I don’t have to try and sell you the fact that 2023 was actually a pretty good year for music, all things considered. But dammit, there’s more music that I feel the need to share with you. I have already written about my favourite albums of 2023 (you should definitely check that out), and while I would have normally started with this top five songs list, I found this list to be considerably more difficult, for whatever reason.
But here we are. There were so many amazing tracks released in 2023 and it was hard to pick just five for this list, but nonetheless, I have completed my objective.
Let’s just jump straight into it, shall we? Here are my picks for the five best songs of 2023.
Thornhill – Viper Room
The obligatory Thornhill acknowledgement is finally here!
If you’re not in the know, Thornhill are a band from Melbourne, Australia. They began their musical journey in the metalcore scene, and released a string of EP’s between 2016-2018, eventually signing with UNFD around the time of their ‘Butterfly’ EP.
After the record deal, Thornhill released their full-length debut, ‘The Dark Pool’ in 2019. The album tends to be more on the prog/djent side of the genre, with some airy, ambient passages in the mix as well.
The band wouldn’t release another record ’til June 2, 2022 with the release of their sophomore album, ‘Heroine.’ It was a rather controversial release as the band opted for a new sound, pulling elements from 90’s/00’s bands like Deftones and The Smashing Pumpkins. While the record can sound a little derivative at times, it’s still Thornhill; and I think they nailed the sound that they were going for.
Thornhill aren’t afraid to try new things. I mean. they may as well be metal’s Swiss Army Knife. Fans knew that the next release would be different than the first two, and they would be correct; as Thornhill released ‘Viper Room’ in October, 2023.
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This, in my opinion, is one of the best songs Thornhill has ever released. It’s just a boatload of fun from start to finish.
Moving away from the shoegaze influence on their previous record, Thornhill now shifts to something more in the vain of Queens of the Stone Age, while adding punchier production and soaring vocals from lead singer, Jacob Charlton. Jacob is an absolute star on this track, and I think the band has found a way to maximize his vocal ability with this sound.
The riffs are chunky, the choruses are huge, and the bridge section features drumming from Ben Meida which, to me, is very reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys classic, ‘Brianstorm.’ This section especially stands out as one of Meida’s best moments in the band’s catalogue.
‘Viper Room’ is electric, and is definitely worth a listen if you’re into 2000’s garage rock, with this song providing some extra punch to an already timeless sound.
Big Thief – Vampire Empire
Big Thief are a group that were always in the backburner for me, and I’m not sure why I didn’t listen to them prior to this song’s release.
‘Vampire Empire’ was released in August, 2023 and is one of the best folk-rock tunes of the past few years. Adrianne Lenker and co created a song that I believe has the chance to stand the test of time as a classic in the genre.
The acoustic and electric guitars complement each other perfectly, but it’s Lenker’s vocals that steal the show. She carries the release in the chorus, which is enhanced by the slightly distorted instrumental elements in the background.
The other thing that makes this track so special is the lyricism. Lenker uses beautiful metaphors and similes to potray the love and affection that she feels towards someone in her life. She also uses repetition and alliteration to her advantage, with the line “Reeling, feeding, feeling, filled by everything you fed” standing out as one of the better lyrical moments on the track.
If you’re feeling a little love-dovey, this song should do the trick.
Knocked Loose – Deep in the Willow
Here it is, y’all! The best metal song of 2023!
Knocked Loose are maybe my favourite band in metal right now. Their 2021 EP ‘A Tear in the Fabric of Life’ is my favourite EP of all time, and one of the best metal projects of the 21st century. Clearly I’m not alone, as it has been arguably the group’s most successful work to date. Add to the fact that the EP was accompanied by an animated music video and this record was a home run.
There had been almost next to nothing from the band for almost two years until this past June. The band released two songs ‘Deep in the Willow’ and ‘Everything is Quiet Now.” I remember being at work when the initial teaser was dropped, and I couldn’t have been more excited.
Luckily, the hardcore quintet did not disappoint.
Again, the single was accompanied by a music video, with this one being more in the vain of an indie/horror short film. The vibes are unsettling and it’s perfectly matched by the music itself.
Oh yeah, the music. While both tracks are incredible, ‘Deep in the Willow’ is my personal favourite. This track is an absolute bombardment from top to bottom, hurling one disgusting breakdown after another. The production is also a lot punchier than their previous work, leading for breakdown drops that sound like they could trigger explosions.
And, of course, lead singer Bryan Garris has one of the best breakdown callouts of all time on this one (which is unfortunately not article-friendly).
‘Deep in the Willow’ might be Knocked Loose’s best song to date, and I can’t wait to hear what other crazy, breakdown-filled bombardments they have in store for us in the future. They’re a band that has steadily been picking up steam as of late, and if you’re in to modern metal, give these guys a spin.
Caroline Polachek – Welcome To My Island
I haven’t been super “in the know” when it comes to the art-pop scene, but that all changed when one of my friends suggested an artist to me by the name of Caroline Polachek, as she had just released her newest full-length record ‘Desire, I Want To Turn Into You.’
‘Welcome To My Island’ was the album’s opening track and it contorted my brain. This is one of the greatest pop songs I’ve ever heard. Full stop.
Caroline is one of the most dynamic vocalists in music today, and she showcases her talents brilliantly on this one. The intro is stunning with Caroline essentially wailing over a lush instrumental passage, which is followed by a verse that has her sounding monotone, at least in comparison to the fireworks that the intro provided.
But it’s the chorus on this thing that sends this track into another stratosphere. I’m not kidding when I say this might be the greatest hook in any pop song I’ve ever heard. It seriously might be my favourite moment in music from this past year.
Well, it would’ve been had it not been for the track at number one.
Jeff Rosenstock – 3 SUMMERS
Yeah, my number one song of the year was glaringly obvious if you read my HELLMODE review. I have sung this song’s praises enough, but I am totally content with doing it again.
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This coming of age banger from punk veteran, Jeff Rosenstock, is maybe the best pop-punk track of the century so far. With elements of power-pop, pop-punk, and post-punk; ‘3 SUMMERS’ is a triumph for the Long Island native. It’s a seven-minute track that feels more like a journey of accepting and embracing yourself and life as a whole.
To me, this song serves as a reminder to acknowledge your past, learn from it, and focus on growing, having fun, and enjoying your life while you have it. Life is precious and there are reasons to keep going, and I didn’t know that music was capable of conveying such feelings; but that’s exactly what this track does.
Once again, kudos to Jeff Rosenstock for this one. Without question my favourite song from 2023.