Favourite Albums of 2023

In my personal opinion, 2023 brought forth another outstanding year in the realm of music. The year was marked by an abundance of diversity, a palpable sense of pent-up tension, and a surge of creativity in the music scene, much to the delight of our eager ears. Here, I present my top 10 favourite albums of the year.

10. A Gift & a Curse By Gunna

“A Gift & a Curse” serves as the fourth studio album from the American rapper Gunna. This project, released via YSL Records and 300 Entertainment, debuted on June 16, 2023. The album provides glimpses of the Gunna we’ve known from the past. Tracks such as “Back at It” and “Bottom” reveal Gunna’s playful, yet high-energy flows, underscoring his undeniable rap talent.

9. Almost Healed By Lil Durk

“Almost Healed” is the eighth studio album from American rapper Lil Durk, and it was released under the banners of Only the Family, Alamo Records, and Sony Music on May 26, 2023. It boasts a fantastic balance of Durk’s verses and impressive guest features, including J. Cole, Future, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Alicia Keys, and Morgan Wallen. Durk’s vocals sound exceptional throughout the album, and standout tracks might be “Stand by Me” or “All My Life.” The album cover is equally outstanding, complementing Lil Durk’s greatness.

8. Pink Tape By Lil Uzi Vert

“Pink Tape” stands as the third studio album from American rapper and singer Lil Uzi Vert, and it found its release under the labels Generation Now and Atlantic Records on June 30, 2023. This album boasts guest appearances by renowned artists including Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Bring Me the Horizon, Don Toliver, and Babymetal. Lil Uzi Vert has consistently been recognized for his boundary-pushing and captivating music, and this album cements his position as an innovator in the rap industry. Through its entrancing beats, thought-provoking lyrics, and genre-blurring style, “Pink Tape” is a genuine testament to Lil Uzi’s growth as an artist.

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7. Midnight Club By Autumn

“Midnight Club” marks Autumn’s third release of 2023, following the March 2023 album, “Golden Child, Chapter 3.” The mixtape takes its name from the video game series of the same title, created by Rockstar Games. Autumn’s acoustic style, combined with a polished flow. I particularly appreciated the modern underground trap sound, Autumn’s strength lies in the acoustic elements, which bring something unique to the table. This album showcases both the classic and the contemporary sides of Autumn, and he executed it well in this project.

6. Let’s Start Here By Lil Yatchy

“Let’s Start Here” is the fifth studio album by American musician Lil Yachty, and it was released on January 27, 2023, under the labels Motown Records and Quality Control Music. This release marks his first studio album since “Lil Boat 3” and follows his 2021 mixtape “Michigan Boy Boat.”

4. For All My Dogs By Drake

“For All the Dogs” marks the eighth studio album by the Canadian rapper and singer Drake. This album was released on October 6, 2023, through OVO Sound and Republic Records. This album offers a rich, intricate texture, and it presents a seamless blend of melancholic R&B and Pop-Rap tracks. It’s an incredibly varied project that draws from various hip-hop sub-genres, resulting in a satisfying array of sounds. I appreciate his current artistic direction and hope he continues to evolve, rather than reverting to the style he used a decade ago.

3. Tec By Lil Tecca

Tec is the third studio album by American rapper Lil Tecca. It was released through Galactic and Republic Records on September 22, 2023. The album contains guest appearances from Kodak Black and Ken Carson. It serves as the follow-up to his previous album, We Love You Tecca 2. Tec showcases Lil Tecca’s evolution from his distinct sound when he first emerged. Since his debut with “Ransom,” he has undoubtedly grown significantly. His unique style and the beats featured in this album are definite highlights, signifying his musical development.

2. Nostalgia By Rod Wave

“Nostalgia” serves as the fifth studio album by American rapper and singer Rod Wave. This release came through Alamo Records on September 15, 2023, and features guest appearances from Wet, 21 Savage, and Sadie Jean . The power of Rod Wave’s movement lies in the perfect blend of his execution, authenticity, and profoundly introspective lyrics. In an era where people increasingly yearn for authenticity and relatability, It might be more fitting to categorize him as a Blues or Soul artist rather than a traditional rapper.

1. Across the Spider-verse soundtrack

The soundtrack for the 2023 American animated superhero film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” which is based on the Miles Morales incarnation of the superhero Spider-Man and produced by Sony Pictures Animation, includes a soundtrack album curated by American record producer Metro Boomin and an original score composed by English composer Daniel Pemberton. The decision to have a producer like Metro Boomin oversee the entire album was a clever choice, as each song seamlessly melds together, creating a cohesive and unified theme. From beginning to end, the album exudes a consistent vibe that feels both sci-fi and occasionally futuristic, aligning well with the film’s multiversal narrative. In many respects, the array of synthesizers and digital elements on several tracks harmoniously complements Daniel Pemberton’s original score.

Feel free to share your thoughts on your favourite albums in the comments section!