2023 was an incredibly fruitful year for new music. Incredible comebacks from pop-punk favourites Paramore and Blink 182 finally materialised - as did glorious debuts from supergroup-trio boygenius and Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten.
But these are the records that See Tickets enjoyed the most over the past 52 weeks! Let us know if we're missing any on our social channels!
Lana Del Rey - 'Did You Know There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd'
Ocean Blvd embodies Lana Del Rey's introspective journey, reshaping perceptions of her narrative. Through intimate tales spanning family, lost love, and the struggle with visibility, she unveils not just her identity, but its profound origins. Tracks like "A&W" and "Fingertips" unravel diverse facets of her life, exploring themes of sexual awakening, distant maternal ties, and the enduring weight of unresolved trauma into adulthood. The way this album has been weaved together, is the perfect example of why she’s undoubtedly one of the best artists out there.
The National - 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein'
It is impossible to choose just one album of the year for 2023 - but FTPOF has been on heavy repeat since it dropped back in April! Their first of The National’s two releases this year was an instant triumph and I was hooked from the opening bars of ‘Once Upon A Poolside’. Featuring Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers & Taylor Swift was always going to be a smash, but I was impressed that it wasn’t simply another collab record like ‘I Am Easy To Find’ (which I adore, btw).
Jessie Ware - 'That! Feels Good'
It was hard to narrow it down to one album, but this one has firmly been in my rotation since April and nothing’s topped it (though it was a close tie with CMAT). It’s 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).
Taylor Swift - '1989 (Taylor's Version)'
Personally, for me, this is by far her best Taylor’s Version album to date. Every song on the album feels fierce and as if it’s been re-recorded with intent. Some songs are punchier but there are some chilled, softer beat ones too. The additional songs on the album also don’t go a miss. The album tells you a real story of Taylor’s career and personal life. It just makes you feel like you can do anything when you’re listening to it.
Andy Shauf - 'Norm'
It’s a sonically beautiful concept album. Theres loads of jazz influence in the melody, which makes for some very interesting moments. To top that off, the production and arrangement of everything is just *chef’s kiss*. In my eyes, it’s a pretty perfect album – there’s also some great animation videos that Andy released alongside the album on YouTube.
Heart Attack Man - 'Freak of Nature'
Ohio 4-piece Heart Attack Man were back with their latest offering ‘Freak of Nature’ in May this year. This album was the final nail in the casket for Heart Attack Man becoming my favourite band. Full of ear-hooks without sounding too polished, offering the signature grit only Heart Attack Man can, and backed up with subject matter for whatever mood I’m in this album has it all. ‘Freak of Nature’ accomplished the rare task of feeling like it was made specifically for me.
Blur - 'The Ballad of Darren'
Taking its name from the band's longterm bodyguard, Darren 'Smoggy' Evans - Blur's latest record is an accumulation of what has kept fans hooked for the past three decades. Not simply an album for the sake of taking something new to the festivals and headline shows across 2023, 'The Ballad of Darren' nods back to their past with the likes of 'The Ballad' which is a re-work of their 2003 demo 'Half A Song'. Sadly Damon Albarn has said that's your lot for Blur for now, but we're sure they'll be back before too long!
Check out our playlist here which is also packed with our notable mentions!
Which albums are we missing from our list? Let us know on social media!
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