Criteria: Any album that was officially released during the calendar year of 2023 is eligible. Extended-play releases are also eligible. Neither compilation albums or reissues of a previously released album are eligible.
25) Caleb Lee Hutchinson- Southern Galactic
A vividly rewarding exercise in sonic adventurism that I certainly was not prepared for from this 2018 American Idol runner-up. He and producer Titanic Sinclair paint in rich, broad strokes to craft a hypnotic palate that seamlessly blends the singer’s thundering twang and sly turn-of-phrase with a sound that proudly soaks its honky tonking in a thick vat of alluring Cosmic wonder. This potion vibrantly colors an impressive body of songs that range from longing and confessional to haunting and psychedelic to brash and bawdy. It immediately establishes a singular identity for Hutchinson, and one that will keep him at the forefront of the roots music conversation. If all of Sturgill Simpson’s claims that his solo career is over proves to be more than just grand-standing, Caleb Lee could indeed prove to be his worthy successor.
My Top Three Tracks: “Silverado”, “At Least I’m Drunk”, “Quarter Life Crisis”
24) Brandy Clark- Brandy Clark
Ten years since her landmark breakthrough with 2013’s 12 Stories, one of this generation’s finest singer-songwriters returned with a fourth album that proved to be a full-circle moment that harkened back to the vintage magic of that fateful debut. On her two recent Jay Joyce-helmed records, Clark has treated us to some surprisingly quirky and undeniably delightful sonic dabbling that did nothing to rob her narrative poise of its bite or soul. But uniting with producer and fellow musical poet Brandi Carlile led her back to her more straightforwardly country-folk origins, and it felt like the kind of wondrous revelation that Stories provided all over again. The haunting clarity in her voice and the striking observational style with which she writes continues to create one of the most emotionally rewarding listening experiences in all of popular music. Clark’s is a canon that grows consistently more staggering with each and every release.
My Top Three Tracks: “Buried”, “Northwest” (with Brandi Carlile), “She Smoked In the House”
23) Laufey- Bewitched
Well, there’s certainly not a more aptly-titled album on this countdown. The sophomore release from this Icelandic songbird does what all great jazz albums do right out of the gate: it completely sweeps you away with the sheer magic and romance of the singer’s voice, and all of the musical elegance surrounding it. Bewitched is a stunning jazz jewel that feels equally committed to the classic sounds of the past and the contemporary vantage point of today’s modern times. Laufey accomplishes this subtle balance with a physical voice that sounds as rooted in 90s KD Lang influences as it does 40s Billie and 50s Ella, and then a starkly modern narrative voice that still recognizes that these themes of romance, heartbreak, and coming-of-age crises are as timeless as the entire jazz art-form itself.
My Top Three Tracks: “Lovesick”, “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self”, “Bewitched”
22) Turnpike Troubadours- A Cat In the Rain
The seven-year drought between Turnpike Troubadours’ 2017 fifth album and this rollicking comeback was a long and painful one for their rabid fanbase, and one that showed no signs of ending on more than one occasion. The fact that A Cat In the Rain more than stacks up to the quality of their prime recordings is a cause of jubilant celebration. After all, by the end of the 2010s, it had become clear that Evan Felker and his troop had emerged as the most reliable country band in existence, mainstream standards be damned. And let’s be honest, this LP is no stronger track-for-track than any of their peak-period albums. The singing, songwriting, musicianship, and production are as uniformly solid as ever. But there is still a subtly unique sense of Red Dirt potency ringing throughout these songs and performances based on their arduous, and ultimately triumphant, origins.
My Top Three Tracks: “Brought Me”, “Chipping Mill”, “The Rut”
21) Black Pumas- Chronicles of a Diamond
Chronicles of a Diamond had the ever-dubious distinction of being the long-awaited follow-up to a massively acclaimed debut album, Black Pumas’ dazzling self-titled, pandemic-era gem. It never buckles under these enormous pressures, instead finding Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada forging forward fully confident and focused on creating a record that is wholly its own animal. They gorgeously carry on the haunting and soulful hallmarks of their debut, while seamlessly coloring it with additional shades of funk, pop, rock, and even psychedelia. These atmospheric sonic flourishes are as consistently resonant and, at times, as sensationally stirring as the powerhouse singing, of which this collection is positively stacked with. Diamond is a certifiably vibey trip through unique musical beauty, and solid affirmation that Black Pumas stands to be soul music’s pathway into the future.
