The 45 best albums of 2023: 45–21
RIFF’s best albums of 2023 include the Rolling Stones, Blink-182, Cleo Sol, Miley Cyrus, Allison Russell, Victoria Monét, Kali Uchis, Fall Out Boy, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Manchester Orchestra, Janelle Monáe, JPEGMafia with Danny Brown, Blondshell, Doja Cat, Andre 3000, Mick Jenkins, Sir Chloe, Ryuchi Sakamoto, James Blake, Laufey, Yo La Tengo, Rick Springfield, Yussef Dayes, Sufjan Stevens and Sevendust.
As RIFF’s staff prepared our annual list of the best albums of 2023, we realized we’d only awarded three perfect scores all year, and two of them were for albums getting a re-release (thanks Taylor). That left just one (Paramore) and a bunch of near-perfect albums.
We usually like to break this up to build suspense over the course of a week, but let’s not bother. We’ve got two parts, and they’re both here now. Part 1 includes some of the best rock, hip-hop, soul, electronica, folk and more experimental music. Here you’ll find The Rolling Stones, André 3000, Blink-182, Miley Cyrus and Doja Cat—hear us out!—along with many more.
Catch the top 20 albums at the end.
Rick Springfield, “Automatic.”
45. Rick Springfield
Automatic – SongVest Records – The freakish surprise of the year for so many reasons: He was 73, he recorded 20 songs, and all of them are good. Some of them are really good. Whatever vitamins Rick Springfield is taking, we’ll have what he’s having.
Yussef Dayes, “Black Classical Music.”
44. Yussef Dayes
Black Classical Music – Brownswood Recordings/Nonesuch Records –
This is an album of influence blending a variety of jazz styles into a modern fusion. Yussef Dayes’ proficiency on the drums is evident, as his intriguingly tasteful beats, which are prominent on each song. For a debut solo work, Black Classical Music has a lot to say with few words.
Laufey, “Bewitched.”
43. Laufey
Bewitched – AWAL – Nothing has jazzed up the mainstream music scene in 2023 quite like Laufey’s Bewitched. The Icelandic-Chinese musician’s sophomore album recalls a golden-age sound through elements of symphonic, jazz, bossa nova and pop—it’s even complete with a nocturne. Combined with Laufey’s confessional lyrics of meet-cutes and unrequited love, Bewitched makes way for a new generation of romantics and jazz fans alike.
Yo La Tengo, “This Stupid World.”
42. Yo La Tengo
This Stupid World – Matador – Like fine wine, Hoboken, New Jersey’s Yo La Tengo just gets better with age. The power trio’s 16th studio album, This Stupid World, is a masterclass in understatement, combining sedate Sonic Youth with Chicago experimenters Tortoise as it explores the outer boundaries of rock and roll.
Mick Jenkins, “The Patience.”
41. Mick Jenkins
The Patience – RBC – Mick Jenkins’ seventh album is full of clever rhymes over smooth beats. The thought-provoking track list shows he has nothing left to prove; he’s just here to tell us his truth. Jenkins seamlessly shifts between moods, establishing himself as an underrated modern hip-hop great.
Manchester Orchestra, “The Valley of Vision.”
40. Manchester Orchestra
The Valley of Vision – Loma Vista Recordings – Even without the accompanying, gorgeous virtual reality film, the latest from Manchester Orchestra is a beautiful moody record that just gets better with more listens. There are layers of emotions stacked on layers of emotions. Just an experience.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, “12.”
39. Ryuichi Sakamoto
12 – Milan Records – From his days as a founding member of legendary jazz combo Yellow Magic Orchestra in the 1970s to his solo work, Ryuichi Sakamoto was one of the world’s most important modern composers. Sakamoto’s final solo album, 12, was released just two months before his death from cancer in March. The haunting collection of atmospheric pieces beautifully straddles the division between sound and music.
Allison Russell, “The Returner.”
38. Allison Russell
The Returner – Fantasy – Allison Russell went from being the darling of Americana to… well, she’s still their darling, but she branches out into disco, gospel and orchestral music on The Returner. Lots of guest stars stop by including Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman of Prince and the Revolution, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark and Hozier. Their presence helps make this album a fun and joyous record, even when Russell is tackling tough subjects like racism (“Eve Was Black”), gun violence (“Requiem”) or self-doubt (“Demons).
