The Tuesday Tracks team members picked their favorite songs of 2023: RUSSKAJA, Ane Brun, Alfa Mist, Static Dress, Alice Russell, Towa Bird, Miranda Joan and Daiistar.

Last year was a great one for new music, and for Tuesday Tracks! Our writers spent hours listening to every song submitted to our inbox and picking favorites, with nothing in it for us but the joy of sharing good music. We hope our recommendations helped you find new artists and broaden your horizons, just like it did for all of us! With a calm end to 2023, we asked them to pick just one that stayed with them and tell us why. Enjoy these tracks from RUSSKAJA, Towa Bird, Miranda Joan, Alice Russell, Daiistar, Ane Brun, Static Dress and Alfa Mist! — editor Rachel Alm.

RUSSKAJA, “Shapka” — Over the course of the year I picked a lot of really great songs (most of which metal, apparently) but my pick really came down to two: Hyro the Hero’s “Sho Nuff” and RUSSKAJA’s “Shapka.” Obviously, “Shapka” won. What gave it the edge was that it’s not just good but profoundly weird; I hadn’t heard a polka-punk-ska band do a nu-metal song before this and I haven’t since, and that’s a distinction to be celebrated. — Daniel J. Willis, from Jan. 10.

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Daiistar, “Tracemaker” — This Austin noise-pop band does not disappoint. It delivers fuzzy, loud distortion for miles. The wall of sound is blistering with infectious hooks. I finally got to see Daiistar in San Diego with The Dandy Warhols and Black Angels (who produced Daiistar’s album). The band was even better live! With so many guitars, its sound was driving and explosive. If you like noise-rock, shoegaze a la The Jesus & Mary Chain, be sure to catch them. — Rachel Goodman, from May 2.

Alice Russell, “Rain” — The cool back and forth between the guitar and bass leads this song along at a nice easy pace, while still injecting it with emotion. That, combined with the clear feeling coming through in Alice Russell’s voice, strikes a chord in me every time I give it a listen. “Rain” is my Tuesday Track of the year. —Peter Knezevich, from Dec. 5.

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Ane Brun, “Hand in the Fire” — Out of all my picks in 2023, this is my favorite. It introduced me to Ane Brun’s hauntingly ethereal voice. “Hand in the Fire” showcases her artistry in crafting music that’s both introspective and theatrical. House music duo Body Ocean recently came out with a dance remix, but I’m more of a fan of the knotty percussion in the original version. — Sery Morales, from May 16.

Miranda Joan featuring CARRTOONS, “Bada Bing!” – From the first minute of this song by Miranda Joan, I was hooked. Groovy, flirty and a little retro, it’s a monster ear-worm. I kept coming back to this smooth, soulful track long after the week I picked it. You can just hear the smile in Joan’s sultry voice when she sings, “Hit me with the bada bing/ Catch my heart like it’s a rebound.” The Canadian-born, Brooklyn-based artist has sung backup for heavy-hitters like the Killers, Shawn Mendes and Lorde. The video is a delightful homage to “The Sopranos” (and Italian food) with scenes filmed at locations from the show, including (of course) Satin Dolls, aka the Bada Bing. “Hit me with a good slice/ Hit me with the high life/ Hit me with the I’m your number one.” You’re my number one this year, Miranda. — Rachel Alm, from Sept. 12.

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Static Dress featuring Sophie Meyers, “attempt 8” — I’ve had the pleasure of being introduced to so many new artists and sounds through Tuesday Tracks, but the greatest indicator of when a song has truly left an impression on me is when I add it to my personal library of music. After hearing Static Dress’ “attempt 8,” I had it on repeat for a good couple of weeks. It’s a song I still come back to and enjoy. The addition of Sophie Meyers’ vocals, sound distortion and reverb to this standout ballad, originally released in 2022 as part of the band’s second album, gave it new life and an emotional flair. — Italie Penaloza, from Sept. 26.

Towa Bird, “Wild Heart” — I loved the alt-rock that was being made in the early aughts, with bands like Franz Ferdinand, the Bravery, the Hives and the Wombats. “Wild Heart” by Towa Bird fits on that list, both in sound and in its optimistic exuberance. It’s got a catchy melody and a beat you can move to. Even better, the songs Towa Bird has released since this one have their own personality, showing a range of strengths. — Roman Gokhman, from April 11.

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Alfa Mist featuring Bongeziwe Mabandla, “Apho” — This rich track combines two distinct sounds. It’s at once jazzy with Spanish-like guitar strumming and tightly produced by London MC Alfa Mist, and beautifully melancholic with the sweet voice of South African Bongeziwe Mabandla rising above the percussion and cello notes. — Mel Bowman, from April 4.

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