My Top Three Tracks: “More Than A Love Song”, “Ice Cream (Pay Phone)”, “Angel”
20) Paramore- This Is Why
One of the year’s most clamored-after returns is also one of its most arresting, with the alt-rock outfit finally reappearing to assess the chaotic shit-storm that has only magnified in the American culture wars since they last graced us with 2017’s After Laughter. The present-day world circumstances unleash the band’s most bitterly defiant emo hallmarks and some of the fieriest vocal onslaughts that Hayley Williams has ever delivered from her radiantly edgy pipes. Personal demons and worldly concerns meet on a staggering collision course that is both messy and intimate, and never not beautifully captivating. Early-year social media chatter has the masses concerned about the future of the band, which are hopefully nothing but unfounded exaggeration, as Paramore continues to serve as an undeniably potent musical voice in our complicated modern times.
My Top Three Tracks: “The News”, “Running Out of Time”, “Crave”
19) Tyler Childers- Rustin’ In the Rain
In an era where LPs are increasingly putting further emphasis on the format’s first letter, Tyler Childers continues to deliver efficient song-sets that find him saying more with a half-dozen songs that many artists manage to say with five times as many. Rustin’ is a whirlwind of a record that finds the country maverick channeling early Elvis, covering Kristofferson, doubling down on his mountainous style, and expanding into evocative pop balladry. Per usual, he accomplishes all of this with a jaded spirit, a tender heart, and an unwavering artistic conviction that has helped spearhead another intriguing era in modern music: the one where Appalachian poets have become lucrative box-office draws on the road, despite living far left of the mainstream.
My Top Three Tracks: “Rustin’ In the Rain”, “Phone Calls and Emails”, “Help Me Make It Through the Night”
18) Kelsea Ballerini- Rolling Up the Welcome Mat
What originally started out as a side-project with a tongue-in-cheek Valentine’s Day release has quickly emerged as Kelsea Ballerini’s most pivotal artistic statement to date, and one that has rightfully transformed her into one of the most buzz-worthy young voices to watch in both country and pop music. The bubbling songwriting acumen that had been consistently growing on her two preceding LPs reaches its full-fledged potential on this striking divorce record, with a haunting bedroom pop backdrop and a confessional conceptual through-line that takes you through every raw stage of a marriage’s sad collapse. The artistic accomplishment that is the record’s accompanying collection of short films cannot be overlooked either.
My Top Three Tracks: “Just Married”, “Blindsided”, “Leave Me Again”
17) Ashley McBryde- The Devil I Know
The country rock songstress returned from her 2022 detour to the delightful Lindeville and swiftly reunited with producer Jay Joyce to continue building one of the most enticing Music City libraries in existence today. McBryde’s rollicking spirit, sharp tongue, and literate lyrical sense are all as piercing and heart-wrenching as ever on The Devil I Know. Throughout, she gracefully explores both the glories and pitfalls of life’s excessive vices, assesses parental relationships of both the character-building and crippling varieties, all while rapturously indulging in the healing magic and empowering spirit of music itself. In terms of the exclusive female winner’s circle in Nashville, she may not quite generate the current chatter of Lainey, Carly or Kelsea, but her records stand to be proof that the darkest horse often-times scores the most relevant legacy.
My Top Three Tracks: “Light On In the Kitchen”, “Learned to Lie”, “Single at the Same Time”
16) Kylie Minogue- Tension
Was there a more refreshing or dazzling runaway success story in 2023 than Kylie Minogue’s continued reign of dance domination? The career that this glitzy dance diva has carved out in the near four decades since her debut has found plenty of critics eager to dismiss her as an artist who arrived too late in the wake of the death of disco. But, Minogue has continually persevered to establish herself as a unique musical force, and one capable of keeping those glitter balls triumphantly glowing through a wave of pop-culture shifts. Credit that to her ability to seamlessly blend classic and current elements in her music, as well as a fierce conviction in everything from her creative inclinations to her unrelenting sexual autonomy. That spirit shines as brightly on Tension as any other record in her catalog. Put those dancing shoes on and bow to the queen.
My Top Three Tracks: “Padam Padam”, “Things We Do For Love”, “10 Out of 10” (with Oliver Heldens)
15) Rhiannon Giddens- You’re the One
Up until now, the core of Rhiannon Giddens’ musical story has been centered on giving spotlight to elements of the past, whether that be through resurrecting classic songs and musical styles, or by shedding important light on social injustices and conversations that our society should not be allowed to bury. All of this has allowed her to build a glowing young legacy as an artist, but it’s also a truthfully joyful revelation to hear Giddens pivot toward a more deliberately current path on You’re the One, her first collection of all original and contemporary material. Her brilliantly crystalline vocal range and vibrantly inclusive roots sound both remain boldly in tact and they soar to new heights when paired with Giddens’ equally vast narrative voice. She unveils new and sassy sides to her personality, while never sacrificing her unflinching mission to also tackle deep topics and emotions. It’s a combination that makes for yet another rich entry in one of Americana’s most treasured discographies.
