I’ve been making annual soundtracks since 2002 (i.e. over 20 years), and all that time I’ve had a rule about no duplicate artists. This year I’m blowing that rule to smithereens.
Special – Lizzo feat. SZA // I got to see Lizzo in May (pre-cancellation) and it was a great experience!
You First – Paramore // I was so excited for a new album by my favorite band, but sadly This is Why doesn’t really hit for me. This is my favorite track, partly for the brilliant line Turns out I’m living in a horror film / Whеre I’m both the killer and the final girl.
CUFF IT – Beyonce // In addition to being really fun, this song was on the radio a lot while I was reading A Court of Mist and Fury and I could not help but giggle while associating the two. Chapter 55, IYKYK
Not Strong Enough – boygenius // 2023 was the year I finally caught on to boygenius, just in time to see them make a cameo at the Eras Tour!! (Julien Baker is a Memphian – I saw her at Music Fest like a decade ago.)
Waffle House – Jonas Brothers // What’s not to like about a catchy, wholesome tale of brothers working out their issues in a greasy spoon?
Empty Nest – Silversun Pickups // This band has such a unique sound. I’ve loved all their singles.
if i were a fish – corook feat. Olivia Barton // Speaking of wholesome, this artist turned up on my TikTok FYP with this musical response to some mean comments they were getting. It’s so uplifting, and even safe to sing with your kids!
Let’s Fall in Love for the Night – FINNEAS // This was on my Dramione playlist at one point in its formation process, and I got attached to it.
Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift // I barely noticed this song when Lover came out, but man did it become The Song of The Tour and therefore of a year. Every time I hear it, for the rest of my life, I will remember this summer and shout-sing I’M DRUNK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AND I CRIED LIKE A BABY COMING HOME FROM THE BAR.
Salute – Little Mix // I want to say Peloton was involved in introducing me to this song. When that bass hits, I feel like I could straight up run through a wall.
We Didn’t Start the Fire – Fall Out Boy // It was about time someone rewrote this classic for our generation. If you pay attention, some of the match-ups to the original are impressive.
Dance the Night – Dua Lipa // This is so sparkly and fun. EVERY NIGHT IS GIRLS’ NIGHT!
Lavender Haze (Snakehips Remix) – Taylor Swift // I’m always looking for interesting covers and remixes. I feel like this one really elevates the already-great source material.
What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish // I know I’m not the only woman in her 40s who cried at the Barbie movie and also the first few times she listened to this song.
The Well – Briscoe // The world is on fire, so let’s play some banjos.
Blame Brett – The Beaches // A total bop narrated by a self-aware woman dealing with her breakup in an unhealthy way.
Ant Pile – Dominic Fike // I feel like this song is a spiritual cousin to Teenage Dirtbag?
Free – Florence + The Machine // This song captures the two sides of me:“You’re too sensitive”, they said / I said, “Okay, but let’s discuss this at the hospital.” + “I always want to dance. And if I don’t, call a doctor.” – Jess King
evermore – Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver // I have felt this song in my bones this year. I also can’t stop thinking about Taylor playing this as a surprise song mid-tour and looking like a huge weight had lifted off her shoulders.
So Much (For) Stardust – Fall Out Boy // This whole album is good and brings the drama. It feels appropriate to end on an operatic note when this year has been personally and globally tough.
Past Years: 2022 // 2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014
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