The Best Albums of 2023: A Deep Dive into Exclaim!’s Top Picks
As 2023 draws to a close, music lovers are reflecting on a year brimming with remarkable releases. Exclaim! magazine has delivered its definitive list, adn we’re breaking down their top three albums – offering a closer look at what makes each one stand out.These aren’t just good records; they represent pivotal moments in contemporary music, showcasing innovation, vulnerability, and sheer artistic power.
Let’s explore the albums that resonated moast with exclaim!‘s critics, and why you should be listening.
3. PinkPantheress – Fancy That (Parlophone)
!PinkPantheress – Fancy That Album Art
PinkPantheress burst onto the scene via tiktok and Instagram, captivating audiences with her signature blend of catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. But Fancy That proves she’s far more than a viral sensation.
Here’s what makes this album special:
* Concise & Impactful: Clocking in at just 20 minutes, Fancy That is a perfectly paced project. It leaves you wanting more, but never overstays its welcome.
* Genre-Bending Brilliance: The album seamlessly blends UK dance pop, garage, and electronica. It’s a kinetic soundscape that feels both familiar and fresh.
* Sampling Mastery: PinkPantheress elevates the art of sampling. She transforms nostalgic sounds into something entirely new and exciting.
* Infectious Energy: Fancy that is designed for dancing. It’s the kind of album you can lose yourself in, replay after replay.
As Jordan Currie of Exclaim! notes, each listen reveals hidden gems, making it a hazy, unforgettable club experience.
2. Geese – Getting Killed (Partisan Records / Play It Again Sam)
!Geese – getting Killed Album Art
Brooklyn-based band Geese made a important statement with Getting Killed. In an era where “rock” often feels more like an aesthetic than a genuine sound, Geese delivered a record that’s both uncompromising and captivating.
Here’s why Getting Killed stands out:
* Genre Subversion: The band doesn’t just play with genre; they subsume it.They take familiar elements and reshape them into something entirely their own.
* Vocal Evolution: singer Cameron Winter truly comes into his own on this album. His soulful vocals add depth and nuance to songs that feel both familiar and strangely new.
* Defiance of Trends: Getting Killed actively resists the algorithm-driven desire for predictability. It’s a bold move that pays off handsomely.
* Cultural Impact: The album helped Geese break through to a wider audience, proving that authentic rock music still has a place in the modern landscape.
Ian gormely of Exclaim! highlights the album’s remarkable achievement in standing out in any year,let alone one saturated with content.
1. Ribbon Skirt – Bite Down (Mint Records)
!Ribbon Skirt – Bite Down Album Art
Topping Exclaim!‘s list is Bite Down by Ribbon skirt, a debut album that’s nothing short of a revelation. Vocalist-guitarist tashiina Buswa and multi-instrumentalist Billy Riley (formerly of Love Language) have crafted a bracing, inventive work of art.
Here’s what makes Bite Down the album of
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