My Top 40 Albums of 2023
So it’s been one helluva year for music, we have seen newer bands such as The Lathums, The Lottery Winners and The Reytons claim the holy grail of a number one album and of course we have seen the return of some big hitters with Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Lewis Capaldi and who can exclude the grandads of rock’n’roll The Rolling Stones who hit the high spot with their first original material album in over 20 years.
So who made my top 40 albums of the year, why don’t you crack open a beer, pour a drop of your favourite tipple, grab a coffee or if you’re feeling it shake yourself a cocktail and have a read and find out.
Number 40:
The Sherlocks, the Yorkshire lads dropped People Like Me & You in August 2023 and for me is their best album to date.
My favourite tracks are Remember All The Girls and Face The Music.
The Sherlocks have a reputation for being one of the best live bands around and this will be put to the test when they headline Don Valley in Sheffield next June.
They have lined up a superb list of supports and you can get a ticket here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thesherlocks/1051582/r/website
Number 39:
Glasgow based Declan Welsh and the Decadent West (DWDW) had built up some momentum with their debut album Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold achieving great acclaim and then along came COVID.
But rather than this being a hindrance Declan matured his writing and looked inward for inspiration for their second album, titled 2 and it doesn’t disappoint the songs looking at and reflecting on the increasing problems of the world.
My favourites are Hardly News and OK Now.
Number 38:
The latest release In The End It Always Does from The Japanese House aka Amber Bain dropped in June 2023.
Whilst initially the band was shrouded in mystery there has been some familiarity over the last few years in the sense that Bain will deliver exciting introspective pieces of reverby pop brilliance.
My favourites are Friends and Hard To Breathe.
The Japanese Hotel is on tour next year and tickets can be found here:
https://thejapanesehouse.co.uk/tour/
Number 37:
The New Jersey born singer-songwriter Brian Christinzio, known by his stage name of BC Camplight brought us The Last Rotation Of Earth in May 2023.
And it’s an album showcasing BC’s musicality and instrumental skills set in a very melancholic backdrop perhaps a nod to the album title itself.
My favourite tracks are Going Out On A Low Note and Kicking Up A Fuss.
Number 36:
The driving force behind Tijuana Bibles are the Costello brothers, Tony on vocals and Danny on bass and it’s the combination of thundering bass lines and punky vocals that elevate their debut album Milk.
Milk has been a long time in the making but is worth the wait, it has a well thought out mix of tracks and genres that really bring this album together delivering an impressive debut.
My favourites are Unknown and Pariah.
Number 35:
The Lathums a band from Wigan interestingly started off as a college project but nobody could have predicted their supersonic rise over the last few years.
After their debut album How Beautiful Life Can Be secured the number one slot in October 2021 it meant the sophomore album From Nothing To A Little Bit More had high expectations which they delivered by securing another number one album.
And whilst in my opinion it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their debut it is still a brilliant album my favourite tracks being Say My Name and Struggle.
Number 34:
It was great to see Dundee’s finest The View back although at one stage it looked maybe short lived.
But “brotherly” differences put aside they delivered Exorcism Of Youth in August 2023 and showed that they had not lost the knack of writing catchy indie pop music with my standout tracks being Neon Lights and Dixie.
It was also fantastic to see them live at home in Dundee for the first time in six years which was easily the sweatiest gig of 2023.
Number 33:
Hailing from the North Coast of Northern Ireland Brand New Friend have built a growing reputation that has seen them grace stages with the likes of Snow Patrol, Ash and Lewis Capaldi.
And with Grandstand it sets them out as a band to follow in 2024. The album is full of catchy indie pop melodies that reflect on the materialistic nature of life.
My favourite tracks are If You’re Looking For A Sign, This Is It and Talk It Out.
Number 32:
Apollo Junction were one of the first bands I discovered during lockdown with their debut album Mystery.
They have continued to build on the indie pop sound of that debut album and now on their third album Here We Are they have delivered their best work to date and are surely lined up for some of the bigger festivals in 2024.
My favourites tracks are Endings and Here We Are.
Number 31:
I had some doubts about what The Murder Capital were going to give us with their second album Gigi’s Recovery as I thought their debut was a masterpiece in dark and broody indie rock.
So what did they do they reinvented their sound to more joyous and uplifting melodies and showcased a major leap forward in their songwriting.
There are still hints of their past but they now have two great and significantly different albums under their belts and they have certainly got me intrigued for the next one.
