Our Annual Report concludes with our biggest list — the 200 (!!!) Best Songs of 2023. Make sure to also see our list of the 50 Best Albums of the Year, and check out our complete recap of the best music, film, and TV of 2023 with awards, lists, and interviews all in one place here.
Boy, 2023 sure was a year! A year among years that — OK, now that the casuals have kept scrolling, let’s talk real shit: Let’s talk about the music industry, where Consequence is heading, and why we wanted to write about 200 songs.
By now you know the deal with music media: fewer outlets, fewer jobs for critics, less coverage, and more new music each Friday than any listener can hear in a week. At the same time, readership for reviews has fallen across the industry. If you’ve paid close attention to Consequence in recent years, you’ve probably seen some of our attempts to navigate this uncertain terrain, like the Songs of the Week roundup or the monthly Staff Picks of best albums, which have allowed us to sustainably analyze a lot more new music.
These changes were public, but Consequence has also been evolving behind the scenes. Our senior editors changed a lot over the last three years, and so did our structure. Consequence of Sound became Consequence. We reinvented ourselves to become more collaborative: fewer top-down editorial decisions, more input from a growing team of staff writers and editors. Some readers might recognize their names: Eddie Fu, Abby Jones, Jonah Krueger, Liz Shannon Miller, Sun Noor, Paolo Ragusa, and Mary Siroky. Their passion made a 200-song list possible.
Consequence will continue to grow, but some things never change. Our publisher is still Alex Young, who started the company in his dorm room in 2007. And we still fucking love music. In 2023, as the shape of our staff came into focus, we ramped up our new music coverage for the first time in years. This list is part of that growth — it used to be 50 songs, and now it’s 200. We wish we could write a full article about every single track, and maybe someday the industry will support that. For now, during the biggest abundance of great music in all of human history, we’re so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our picks for the 200 best songs of 2023.
— Wren Graves
Features Editor
200. M83 — “Amnesia”
Anthony Gonzalez has offered a beyond-worthy successor to Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’s “Reunion” — “Amnesia” is both dramatic and serene, energizing and spacey. — Paolo Ragusa
199. mazie — “Are You Feeling It Now?”
It’s a groovy, playful disco track about an acid trip that’s sweeter, sexier, and more enjoyable than… most acid trips. — P. Ragusa
198. Veeze — “Not a Drill”
“This not a fire drill, this the real thing,” Veeze raps on the opening of “Not a Drill,” going on to prove the statement with his off-kilter flow and colorful wordplay involving Disney and sports references. — Eddie Fu
197. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard — “Dragon”
King Gizz go metal once again on this winding prog-thrash epic that sees the band pushing its technical skill to the extreme. — Jon Hadusek
196. Poppy — “Spit”
“Spit” is Poppy at her most vicious and acerbic, with her screams and whispers backed by nu-metal guitars and industrial drum-and-bass percussion. — J. Hadusek
195. Ryan Gosling — “I’m Just Ken”
This Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt-written ballad (featuring Slash on guitar!) could singlehandedly cure toxic masculinity, if only the world would listen. — Liz Shannon Miller
194. Teens in Trouble — “You Don’t Want to Mess with Me”
Snap, crackle, and (damn fine, PUP’s Stefan Babcock-featuring power) pop. — Jonah Krueger
193. Hotline TNT — “I Thought You’d Change”
Hotline TNT’s Will Anderson sings pretty well on this track, but he actually doesn’t need to — the fuzzy guitars and inventive drumming do all the storytelling for him. — P. Ragusa
192. Corey Taylor — “Dead Flies”
Corey Taylor slows things down for this grungy nod to Alice in Chains — a darker moment on his otherwise jubilant CMF2 album. — J. Hadusek
191. Computerwife — “Lexapro”
The slow, dreamy, strangely beautiful anthem Lexapro users everywhere have been waiting for. — J. Krueger
190. redveil feat. JPEGMAFIA — “black enuff”
A joyful, daring, and unapologetic anthem that is meant to be blasted as loud as the horns on the beat. — Sun Noor
189. glass beach — “The CIA”
With its indie-emo-jazz-metal fusion, glass beach’s return is extremely glass beach — and thank god for that. — J. Krueger
188. Armani White & Denzel Curry — “GOATED.”
Come for the swaggy beat by July Da Producer and Myles William, enjoy Armani White’s percussive “Goated” hook, and stick around for one of the great scene-stealing guest verses of the year. — W. Graves
187. Stolen Jars — “Won’t Stay Gone Forever”
This delicate love letter to New York City takes a light xx-inspired touch to capture the wistfulness even a bustling city can instill — especially when it’s forced to a standstill. — Ben Kaye
186. Job for a Cowboy — “The Agony Seeping Storm”
Job for a Cowboy broke a nine-year hiatus with “The Agony Seeping Storm,” a perfected version of the progressive death metal of the band’s first four studio albums. — J. Hadusek
185. Queens of the Stone Age — “Paper Machete”
If you liked Queens of the Stone Age’s 2005 hit “Little Sister,” but wished they’d axe the cowbell in favor of more crunchy guitars and some tortured Josh Homme anguish, get a load of this one. — P. Ragusa
184. Willie Nelson, Billy Strings — “California Sober”
From a rising icon and a beloved legend, the ultimate 2023 anthem for former hellraisers who are too old for that shit and just want to kick back with some buds and bud. — W. Graves
183. Momma — “Bang Bang”
There’s nothing like a good, horny love song to make you feel young again — only on “Bang Bang,” Momma’s early 2000s-esque rock stylings will make you feel old at the same time (in a good way). — P. Ragusa
182. André 300 — “I Swear I Really Wanted to Make a Rap Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me”
