Previously,
The Best 20 Albums of 2023: My Picks #20-16
15.
Victoria Monét, ‘JAGUAR II’
JAGUAR II is a continuation of the themes introduced in Monét’s 2020 EP, Jaguar. The album delves into themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and sensuality. Monét likens herself to a jaguar, an animal known for its stealth and power, symbolizing her journey from the background as a songwriter to the forefront as a solo artist. The album’s concept revolves around Monét’s personal and artistic growth, exploring her experiences with love, motherhood, and success. A standout theme in JAGUAR II is the celebration of femininity and empowerment. Monét’s lyrics often reflect her confidence and assertiveness, as seen in tracks like On My Mama, where she sings about overcoming self-doubt and embracing her strength. The album also touches on themes of sensuality and romance, with Monét’s sultry vocals and evocative lyrics creating an intimate atmosphere. Trakcs like Smoke, feature clever wordplay and a playful tone, with lines like “it’s a bisexual blunt, it can go both ways” highlighting Monét’s ability to infuse humor into her music. In Party Girls, Monét collaborates with dancehall legend Buju Banton to create a vibrant and energetic track that celebrates freedom and joy. Tracks like Hollywood are a deeply personal track that reflects Monét’s journey as a mother and artist. The inclusion of her daughter’s voice adds a touching and intimate layer to the song, making it one of the album’s standout moments. JAGUAR II draws heavily from ’70s disco and soul, incorporating live instruments and orchestral elements to create a rich and immersive listening experience. Tracks like Cadillac (A Pimp’s Anthem) evoke the sound of ’70s R&B with its funky bassline and smooth vocals, where the song’s feminist reimagining of the pimp archetype adds a modern twist to the classic funk sound. Additionally, the album’s use of live instrumentation, including strings and horns, adds a layer of richness and depth to the music. Tracks like Hollywood and Good Bye feature lush orchestral arrangements that create a sense of grandeur and elegance.
14.
Noname, ‘Sundial’
Sundial is a reflection of Noname’s engagement with Black critical thought and theory, encapsulated in a concise 30-minute runtime. The album’s title itself, Sundial, suggests a measurement of time by shadows, symbolizing Noname’s introspective journey and her ability to cast light on societal issues. The album delves into themes of self-love, community, political critique, and personal contradictions. Noname’s lyrics are a tapestry of sharp social commentary and personal reflection. In hold me down, she juxtaposes images of Wakanda with the hypocrisy of celebrating Obama’s presidency despite his controversial foreign policies. Similarly, namesake critiques high-profile Black celebrities for their superficial efforts towards community betterment, highlighting the complexities of fame and activism. In black mirror, she raps, “Burnin’ in the rearview while I’m driving with a clear view. As a socialism sister, Am I supposed to feel this different? Like my rent’s paid?” This line encapsulates her struggle with self-righteousness and the realities of socio-economic disparities. The album’s lyrics are interwoven with stories of self-love and self-hate, reflecting Noname’s personal and political beliefs. Her delivery is poised yet casual, with a charmingly nasal voice that conveys weariness and vulnerability. Tracks like Balloons and Afro Futurism feature some of the fiercest political critiques and nimbly performed rapping of her career. Sundial‘s production is a masterful blend of neo-soul, jazz rap, and hip-hop, deeply indebted to the sonic influence of Chicago. The album’s lush production invites listeners into a soulful embrace, with lullaby-like coos and chords that create a cozy yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere. gospel? features a spiritual statement with gospel piano and the hymn God Will Make A Way, leading to Noname’s poignant verse, “This is an ode to Haiti, Mozambique, Martinique, Trinidad, Grenada/Wherever Black people sleep/Pray for them, pray for me, pray for me, pray for me.”
13.
Nourished by Time, ‘Erotic Probiotic 2’
Erotic Probiotic 2 is a fascinating exploration of nostalgia and modernity, seamlessly blending elements of ’80s new wave, electro-funk, R&B, and freestyle with contemporary sensibilities. The album’s title itself suggests a juxtaposition of the sensual and the scientific, hinting at a complex interplay of emotions and intellect. In Erotic Probiotic 2, Marcus Brown’s work is described as a “time-warped ’80s” experience, where past influences are reimagined through a modern lens. Thematically, the album addresses a range of subjects, from personal introspection and romantic relationships to broader societal critiques. Tracks like Quantum Suicide and Soap Celebration” delve into existential questions and emotional vulnerability, while The Fields critiques consumerism, capitalism, and organized religion. In Quantum Suicide, Brown’s expressive whispers and shouts inject intimacy into the bleak subject matter, asking, “Have you ever prayed/For your creation?” In “Soap Celebration,” Brown’s voice recedes into misty melodies and propulsive drums as he confesses his fears in a relationship, singing, “The truth is in the sun/But there is comfort in rain.” The Fields stands out for its poignant critique of societal structures, where Brown laments, “Once or twice I prayed to Jesus/Never heard a word back in plain English,” capturing a sense of disillusionment with organized religion. His velvet-cloaked midrange voice, tinged with relatable melancholy, enhances the impact of these lyrics. Musically, Brown’s background in exploring ’80s touchstones like new wave, electro-funk, and R&B is evident in the album’s composition. The tracks are characterized by their infectious beats, groovy tones, and a haunted disco vibe that permeates the entire album. Recorded in Brown’s parents’ basement, the album is imbued with a raw, intimate quality, where the production is characterized by a blend of analog and digital elements, which create a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
12.