Sir Chloe, “I Am the Dog.”
37. Sir Chloe
I Am the Dog – Atlantic – Dana Foote sings about want, shame and power imbalances in relationships with a dark, vaguely menacing, PJ-Harvey-esque delivery. Sir Chloe has a lot of churning, buzzing and squealing guitars, but Foote also flirts with surf rock and country western on I Am the Dog. Highlights include “Should I,” “Salivate” and “Hooves.” It’s a knockout debut.
JPEGMafia and Danny Brown, “Scaring the Hoes.”
36. JPEGMafia and Danny Brown
Scaring the Hoes – AWAL – It’s fitting that these two artists’ first collaborative album would derive its title from a phrase often used to ridicule music that isn’t mainstream. Between JPEGMafia’s eclectic and eccentric sample choices, and Danny Brown’s unique vocal inflection, there isn’t a rap album that sounds quite like it.
Doja Cat, “Scarlet.”
35. Doja Cat
Scarlet – RCA – Scarlet – Doja Cat’s fourth album marks her segue from her more pop-centric vocals and squarely into rap and hip-hop, as she promised it would. Abrasive but raw, Doja Cat comes out swinging, fully taking on this new persona on an album that covers themes like feminism, growth, and unapologetic self-love. It’s entirely self-penned and her best work yet.
André 3000, “New Blue Sun.”
34. André 3000
New Blue Sun – Epic – Former OutKast rapper André 3000 surprised the world with his first solo album in 17 years. Even wilder, New Blue Sun turned out to be an album of modern jazz flute music. While most listeners were at least momentarily taken aback, jazz heads discovered a thoughtful and heartfelt album that showcases André’s solid ear as an improviser and decent chops as a flautist. Even better, he demonstrated that artists can still make surprising choices in a music industry that too often paints by numbers.
Rolling Stones, “Hackney Diamonds.”
33. Rolling Stones
Hackney Diamonds – Geffen – From opening track “Angry,” those chunky Keith Richards guitar riffs sound like an old friend you thought you might not ever see again. The Rolling Stones are back, 18 years after their last batch of originals. It’s not fair to compare Hackney Diamonds to Rolling Stones’ all-time classics, but these songs are engaging, most of them muscular and catchy. “Living By The Sword” features four original Stones (including Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman). “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” is an inspired duet with Mick and Lady Gaga. And Richards’ vocal on “Tell Me Straight” is far better than one would hope. The Rolling Stones’ trip back was worth it.
Janelle Monáe, “The Age of Pleasure.”
32. Janelle Monáe
The Age of Pleasure – Atlantic/Wondaland Arts Society – Janelle Monáe’s latest album continues her evolution beyond her android-themed discography, diving into themes of gender, sexuality and polyamory as a vibrant celebration of self-expression. It’s a fun-to-funky testament to female and femme-presenting artists reclaiming their narratives within the traditionally male-dominated realms of hip-hop and R&B. Monáe’s growth shines through tightly produced beats, jazz-funk nuances and reggae-infused tracks, delivering an unapologetic celebration of identity and sexuality that resonates as a powerful statement in today’s culture.
Blink-182, “One More Time.”
31. Blink-182
One More Time… – Columbia – After eight years, Blink-182 is finally back together, and their new album is a party. Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker managed to maintain their core sound after over two decades, but they’ve grown, and the influences of their other projects and life events comes through loud and clear. The result provokes nostalgia while still sounding fresh.
Sufjan Stevens, “Javelin”
30. Sufjan Stevens
Javelin – Asthmatic Kitty – Singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens lost his longtime partner Evans Richardson in April. Javelin feels like a loving farewell. The album’s lush production and heartfelt songs feel like a big, healthy sigh at the end of a funeral.
Cleo Sol, “Heaven.”
29. Cleo Sol
Heaven – Forever Living Originals – The first of two Cleo Sol albums in 2023, Heaven is a teacher of care, faith and self-love. It’s the memorial of “trust in the process” and “ the light at the end of the tunnel;” seeing beyond the circumstances in front of you and returning to the faith within you.
