We're already halfway through 2023 and there have been some incredible albums released, from returning favourites like Foo Fighters, Paramore and Fall Out Boy, to rising stars like RAYE and Yazmin Lacey dropping some outstanding debuts. It's going to be tricky choosing our 'album of the year' in December, but for now we've collated some of our favourites so far, and albums we're hoping to see later in the year!
Check out our list so far below, it will take some gems to beat these ones!
Paramore - This Is Why
'This Is Why' is the epitome that being an adult in the modern-day is just as brutal as the teen angst that once fuelled pop-punk. Paramore's sixth album highlights our new set of anxieties — from witnessing global events and being frustrated by the lack of human empathy, to dealing with entering your thirties. In the lead single ‘This Is Why’, they set the tone of the album’s subject matter, all while connecting it back to the funkiness of 2017s 'After Laughter'. - Izzy
The National - First Two Pages Of Frankenstein
The National returned earlier this year with their ninth LP ‘First Two Pages Of Frankenstein’ - after 2019's ‘I Am Easy To Find’ I wasn’t sure which direction the band would follow, but FTPOF is an absolute smash. Once again collaborating across their record - this time with Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift and Sufjan Stevens. There are countless highlights throughout including ‘The Alcott’, ‘New Order T-Shirt’ and ‘Alien’ but as a complete package it flows perfectly & the early singles were the perfect taster of what to expect. - Callum
They are heading to Leeds and London this September, grab your tickets now!
Foo Fighters returned with their 11th album, ‘But Here We Are’ last week, having teased us with the release of tracks from the album since the start of the year. The album has a very ‘Foo Fighters feel’ but is an incredibly emotional one that makes it different from their previous releases. The lyrics of some of the songs really give you an insight into how difficult the last 18 months have been for the band and Dave Grohl and the album as a whole really tells a story of their journey and emotions since losing Taylor Hawkins. As you listen along you definitely feel a part of the journey. Whether you’re a diehard Foo’s fan or have never listened to them, definitely give this album a listen! - Karishma
RAYE - My 21st Century Blues
My 21st Century Blues' is RAYE's long-awaited debut studio album, which has taken those who love her music by storm, receiving huge success, especially with songs 'Flip A Switch' and world-wide smash hit 'Escapism', featuring 070 Shake'. The album is a perfect amalgamation of songs meant for those who have faced and overcome adversity and for those looking for an incredible album to sing out-loud and dance to. This is definitely one to play on repeat this year. - Ruby
Her UK tour kicks off this November, with some dates already sold out you'll want to grab yours now!
This album is pure, unadulterated, disco pop which delves into themes of self-pleasure and spiritual freedom, full of addictive melodies, ear worm choruses, and Ware's soulful vocals. It's a 21st century take on the Studio 54 era of the 70's, transporting you to a New York loft wherever you are. Pulling apart and piecing together all the best parts of disco and reworking them into a contemporary record, it's 'Disco revival done right' (Pitchfork). The standout tracks for me are the opener 'That! Feels Good' and 'Begin Again'. So, whether you're a fan of the original disco heroes like Grace Jones, CHIC and Sister Sledge, or more recent disco-inspired work like Beyoncé's 'Renaissance', I'd encourage anyone to give this record a spin. - Abi
She's heading out on tour this November, get your tickets now!
Ever since Heart Attack Man dropped the first single of ‘Freak Of Nature’ (also titled Freak Of Nature) back in March I simply couldn’t wait to hear the next chapter in the band’s career. Heart Attack Man have achieved the perfect blend between catchiness and dissonance resulting in a sound that’s inexplicably them, and an interesting alternative to the sickly sweet pop punk that’s so common today. The album also caps off at 10 songs, resulting in an extremely easy listen from front to back. - Michael
You can catch them live on tour next month as they head to multiple cities across the UK!
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