If you listen closely halfway through, the flute kind of mimics a rap song, so at least the title feels honest. — S. Noor
181. Friko — “Crimson to Chrome”
The Chicago rock trio are having unpretentious fun singing about deep shit, making “Crimson to Chrome” perfect for pretty much any occasion. — W. Graves
180. 100 gecs — “Dumbest Girl Alive”
The damn song starts with the THX sound — an early signal that the fun levels are maxed out. — J. Krueger
179. Dirty Honey — “Won’t Take Me Alive”
A killer, killer guitar riff is at the heart of this surging ‘80s-style rocker from Dirty Honey, who are quickly becoming a mainstay on the US hard-rock circuit after emerging in recent years. — J. Hadusek
178. NxWorries — “Daydreaming”
The breezy “Daydreaming” is NxWorries at their best, with a smooth vocal delivery and seductive lyrics from Anderson .Paak over Knxwledge’s sensual, guitar-driven instrumental. — E. Fu
177. Erick the Architect — “Parkour”
The sonic architect of Flatbush Zombies reunites with producer James Blake for this moody, paranoid taste of his upcoming debut solo album. — W. Graves
176. Dog Race — “There’s a Mouse in My House”
This British group dropped two songs and dipped, but hopefully there’s an album coming, because 2022’s “Terror” would have slayed during the blog-rock era, and 2023’s “There’s a Mouse in My House” manages to bottle some of the epic rock grandeur of early Arcade Fire. — W. Graves
175. ATEEZ — “Bouncy”
Listen to it, catch the vibe, then watch the music video for K-pop group ATEEZ’s biggest hit yet and feel your whole world tilt off its axis. — Mary Siroky
174. Denzel Curry feat. Kenny Mason — “SKED”
Producer Charlie Heat lives up to his surname on this one, as two of the sharpest pens in rap put on a masterclass in funky, shape-shifting flows. — W. Graves
173. Code Orange — “Grooming My Replacement”
Pittsburgh’s Code Orange continue to expand their sonic palette on their latest album, The Above, as evidenced by the amalgam of industrial, metalcore, hardcore, and nu-metal on “Grooming My Replacement.” — Spencer Kaufman
172. Model/Actriz — “Crossing Guard”
The most visceral, noisy, and pulsating cut from Model/Actriz’s debut album, Dogsbody, makes for a catchy introduction to this buzzy band. — S. Noor
171. aldn — “Headstrong Gunner”
It’s quite possibly the catchiest song about suicidal ideation since the moody ’80s heyday of Morrissey and Robert Smith. — P. Ragusa
170. That Mexican OT feat. Paul Wall and Drodi — “Johnny Dang”
Not since early Freddie Gibbs has a rapper uncorked such a variety of coke-line flows, and the cherry on top of That Mexican OT’s breakout hit is a vintage verse by the legend Paul Wall. — W. Graves
169. Voivod — “Morgöth Tales”
Forty-plus years into their career, Voivod continue to churn out rock-solid metal, offering their unique brand of progressive thrash on the title track to their latest album, Morgöth Tales. — S. Kaufman
168. Janelle Monáe — “Lipstick Lover”
Choosing the absolute standouts from Janelle Monáe’s delightfully all-encompassing, summery 2023 album is a delightful predicament, but the joyful “Lipstick Lover” is easily in the conversation. — M. Siroky
167. Sufjan Stevens — “So You Are Tired”
Y’all like crying and beautiful folk and touching lyricism and crying? — J. Krueger
166. Danger Mouse, Jemini — “Brooklyn Bazquiat”
A braggadocios banger for all of the early-2000s alternative rap fans out there. — J. Krueger
165. Nervosa — “Seed of Death”
Brazilian thrash metal at its finest, “Seed of Death” is a fine example of founder Prika Amaral’s newfound ability to dual wield the guitar and mic, having recently taken over on lead vocals for the first time since the group’s formation. — J. Hadusek
164. TEMS — “Me & U”
A beautiful profession of faith over a propulsive polyrhythm, “Me & U” is simplicity inside complexity, stillness within a dance. — W. Graves
163. Sen Morimoto — “If the Answer Isn’t Love”
This hazy stack of jazz horns and jagged guitars is distinctly Sen Morimoto, while also feeling like an inventive new sound. — B. Kaye
162. Anjimille — “The King”
The writing is on the wall and the king will die at the start of Anjimile’s powerful comeback single, which interpolates Philip Glass’ “Vessels” and grows in scope and majesty to take in a world of injustice. — W. Graves
161. Mammoth WVH — “I’m Alright”
Leave it to a Van Halen to keep classic rock ‘n’ roll thriving in 2023 with enough massive, melodic vocals and amp-melting, delicious riffs to make anyone forget we once thought “guitar rock” was dead. — B. Kaye
160. Short Fictions — “Wasting”
Short Fictions deliver an emo, power-pop anthem perfect for the end of the world. — J. Krueger
159. Latto feat. Cardi B — “Put It on the Floor Again”
Sharing a common rival in Nicki Minaj, Latto and Cardi B spend most of this rambunctious track boasting about their lavish lifestyles and brushing off lames while also popping off against their biggest hater. — E. Fu
158. Burna Boy — “Big 7”
Not even Burna Boy seems to know why he called it “Big 7” (oh sorry, the title represents “attainable and harmonious growth,” hope that clears things up), but when one of the globe’s most effortless melodists is feeling this “wavy” we can’t help but groove along. — W. Graves
157. MAETA feat. Free Nationals — “Through the Night”
This fast-rising R&B star teamed up with Free Nationals, Anderson .Paak’s no-longer-secret weapons, for one of the slinkiest, most urgently sensual tracks of the year. — W. Graves
156. TEKE::TEKE — “Gotoku Lemon”
Fitting for a late-night prowl through a Japanese street market or a sip of cappuccino at a hip coffee shop, this avant-psych conglomeration will have the uninitiated reaching for their Shazam. — B. Kaye
155. Audrey Nuna — “IdgaF”
Perhaps the most underrated bad-bitch-bop of 2023. — J. Krueger
154. Ratboys — “No Way”
Ratboys demonstrate an unmatched ability to carve a melodic hook that sticks in a composition even as it builds and changes multiple times throughout its runtime. — B. Kaye
