The Best, Worst, and Most Surprising Albums of 2023
Dec 7, 2023
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Music journalist Puja Patel, music critic Jeremy D. Larson, and music writer Anna Gaca discuss their favorite albums from Pitchfork's 50 Best Albums of 2023 list, including Amaarae, ANOHNI, Sofia Kourtesis, Kara Jackson, and SZA. They also talk about some of the year's biggest disappointments, like Lil Yachty's psych-rock experiment and Doja Cat's rap misfire.
SZA showcases her versatility and brilliant songwriting skills with her album, delivering a Shakespearean mix of comedy and tragedy.
While Doja Cat and Lil Yachty's albums had interesting concepts, they failed to deliver and make a lasting impact.
Deep dives
SZA's album as the standout of the year
SZA's album, filled with dense and richly written lyrics, showcases her versatility and brilliant songwriting skills. The album covers a range of themes with sharp and cutting verses, while still maintaining a sense of humor. With tracks like 'Blind' and 'Kill Bill,' SZA captivates listeners with her unique muse and delivers a Shakespearean mix of comedy and tragedy. Her ability to craft songs that are both funny and emotional sets her apart and solidifies her as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Underrated favorites from the year
PureLink, a Chicago-based ambient dub trio, creates a textured and jazzy sound on their album 'Signs.' Their music combines electronic elements with acoustic touches, resulting in a unique listening experience. Sofia Kortesas' album 'Madreis' sparkles with expertly crafted pop music that communicates feelings and rhythms without relying heavily on lyrics. Kara Jackson's album 'Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?' offers a mesmerizing blend of folk and singer-songwriter style, delving into themes of love and heartache.
Albums that missed the mark
The podcast episode discusses Doja Cat's album, which failed to deliver on its potential to tackle topics of evil and temptation, instead focusing on projecting against an invisible antagonist. Lil Yachty's album also falls short, as the combination of psych rock and soul-funk music doesn't quite mesh with his classic SoundCloud rap style. While these albums may have had interesting concepts, they did not fully deliver and failed to make a lasting impact.
Puja Patel, Jeremy D. Larson, and Anna Gaca talk about some of their personal faves from Pitchfork’s 50 Best Albums of 2023 list, including records by Amaarae, ANOHNI, Sofia Kourtesis, Kara Jackson, and SZA. They also lament some of the year’s biggest disappointments, like Lil Yachty’s psych-rock experiment and Doja Cat’s rap misfire.