By: Campbell Petschke
Currently Listening to: Do It Again by Royksopp and Robyn
But Here We Are…
It feels wrong to be writing this. Is this real? Wasn’t it just July a few days ago? Okay, enough enough. It is end of year list season which means I get to tell you silly gooses what I liked the best about this year… musically. While I feel like I LOVED more albums from 2022, 2023 threw a curveball around July-ish. I thought this would be sort of a dud year after so much good content dropped the year prior. I am more than happy to be proven wrong any time. There were newcomers like NewJeans, artists who I didn’t feel strong about before putting out their best albums in many years, and returning champs like Paramore and Quadeca. I would say that while last year had many things live up to expectations and exceed, I was more surprised than anything multiple times. I have been waiting a long while to put together this list because now I can reflect on all the music I needed to revisit/forgot to write down. I’ll have more to say once the album list drops, but for now here is my list of favorite songs. Enjoy, any questions can wait until after the read.
Playlist included at the bottom of article!
50. Mandy, Indiana – Peach Fuzz
This song is like hell. This whole album feels like a nightmare inducing experience and Peach Fuzz is the culprit. Following a song that literally has muffled screams before it, this song feels like a terrifying trip down an industrial, noise rock conveyer belt. It’s all fuzzed up and looped into a sick and twisted trip. This is really more of an album experience, but this song is too cool to not mention.
49. Kylie Minogue – Padam Padam
I probably would’ve never found out about this album if not for Lauren Mayberry. I have never hopped on the Kylie train aside from a few songs from the 2000s. Lauren played this during her DJ set after her main set at her show this past September. This is the definition of a mindless club banger. The beat is begging to be blasted at unreasonably high volume and to be chanted by wasted dummies in a club. For that reason alone, this remains in constant rotation.
48. Genesis Owusu – The Roach
I’m so glad I was won over by Genesis Owusu. His performance felt out of place at the Paramore show this past year, but man did he put on a performance. The Roach is a perfect follow up to the opener, Leaving the Light. His voice is described as an alternative MC Ride of Death Grips, which is a hilariously accurate comparison. To be fair, that’s a massive compliment. Mix some demanding delivery with buzzy beat and you’ve got a hit in The Roach and it’s message of classism.
47. slowdive – skin in the game
This is the definition of drowned out, sinking into your mattress levels of shoegaze. Skin in the Game feels like a walk through the woods while contemplating heartache. Even if it’s not exactly what the song follows, it still hits a stronger note in the way it makes me feel while being enchanted. This is one of the shorter songs on the record, but slowdive really went full daze on this one.
46. Peggy Gou x Lenny Kravitz – I Believe in Love Again
I’ve seen many end of year lists use Nanana as their Peggy Gou favorite this year, which is a totally valid pick, but there’s something magical about the collab with Lenny Kravitz. The beat sounds like it is straight out of 2014 and it works ridiculously well. Lenny’s vocals work so well on this style as it’s super groovy and sensual in all the right ways. I would totally listen to a full album of their collabs.
45. Lauren Mayberry – Shame
Lauren Mayberry going solo for an album was definitely not on my list to look out for this year. While the album hasn’t dropped yet, the two singles that have dropped are both hits. Shame edges out Are You Awake just by a margin as I feel like this suits Lauren’s vocal style really well outside of what we are used to with her work in CHVRCHES. The progression of Shame feels very Strange Money era St. Vincent. Every verse the background just feels more apparent and when the chorus hits it pays off so nicely.
44. Portugal. The Man x Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Summer of Luv
WARNING! The riff and sax in this song is not going to leave your head for a few days. This was the song that reminded me what this band is capable of creating. This takes the poppy elements of Woodstock and the psych elements of pretty much everything else they’ve done and meshes both worlds. UMO fits in nicely at the beginning too. Summer of Luv is the type of track that reminds you of why Portugal. The Man was so damn good the past two decades.
43. Dua Lipa – Houdini
Man, if Dua Lipa is the face of modern pop music then we are in a good spot. The music world seems to really believe in her too after the success of Future Nostalgia. When Kevin Parker hopped on Lady Gaga’s Perfect Illusion, it was a cool moment of world’s colliding, but it felt more Tame Impala than Gaga. Houdini feels like it blends more into Dua’s style and is a sick change to her sound she already has a firm grasp on. Also an instance where the music video really does elevate the song. Did anyone else get reminded of Madonna’s Hung Up vid?
