Editor’s Pick: The 10 Best Albums of 2023
Featuring Cleo Sol, Daniel Caesar, Larry June and more.
Words by Danique Lorian
FRASSPOT
During chaotic times, music can be a source of comfort. This year, well-known musicians such as James Blake, Sampha, and The Alchemist released remarkable albums that resonated with many. At the same time, up-and-coming artists like Cleo Sol, Amaarae, and Larry June introduced exciting and fresh sounds. A memorable moment was when André 3000 surprised everyone with an album featuring his flute playing, which was a delightful treat for listeners. After checking out numerous albums from different styles, here are the top 10 albums of 2023.
Listen to our Editor’s Pick from this list on our Spotify Playlist and Apple Music Playlist.
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01. Cleo Sol: Gold
Gold is the fourth full-length studio album by British soul singer Cleo Sol, released on 29 September 2023 through Forever Living Originals. The album was announced days before its release, just like its predecessor surprise album Heaven, released two weeks prior.
Released: September 29, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
02. Amaarae: Fountain Baby
Fountain Baby is the second album by the Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae. It was released by Interscope Records on June 9, 2023. The album, released to widespread critical acclaim, was supported by three singles, "Reckless & Sweet", "Co-Star" and "Wasted Eyes".
Released: June 09, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
03. Sampha: Lahai
Lahai is the second studio album by English musician Sampha, released on 20 October 2023 through Young, marking his first release in over six years. The album is named after Sampha's paternal grandfather. The album features contributions from Yaeji, Léa Sen, Sheila Maurice Grey, Ibeyi, Morgan Simpson, Yussef Dayes, Laura Groves and Kwake Bass.
Released: October 20, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
04. MIKE, Wiki, and The Alchemist: Faith is a Rock
After connecting this past November for the snack-sized One More EP, Wiki and MIKE have unleashed a full-length project, Faith Is A Rock, produced entirely by The Alchemist.
Released: September 22, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
05. james Blake: Playing Robots Into Heaven
Playing Robots Into Heaven is the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter and producer James Blake. It was released on 8 September 2023 through Republic and Polydor Records.
Released: September 08, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
06. André 3000: New Blue Sun
New Blue Sun is the debut solo album by American musician André 3000. It was released by Epic Records on November 17, 2023.
Released: November 17, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
07. Daniel Caesar: Never Enough
Never Enough is the third studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar. It was released through Republic on April 7, 2023, two days after his 28th birthday. Production was handled by Caesar himself, Zachary Simmonds (his younger brother), Sir Dylan, Sevn Thomas, Rami, and Raphael Saadiq.
Released: April 07, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
08. Victoria Monét: Jaguar II
Jaguar II is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, released on August 25, 2023 via Lovett Music and RCA Records. The second and final installment of Monét's Jaguar series, the album was supported by three singles; "Smoke" with Lucky Daye, "Party Girls" with Buju Banton, and "On My Mama".
Released: August 25, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
09. Larry June & The Alchemist: The Great Escape
The Great Escape is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Larry June and hip hop record producer The Alchemist. It was released on March 31, 2023, through ALC Records and Empire Distribution. Production was handled entirely by the Alchemist, with Beat Butcha serving as an additional producer on one track.
Released: March 31, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
10. Kelela: Raven
Raven is the second studio album by American singer and songwriter Kelela. It was released on February 10, 2023, via Warp Records. It comes six years after the release of Kelela's debut album Take Me Apart, which was lauded by critics as one of the best albums of 2017.
Released: February 10, 2023Listen Now: Apple Music | Spotify
Jan 01, 2024
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