My Top Three Tracks: “Too Little, Too Late, Too Bad”, “Another Wasted Life”, “Hen in the Foxhouse”
14) Lucero- Should’ve Learned By Now
A quarter-century into their crackling career, and it remains a puzzling mystery as to why Lucero’s name isn’t on more lips of those in the greater rock music scene. But for those of us in the know, they remain one of the most reliable purveyors of American roots rock, and Should’ve Learned By Now stands as one of the most rewardingly cohesive releases in their history. Roaring pub rock anthems ebb and flow into moments of soulful Southern Rock reflection and brooding country-blues melancholy. It’s all anchored marvelously by Ben Nichols’ ragged growl, and shines remarkable light on the astute musical talents of Brian Venable’s virtuosic guitar work and Rick Steff’s essential piano magic. If you’re one of those who haven’t learned by now just how damn fantastic Lucero is, this record is as perfect of a place to finally figure it out.
My Top Three Tracks: “One Last F.U.”, “Buy A Little Time”, “Drunken Moon”
13) Olivia Rodrigo- Guts
This sensation’s sophomore set proved to be anything but sour or slumping, with Olivia Rodrigo once again demonstrating a boisterous vocal range, sonic savvy, and cunning songwriting gravitas that are all well beyond her years. Her suave navigation through coming-of-age courtships and all of the messy drama that comes with has rightfully welcomed all of the cliche Taylor Swift comparisons. But Rodrigo more than puts her own singular stamp on this arena, thanks to an expansive and punchy palate that continues to run a startling stylistic gamut of everything from folk whimsy and punk spitfire to gothic rock-opera overtones. Guts generously spills over with everything we want in a pop record, and further establishes Rodrigo as one of music’s most potent creative forces for the future.
My Top Three Tracks: “Vampire”, “Lacy”, “Pretty Isn’t Pretty”
12) Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives- Altitude
Throughout his fabled career, Marty Stuart has fancied himself as far more than a mere country musician. He’s earned his reputation as one of the genre’s most steadfast purists and historical purveyors. Yet as staunch of a traditionalist as he may be, he’s a bit of an anomaly in that arena as he’s never shied away from just how vast and uninhibited the sonic story of the art-form truly is. He’s well aware that the once eye-brow raising nature of sounds like Bakersfield, countrypolitan and Outlaw rock are as integral to country’s history as honky tonk or bluegrass. With Altitude, Stuart and his astounding band take that notion one step further by celebrating the late-60s sounds of Byrds-era country-rock. And damn, do they pull this off in splendid fashion. In terms of sheer atmosphere or sound, no other album this year came close to touching it. Every twangy lick and vocal wallop courses through you in glorious fashion. Altitude immediately earns its place on the same lofty shelf as Sweetheart of the Rodeo, The Gilded Palace of Sin, and Burrito Deluxe.
My Top Three Tracks: “A Friend of Mine”, “Space”, “Tomahawk”
11) Chris Stapleton- Higher
At this point in his career, Chris Stapleton has truly reached a rarified air for a recording artist, not at all unlike that of Stardust-era Willie Nelson. He’s more than just a beacon for the mainstream country scene, or a bridge between that scene and the underground Americana circuit or the more selective rock and blues audiences. The man, his voice, and his music have become proud staples of American culture, with Higher further setting his identity on the path toward national treasure status. It’s unquestionably his most pensive and slowest burn of an album, but this only makes your investment in it all the more rewarding. There is no emotional height or depth that his other-worldly voice cannot touch, a powerful trait only magnified by the graceful production and musical backing provided by Dave Cobb and wife Morgane. Outstanding lyrical collaborations with artists ranging from Miranda Lambert to Carolyn Dawn Johnson round out the record stupendously.
My Top Three Tracks: “Think I’m In Love With You”, “The Bottom”, “The Day I Die”
10) Charles Wesley Godwin- Family Ties
The third album from West Virginia native Charles Wesley Godwin, also his first for a major label, is a sprawling and intimate collection deeply rooted in family portraits that build on the personal and powerful poetry that Godwin already exhibited on his two previous LPs. The major label backing does nothing but further spotlight Godwin’s unique gravitas as a singer, lyricist, and overall storyteller. Listeners are given further insight into the most pivotal relationships in Godwin’s life story, including those with his father, wife, children, and his homeland. These are all woven together in a moving fashion that boasts both poetic grace and a humble sense of pride. The biographical nature of his songs marry with his commanding voice, as well as influences ranging from Prine and Kristofferson to Springsteen and Lightfoot, to craft a vivid artistic and personal statement that ultimately stakes its claim as a modern-day folk classic.
9) Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit- Weathervanes
The latest masterclass from a truly generational songwriter and his excellent backing band is another expectedly sterling entry in Jason Isbell’s lexicon. In many ways, it’s his most rock-leaning project to date, while continuing to match the harrowing nature of his most guttural and challenging compositions. It’s a thrilling and provocative combination that defines all of the truly great works in rock & roll, possessing the ability to give you that gripping musical combination of both intoxicating adrenaline and blindsiding devastation. His hair-raising vocals and his band’s brooding electricity confront everything from depression and addiction to gun-violence and grief, but these dark themes are also tempered with Isbell’s signature shades of romance and nostalgia as well. There’s not another artist today who better exhibits life’s contrasting phases of light and darkness than Isbell. And it’s through his unflinching honesty and graceful realism that he provides the hope and comfort needed to survive the life battle scars that he brings to the surface, rather than just merely assessing them.
My Top Three Tracks: “When We Were Close”, “Cast Iron Skillet”, “Save the World”
8) Foo Fighters- But Here We Are
The eleventh album from the rock icons arrived a mere fifteen months following the sudden death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, a devastating tragedy that forever altered the band and naturally informs the entirety of But Here We Are. We find the band navigating and processing this loss with a captivating body of songs steeped in the multitude of different emotions that one battles with through the varying stages of grief. Dave Grohl and company grapple with shock, anger, denial, and ultimately both acceptance and the determination to carry forward in tribute of their fallen bandmate. And yet as personal and specific as the impetus of this album may be, the band also manages to transcend the emotions of that experience so that they may likewise examine, appreciate, and reflect on other important relationships in their lives as well. There’s a long lineage of classic albums that help us deal with the aftermath of death and tragedy, and But Here We Are immediately earns its place among those cathartic landmarks.
My Top Three Tracks: “Under You”, “The Glass”, “The Teacher”
7) Nickel Creek- Celebrants
Nearly a decade passed between the Newgrass virtuosos’ fourth and fifth albums, but the members of Nickel Creek were hardly silent, with all three of them actively performing and recording through their variety of solo and side projects. Nevertheless, Celebrants immediately announced that no amount of outstanding outside work can measure up to the special magic that Chris Thile and the Watkins siblings are capable of creating when they’re together as a trio. As with any NC record, this is a breathtaking showcase of sheer musical greatness, but it’s all elevated beyond mere dexterity by what the true soul of this band has always been. These are compositions that match the exquisite elegance of their singing and playing with challenging assessments of the human condition and all of the relationships, experiences, and emotions that comprise it. Their long gaps between records are undeniably painful, but they certainly make the results worth the waits in between. Nickel Creek remains in a category of musical talent and excellence all their own.
My Top Three Tracks: “Thinnest Wall”, “Where the Long Line Leads”, “Failure Isn’t Forever”
6) Allison Russell- The Returner
Speaking of a triumphant sophomore album, hello Allison Russell. On her 2021 debut project, the soulful roots musician affirmed herself as a vocal and narrative powerhouse, and one that was clearly just beginning to tap into her reach and diversity as an artist. The Returner finds Russell weaving universal anthems of empowerment, survivorship, and awareness that are just as piercing as the guttural and more personal tales that comprised its harrowing predecessor. There’s such a spirited sense of joy, redemption, and perseverance soaring through the veins of this record, even as Russell still bravely tackles tough topics. Credit that inspired tone to both her dynamic and convicted vocals, as well as the vibrant stylistic variety that finds her exploring lush and addictive new touches of funk, dance, and R&B. The Returner is just as colorfully kaleidoscopic, musically gorgeous, and spiritually cleansing as its instantly timeless cover suggests.
My Top Three Tracks: “All Without Within”, “Eve Was Black”, “Stay Right Here”
5) Rolling Stones- Hackney Diamonds
Even the most ardent Stones fanatics long ago resigned themselves to reality: while the band’s legacy would be forever untouchable, their days of churning out new classics had long since passed. So, what a joyful and jolting surprise it was this year when Hackney Diamonds unflappably defied that logic. This is a fantastically entertaining and moving rock record; a thrilling return to form that finds Mick Jagger and the boys sounding as fresh, cohesive, and potent as they have in over four decades. These performances are bold, confident, and brimming with loads of bite, soul, and grit. The anthems rock and the ballads sway with the same classic roar and bluesy soul that were cornerstones of their litany of definitive records. It’s great not by measure of a modern Stones record, but rather by measure of what always comprised a classic Stones album. An unmitigated diamond, and a hell of a lot of fun to boot.
