2023 provided many ups and downs in the music industry. From extreme music flops to some of the most beloved albums, 2023 artists cease to impress.
After discussing with many students at Aliso Niguel, the top ten albums of 2023 have been decided.
Laufey, a singer-songwriter from Iceland, has been in the ears of many ANHS students since the release of her song “Falling Behind” from her album “Everything I Know About Love.” Since her most famous album came out in 2022, Laufey has been a beloved singer by millions of fans. Laufey shocked her fans by releasing her latest album, “Bewitched” on Sept. 8, leaving many listeners in tears.
“I love Laufey, her music is so sincere and she always seems to amaze me with every new song and album,” Mia Perez (12) says when asked what about Laufey is so enjoyable.
“Did you know that There’s a Tunnel under Ocean Blvd” a Lana Del Rey album that came out March 24, 2023, made many fall in love with Lana’s music. Lana strategically used her music to discuss mental health, death, salvation, and family. These topics allowed many fans and even some who weren’t fans to connect with her and her new album.
Tyler, the Creator has been one of the most powerful artists for this generation. His first studio album, “Goblin,” made him an instant hit. His latest album, “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale,” introduces the ideas of finding yourself and all the hard work one can do on their own.
Taylor Swift is one of the most famous artists around the world. In 2023 not one, but two of her most popular albums were re-released with full ownership. “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” was released on July 7 with six vault tracks. Following the “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” release was the “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” release, which featured some of her most popular songs and five vault tracks.
“Speak Now I love the new version of ‘Enchanted’ and I love the new grittiness of the beats in some songs, especially ‘Wildest Dreams,’” Abigail Kirland (9) said about Taylor’s latest releases.
Drake has been a name on everyone’s lips this past year with his nationwide concert and newest album “For All the Dogs.” In his newest album, Drake shared more personal aspects of his life and his stories of heartbreak and sadness which many listeners immediately connected with. Drake collaborated with other singers such as SZA, 21 Savage, Bad Bunny and so many more incredible singers which created an instant appeal to every song featured on the album.
“Think Later,” the latest album by Tate McRae was released in December and was in the ears of all students in the halls. Her album teaches many to embrace their real selves, share raw emotions and teaches many that listening to your intuition is sometimes the best thing one can do for themselves.
“Her songs are relatable, the music is good, and her hockey aesthetic is cool and original,” said Gabby Tamraz (10), who has been listening to McRae since some of her earlier albums.
Olivia Rodrigo has been a singer, songwriter and actress since one of her earlier appearances in the Disney Channel show, “Bizaardvark.” Olivia launched her singing career after her single, “All I Want” went viral. Rodrigo released her first album, “Sour,” was released May of 2021, and followed it up in 2023 with “GUTS.” “GUTS” focussed on the parts of girlhood growing up that create negative mental health and show growth and healing through the progression of the album which many young women audiences adored.
“UTOPIA,” an album created by Travis Scott about freedom and finding hope in a modern-day society with people who lack a sense of humanity, gained millions of streams overnight. “UTOPIA” is the sequel to one of his past albums, “Astroworld,” which brought many fans of his past album to feel a connection with “UTOPIA.”
Students entered fall with pumpkin-spiced lattes and Noah Kahan’s release of his album, “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever).” Kahan’s song “Stick Season” became viral all over TikTok and gained him a musical platform where now millions of fans are awaiting his upcoming concert and future music. His album discusses forgiveness and forgetting and allows a new chapter of one’s life to focus on the growth of one’s character.
Claire Fincher (10), a lover of Noah and his music shares, “His songs are so amazing and I love being able to sing to them with my friend in the car. His lyrics feel so relatable and they’re so true and expressive.”
Although 2023 was filled with so many ups and downs, artists such as the ones listed above helped ease ANHS students and millions of other people through the year.