Billy Woods and Kenny Segal, ‘Maps’
I don’t sleep, I hover outside myself, watching my body survive
My shell mechanical
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself to make it manageable
I know the count right, but I recount on sleepless nights because it’s tangible
Any day could be the day they frogmarch you in manacles
Maps is a concept album that explores the transient nature of life, particularly through the lens of touring and travel. Inspired by Woods’ own experiences on tour in the early 2020s, the album captures the highs and lows of life in transit, where the themes of alienation, anxiety, and the search for meaning are prevalent throughout the album. Woods’ lyrics often reflect a sense of disorientation and existential dread, as he grapples with the challenges of maintaining personal relationships and a sense of self while constantly traveling. The album’s cover, designed by Ashes57, is inspired by airplane safety brochures and depicts Woods’ unique brand of airplane etiquette. This visual representation complements the album’s themes of travel and dislocation, setting the stage for the listener’s journey through Woods’ introspective and often fragmented narratives. Maps is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that capture the absurdities and harsh realities of life on the road. Woods’ writing is characterized by its unorthodox structure and its ability to juxtapose personal history with global events, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. Tracks like NYC Tapwater and Kenwood Speakers highlight Woods’ ability to convey a sense of place and time, as he reflects on the cultural and personal changes he has witnessed. In NYC Tapwater, Woods raps about returning to his home city and grappling with its transformation: “Through the peephole I see new people going up and down the stairs / New buildings just appear.” This sense of dislocation and change is a recurring theme throughout the album, as Woods navigates the complexities of his own identity and the world around him. The album’s instrumentals prominently feature elements of jazz and boom bap, with saxophone, piano melodies, guitars, and sampled flutes creating a rich and textured sonic palette. Segal’s compositions are fluid and deliberate, emotionally matching Woods’ verses and enhancing the album’s themes of travel and dislocation. Standout tracks like Blue Smoke and Year Zero showcase Segal’s ability to create dynamic and evolving backdrops that complement Woods’ storytelling.
11.
Julie Byrne, ‘The Greater Wings’
Julie Byrne’s third studio album, The Greater Wings, is deeply rooted in personal loss and the subsequent journey through grief. The death of Byrne’s musical collaborator and romantic partner, Eric Littmann, during the recording process, casts a long shadow over the album. Byrne herself has noted that Littmann’s love and care were integral to their collaboration, making his sudden passing a central theme of the record. The Greater Wings delves into themes of devotion, renewal, and the enduring nature of love. The album’s title track, for instance, speaks to the idea of carrying someone “up on greater wings,” a metaphor for transcending grief and finding solace in memories. The lyrics throughout the album reflect a yearning for connection and a desire to bridge the physical and emotional distances that separate us from our loved ones. In the title track, she sings, “I drank the air to be nearer to you,” capturing a deep longing for closeness, and this sense of yearning is a recurring motif throughout the album, as seen in tracks like Moonless and Flare. In Flare, she sings, “One more hour gorgeous and wild, I could’ve done better / You’re not the only one,” a devastating musing on grasping beauty and joy in the moment and holding onto it. The album’s closing track, Death Is the Diamond, presents a heartfelt tribute and a spectacular conclusion. Over minimal piano, Byrne sings of the passing of time and memory and the desire to approach a new day unafraid. Musically, The Greater Wings is a sublime blend of folk with contemporary and minimalistic elements. Byrne’s signature fingerstyle guitar is complemented by lush instrumentation, including strings, harps, and synths. This combination creates a sound that is both personal and worldly, grounded yet spiritual. Also, the use of arpeggiated synths in Summer Glass and the ambient textures in Conversation Is a Flowstate demonstrate Byrne’s willingness to experiment with new sonic palettes. In short, Sufjan Steven’s Carrie & Lowell is perhaps the closest comparison in terms of the musical and melancholic tenor of The Greater Wings, but the album is ultimately as singular as the woman singing it.
We draw the lines of protection
When our palms meet at every edge
You lit my joint with the end of your cigarette
Spun the pavement spirit, harnessed into flesh
I do always linger on an empty room
Desire, laughter, blur, ache, abandon
Are we gonna bring this to fruition?
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The Best 20 Albums of 2023: My Picks #10-6
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