153. Saya Gray — “PREYING MANTIS !”
Coming at the midpoint of Saya Gray’s OWERTY, this track has all frantic energy of the album’s poles with the mellow beauty of its core, making it easily the most accessible in an intriguing collection. — B. Kaye
152. Arlo Parks — “Weightless”
A true lyrical poet, Arlo Parks brings a romantic touch to what it means to long for someone else — even someone you know you shouldn’t want. — L.S. Miller
151. Miley Cyrus — “Flowers”
The most instantly iconic Miley song since “Wrecking Ball” is further evidence that after her Disney Channel start and a surprisingly experimental teenage rebellion, Cyrus is only now entering her prime. — W. Graves
150. Chelsea Wolfe — “Dusk”
The vivid imagery laced throughout the hypnotic enegry of “Dusk” simply proves how great of a storyteller Chelsea Wolfe is. — S. Noor
149. TOMORROW X TOGETHER feat. Anitta — “Back For More”
It’s one of the best cross-cultural collaborations of the year, with choreography built to perfectly accent the song’s throwback energy. — M. Siroky
148. Lola Brooke — “Best Side”
Consequence CoSigned artist Lola Brooke really puts her “best side” forward on this track (I’m so sorry). — J. Krueger
147. Olivia Rodrigo — “ballad of a homeschooled girl”
A bubbly gulp of pop punk with lyrics that every teen can relate to and a lonely title that helps explain why Rodrigo — with all of her advantages — writes and sings about outsiders with such conviction. — W. Graves
146. Young Fathers — “Rice”
If you’re trying to remember that song that fills you with such unshakable joy you forget where you are despite not really understanding what’s being sung, it’s “Rice” by Young Fathers. — B. Kaye
145. LE SSERAFIM — “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s wife”
Get hooked by the Jersey club beat; stay for the motivational lyrics and stellar live performances. — M. Siroky
144. Full of Hell, Nothing — “Spend the Grace”
The collaborative overlap is seamless between Full of Hell and Nothing, who deftly balance their respective harsh textures and colossal shoegazing doom. — J. Hadusek
143. Zach Bryan — “Nine Ball”
Someday we might figure out how Zach Bryan makes crafting irresistible country melodies seem so effortless, but while we try to crack it, we’re thankful he knows the secret. — M. Siroky
142. Romy — “She’s On My Mind”
If you ever listened to The xx and thought, “I wonder what it would sound like if Romy embraced the lineage of exuberant queer dance pop and completed a house music pivot,” then this is for you. — P. Ragusa
141. Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar — “America Has a Problem”
Despite the title, “America Has a Problem” isn’t so much about politics as it is about delivering the best possible groove — and with Kendrick Lamar’s verses, mission accomplished. — L.S. Miller
140. Ragana — “Pain”
“I’M DYING TO KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE.” — J. Krueger
139. IAN SWEET — “Your Spit”
In our Track by Track with IAN SWEET’s Jilian Medford, she described this song as “mostly about making out” — which, yeah. — B. Kaye
138. Slipknot — “Bone Church”
The masked metallers of Iowa treated fans this year with this one-off single featuring an accordion and venturing into Pink Floyd territory while maintaining the band’s sinister vibe. — S. Kaufman
137. Slow Pulp — “Broadview”
Of all the alt-country-influenced, pedal steel-featuring indie tunes of 2023, “Broadview” easily ranks among the best. — J. Krueger
136. V — “Slow Dancing”
If you want to pass over a moody, dreamy, yearning track that makes room for a flute solo in the year 2023, then that’s your journey, I guess. — M. Siroky
135. Christine and the Queens — “To be honest”
If you’re going to be convinced to dive into the criminally underappreciated PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE, “To be honest” is the track to do it. — B. Kaye
134. Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter — “ALL MY FRIENDS ARE GOING TO HELL”
Kristen Hayter (formally Lingua Ignota) does it the way only Kristen Hayter can: epic, out-there, and deeply unnerving. — J. Krueger
133. Zombie Juice feat. The Underachievers — “Dizzy”
True to its name, “Dizzy” finds Zombie Juice trading paranoid, rapid-fire bars with fellow Flatbush Avenue rappers The Underachievers over sinister synths, though they still take a beat to juxtapose their blessings and losses. — E. Fu
132. Deeper — “Glare”
“Glare” is elevated by spine-tingling guitar riffs and vocalist Nic Gohl’s contrasting imagery, with anxious distance populating the space between his disoriented yelps. — P. Ragusa
131. Alex Lahey — “The Sky Is Melting”
The loveliest song ever written about overdoing it on edibles and coming up with Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy theories. — L.S. Miller
130. Balming Tiger — “Buriburi”
It’s addictive, it’s energizing, and it’s so different from anything else out there, which also serves as a good summary of Balming Tiger’s sound overall. — M. Siroky
129. Tyler, the Creator — “SORRY NOT SORRY”
Tyler, the Creator makes being sincere and sardonic in the same breath seem easy, especially in the final 30 seconds of this single-verse bar-buster. — B. Kaye
128. Ihsahn — “Pilgrimage to Oblivion”
Norwegian black metal master Ihsahn offered up both a full metal version of “Pilgrimage to Oblivion” along with an orchestral equivalent, fully illustrating the compositional layers and sheer breadth of his latest solo work. — J. Hadusek
127. Wednesday — “Quarry”
One of the catchiest tunes from a record with only catchy tunes. — J. Krueger
126. Caroline Polachek — “Smoke”
And the award for Most Tasteful “Na Na Nas” of the Year goes to… — J. Krueger
125. The Beatles — “Now and Then”
An unexpected visit from some ghosts that proves to be a welcome reminder of why they’re so missed and why their influence will be eternal. — L.S. Miller
124. Janelle Monáe — “Float”
Erotically-charged lyrics combined with a sumptuous summery beat — we’ll float anywhere with Janelle. — L.S. Miller
123. Danny Brown — “Quaranta”
One of Brown’s final recordings before getting sober, “Quaranta” reflects on aging, the hardships of middle-class fame, and how “This rap shit done saved my life/ And fucked it up at the same time.” — W. Graves
122. Genesis Owusu — “See Ya There!”
One order of sexy slow-jam about telling someone you’ll see them in hell, please. — J. Krueger
121. Paramore — “You First”
We’ve got the devil on the shoulder, the two wolves parable, and the final girl metaphor — all the bases in the “internal struggle” dichotomy are covered, and boy, is it a fun run around the bags. — B. Kaye
120. XG — “Shooting Star”
Don’t sleep on this seven-member global act, who are embracing nostalgic girl group traits (like making a song longer than three minutes) with a healthy dose of modern energy. — M. Siroky
119. Caroline Rose — “Miami”
The centerpiece of Caroline Rose’s The Art of Forgetting is loud, moving, desperate, explosive, passionate, and one of the bravest entries in their discography. — P. Ragusa
118. Mick Jenkins — “Guapanese”
In a hook-free, stream of consciousness masterclass of flow, Jenkins obliterates the kind of MC who has nothing more interesting to rap about than money. — W. Graves
117. Jung Kook feat. Latto — “Seven”
Your honor, he’s an absolute superstar, and this BTS member took his solo presence to the next level with this sexy, endlessly charming, chart-topping smash this year. — M. Siroky
116. H31R — “Backwards”
This song highlights the Purple Tape Pedigree duo’s quirky, off-kilter experimentations when it comes to their glitchy production technique. — S. Noor
115. Squid — “Undergrowth”
Lockdowns were a mind-melting time for just about everyone, and this post-punk spiral with a jazz backbone really captures the depths of darkness into which that mental wax could drip. — B. Kaye
114. Palehound — “Independence Day”
Finally, a Fourth of July song for us sad indie rock fans. — J. Krueger
113. Angie McMahon — “Letting Go”
How could such a purposively positive song ending on a purifying refrain of, “It’s okay/ Make mistakes,” not be one of the best songs of a year like 2023? — B. Kaye
112. Soul Glo — “If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)”
You can hear the pent up anger being released by vocalist Pierce Jordan as the track progresses, making for a very cathartic scream-along. — S. Noor