Miley Cyrus, “Endless Summer Vacation.”
28. Miley Cyrus
Endless Summer Vacation – Columbia – Endless Summer Vacation was the natural extension of Miley Cyrus’ rocker/diva/chanteuse aesthetic she found on Plastic Hearts. It was simply impossible to avoid “Flowers,” an undeniably catchy anthem to individualism. This record is by far Cyrus’ most mature work.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Weathervanes.”
27. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Weathervanes – Southeastern/Thirty Tigers – Jason Isbell’s ninth album is similar in scope to most of its predecessors in its tackling of mature, sometimes complicated themes (failed human connections, abortion, mass school shootings and life as a foster child). It also sharpens the details and the level of wordplay, two areas already among Isbell’s strengths. He may be exhausted and sometimes jaded, but he still cares. The album falls into the alt-country or Americana categories, but it really transcends both.
James Blake, “Playing Robots Into Heaven.”
26. James Blake
Playing Robots Into Heaven – Republic – James Blake’s sound gets weirder and better with this return to roots album. His chopped and echoey vocal samples are modulated over an electronic bass that’s grimier than on his previous albums. It’s more in the same vein as his Before EP.
Kali Uchis, “Red Moon in Venus.”
25. Kali Uchis
Red Moon in Venus – Geffen –Kali Uchis’ album is a dreamy soundscape where she conveys desire and heartbreak with clear eyes. Her breathy voice nimbly switches between Spanish and English as she delivers her ruminations about faith and honesty. Lush orchestration and wind chimes underscore the sense of optimism about the path that lies ahead of her.
Sevendust, “Truth Killer.”
24. Sevendust
Truth Killer – Napalm – Truth Killer, which infuses the familiar and reliable Sevendust sound with so much freshness, is the band’s best record since Seasons. Songs like “I Might Let the Devil Win” defy nu-metal conventions, and “Holy Water” has such an energetic and anthemic quality that makes it instantly engaging. Vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery adeptly share the melodies on this monster of an album.
Fall Out Boy, “So Much (For) Stardust.”
23. Fall Out Boy
So Much (For) Stardust – Fueled by Ramen – Don’t call it a comeback… entirely. Fall Out Boy rekindled some of its emo inspiration on So Much (For) Stardust, fusing the energy of the band’s earlier days with the bombastic arena rock for which it’s become known. “Love From the Other Side” and “Heartbreak Feels So Good” cook while the soaring “Heaven, Iowa” is one of the best power ballads of the year.
Blondshell, “Blondshell.”
22. Blondshell
Blondshell – Partisan – Blondshell (Sabrina Mae Teitelbaum) is angry, and she’s not afraid to tell us (over screaming guitars) what about: terrible boyfriends, her friends’ terrible boyfriends, getting (and staying sober) and her low self-esteem. All this is fodder for extremely catchy grunge-pop songs with that classic ’90s quiet/loud/quiet aesthetic. Highlights include “Veronica Mars,” “Salad,” “Olympus” and “Kiss City.”
Victoria Monét, “Jaguar II.”
21. Victoria Monét
Jaguar II – Lovett Music/RCA – After three years, Victoria Monét completed the Jaguar series with an 11-track project that represents confidence, affirmation and empowerment. It’s a balanced of low-, mid- and uptempo songs that are felt through the passion in her voice that glides with her pen to keep you reeled in.
See out top 20 albums of 2023.
45. Rick Springfield. 44. Yussef Dayes. 43. Laufey. 42. Yo La Tengo. 41. Mick Jenkins. 40. Manchester Orchestra. 39. Ryuchi Sakamoto. 38. Allison Russell. 37. Sir Chloe. 36. JPEGMafia and Danny Brown. 35. Doja Cat. 34. André 3000. 33. Rolling Stones. 32. Janelle Monáe. 31. Blink-182. 30. Sufjan Stevens. 29. Cleo Sol. 28. Miley Cyrus. 27. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. 26. James Blake. 25. Kali Uchis. 24. Sevendust. 23. Fall Out Boy. 22. Blondshell. 21. Victoria Monét.
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