As 2024 slowly starts to unravel the newest and hottest albums from your favorite artists, there are still a few records from 2023 that are a must-listen to. Though Beyonce and Taylor Swift’s tours were a huge headlining coverage, some of these albums were able to break through for a quick shine of pleasurability. Here are some of our favorite albums from 2023 that still sound fresh.
Drake For All The Dogs
The Canadian rapper is not shy from creating a pop-culture storm. On his eighth studio album, Drake carries multiple memorable hits that created insane virality over social media. “Rich Baby Daddy” featuring SZA and Sexyy Red demonstrates a huge talent for all three artists on the track but also condenses Drake in a serious yet playful tone. Though many critics seem to pan his more recent work, comparatively to other artists, Drake’s work is still a high barometer to compete with.
Icona Pop Club Romantech
After a small hiatus, Icona Pop returned with a restorative sound recognizable to both old fans but new enough to draw in new listeners. The Swedish duo loves a club banger and most of the tracks embody the sentiment. For a mind-melting infectious spirit, “Stick Your Tongue Out” channels a deep tension of body rolls on the dancefloor while bright red and purple lights caress your tequila soda.
Doja Cat Scarlet
Though thousands of her fans backlash due to multiple unappreciative tweets, Doja Cat came back stronger with a cosign from Dionne Warwick. Full of ambitious rap genre-bending hits, Doja Cat sets herself apart from the media’s preconceived notion of making her a pop star without letting herself slip from the limelight. Songs like “Agora Hills” and “Often” showcase her elaborate creativity and her love of rap.
Sexyy Red Hood’s Hottest Princess
Known for her forward attributions to sexuality, Sexyy Red can be best described as a modern Cupcakke. “Pound Town” made waves not only for the rapper’s humorous charm but her candid relatability. The second mixtape includes “Pound Town 2” featuring Nicki Minaj and “SkeeYee,” an attention-getting sing-along. The rap star gives a new quality to unabashed rap and making previous taboos normal.
Pinkpanthress Heaven Knows
Being one of the biggest acts to come from Tiktok is a heavy burden to wear, but something that PinkPanthress has been able to keep up since her 2021 debut. Considering her constant affinity for songs under 3 minutes, a full studio album was needed to fully represent herself as an artist. Included, is the obvious song of the summer “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” Featuring Ice Spice, as well as the beloved single “Nice to Meet You” featuring Central Cee.
Janelle Monae The Age Of Pleasure
This Grammy-nominated artist understood the art of being carefree after being snubbed for Album of the Year in 2018. In 2023, Janelle Monae’s The Age of Pleasure taps into a tropical paradise of love, lust, and peace. Mixed with her regular unique hip-hop aesthetics and added house and Afrobeats, the project screams for a hearty red sangria near the equator. The opening track “Float” touches back to Monae’s classic tone while it unravels the album into her new mindset of joy.
KAYTRAMINÉ KAYTRAMINÉ
Hip-hop’s sweethearts teamed up for 33 minutes of pure anthemic summer fun. The collaborative album from Kaytranada and Amine, aptly named KAYTRAMINE, balances the producer’s heavy productions with the rapper’s airy words. Teaming up with big names like Pharell on “4EVA” and Snoop Dogg on “EYE” allows for more than a summer aesthetic, but a collection of loveable rap.
Reneé Rapp Snow Angel
Being one of the biggest breakout stars of 2023 and still making headlines in 2024 is an accomplishment that only someone as powerful as Reneé Rapp can do. This powerhouse landed in Broadway right after high school and is now proving her talents with The Mean Girls reboot. The debut album, Snow Angel, is an introduction to Rapp’s skills as an artist as she continues to progress.
Lana del Rey Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?
Lana Del Rey lives beyond the standard code of music. She is a trailblazer who is constantly innovating not only herself but music for others. After a Grammy nomination for Norman F–kin Rockwell, many fans were scared she wouldn’t live up to such a powerful album. Clocking in at 3 nominations including “Album of the Year,” many believe her ninth studio album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd? is Lana’s best.
Lil Yachty Let’s Start Here
Though January seems to be a dry month for music and artists, Lil Yachty didn’t hesitate to change things up. Known for his quirky lyricism and playful productions, Let’s Start Here changes the preconceived notions of this rapper’s career. This psychedelic-pink-floyd-rock-inspired album comes through for many familiar with the genre. With Lil Yachty’s distinct voice paired with soft but dense guitars, it’s easy to crave a follow-up from the rapper.
Many of the albums from 2023 already tend to feel nostalgic as 2024 starts to unravel quicker than expected. Big names in music like Ariana Grande, USHER, and Taylor Swift are expected to drop projects in 2024. For now, these albums from 2023 are some placeholders to enjoy.
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