My favourites are Only Good Things and The Lie Becomes The Self.
Number 30:
Now last year Strabe topped my singles of 2022 with the brilliant Life On Pause, the fact that this hasn’t been included on How Our Love Grows will give you an idea how good the debut album is.
They give us a stunning album of electro dream. pop that will have you looking for the dance shoes and glitter balls.
My favourites are All My Heart and Come Home.
Number 29:
Daughter released Stereo Mind Game in April 2023 and is their first album in six years although there have been some solo projects in the interim.
The new album is focussed around Elena’s long distance relationship and the issues that arose.
Their trademark indie folk vibe is still there and is to the fore in Stereo Mind Game allowing the delicate musicianship to set the background to the poetic storytelling of a great album.
My favourites are Dandelion and Future Lover.
Number 28:
You’ve got to credit Inhaler and the second album Cuts & Bruises for trying to step out of the obvious comparisons to U2 and Bono.
Whilst the first album was shrouded with cries of nepotism there”s only so far that will take you and although Cuts & Bruises is still filled with songs written for stadiums there are some subtle attempts to bring more variety into the songwriting.
It is clearly indie rock, but is done better than a lot of there current peers and gets it’s place in my top 40 for that reason, it’s good but there’s room for growth.
My favourite tracks are These Are The Days and Perfect Storm.
Number 27:
Brooke Combe is destined to be a superstar without doubt having secured support slots for the likes of The Courteeners, The Snuts and Blossoms on the back of just a couple of single releases.
And Black Is The New Gold will only help her rising star, it is a serious showcase of her undoubted talent combining some funk, soul and a huge vocal to deliver a fantastic debut album.
My favourites are the bookends to the album in Are You With Me? and Over You, but don’t worry everything in between is also excellent.
Number 26:
The Shed Project gave us their second album Our Fear Is Their Power in November 2023 and builds on the sound of their debut The Curious Mind Of A Common Man.
They have built up a loyal fan base on social media, and despite some great interaction and writing fantastic indie rock tunes drawing on influences like The Stone Roses they have struggled to secure festival slots.
Hopefully, 2024 will be the year they make that breakthrough, my favourite tracks are Naugty and I’ve Got The Blues.
Number 25:
Chappaqua Wrestling have delivered one of the best debut albums of the year in Ultra Plus.
They have been honing their craft for a number of years and this shown by the eclectic mix of sounds from 90’s indie, shoegaze and some 60’s pop.
Despite a mix of genres this isn’t a band without identity it’s one who likes to experiment to deliver the highest quality of music and they certainly do this with Plus Ultra.
My favourites are Full Round Table and Fair Game.
Number 24:
It was so good to see Slowdive back in 2023 with everything is alive their first album in six years.
Slowdive are the rare exception to 90’s shoegaze bands in that their music has evolved with the times and 30 years on are attracting a younger audience as each year goes by.
This resurgence was fuelled by their brilliant 2017 self titled album but everything is alive has built on this and to some extent future proofed their sound for years to come.
My favourite tracks are andalucia plays and the slab.
Number 23:
Sad Boys Club sadly split in 2023 but not before signing out with one of the best albums of the year in Lullabies From The Lightning Tree.
The four piece have always had a talent for penning a banging indie pop melody and the good news is that their first and last album doesn’t disappoint it’s filled with one banger after another.
My favourite tracks are Something Else and To Heal Without a Scar (Is a Waste of a Good Wound).
Number 22:
I Don’t Know, the new album from Hull shoegaze pop group bdrmm is the perfect follow on to their eponymous 2020 debut album.
Their debut album set down a glorious shoegaze marker but as a band you can see the progression in their follow up, there are many influences being drawn from and the guitar alone is no longer the only driving force, they have created tunes that allow the other instruments to breathe. There is a clear indication that they are a band with a lot to offer and there is a lot more to come.
Favourite tracks are Amps and We Fall Apart.
You can catch them on tour in March:
https://www.seetickets.com/tour/bdrmm
Number 21:
Is from Glasgow post punks Gallus and their outstanding debut album We Don’t Like The People We’ve Become.
The album comes us a reflective take of a working class band in todays society, it chronicles their struggles with razor witted lyrics and plenty of self deprecation but all constructed around a real buzz of chest punching gritty riffs.
My favourite songs are Fruitflies and Sickness and Health.
Another band who are touring Scotland soon that you will definitely want to catch:
https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/gallus-tickets/artist/5326704
Number 20:
Supergroup Boygenius a collaboration between Julian Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus bring us debut album The Record.