42. Grian Chatten – Fairlies
Fontaines D.C. never really wowed me all that much, but I was struck when I recognized Grian’s voice behind the lovely instrumental melodies on Fairlies. This is why it is good for artists to flex their talents on all fronts and sounds. While I really enjoyed this album in full, Fairlies is a song that I never got tired of. For some reason I got an Oasis vibe from it… Don’t kill me if you’re offended by that.
41. Goth Babe – Alone in the Mountains
Sure, Goth Babe definitely loves this sound and has repeated it similarly for the past few years… BUT IT’S GOOD, OKAY? Alone in the Mountains is a dance party through the snowy forest. I feel like his choices in album covers really add to the feeling I associate with the tune. This one feels so comfy, warm, and breezy all at once. Will Goth Babe ever put out a full album? The world may never know, but I do know he’ll always drop bangers like this. I am realizing this is also the third year in a row I’ve put a Goth Babe song on my end of year list, hell yeah Griff. (Encinitas, Driving South)
40. Skrillex x Nai Barghouti – XENA
Skrillex had an amazing 2023. He pretty easily got everyone back on board with him, not just because he got a makeover, but with the creative paths he took. XENA is what I want out of EDM in this modern day. This sound is just unlike anything I expected to hear from Skrillex, not that I expected to hear anything from him at all. The first two thirds of this song flow pretty similarly, but then there’s a moment where this unique sound gets kicked up a notch and suddenly I’m punching the roof of my car while blasting this windows down. Definitely happened a few times this year.
39. Quannnic – Sheets
This is one of the songs on my list that I can’t really elaborate as to why I like it so much. It feels like 2020 shoegaze’s answer to 2000s post-punk. It’s also insanely emo, so if that catches your interest, you will probably fall in love with this whole album too, but start here if you’re curious!
38. IDLES x LCD Soundsystem – DANCER
If there’s one good thing that came out of the shit storm that was Re:Set Concert Series, it’s that two of my favorite rock acts came together and made an insanely fun, dance punk track. I can feel the influence of New Body Rhumba in this version of LCD. The way it mixes with IDLES makes it sound kind of like a long lost Death From Above 1979 track. I’m loving this constantly evolving sound from this band. They seriously are one of the most creative post-punk acts working today.
37. Knocked Loose – Deep in the Willow
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes… This is one of the best tracks Knocked Loose has ever dropped. When this song was first teased on socials the beginning was used to promote the drop itself, I thought it was just music to build anticipation. A day or so later, it drops and holy fuck they mixed it into one of the cleanest rises to breakdown I’ve heard all year. Bryan gives one of his most ferocious performances here too, especially when he screams KNOCKED LOOSE MOTHERFUCKER. They did not have to go as hard as they did.
36. Fred Again.. x Jozzy – ten
God, have I become so down horrendous for Fred’s music this past year. After ascending to heaven after seeing his live set at Lollapalooza, I really was 1000% in on whatever he decided to do next. Ten sounds like house’s answer to Lofi Beats to Study to. It’s a lowkey beat with a very smooth Jozzy feature. I’ve also never heard of this guy before, I’m invested in whatever he decides to do next!
35. Hemlocke Springs – enknee1
I stumbled upon Hemlocke Springs on total accident. I was making my New Music Friday list and I accidentally pressed play on this, One of two best mistakes I made this year (you’ll find out the other on the album list). enknee1 feels like the song that exists in dreams. It’s a hopelessly inquisitive song that begs her question if there is anyone out there to love her. I also appreciate the timeless feel, I totally would’ve had this song on my iPod Nano back in 2007.
34. Model/Actriz – Crossing Guard
I don’t say this lightly… this song is as close to LCD Soundsystem as we’ve gotten since their last album in 2017. Model/Actriz was one of the most unexpected gems of this year that I feel like I found too late. Crossing Guard plays out like LCD meets noise rock. The vocals on this also play out like Iggy Pop for the modern audience. This track naturally grows and fades to whatever height it needs to reach to make this feel as big as it possibly can but still feel grounded as well.
33. Jungle – Back on ’74
I’m so happy when Jungle drops a new single mainly because it’s usually one of the only songs I really return to when listening to their projects. Admittedly, they have grown on me in the past year or so, but man, Back on ’74 was an instant click. This is the type of song that makes you walk more confidently. I’m actually very surprised it didn’t see top 40 success as this felt like it had all the makings of a massive hit. At least above most of what they have done so far. Big ups to Jungle for putting out a very solid release this year that finally got me on board.
