It’s that time of year again…it’s the end of the year and a chance to look back and reflect on the music released over the last 12 months. As ever, there has been an abundance of great music gifted to us in 2023 and I’m particularly grateful that some of my favourite artists and veterans in the game are alive and kicking.

Whilst it’s been a great year for music, it’s also been a quiet year for AS4S. Not only is this going to be the last article of 2023, but it’s embarrassingly the first too. The lack of content this year has resulted in me feeling a bit out of the loop when it comes to new music, and it’s taken me this year to realise just how much of a drive this blog is for me when it comes to listening to new music. Anyway, that’s enough rambling from me…here are my favourite albums of 2023:

5. But Here We Are – Foo Fighters

The sad and sudden death of Taylor Hawkins last year sent shockwaves through the Foo Fighters community and I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought we might have seen the last of the band. In May this year though, Foo Fighters announced veteran of the rock scene Josh Freese as their new drummer, and only a month after that But Here We Are was released. Unsurprisingly, But Here We Are is lyrically a very personal album for Grohl, who also suffered the loss of his mother last year, but musically it’s the best work they’ve done since Wasting Light in 2011.

Best tracks: Rescued, The Glass, Show Me How

4. This Is Why – Paramore

With 2017’s After Laughter being the band’s last studio album, and lead singer Hayley Williams releasing her own music since then too, it was uncertain whether Paramore would ever actually return (and as of this month there are rumours again after the band deleted all their social media posts). This Is Why offers a new and exciting version of Paramore though, with catchy, funky hooks and songs that lean more into the indie/alternative realm more than ever. Williams’ powerful and distinctive vocals shine as always, and the album has grown on me more and more with each listen. 

Best tracks: Running Out Of Time, Lies, Crave

3. Hackney Diamonds – The Rolling Stones

You may be starting to think that I have a ‘thing’ for comeback albums…but the hype and background that surrounds the release of a long-awaited album is undeniably more exciting than a run-of-the-mill release. The Rolling Stones have remained a powerhouse on stage even as they start to enter their 80s, and arguably don’t need to release new music anymore…but after 18 years they have gifted us with a fantastic new, original album in Hackney Diamonds. It’s by no stretch an instant classic and I’m unsure how well it will be remembered in the history books, but it’s a fresh reminder that the Stones are the greatest rock and roll band.

Best tracks: Depending On You, Driving Me Too Hard, Sweet Sounds of Heaven

2. The Record – Boygenius

The American trio (supergroup?) helmed by Phoebe Bridgers released their debut album, The Record, this year and it was met with instant success, including number 1 in the UK album chart and four Grammy nominations (three for the album itself and one for Cool About It). The chemistry between Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus is evident throughout the record, and this collection of beautiful, emotional folk songs that flow nicely from to the next, tie together nicely into an impressive, coherent album.

Best tracks: Emily I’m Sorry, Not Strong Enough, Cool About It

1. One More Time – Blink-182

Life-threatening accidents and illnesses have been a catalyst for Tom rejoining Blink-182 both in 2015 and in 2022, but this time it really feels different. Enough time seems to have passed where Tom can balance Blink and his other passions, and there seems to be a genuine place for Blink in Tom’s life. One More Time is longer than it needs to be and has a few tracks that could have been left out, but overall it sees Blink back to their best and against all the odds sees the band working so well together. 

Best tracks: Anthem Part 3, Terrified, More Than You Know

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In addition to the great albums listed above, there have also been a lot of amazing songs released too. Here are my top 10 of the year:

1. Breakdown – Ruston Kelly

2. Swim – Noah Gundersen

3. Weightless – Arlo Parks

4. Overcome – Nothing But Thieves

5. Chemical – Post Malone

6. Landmines – Sum 41

7. American Dream Is Killing Me – Green Day

8. Six Feet – Real Friends

9. Now and Then – The Beatles

10. Fake Out – Fall Out Boy

That brings us to the end of this article, but there’s so much in store for 2024 so watch this space!