The three protagonists deliver a really intimate album showcasing not only their talent but the genuine friendship and love they have for each other whilst casually showing the girls of indie rock can deliver great music.
My favourite tracks are $20 and Satanist.
Number 19:
The fabulous Barry Can’t Swim and the debut album When Will We Land?
The Edinburgh based producer delivers a brilliant mix of electronic dance floor fillers, but it’s not all about the beats there is a real flow to this album that shows the tracklisting was well thought through as each song compliments those around it.
My favourite tracks are How It Feels and Tell Me What You Need.
Number 18:
Yet another debut album, the super Exit Light from Glasgow based Kim Grant aka Raveloe.
I was fortunate enough to see Raveloe in Dundee and have followed ever since and was keenly anticipating this album and it does not disappoint.
Raveloe is that DIY artist who has shown with this album that she is ready to step into the mainstream and bring her folk influenced shoegaze to a wider audience.
My favourite tracks are Countertop and Purple Loose Strife.
Number 17:
Pip Blom and their latest album “Bobbie”.
The Dutch band have build a fantastic reputation over the past few years with enthralling live sets and acclaimed albums Boat and Welcome Break.
“Bobbie” sees them switch their sound from guitar focussed indie rock to a synth driven indie pop sound and this has seen them garner more attention from mainstream broadcasters and increased radio play which is sure to attract a bigger fan base.
My favourite tracks are I Can Be Your Man and Is This Love? featuring Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand fame.
Number 16:
Glasgow’s Joesef who brings us his superb debut album Permanent Damage.
It was without doubt an introspective look at love and heartbreak from previous relationships with lyrics taking a deep dive into what seems an often depressed mindset which sounds like a heavy listen.
However, it was Joesef’s sensational soulful vocals and mesmerising arrangements that elevated this album and ensured it got the acclaim it deserved.
My favourite tracks are Just Come Home With Me Tonight and Joe.
Number 15:
The Lottery Winners secured their first number one album with the amazing Anxiety Replacement Therapy (ART) and it has to be said was thoroughly deserved,
ART does exactly as it says on the tin, it is an album jam packed with feel good singalong anthems featuring collaborations with Frank Turner, Shaun Ryder and Boy George.
Their tunes translate perfect to the live environment and I’d definitely recommend catching them as they head out on tour soon:
https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/lottery-winners
My favourites are Long Way Down and Let Me Down.
Number 14:
This has been a great year for debut albums including this banger from North Wales indie rockers The Royston Club.
The backbone of Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars comes from previously released EP’s and pulls them together to mark stage one of what should be a flourishing career.
The Royston Club have a knack for writing ear worm choruses and this is reflected in the album, if you’re not familiar with the band test it out, you’ll be singing that chorus after one listen.
My favourite tracks are I’m A Liar and Cherophobe.
Number 13:
Glasgow twins Rachael and Paul Swinton aka Cloth brought us their eponymous debut album in 2019 which clearly made an impression as they were signed to legendary label Rock Action Records releasing an EP before bringing us the fantastic Secret Measure.
Secret Measure brought us their familiar understated sound, their muted instrumentation delivering an intimate album interspersed with some fantastic breakout moments showing an appreciation that their music needed to go beyond their comfort zone and it does without doubt.
My favourite tracks are Ladder and Drips.
Number 12:
Dreamer Awake is the long awaited fourth album from Rachel Sermanni and her first since 2019.
Rachel uses the latest album to look at relationships and associated grief and delivers a melancholy dreamy masterpiece, with fantastic instrumentation combined with her stunning vocals it delivers her most accomplished work yet.
My favourite tracks are Jacob and True Love Lets Go.
Number 11:
Caroline Polacheck might seem to be a newcomer as Desire, I Want To Turn Into You is only her second solo album.
However, she may be more familiar to some as one half of synth driven pop band Chairlift.
So not a new face but someone keen to carve out a solo career and this sophomore album certainly packs a pop punch, with a heady mix of synths, some drum and bass and some eccentric pop vocals leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
My favourite tracks are I Believe and Billions.
Number 10:
Thrillhouse are one of those bands that just bring a smile to my face with their infectious hooks and witty nostalgia making their music a hugely enjoyable experience.
And the Brighton duo don’t disappoint with their fantastic debut album Something About This Place its packed full of genre defying songs that just deliver a feel good factor.