32. The National – Tropic Morning News
Say what you will about the rest of what The National dropped this year, but Tropic Morning News was one of the first singles I fell in love with this year, aaaallllllll the way back in January. Truthfully, this song soars in the tracklist and stands out pretty easily for good reason. It’s a song that’ll ring with a chunk of listeners. especially those stereotypical National fans. Having a hard time expressing how you feel and not knowing how to tell your partner. It’s a really aching song that’ll unfortunately get caught in the rough of bad album reception, but seriously if you’re curious please check this one out. The album is also not that bad, nerds just get mad when you include Taylor Swift on their albums.
31. MGMT – Bubblegum Dog
There is very strong hope for the return of sleaze coming back in 2024. Vampire Weekend’s fifth album just finished, Voxtrot is touring again, Passion Pit rumors are circulating, and MGMT is doing what they do best. Bubblegum Dog feels like a return to Congratulations era. It’s more minimal and not as heavy on synth pop sound like Little Dark Age was five years ago (somehow). Part of what makes a great MGMT song is the absurdity and mystery behind the lyrics. It’s like an indie rock puzzle that can be solved in multiple ways. This really does continue hope for the band to be on a back to back hot streak.
30. Kaytramine – Rebuke
This Kaytranada and Amine collab knew what it wanted to be the moment you hit play. It’s obvious. An album that feels like a hot summer day, where you can see the heatwaves bounce off the pool water, and the deep yellow sun is turning into afternoon sky. Rebuke is the highlight of this mood as it feels like the equivalent of lying down on a beach towel next to a boombox. Amine’s soft singing really elevate this song that much more. He’s a star and the world really needs to start showing him the love he has earned. Kaytra is obviously a master of his craft, but you don’t need me to tell you that.
29. Yard Act – The Trench Coat Museum
These past four years in post-punk and math rock have been super exciting. We’ve had so many future classic artists like Black Country, New Road, Black Midi, and Squid cross our paths who are taking it to the next level in nuttiness. Yard Act can properly join that cast as they really have welcomed themselves into the art-punk/post-punk modern world. I can’t think of a better example than The Trench Coat Museum, a bat shit insane track that sounds like an instrumental meltdown. It’s commentary on groupthink and progression of what is considered socially acceptable really shines as it’s done really intensely and with a ton of style.
28. Stu Brooks, Poppy, Danny Elfman – They’ll Just Love You
Honest to god, my mission next year is to get more familiar with Stu Brooks. They’ll Just Love You is a demented, bleak, genre-blending track that has no issue with proving it’s weirdness. Poppy’s intense opening verse leading into Jack fucking Skellington caught me off guard. Danny Elfman put his all into his performance, he’s too good for us. This song is the equivalent of your TV signal getting hacked and you’re forced to endure freaky, provocative imagery but you can’t help but watch.
27. Pinkpantheress – Mosquito
I can’t thank Pinkpantheress enough for bringing break-beat back to the mainstream again. She has such a clear idea in mind when she’s producing these ear worms. Mosquito stuck out to me especially the way it reminded me of the 2000s. It doesn’t force this idea or time period down your throat whatsoever, it feels more like it’s honoring it. Her vocals suit this style so perfectly that it’s hard not to fall victim to the nostalgic sounds that we’re just now hearing for the first time.
26. Glass Beach – the CIA
I have not thought about glass beach since their last album back in 2019. Hearing the CIA out of pure coincidence while listening to my release radar on Spotify made my day. Not only is this song a great comeback after a few years, it’s one of the best songs I heard the last quarter of 2023. The breakdown after you think its already closing out was one of my favorite surprises this year on any single. Can’t wait for a new album!
25. NewJeans – ETA
K-Pop was a genre that needed a little bit of persuading when being fully introduced to it this year. Of all the k-pop artists that I was introduced to, NewJeans had to be my favorite. This little EP was nonstop hit after hit. ETA feels like it could come from like three different parts of the world and demands to be played as a hype song. This is a shower song by every metric.
24. Baby Keem x Kendrick Lamar – The Hillbillies
Fuck you Kendrick and Keem. I am willing to put good money down that nothing becomes of this and we are just left waiting for Keem to drop his next project with maybe one or two Kendrick features again. This song is the opposite of serious as you could probably tell by the music video (which was the only way you could stream for a while). They go bar for bar, each trying to top the other once the other is done. Nobody outdoing anyone, just a song with ridiculous vibes. Please don’t let me down guys, the chemistry is tangible, don’t waste it!!
