Over 1000 songs submitted in 2023
We are back from South Africa, which was kind of a music desert, but this is the last column of the year, so it is time for my top songs of the year. There were so many good ones that I decided to do a double Hot Half Dozen – my 12 favorite songs of 2023. I did not include the new Stone’s album because, to me, it just didn’t connect. I did connect with many of Taylor Swift’s songs, but neither she –nor you – need me or anyone else to tell you they are good.
1. Can’t Catch Me Now, video by Olivia Rodrigo. From the Hunger Games soundtrack, Dreamy, urgent, stunningly beautiful. It will put a lump in your throat, especially as you watch the video. Lyric video on YouTube. Stream songs on most major platforms.
2. Afraid of Heights, single/video by Boygenius. The girl supergroup – Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker – will take your heart away with this song. A stirring story — the lyrics alone will keep you thinking for some time. The music is dreamy, but the message is so powerful, the life described so accessible and yet so unique. These three women are just plain brilliant. Stream on major platforms. Lyric video on YouTube.
3. The Complete Reprise Sessions, album by Graham Parsons. In remembrance of his death 50 years in California, here is the last album released in his name. 48 songs, all remastered and re-released. The album gives us the full-range of the outlaw trying to blend counterculture music of San Francisco and LA with country-music. The result is some of the most striking and creative music produced in revolution of the 60’s and 70’s . Stream on Spotify .
4.Yo Soy Guerrera, single by Las Fenix. A joy to listen to. The quintet’s voices blend and soar and mesmerize, backed by Mexican trumpets and guitars set off by a loving piano. These five women can cross not only borders, but genres and worlds. Stream on Spotify. Spanish.
5.L ost My Mind, single by Chris O’Leary. Down and dirty blues the way they should be ,with a hot, hot harmonica. Grabs your gut and won’t let you go, but you won’t care; you will be grinning and shaking and rocking so much. Stream on major platforms.
6. Persona Favorita con Conociendo Rusia, single/video by Diamante Electrico. I love this duo. They consistently create addictive, listenable rock and this song is a perfect example. It will energize your day and keep you humming. From the album, Leche de Tigre. Stream it on Spotify. Spanish.
7. Vida Tan Bonita, álbum by Francisca Valenzuela. I don’t know how she does it – hit songs, her own company, global tours, Human Rights activist, a judge on The Voice in Chile and now another stellar album. From the happy “SALÚ” to the intense “Último Baile” to the rocking “Hola Impostora” this album takes on a Latin journey of cutting edge and beautiful music. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.
8.Una Mañana, single by Denise Gutiérrez. Sway romantically with Gutiérrez’s glass-smooth voice woven around light tropical percussion, highly produced guitar accents, and organ background all come together to make this a love – and loving – song that you will add to your special night playlist. Gutiérrez is the leader of the Mexican alternative rock band, Hello Seahorse!, but this is all hers. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.
9 .Tinseltown, single by Binx. Hollywood is not all it is cracked up to be. We all know that, but BINX tells us what real success and happiness is, even in the belly of the beast. Tinseltown is both classic BINX and a new twist on her sound with very dreamy slick production and complex rhythms. A fun song with a message. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music YouTube Music, Amazon Music.
10 Everything Was For Love, single/video by Carla Morrison. Grammy-nominated and three-time Latin Grammy-winning artist Carla Morrison debuts her first ever English language song. After you hear it you will wonder why she waited so long. The song is the title track for the upcoming film Con Esta Luz (With This Light). Absolutely beautiful. Stream on all major platforms.
11. Call Me, single by Jenny and the Mexicats. If you don’t know the trumpet-wielding British-born Jenny Ball and her Spanish /Mexican band, this is a great introduction. Dance your heart out as they combine flamenco, rockabilly, jazz, and folk music. And then hit replay. Streaming on all major platforms.
12 Paper Planes, single by Kris Angeles. Beautiful, sensitive, insightful, poignant. A song about her father that is a joy to listen to and to hear – and Angelis makes you do both. From the Damn Shame Waste album. A jewel worthy of a Grammy. Stream on Soundcloud and Spotify.
BONUSES THIS YEAR: Bloom, 23, Away from Paris by Mary’s Island. Travesi’a by Trialogo. Via Adento, by Cienfuegos
Patrick O’Heffernan