111. Home Is Where — “Yes! Yes! A Thousand Times Yes!”
A little twinkly, a little freak-folky, and totally explosive, this ditty will have you crying out “Yes! Yes! A Thousand Times Yes!” (once again, I’m so sorry). — J. Krueger
110. The Hives — “Bogus Operandi”
Like the soundtrack to a car chase sequence, “Bogus Operandi” is all high-octane, hair-raising action from the Swedish rockers. — P. Ragusa
109. Squirrel Flower — “Stick”
Turns out big guitars, powerful melodies, and sticky hooks still make for a pretty damn great indie rock song. — J. Krueger
108. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit — “King of Oklahoma”
The everyman Americana tale has turned into this: A heartbreaking and beautiful tune about the cost — personal, financial, and moral — of pharmaceutical addiction. — B. Kaye
107. Judas Priest — “Trial by Fire”
The Metal Gods are still firing on all cylinders after 50-plus years in the game, and if “Trial by Fire” is any indication, Rob Halford and company’s upcoming album, Invincible Shield, should be another winner. — S. Kaufman
106. Underscores — “Locals (Girls Like Us)”
With any luck, songs like “Locals (Girls Like Us)” will be the future of hyper-pop. — J. Krueger
105. Sampha — “Satellite Business”
Sampha’s attempt at a minimalist yet deeply spiritual rap song succeeds in the heavenly electronics and layered vocals.— S. Noor
104. Taylor Swift — “Is It Over Now?”
1989 (Taylor’s Version) has some of the best “vault” songs yet, with the crowd favorite being this moment airing out the dirty laundry. — M. Siroky
103. The National — “Eucalyptus”
I’ll hear arguments for why this should be “New Order T-Shirt,” but only if you’ve heard the “Eucalyptus” chorus live and still think the debate’s worth having. — B. Kaye
102. Truth Club — “Uh-Oh”
This song is most definitely NOT an “Uh-Oh” (for the last time, I’m so sorry). — J. Krueger
101. The Rolling Stones feat. Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder — “Sweet Sweet Sounds of Heaven”
Legacy acts don’t need to keep churning out impeccably produced, astoundingly soulful songs featuring head-turning collaborators to bolster their icon status — which makes it that much more exciting when they do. — B. Kaye
100. Dua Lipa — “Dance the Night”
Apologies to Billie Eilish, but this is the best song on the Barbie soundtrack, its perfect pulsating pink beats sure to be stuck in our heads for the rest of time. — L.S. Miller
99. The Armed — “Everything’s Glitter”
Call it alt-post-hardcore-pop or whatever, this track truly shines glitters with its cacophony of pulsing bass, shatteringly fast drums, and unexpectedly glowing harmonies. — B. Kaye
98. LUCI — “Martyr”
No one sounds like LUCI right now, and “Martyr” shows off her irresistible dark beats, unique vocals, and, in the lyrics and composition, the grand scope of her ambitions. — W. Graves
97. The Smile — “Bending Hectic”
For those of you keeping track at home, yep, Thom, Tom, and Jonny are still making great music. — J. Krueger
96. Yves Tumor — “In Spite of War”
Unholy dance punk from an alternate dimension done in the best way possible. — J. Krueger
95. Tkay Maidza — “WUACV”
Tkay Maidza literally woke up and chose violence by getting in the studio and flexing her rap skills on one of the year’s most confident tracks. — S. Noor
94. Militarie Gun — “Very High”
After a few listens, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist the urge to start randomly yelling the chorus as you do exactly what it says. — S. Noor
93. Tierra Whack — “Channel Pit”
To absolutely nobody’s surprise, Tierra Whack’s latest is fun and creative as hell. — J. Krueger
92. Agust D — “Amygdala”
Melodic and intimate, this track off SUGA of BTS’s third album under his Agust D alias features so many of the things at which he excels: thoughtful lyrics, a passionate performance, and a deeply personal touch. — M. Siroky
91. Armand Hammer — “The Gods Must Be Crazy”
billy woods and E L U C I D match the chaotic energy of El-P’s beat on “The Gods Must Be Crazy,” cracking jokes about Hillary Clinton’s cringe Beyoncé reference alongside dark meditations on the hopelessness of big dreams and general existence. — E. Fu
90. Kara Jackson — “no fun/party”
Kara Jackson invites us into a dream to ask if love is “a will to destruct,” a question posed with such beauty we can’t help but wonder as well. — L.S. Miller
89. Myrkur — “Valkyriernes Sang”
Myrkur had been eschewing overtly black-metal elements in her most recent music until the release of “Valkyriernes Sang,” which revisits the harsher side of Myrkur with the maturity and grace of a now-veteran songwriter. — J. Hadusek
88. Kylie Minogue — “Padam Padam”
A leading candidate for the Pride Anthem of 2023, “Padam Padam” is so slickly syncopated that it may have you grinding on the nearest willing participant. — P. Ragusa
87. JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown — “Lean Beef Patty”
Peggy saved his most bonkers beats for his collaborations with Danny Brown, and SCARING THE HOES opener “Lean Beef Patty” perfectly whets the appetite for the album’s strange banquet. — W. Graves
86. Greg Mendez — “Goodbye / Trouble”
The title of “Goodbye / Trouble” is a case in which one punctuation mark can change a phrase’s entire meaning, and it’s that attention to detail that makes Greg Mendez’s songwriting such a delight. — Abby Jones
85. Indigo De Souza — “You Can Be Mean”
Indigo De Souza takes everything you want to say to the person who hurt you the most and distills it into a surprisingly catchy two-and-a-half minutes. — J. Krueger
84. Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus — “Wrecking Ball”
Dolly Parton takes her goddaughter’s greatest pop song, elevates it into the best power ballad in decades, and then brings her goddaughter back in to just knock it into the stratosphere. — B. Kaye
83. Bad Bunny — “MONACO”
One of our great musical curators flipped a sample of the 1964 French classic “Hier encore” for this ode to excess — and if you don’t like it, he’s too busy partying in Monaco to hear you. — W. Graves
82. Young Nudy feat. 21 Savage — “Peaches & Eggplants”
It seems like Young Nudy is good for yearly viral hit, and in 2023, he finally cracked the Top 40 with this playful sex romp featuring a mesmerizing beat from COUPE, catchy “boaw boaw” ad-libs, and freaky lyrics. — E. Fu
81. Troye Sivan — “One of Your Girls”
Adding a bit of humor and an alien-esque touch via its use of vocoder, the refrain of “One of Your Girls” lands like a stylish spaceship. — P. Ragusa
80. Ruston Kelly feat. Samia — “The Weakness”
