a sophisticated touch in their music, and "Fuse" serves as a testament to the enduring quality of their sound. Despite the extended break, Watt and Thorn, as seasoned music veterans, showcase their ability to deliver high-end electronic pop music.
Highlighted by tracks like "Nothing Left To Lose," "Run a Red Light," and "Caution To the Wind," the album encapsulates the duo's signature style while embracing a contemporary electronic pop sensibility. Fuse stands as a remarkable comeback, reaffirming Everything but the Girl's status as pioneers in the realm of electronic music.