23. Bully & Soccer Mommy – Lose You
One of a few instances on the list where I have only heard the lead single and not the album. To be fair though, this song is fucking incredible and one of the best collabs of the year. This felt a lot like when Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten collaborated a few years back (and never spoke on it again). Soccer Mommy has been on the rise for a handful of years now, same goes for Bully. They are on their A+ game here, with a lead-in to the chorus that’ll make you feel like you’re in the late 90s.
22. Lil Yachty – I’ve Officially Lost Vision
When Yachty rapped over Tame Impala’s Breathe Deeper a few years back, part of me felt he wanted to delve more into sound like that. Let’s Start Here rattled the rap community as this was not at all what people were expecting. I’ve Officially Lost Vision was the biggest jaw drop as this felt like the ultimate insult to those that wanted rap Yachty. This is maybe the most grand song that he has ever put out as this just feels like the build up is escalating up a hill only to have a stupidly incredible payoff during the last chorus. Yachty, please make more psych rock infused tracks like this. Hearing this live only solidified how special it is to many people already.
21. Quadeca – GUESS WHO?
Quadeca hasn’t slowed down since 2021. He has dropped fabulous projects back to back with his latest I Didn’t Mean to Haunt You being my favorite album of last year. With the Scrapyard projects he has dropped this year, he really shows no sign of stopping. These feel like b-sides to last year’s project, but had every right to be put separately. A song like Guess Who might’ve felt out of place, but works perfectly on an EP. I love how this song toys around with his position in music with him blending genres and not knowing where he fits in. He fits nicely at the top of the podium. His production skills here are top notch too.
20. 26fix – Stone Killer
I don’t have a whole lot to say about 26fix other than she is one of the most exciting voices in indie pop right now. This song is a total earworm that I currently have stuck in my head while typing this out. I’m willing to place good money on her blowing up once she drops her album next year.
19. Beabadoobee x Laufey – A Night to Remember
Similar to Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak with Silk Sonic, this is a collaboration that was right there and just fit perfectly together. Laufey has made a total splash this past year with her soft jazz tunes and Bea has teased softer bossa nova songs with The Perfect Pair off her album last year. I can’t help but feel this was also destined to happen as well and honestly will be let down again when they do this as a one off single and not a project. It’s a soothing tune that feels super old fashioned and lovey. I eat that shit up!
18. Carly Rae Jepsen – Psychedelic Switch
Carly Rae Jepsen was in my top five most streamed artists this year (thanks Festiverse). I really have seen the light when it comes to her music. It’s dancing with tears in our eyes bangers mixed with bright poppy love songs. Psychedelic Switch is a reminder that CRJ is the new Kylie Minogue and Robyn. It’s the most fun song on the project and is just a carefree dance party that I played many times this year.
17. The Beaches – Blame Brett
Modern alt-pop is a scary place to be sometimes, but I feel safe with artists like The Beaches. Their music is so refreshing and effortlessly catchy. You can pick a handful of singles they’ve released and get something sonically pretty different. When Blame Brett dropped, my summer changed for the better. I could not avoid this song… because I didn’t want to. I played the fuck out of it, whenever it popped up on a playlist it stayed on. When it popped up on the alt station, I kept it. It’s an honest, fun song about how much Brett is just the worst. Fuck him!
16. Sarah Kinsley – Oh No Darling!
Congrats to Sarah Kinsley for putting out a pop song that was so beautiful that it made me cry from how pretty it sounded. This is such a gem of a song that really highlight everything great about Sarah’s vocals. Hearing it live at Lolla this year only solidified how much this song means to me. She gives it her all and it’s hard not to fall in love with a song that sounds this luscious and charming.
15. Sufjan Stevens – Shit Talk
At an epic near nine minute runtime, Sufjan reminds you why he’s one of the greatest songwriters of our time. This whole album is dedicated to his partner that passed away this past year, so while keeping that in mind and hearing something as soaring and layered instrumentally and vocally as Shit Talk. Probably the most heartbreaking song I heard this entire year and I first heard it while night driving down a long, dark road. Why do I do this to myself?