The original version was more than fine, but Samia’s voice adds a ghostly complement to Ruston Kelly’s earthier tones, highlighting the epic emotions underlying his plainspoken lyrics. — W. Graves
79. Jungle — “Back on 74”
As one of the most infectious, soulful songs Jungle have released to date, and with a harmony-laden chorus like a warm oasis, it’s no wonder “Back on 74” went viral on TikTok. — P. Ragusa
78. Haviah Mighty — “Huh”
In one timeline her girlfriend already let her down, and in another the sex is still mind-blowing; the thrill of “Huh” is in how Haviah Mighty leaps between both to create a sad, horny, dance floor banger. — W. Graves
77. Bully — “Days Move Slow”
This song mourning the loss of a four-legged friend is a prefect blend of modern sensibilities and ’90s alt-rock shredding. — B. Kaye
76. L’Rain — “Pet Rock”
The gorgeous arrangements on Taja Cheek’s psych-rock song will help you get past its disturbing subject matter. — S. Noor
75. Becca Mancari — “Over and Over”
Three years after we CoSigned her, Becca Mancari demonstrates over and over her mastery of deeply personal indie psych-folk that’s as sturdy as it is delicate. — B. Kaye
74. Gunna — “fukumean”
After being labeled a snitch for his guilty plea in the YSL trial, Gunna bounced right back with songs like the hypnotic “fukumean,” in which the rapper uses a deft flow to sneer at detractors between the beat’s pockets. — E. Fu
73. ANOHNI and the Johnsons — “Can’t”
ANOHNI’s new album with The Johnsons is all about turning misery into catharsis, and no track does it better than “Can’t” thanks to the soulful funk freakout that makes up its second half. — B. Kaye
72. Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist feat. Vince Staples — “The Caliphate”
As always, Earl Sweatshirt and Vince Staples bring out the best in each other on “The Caliphate,” detailing their personal lives in rhymes filled with such intricate wordplay that fully appreciating it requires multiple listens. — E. Fu
71. Foo Fighters — “Show Me How”
“Show Me How” is an alternate reality Foo Fighters track where they stopped caring about making stadium rock and became a shoegaze band instead. — P. Ragusa
70. Feeble Little Horse — “Tin Man”
With a delightfully deadpan delivery and an unforgettably stellar riff, a rumination on a heartless character has never sounded as full of life as it does on Feeble Little Horse’s “Tin Man.” — A. Jones
69. SHAME GANG — “GET IT STARTED”
On this stunt track, Raleigh’s underground king puts himself in the same conversation as the biggest names in hip-hop, arguing that between himself and a JAY-Z, “Only difference is the money.” — W. Graves
68. Margaret Glaspy — “Get Back”
What Margaret Glaspy can do with that raspy voice is really something special, and the breadth over which she stretches that fabulous instrument of hers on “Get Back” is chill-inducing. — B. Kaye
67. Sleep Token — “The Summoning”
This mysterious UK act has attracted a cult-like following with their unique blend of heavy and melody, as evidenced by the reaction to the intoxicating single “The Summoning,” which boasts 13 million views and counting on YouTube. — S. Kaufman
66. Paul Wall and Termanology feat. CL Smooth — “It’s Magic”
You young folks can just pay your respects to the old heads and keep moving, because for four minutes and eight seconds, the Golden Age of hip-hop returned. — W. Graves
65. Tyla — “Water”
It’s as sexy as it is catchy, an instant hit that introduced so many new listeners to Tyla, who is gearing up for a major 2024. — M. Siroky
64. Jesus Piece — “Gates of Horn”
One of the more intense, metal-leaning tracks from the band’s sophomore LP, …So Unknown, characterized by its haunting, nightmarish imagery. — S. Noor
63. EARTHGANG — “Die Today”
Imagining one’s own funeral could be a morbid topic, but WowGr8 and Olu instead use the theme to define the true meaning of love and loyalty — complete with a dash of humor. — E. Fu
62. Ministry — “Just Stop Oil”
Al Jourgensen and company continue to fly the flag for industrial music, and the explosive, politically-minded single “Just Stop Oil” sounds straight out of the band’s late-’80s/early-’90s heyday, in all the best ways. — S. Kaufman
61. Slowdive — “alife”
This song is without a doubt one of the most ethereal tracks in Slowdive’s discography, making it quite a wonder that it arrived in 2023. — S. Noor
60. NewJeans — “Supershy”
If you prefer K-pop that strays farther from explosive 2016 EDM beasts and embraces a more modern, introverted sound, give “Super Shy” a try — and get ready for it to be rattling around you head for the next six months. — P. Ragusa
59. UNIVERSITY — “Notre Dame Made Out of Flesh”
Frankly, this track deserves a placement here for name alone — just so happens it’s also a ferocious debut single that demands attention. — B. Kaye
58. yeule — “dazies”
If Grimes covered Smashing Pumpkins, it might sound something like “dazies,” a song that repeatedly impresses and seems to transform like spring’s first blooms. — A. Jones
57. Poison Ruïn — “Härvest”
Lo-fi in sound and medieval in context, the post-punk of Philly’s Poison Ruïn holds up the past as a mirror of the present, looking to the trials and tribulations of our ancestors — plagues, peasantry, poverty, etc. — as a guide for humanity’s unceasing plights. — J. Hadusek
56. Arlo Parks feat. Phoebe Bridgers — “Pegasus”
“Pegasus” is the warm, comforting sound of romantic validation, where things are so perfect in a relationship that you can’t wait to call your mom and tell her how happy you are. — P. Ragusa
55. Blur — “St. Charles Square”
We got a great Blur album in 2023, but we also got a fantastic Blur song that sounds like it was recorded in 1996 with the band at the peak of their wandering, refreshing rock brilliance. — P. Ragusa
54. Katy Kirby — “Cubic Zirconia”
As the preview single for her upcoming sophomore LP, “Cubic Zirconia” already has us hungry for more of Katy Kirby’s brand of distinctly metered whimsy. — B. Kaye
53. RAYE — “Worth It”
Somewhere between soulful R&B and easygoing pop is this delightful offering from RAYE, a hopeful address to a lover you can’t help but root for in the end (and then immediately start from the top again). — M. Siroky
52. Geese — “Cowboy Nudes”
When Cameron Winter yelps, “Be my warrior!” on the chorus of the free-wheeling “Cowboy Nudes,” the playful enthusiasm of both him and his band is enough to win over your heart. — P. Ragusa
51. Jimin — “Like Crazy”
Get lost in the lights with this dream of a pop song that walks the line between euphoric and tortured, all delivered with Jimin’s irreplaceable and utterly unique allure. — M. Siroky
50. Kelela — “Contact”
The perfect, upbeat, ’90s R&B-influenced bop that is guaranteed to guide you towards the dance floor. — S. Noor
49. JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown — “Garbage Pale Kids”
One of the nastiest, most out-of-pocket, disorienting beats from 2023 — coming from who else but JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown? — J. Krueger
48. Asake — “Basquiat”
“Basquiat” is sunshine itself, distilled into just over two minutes on Asake’s 2023 record, appropriately titled Work of Art. — M. Siroky
47. Spiritbox — “The Void”
This Canadian band continues to remind us why they’re one of the most exciting metal acts to emerge in the past decade, as singer Courtney LaPlante proves she doesn’t have to scream to get our attention on “The Void.” — S. Kaufman
46. Jessie Ware — “Pearls”
Perhaps our greatest purveyor of modern disco, Jessie Ware knows exactly how to get you to the dance floor and keep you there — and it’s with songs like this one. — M. Siroky
45. Zach Bryan feat. The War and Treaty — “Hey Driver”
Husband and wife duo The War and Treaty get an excellent moment in the spotlight with this cut off Zach Bryan’s 2023 self-titled album, and while it’s no secret that Bryan has a great voice, he seems content with being totally outsung here. — M. Siroky
44. Carly Rae Jepsen — “Psychedelic Switch”
The pinnacle of The Loveliest Time, “Psychedelic Switch” is one of the most satisfying, developed, and radiant instrumentals over which Carly Rae Jepsen has ever sung. — P. Ragusa
43. Paris Texas — “TenTHIRTYseven”
The opening lines of this explosive rap song are guaranteed to keep you hooked on Paris Texas. — S. Noor
42. Paramore — “Running Out of Time”
The anxiety of constantly running behind is a universal feeling, one Paramore encapsulate here when Taylor York’s guitar ratchets up the intensity and Hayley Williams sings about hitting the snooze button “20 times.” — E. Fu
41. Kelsea Ballerini — “Penthouse”
Kelsea Ballerini has been writing excellent music for years, but she entered new territory with her tender divorce EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, and “Penthouse” is one of the most quietly devastating songs of the year. — M. Siroky
40. Empire State Bastard — “Harvest”
Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil and Mike Vennart team with legendary thrash-metal drummer Dave Lombardo to cook up a brutal grindcore-meets-Pixies amalgamation on “Harvest,” fully realizing the hypothetical “fake” extreme-metal band that served as the original premise for Empire State Bastard. — J. Hadusek
39. Water from Your Eyes — “Barley”
“Barley” comes at you from all possible angles, spins you dizzy, and gets you up and dancing before you can even say the song’s title. — J. Krueger
38. Victoria Monet — “On My Mama”
Victoria Monét is a pop star, through and through, and “On My Mama” is an enticing display of her skills as a singer, songwriter, dancer, and all-around performer. — M. Siroky
37. The National — “Tropic Morning News”
Cut through the noise and pause the doom-scrolling with The National, who make a great case for prioritizing meaningful connection in an increasingly detached world. — M. Siroky
36. The Japanese House — “Boyhood”
On “Boyhood,” The Japanese House’s songwriting deepens and delights with a galloping groove and exploration of personal identity that makes it one of her finest tracks to date. — P. Ragusa
35.Peter Gabriel — “Panopticom”
If you forgot this song existed because it came out on January 6th, hopefully the December release of i/o reminded you to revisit this remarkably strong reintroduction to Peter Gabriel from what turned out to be an equally strong LP. — B. Kaye
34. Mannequin Pussy — “I Got Heaven”
As Mannequin Pussy vocalist Marisa Dabice flits between gritty snarls and delicate croons, “I Got Heaven” is a powerful endorsement of being your own God. — A. Jones
33. Killer Mike feat. El-P, thankugoodsir — “Don’t Let the Devil”
Not to take away from the rest of MICHAEL, but hearing Killer Mike kill a mic with his gobsmacking internal rhyme skills alongside his Run the Jewels cohort El-P is just peak hip-hop. — B. Kaye
32. Chappell Roan — “Red Wine Supernova”
If you’re not yet familiar with the reigning rhinestone pop cowgirl, this rapturous dance party is the perfect place to start. — M. Siroky
31. Baroness — “Shine”
A standout track on the new album Stone, “Shine” encapsulates everything that’s great about Baroness, taking the listener on a thrilling journey that’s both heavy and melodic. — S. Kaufman
30. Pinkpantheress feat. Ice Spice — “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”
Be honest, this one is still stuck your head just as much as it is ours. — J. Krueger
29. MJ Lenderman — “Knockin”
MJ Lenderman dropped the apostrophe, spruced up the production, and re-delivered this John Daley and Bob Dylan-referencing banger. — J. Krueger
28. billy woods, kenny segal feat. Samuel T. Hering — “Facetime”
If you happen to know anyone still not sold on billy woods, play “FaceTime” for them and watch their brain melt. — J. Krueger
27. Nation of Language — “Weak in Your Light”
When frontman Ian Devaney sings, “Just a reminder, I’m in love,” over a slinky swing rhythm, you can feel the love is swimming all around him like fish in an aquarium. — P. Ragusa
26. NewJeans — “OMG”
Good luck finding a bouncier chorus this year, as this irresistible single gave a huge push to NewJeans’ speedy quest towards world domination. — M. Siroky
25. Dolly Parton — “World on Fire”
While Dolly Parton has absolutely carried a well-earned rock star reputation for decades now, the beloved icon made things official with the release of her first true rock album this year. Though the LP is mainly covers, she kicked things off with the self-penned lead single, “World on Fire,” which pairs her distinct vocals and ever-reliable songwriting ability under the umbrella of some good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. With this song, Parton digs into the state of things as only she truly can: “Greedy politicians, present and past/ They wouldn’t know the truth if it bit ’em in the ass,” she sings. As always, she’s correct. — M. Siroky
24. Angie McMahon — “Fireball Whiskey”
Centering lyrical themes on the act of vomiting should be antithetical to a beautiful song — as should calling it “Fireball Whiskey.” Angie McMahon took two of the most vile things she could think of and wrapped all her anxieties around them for one of the year’s most hauntingly cathartic songs. The Light, Dark, Light Again single shows the songwriter’s massive growth from her debut LP; it’s delicate and fierce, vocally a bit Sharon Van Etten, compositionally a little Florence + The Machine. She matches that expansiveness with a range of fears — falling in love, turning off a comforting shower, falling out of love — for a track that hits too close to home, yet provides empathetic comfort. — B. Kaye
23. Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar — “The Hillbillies”
Dropping out of nowhere in late May, “The Hillbillies” sees a nonchalant Kendrick Lamar rapping alongside his cousin Baby Keem over a skittering EVILGIANE instrumental built around Bon Iver’s “PDLIF.” Free of any expectations, the duo mix jokes about stealing your girl amid boasts about the finest fashion and traversing the world. Adding an extra dimension to the song was speculation that “The Hillbillies” furthered Kendrick’s longstanding beef with Drake. Keem’s flow on the track is similar to Drake’s on “Sticky,” and he lent fuel to the theory by describing it as a “Sticky Dub” on Twitter. Regardless of where the truth lies, it’s always a pleasure to hear Kendrick rap for the fun of it. — E. Fu
22. boygenius — “Not Strong Enough”
When Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker play on each other’s songs, it’s a treat. But when they each take a verse, like they do on The Record highlight “Not Strong Enough,” it’s magic. They all cover similar thematic ground in their own way, using their own strengths; the track’s open-hearted chorus feels so indestructible that it’s almost shocking to hear they’re “not strong enough.” The song may be describing a kind of confessional-style weakness, but there’s an overwhelming amount of warmth sent between each other with every harmony. In boygenius, all is forgiven — their strengths together can’t be diminished. — P.Ragusa
21. Metallica — “If Darkness Had a Son”
It’s as true in the 2020s as it was in the 1980s: Metallica have one of the best rhythm sections in all of metal. You can hear it on “If Darkness Had a Son,” opening with Lars Ulrich’s bass kick and frantic triplets before the chugging guitars ramp up the intensity. In their later albums, the (sometimes large) difference in quality between songs is usually down to James Hetfield’s toplines, and the ones here are the best on all of 72 Seasons: his haunting refrain of, “Temptation”; the almost too-pretty, “Am I too far gone to save?”; and the brutal yelping verses all recall Metallica’s very best writing. — W. Graves
20. Joy Oladokun feat. Noah Kahan — “We’re All Gonna Die”
Who knew a song with a name like this could sound so freeing? It helps that Joy Oladukun is such a cheerful tour guide through existential dread; her refrain, “We’re all gonna die trying to figure it out,” is a joyous antidote to imposter syndrome and the feeling that everyone but us has their lives together. She’s joined here by tourmate and work husband Noah Kahan (at this year’s Lollapalooza, she compared their relationship to The Bear), who sings of creative doubts and fear of the unknown with his usual candor. Soon you’ll be shouting along, “We’re all gonna die,” because honestly, what could be nicer than that? — W. Graves
19. Jamila Woods feat. Saba — “Practice”
“Practice” is a bouncy, soulful, and radiant track that embraces steadiness and trusting the process to experience growth. Jamila Woods takes cues from Allen Iverson’s infamous “We’re talking about practice?” spiel, but shifts it towards a positive light, expressing the value of taking the time to fully nurture relationships. The Chicago artist seamlessly switches flows, showing off her vocal range as she alternates between singing and rapping, giving plenty of space for Saba’s guest verse. Through it all, Woods reminds us the importance of sticking through thick and thin and refusing to give into the pressure. — S. Noor
18. Chat Pile — “Cut”
“Cut” is the gnarly, churning soundtrack for drunkenly stumbling home knowing you made some grave mistake. It’s brooding and gloomy, slowly chugging along in the verses before turning on the buzzsaws for the chorus. It’s nauseating, filthy, disgusting, and all of the other descriptors that sound off-putting to everyone but heavy music fans. The track manages to tap into the concrete-gargling intensity of Chat Pile’s immaculate 2022 LP, God’s Country, yet never feels like it’s retreading old ground. For a non-album single, it’s about as essential as any other cut from the Oklahoma City outfit. — J. Krueger
17. Big Thief — “Vampire Empire”
“Vampire Empire” wasn’t necessarily supposed to be a proper Big Thief single. But after the band debuted the emphatically ramshackle tune on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a snippet of it went viral on TikTok, leaving the band with the obvious choice to release a studio version. Yet even the final recording isn’t as polished as you might expect for a big single – it feels like it was recorded in a single take, with frontperson Adrianne Lenker’s vocals quivering as she professes some of the most intimate details of her dysfunctional love. “Vampire Empire” is imperfect by design, just like love itself. — A. Jones
16. Genesis Owusu — “Survivor”
Genesis Owusu’s stellar 2023 concept album STRUGGLER followed a cockroach fleeing God’s shoe and earned him CoSign recognition, but he may have saved the best for last with the December loosie “Survivor.” The beat sounds like the sickest song cut from Yeezus, though the comparison is probably unkind to Owusu, whose lyrics tend to be more intellectually demanding than anything that other rapper attempted. On “Survivor,” he’s at his most poetical — and powerful: “When I get hot I burn the sun,” he warns, “Run when you see the fire.” You may or may not literally run, but when the beat drops be ready to move. — W. Graves
15. Olivia Rodrigo — “vampire”
In the immediate aftershock of “drivers license,” Olivia Rodrigo’s vulnerability didn’t just make her a voice of a generation – it made her a target. On “vampire,” she bites back at an older ex who once swept her off her feet, the thrill of her newfound stardom keeping her blind to the coattail-riding that defined his attraction. She admits to becoming a victim of his hypnotic influence: “You called them crazy/ God, I hate the way I called ’em crazy too,” she laments. But as the piano pounds under the dramatic rush of drums and synths, she reclaims her agency, driving a metaphorical stake into the facade that this man even had a heart to begin with. — A. Jones
14. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit — “Death Wish”