My favourite tracks are So Far From Where I Started From and Big Tree.
Number 9:
Scottish indie electro pop starts Lucia and the Best Boys brought us their long awaited debut album Burning Castles and it’s all I hoped for and more.
This collection of songs will heighten their reputation and will garner a larger well deserved fan base as they display a range of songwriting styles, hitting us with dark and moody rock to contrasting cloud floating dream pop.
My favourite tracks are Burning Castles and Butterflies.
Number 8:
Brooklyn’s synth trio Nation Of Language delivered their third album Strange Disciple.
I was a huge fan of the first two albums with their COVID written minimalistic synth pop but with Strange Disciple it gives the band a chance to expand their sound and give us a retro 80’s synth vibe but still making it sound contemporary.
Their expansive sound brings us more guitar and drums retaining their signature danceable beats twinned with a more indie pop vibe.
My favourite tracks are Sole Obsession and Spare Me the Decision.
Number 7:
Bleach Lab have set the bar high with their phenomenal debut album Lost In A Rush Of Emptiness as it a perfect collection of dream pop beauty.
The London quartet know how to create a sound that reaches deep into your soul and opens the door to allow your heart to absorb the angst and melancholy that their songs touch upon. They engage with some hard hitting topics but their evocative lyrics make you want to fight the wrongs rather than drown in the empty void.
My favourite tracks are Counting Empties and Leave The Light On.
Number 6:
Brownbear’s sophomore album Demons demonstrates the accomplished writing skills of Matt Hickman.
Demons is a follow up to the acclaimed debut album What Is Home? and is a reflective look at the world and personal experiences of Matt over the last few years.
It retains the charming punchy indie pop vibes of its predecessor but also allows Matt to delve deeper into his emotions with some slower numbers that deliver some really powerful messages.
My favourite tracks are Little White Lies and Spin Another Web.
Number 5:
Hamish Hawks latest album Angel Numbers is a triumph of catchy choruses and trademark witty lyricism building on his previous releases.
Listening to Angel Numbers you can’t help but connect with the joy Hamish and his band bring to the album, you can almost feel the smiles of the guys jumping out at you as each track plays.
These indie pop bangers will ensure that Hamish plays to larger audiences and help bring his music to the masses.
My favourite tracks are Think of Us Kissing and Elvis Look-alike Shadows.
Number 4:
The Goa Express and their eponymous debut album really caught me unawares in December, just when I thought I was finished with my top 40 of the year along came this magical piece of indie pop.
The Burnley quintet have delivered a self assured debut album full of catchy hooks and ear worm choruses and a total blast of Summer, absolutely perfect for the festival season ahead.
My favourite tracks are Small Talk and Better Than OK.
Number 3:
Mark Sharp and the Bicycle Thieves have probably just had their best year to date, from touring Europe with a certain Mr Capaldi to getting Number 1 in the Scottish Album Charts with their sensational debut album Unmask The Circus.
The album delivers quite a punch full of indie pop bangers and showcases the hard work and determination MSBT have put in to making music that sounds great both on record and in the live environment.
The success of Unmask The Circus has led to increased media and radio coverage and is hopefully the kick start the boys need to be one of Scotlands breakthrough acts in 2024.
My favourite tracks are Stubborn and Black Ties & Little Lies.
Number 2:
Young Fathers continue to be one of the most innovative and influential bands in Scotland and this is highlighted with the incredible new album Heavy Heavy.
This is now the bands fourth album and they continue to develop and enhance their sound, they have given us some more audience friendly tunes on Heavy Heavy, songs are shorter, more catchy and allow you to feel more combined with the band.
Their songs still remain immersive and have something to say but maybe they allow more celebration of the music rather than the doom of a critique of a failing country.
My favourite tracks are Geronimo and Holy Moly.
Number 1:
At the top of pile with their second album Honey Now is the incomparable Neon Waltz.
Their debut album Strange Hymns is one of the best albums released by a Scottish band in the last 25 years yet for some reason the band remain largely a mystery to the music masses.
Honey Now should hopefully change this, this is an album that delves deeper into the songwriting of the band and shows they are not scared to carve their own unique road into indie rock/pop land.
There is undoubted bravery in some of the key choices and some risks with the production but it all works and they deliver an album of sheer beauty and fully deserving of my number one spot.
My favourite tracks are As Good As Gone and Thoughts/Dreams/Regrets.
They are heading out on tour soon go catch them:
https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/neon-waltz-tickets/artist/2025327