14. Geese – Cowboy Nudes
What is easily my favorite discovery of 2023, Geese impressed the hell out of me. Cowboy Nudes did not drag me instantly though. It was one of the earliest songs I heard on the indie station as it came out January 31stof this year. After about a month of just living with it, I learned to really adore this song in all of it’s eccentricity. Truth is there’s not many that nail the groovy, alt-country sound as well as Geese does on Cowboy Nudes. It’s so out of nowhere and unpredictable, just like the album it lives on. I hope they continue to grow even bigger because they blew me away nearly the entire year and hearing this song as often as I did was a frequent reminder.
13. Romy – She’s On My Mind
I have been begging for a new album from The XX for years now. SEVEN YEARS GUYS! Where is the album? Oh Oliver dropped a great album? Fine. Romy dropped a house album?! Okay we’re getting warmer. Romy took over my last few months of 2023 and She’s On My Mind took over my AirPods for many weeks. While this wasn’t one of the singles for the album, I can totally see this one aging really well and end up being one that she’ll always include in her shows. It has such a euphoric beauty that made me feel like I understood how it felt to be in a club during the 90s and 2000s. This is a extremely lovey dance party that I blast frequently in my car.
12. Lana Del Rey – A&W
You’ll probably see this track on many end of year lists and for good reason. Lana doesn’t always put out longer tracks like A&W without a purpose. A&W is truthfully in conversation for one of her best songs she has ever written. Yeah, yeah the beat switch is incredible and reminds me of House of Balloons, but lyrically this is one of her most honest. Her perception of how the public sees not only her, but the female gender in general. Basically the story follows a girl that grew up into being a hoe and what it did to the character upon reflecting in the future. It’s bold in every minute that it takes up and is the highlight of an amazing record.
11. M83 – Amnesia
Being an M83 fan is tough at times. You’ll get teased with an awesome track like Amnesia and then be sort of duped when the finished product drops. Amnesia is and was the perfect blend of old and new M83. It was spacey, insanely catchy grooves that fall perfectly into the next verse or chorus, and kind of ominous atmosphere. I love how big this song is too. I can close my eyes and envision a light show if I squint hard enough. This is my favorite song they’ve released in over a decade.
TOP TEN TIME WOOOOOOO!!!
10. Tyler, The Creator – Sorry Not Sorry
This truly felt like the end of something big. Sorry Not Sorry had an unfair advantage of dropping with a really special music video that highlighted all of the albums Tyler had dropped up to this point. The end involved him beating the shit out of the latest persona for Call Me If You Get Lost. The song on it’s own stands boldly across other drops from this year though. While this was the year that Tyler broke format and didn’t drop an official album this year, Sorry Not Sorry and the rest of the Estate Sale made up for it. This song is all of the confidence and edge that he brought to CMIYGL and made it about how he isn’t going to apologize for who he is and that he can’t stick to one side of himself. His evolution is inevitable and he wants the world to deal with it. Say no more man.
9. Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
I am totally not impressed with the state of mainstream pop music. Sorry if that’s harsh, but most of it is just junk that is just recycled styles of one or two artists that know wha they’re doing. Olivia Rodrigo came back with a familiar style, but it’s how she did it that stuck the landing so well. Vampire gradually gains more and more speed and fun, unexpected moments that make it feel like you’re discovering her for the first time. I got the same feeling the first time listening to this song that I did hearing Lorde’s Green Light back in 2017. It just felt exciting and a breath of fresh air. This is easily my choice for the best bridge that I heard all year as well. It just hits so hard at the perfect time.
8. Big Thief – Vampire Empire
Ah here we go again, Big Thief going to steal my heart for a second year in a row. They absolutely crushed me with last year’s long ass album title that I don’t feel like typing out. Vampire Empire came out of nowhere as I didn’t expect to hear from them for at least a few more years after dropping an over 20 songs project. They didn’t think I had enough heartbreak in my 2023 music so I guess fuck me then, right? No, but seriously this is one of the most tragic and heart-wrenching vocal performances I heard this year and it made an impact so deep that I find it hard to revisit. It’s a breakup song that made you feel like you were the one broken up with.
7. 100 Gecs – Hollywood Baby
Part of loving Gecs is kind of being in on the joke. They take themselves seriously by not doing so. Hence why we have songs like Hollywood Baby. This is a way too addictive song that can really only be played at unreasonably high volume. It’s an angsty, stupid, yet sharp song that really is the duo at their very best. It really felt this was them proving themselves as them being who they are and still being more accessible to the average listener. That being said, I still have to skip this whenever my girlfriend is in the car with me. It’s not for everyone, but it’s totally for me.