For the first time since his wild younger days, Weathervanes saw Jason Isbell produce his own album. The difference between that and longtime collaborator Dave Cobb is subtle but striking, and perhaps most noticeable on “Death Wish.” The fugue that ends the song — a layered battle between calls of, “Did you ever love a woman with a death wish?” and “I wanna hold her ’til it’s over” — is like little else in Isbell’s discography, while his band The 400 Unit sound clearer than ever before. But none of that would matter if it weren’t for that melody, one of Isbell’s most indelible yet. — W. Graves
13. Noname — “namesake”
noname has a bone to pick with everyone – including herself — on “namesake,” a brutally honest highlight from her latest album, Sundial. The Chicago rapper lets out all her frustrations about the current state of the world, asking, “Why complacency float the boat the most?” in allusion to the harmful consequences that come with a lack of accountability. She lays out why she’s not “Fuckin’ with the NFL or JAY-Z,” questioning the ethics of hip-hop’s most notable figures and how they contribute to these issues. “War machine gets glamorized, we play the game to pass the time,” she spits, grappling with the blindspots of which she herself can be guilty. noname packs in so much heat within these three minutes, with her sincerity always shining through. — S. Noor
12. Yves Tumor — “Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood”
Fans have a soft spot for Tumor’s bass lines, and “Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood” has a damn fine one — though it opens with one hell of a guitar riff, too. The crackles of electricity, and the sudden silence for the words, “Well if you die, it’s ok, you could just restart,” show Tumor’s sly sense of humor, while the song’s varied musical movements hint at a vast ambition. “Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood” swerves between sounds of rock, electronic, and dance, rollicking fun and unwavering beauty. There aren’t many true originals, but Tumor is surely one. — W. Graves
11. Ratboys — “Black Earth, WI”
For an eight-and-a-half-minute long song, “Black Earth, WI” is surprisingly breezy. The tune whisks listeners along with a driving but relaxed groove, tremolo guitar lines, and sweetly sung lines — and before you know it, nearly 10 minutes have passed. It’s sonic time travel, one that plays to Ratboys’ alt-country/indie rock strengths. Recorded straight to tape in just two takes, the musicianship is expectedly impressive. Even more impressive, however, is the song’s indescribable magic, the je ne sé quoi of its progression, the good vibes baked into each guitar lick. There’s something warm and perfect about this song, like it’s always been around, just waiting for the right band to capture it. — J. Krueger
10. Caroline Polachek — “Blood & Butter”
It’s long been a mission of pop songwriters to capture true intimacy, to depict the rush of fulfilled desire, the sensitivity of loving and being loved. Caroline Polachek achieves this with a vocabulary that could only come from Caroline Polachek on “Blood & Butter.” For her, desire is not just long walks and long nights — it’s walking beside her lover “needing nothing but the sun that’s in our eyes,” it’s being “closer than your new tattoo,” it’s a spiritual renewal. The song’s title evokes richness, something deep and carnal coming from within the body; this is all accentuated by the warm rip of an acoustic guitar and a majestic bagpipe solo (which interpolates another intimate track, “Fly to You”). It’s the brightest centerpiece on Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, and with its layers of gorgeous, passionate, and slightly bizarre imagery, it’s peak Polachek. — P. Ragusa
09. Better Lovers — “30 Under 13”
When two of heavy music’s most respected bands break up within five years of each other, the scene feels the void. But when a supergroup forms from those ruins — as when The Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato; Every Time I Die’s Jordan Buckley, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak, and Stephen Micciche; and Will Putney (Fit for an Autopsy) joined forces as Better Lovers — suddenly that hole doesn’t seem so big. The surprise new group made their debut with “30 Under 13,” a beast that roars with Puciato’s scream, prowls on a Deftones-esque chorus, and rips the jugular on the hardcore finale. It’s clear why it topped Heavy Consequence’s list of the 30 Best Metal & Hard Rock Songs of 2023. — S. Kaufman
08. Lana Del Rey — “A&W”
“A&W,” the sprawling, poetic cut from Lana Del Rey’s ninth studio album, is the artist at her weirdest — which is often where she’s at her best. Over seven minutes, Lana delivers a compelling eulogy to the American dream while also making a desperate plea to be seen; it’s the kind of stuff that made Norman Fucking Rockwell! so exceptional. Every now and then, Del Rey and Jack Antonoff really knock it out of the park, and for all its desperation and sadness, “A&W” is one such home run. Once that beat drops, there’s just no turning back. — M. Siroky
07. Wednesday — “Chosen to Deserve”
Putting themselves at the forefront of the “indie can be country” movement, CoSigned artists Wednesday create the perfect blend of lap steel and catchy, reflective rock music on “Chosen to Deserve.” Written as a direct conversation with a lover, there are frighteningly real stakes in the recollection of chaotic adolescence — not leastwise because singer/guitarist Karly Hartzman and guitarist MJ Lenderman are actually a couple. But even if that weren’t the case, we all know the revelation of a messy past to a longterm partner has potentially devastating consequences. Hartzman’s trick is making it all sound sweetly self-deprecating and self-accepting simultaneously, giving the refrain the feeling of resting your head on that lover’s shoulder. — B. Kaye
06. Sufjan Stevens — “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”
Sufjan Stevens’ heaviest songs often arrive light on their feet; the way his quickly-plucked guitar lines seem to tumble into evocative patterns and vast choruses can take some of the pressure off of Stevens’ lonely ruminations. This is the case for Javelin highlight “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”, which combines Stevens’ desperate requests for love with a blooming orchestra, banjo plucks, and a childlike choir. His pleas may be urgent and even aggressive — “Run me over, throw me over, cast me out,” goes one line — but the way the song patiently unfolds feels like he’s being enveloped in a giant hug. With each emotional ask, another hand seems to reach back out to him in support. It’s a powerful exercise in contrast, yes, but it’s also a perfect song for our fraught, ever-complicated existence right now: It’s Sufjan Stevens’ hand reaching out back to us. — P. Ragus
