You may have noticed I’ve written far fewer album reviews in 2023. That’s because I’ve felt the calibre of phenomenal-quality records hasn’t been up to standard. Why? I’m not sure. Perhaps it has more to do with bands and artists focusing on producing killer singles and EPs, rather than full-length studio offerings. Or maybe that’s just the assumption my ears have been under this year. 

That said, for one reason or another, this bunch has stood out as Record Weekly’s very noteworthy top 20 albums of 2023. 

‘Back To The Water Below’ — Royal Blood

It took until September for me to hear my winner; an album I’d be truly glued to. The all killer, no filler fourth from Mike and Ben was just what music had been crying out for — an unapologetic, thoroughbred dose of high-octane rock.

‘Permanent Damage’ — Joesef

Harnessing jazz, soul and electro-pop, and wrapping them up in good-vibes-only packages, Glaswegian singer, songwriter and producer, Joesef, has turned the tides with his deliciously catchy material even more so this year. And the accolades prove it.

‘Hardly the Same Snake’ — Skinny Pelembe

Skinny Pelembe at Deer Shed Festival? Talk about transfixing. Through sharp guitars, hard-hitting vocals and various rap twists, I was sold on the Johannesburg-born, Doncaster-raised artist before he’d even finished his set. BBC Radio 6 Music champion him, too.

‘The Perfume of Decay’ — Tigercub

Bombastic, crunching riffs and thudding, blistering drums creates the fabric of Tigercub, a trio who have been going from strength to strength for some time now. Their popularity has certainly peaked following this latest drop in June.

‘Better Luck Next Time’ — Sundara Karma

Indie fans were able to reunite in November, when Sundara Karma’s jangly bops flooded the airways once more and ‘Better Luck Next Time’ landed. ‘Baby Blue’ and ‘Friends of Mine’ were serious hits, but the almost grungy title track fully gripped me.

‘We Don’t Like The People We’ve Become’ — Gallus

Under the guidance of the mighty Marshall Records, Glasgow’s Gallus finally shared an album with us. The Scottish punks know their way around foot-stomping tunes, but we were given here an opportunity to really relish their musical prowess.

‘From Hell to Here’ — HIMALAYAS

The diligent and assuredly talented young Welsh rockers, HIMALAYAS, have so much under their belt already. But until the start of the year, an album hadn’t been part of that inclusion. Their CV now boasts a whopper of a 12-tracker. 

‘Dead Club City’ — Nothing But Thieves

Poppier, synthier and funkier than their previous hard rock anthems, the recent release from Nothing But Thieves garnered a lot of praise. They’ve toured plenty this year, too, all while promoting the wistful main single from the DCC campaign, ‘Overcome’.

‘EVERGREEN’ — PVRIS

According to Spotify Wrapped, PVRIS was one of my top artists in 2023. Yet, oddly, I don’t feel that’s accurate. Then again, the crazy energy of PVRIS’ tracks does make for great gym playlist fodder, so, long live the electronic pop/rock. 

‘Halo’ — Bakar

A lot of reviewers positioned this as a bit of a genre-less, somewhat non-descript collection from Bakar. But I considered that pinch-of-salt rubbish. For me, the rapper’s soulful tones across the balladic, synth-laced songs meshed well.

‘KILLJOY’ — Coach Party

A band that have really gone places, from major UK festivals to a French stadium, is Coach Party. They’ve been nailing it for some time now, so it was only right that an album dropped. And so, ten face-melting tracks made quite an impact in September.

‘Volcano’ — Jungle

Jungle will always get you on your feet, and they triumphed in doing so yet again, through newbie ‘Volcano’. In a sea of bops, ‘Back On 74’ seems to have tipped the scales, so be sure to get stacks of the album’s songs on at parties. 

‘This Is Why’ — Paramore

The hotly anticipated return of Paramore was something of the emo dream for many. And, although ‘This Is Why’ doesn’t have the same zeitgeisty credentials as ‘Riot!’, it evidences the band’s growth and direction change. They still get my vote.

‘My Soft Machine’ — Arlo Parks

Shoegazy dream pop that’s primed to soundtrack any lazy coffee shop afternoon… That’s the MO of Arlo Parks’ 2023 instalment. Having witnessed her live at Belgrave before, I know just how majestic and graceful she is, so this album had to make the cut. 

‘James and The Cold Gun’ — James and The Cold Gun

I came across the band dubbed as ‘south Wales’ loudest’ when they were playing alongside Wolforna at their Tigercub support slot at The Key Club. Their riff mastery was insane, and they also happened to be the one of the kindest bands out there.

‘The Great Overgrowth’ — SUDS

Arguably one of the lesser-known outfits in this feature, SUDS might be a touch smaller in stature, but their debut delivered nine servings of well-cultivated rock. And it embraces their folk and emo influences, to their credit. 

‘My Big Day’ — Bombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club are synonymous with my sixth form art mock exam days, where I used to be able to plug in my iPod nano and blast out their indie-pop bangers while I painted. This fresh album is still way up there in the catchy stakes. 

‘Is This All We Are?’ — Vistas

Scottish indie-rockers, Vistas, had been dazzling eardrums with their must-tap-along-to singles for ages, which meant I was glad of the press request to review their sophomore album. It’s thought provoking and excellently assembled throughout.

‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’ — The Hives

Suited and booted in their trademark black and white two-pieces, The Hives have a stage presence that leaves you completely immersed and fired up. So after seeing them at Live at Leeds: In the Park, I couldn’t wait for their overdue new record. Spoiler: it’s massive!

‘AURORA’ — Daisy Jones & The Six

Cheesy? The jury’s out. But I was enthralled by the series ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’, and this album was written and recorded for the show. It’s a deft demonstration of old-school techniques typical of the ‘70s, with songs performed by Riley Keough and Sam Claflin.