6. underscores x gabby start – Locals (Girls like us)
Hyperpop is here to stay and it is absolutely welcome in this household. There’s parts of Locals (Girls like us) that feel like Gecs, Dizzee Rascal, and dance punk all mixed together. In an interview with Gabby Start, they stated how excited they were to hop on this crazy ass beat and how fun it was to work together with underscores. Honestly, did not even need to be said because the fun is more than apparent. Add this to the list of songs that can only be played at a high volume. Earlier in the year in a review I wrote on Album of the Year’s site, I called underscores 100 Gecs with a LinkedIn account and I totally still stand by it when you have songs as well structured and conceptual as Locals.
5. Boygenius – Not Strong Enough
Anyone who knows me in real life… sorry for being super obvious. I sang this song so much. Like way too much. I am sorry for how much I sang this song. Anyways, there’s good reason of why I did, as Future says it’s SENSATIONAL! Boygenius has the privilege of having three very smart front women with open minds. This idea of self pity playing a part in being an aspect of one’s god complex is an really sick idea for a song. It also makes a lot of sense given how self aware they all are as a group. Out of all the singles they dropped, this one hit the hardest and stuck with me the most. It’s catchy, smart, self aware, and a bop for all sadbois and girls.
4. Caroline Polachek x Dido x Grimes – Fly to You
Man, this was one of the easiest choices I made all year for this list. Caroline really put together one of the best pop albums so far this decade and recruited some fellow icons to stunt on a breakcore type beat like it’s the early 2000s. I think it’s fun we have kind of circled back to this sound and see it as nostalgia now. Fuck, I’m getting older. Another example of the Frank Ocean philosophy “the best song wasn’t the single”. Fly to You gave each lovely lady their moment to shine, Grimes giving one of her very best performances in years and really understood her assignment on a song like this. Dido vocals are of course always welcome too. Not much else to say here, just a really strong indie pop track that I will burn out on my fantasy Spotify cassette tape.
3. Chris Stapleton – White Horse
This could easily be put alongside Not Strong Enough for the song I sung the most around the house for a few months this year… anyways… ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you… Chris Stapleton’s best song he has ever recorded. I know I’m probably the wrong guy to ask since I’m not the most country acquainted, but this is just an amazing song no matter who you ask (that is willing to listen at least). This is the type of song I really would’ve eaten up as a kid. I could recite the chorus to this within the first listen or two. The passion in his voice just commands me to pay attention to every heartfelt word he spews. The best part about this song though? He heard that they were looking for a song for Johnny Depp’s infamously awful interpretation of The Lone Ranger movie… this ended up being the end result. Best thing that came out of that film easily.
2. Paramore – Crave
I can’t believe I am writing about a song like Crave. This Is Why’s rollout was the most excited I had been for an album drop in a very long time. Sure, there were fun ones like The 1975 last year or Beach Bunny’s Emotional Creature, but the payoff received from getting to Crave was unlike any listening experience that I had all year. Crave can mean many things if you’re a long time Paramore fan. Essentially the song is about wanting to hold onto a moment for forever, but we can only hold on for so long. This felt self-referential in a way since the band has really come into their own after many years of losing members and figuring out their identity. As Hayley passionately sings to us, there’s not a thing she would change, but still craves for the moments to last. There’s so much truth to the lyrics and matched it so well sonically that it really does feel like this is the best a song like this could ever sound. I adore Paramore and the fact they can still put out songs like Crave is beyond anything I could’ve asked for.
- Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven
I Got Heaven came out of nowhere in my world. Mannequin Pussy was a band that was hardly on my radar, so coming across this single was just out of curiosity because I had heard nothing but good things about them. All three singles out really caught me by surprise, but I Got Heaven filled the Wolf Alice shaped hole in my heart. This song has so much ferocity and emotion packed into just about three minutes. It’s a song that tackles freedom of self and battles religious ties to anything making you feel less than perfect. It’s done in a relatively vulgar way as there’s one line about Jesus eating her snatch and all done in passionate screams.
This is my favorite song of 2023 because of the delivery of the Missy Dabice’s intense vocal performance, the lyrical analogies, the intense and fuzzy rips of the guitars, and the themes it presents. I Got Heaven is what music in 2023 should sound like. It’s music with a purpose that has no problem being as bold as possible in what it wants to address.
“I wish I could’ve been there to save you from the reach, I am spiteful like a god, I seek vengeance like the rest, for what they did to you, I will never lay to rest”
The Art of Vibing 