Listen NOW: The Must-Have Albums of 2023 So Far

by

American singer Janelle Monae attends Chanel fashion collection during Women's fashion week Fall/Winter 2020/21 presented Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Reading Time: 3 minutes

In 2023, folding chair brawls, climate change, heatwaves, and outer space aliens are crashing cookouts. So, while each month has been filled with WTFs, here is the music released so far that has provided its soundtrack.

1. Jordan Ward – FORWARD

Jordan Ward’s voice gives off free spirit vibes that give comfort that help you get through a traffic jam.

Standard tracks

 – Price Tag

 – IDC

 – Think Twice

2. Janelle Monae – The Art of Pleasure

American singer Janelle Monae attends Chanel fashion collection during Women’s fashion week Fall/Winter 2020/21 presented Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The metamorphosis of Janelle Monae from tuxedo vocalist to poolside poet locked in one album.

Standout tracks

-Champagne Sh!t

The Rush

-Water Slide

3. Victoria Monet – Jaguar II

A sequel worth checking.

Standout tracks

– Smoke

– Alright

On My Mama

4. Coco Jones – What I Didn’t Tell You

Coco Jones credit by Sheen Magazine

Old school R&B vibes with a twist of new school love.

Standout tracks

Double Back

– ICU

– Crazy for Me

5. Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

The sound of amination.

Standout tracks

Hummingbird

– Link Up

– Danger

6. Reason – Porches

Reason is on task to becoming one of Hip Hop’s greatest storytellers.

Standout tracks

At It Again

– Too Much (Melly Mel)

– Porch Steps

7. Noname – Sundial

Poetic rhymes with definition.

Standout tracks

– Hold Me Down

Afro Futurism

– Oblivion

8. BIA – Really HER

Fashion runway music.

Standout tracks

– Don’t Tell

– London

Fallback

9. Kali Uchis – Red Mood in Venus

This album is for the zodiac astrology lovers who get chills from full moons on an ocean beach.

Standout tracks

I Wish You Roses

– Worth the Wait

– Moonlight

10. Killer Mike – MICHAEL

Killer Mike poses for a portrait on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in New York to promote “Michael,” his first solo album since 2012. (Photo by Matt Licari/Invision/AP)

Killer Mike’s most personal work is street gospel rap with no preaching.

Standout tracks

– Run

SCIENTIST & ENGINEERS

– Spaceship Views

11. Nas – Magic 2

Nas. Strictly for editorial purpose. No copyright infringement intended
Nas. Strictly for editorial purpose. No copyright infringement intended

The Nas and Hit-Boy work(s) is becoming one of the greatest MC/producers run in the culture.

Standout tracks

– Office Hours

– One Mic, One Gun

Black Magic

Click HERE for the Must-Have Albums of 2023 playlist.

advanced divider
advanced divider