My Top Three Tracks: “Depending On You”, “Live By the Sword”, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (featuring Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder)
4) Grace Potter- Mother Road
2023 could have truly been the year that the Rolling Stones laid claim to the best rock album of the year for the first time in decades…if it weren’t for Grace Potter. Doubling as a ravenous rock record and a thrilling concept story album, Mother Road boasts all the magical ingredients for a modern-day rock opus: compelling vocals, rich storytelling, and an insatiable melting-pop sound that taps into the deep well of classic American sounds. Potter treats us to a cinematic joyride on a roadmap of saucy anthems, sweet ballads, hilarious twists, and enthralling turns. All of these elements provide a swirling soundtrack for the story at hand, while simultaneously showcasing the rich tapestry of all the diverse sounds and influences that have always been bubbling at the brim of her work. This stands to live on as one of this era’s most underrated gems, and likely the definitive recording of Grace Potter’s career.
My Top Three Tracks: “Little Hitchhiker”, “Lady Vagabond”, “Masterpiece”
3) Zach Bryan- Zach Bryan
We’re not even halfway through the decade, but it’s hard to imagine another 2020s act topping the startling nature of Zach Bryan’s breakthrough story. His ascendance from viral, Lo-Fi cult status to chart-topping, stadium-filling superstar has completely rewritten the conventional paths to musical success in the new era of streaming and Tik Tok. He’s also quickly establishing himself as one of the era’s most prolific musical curators, following up his 2022 triple-album with this self-titled album, and plenty of other new releases since. But in this era of excess material, Bryan has also mastered the balance of quality and quantity, with this collection being a shining example of this. It’s his most balanced and fully-realized album to date, boasting a flawless body of songs, visceral vocals, buzzy collaborations, and a streamlined production quality that splits the difference between his stripped origins and the studio precision worthy of a touring giant.
My Top Three Tracks: “El Dorado”, “I Remember Everything” (featuring Kacey Musgraves), “Spotless” (featuring The Lumineers)
2) Miley Cyrus- Endless Summer Vacation
Over the course of sixteen years and half as many studio albums, Miley Cyrus has amassed one of the most dazzling pop catalogs of her generation. This can be owed to her historically chameleonic nature that has led her through a bevy of genres ranging from pop, country, and dance to folk and glam rock. All of this ultimately led to Endless Summer Vacation, which feels like the long-gestating, fully-formed culmination of this winding evolution. It’s a riveting distillation of all of her sonic influences melding into one, seamless pop sound that’s all her own. This is paired with a war-chest of excellent songs that find a mature and confident singer-songwriter unpacking all the ramifications of becoming an adult in the public eye. Messy Miley sure made some kick-ass records (I’ll likely always count Plastic Hearts as an overlooked classic and my ultimate favorite), but it’s mighty rewarding to hear her as the clear-eyed, self-assured artist that she is throughout Vacation. This is the fully-cooked sound of Miley Cyrus, and in 2023, nobody did pop any better.
My Top Three Tracks: “Flowers”, “Thousand Miles” (featuring Brandi Carlile), “You”
1) Margo Price- Strays
Margo Price is another artist who has unveiled an intriguing stylistic evolution with each successive project. Since first delighting hardcore country lovers with the unadulterated Loretta inflections of 2016’s Midwestern Farmer’s Daughter, Price has melded her twang with vibrant strokes of soul, Cosmic country-rock, and Heartland anthemia. This all ultimately coalesced into the psychedelic mountain rock heights of Strays, the outstanding effort with which Price launched the year, and nobody managed to top throughout the ensuing twelve months. On Strays, Price looks out over a vast soundscape of roots sounds and an equally vast field of personal obstacles and losses to inform a riveting, rousing album that thrills your senses and rattles your emotions. Producer Jonathan Wilson’s large-scale rock sensibilities push Price into more vocally aggressive territory, and her pointed, penetrating twang has proven to possess a range that few could have predicted based upon her early honky-tonk leanings. Meanwhile, her songwriting chops are fully blossomed, with the album offering some of her most hauntingly moving compositions to date. Strays is thunderously defiant, fearlessly adventurous, and painstakingly devastating, sometimes all at once. It’s a bold artistic achievement that she should be mighty proud of. There’s no telling which mountain she’ll decide to scale next, but you can rest assured listeners will be eagerly waiting with bated breath, ready for her next musical evolution to take away what’s left of it.
My Top Five Tracks: “Been to the Mountain”, “Change of Heart”, “County Road”, “Time Machine”, “Landfill”
The 706 