The Best Albums of 2023: Honorable Mentions
Featuring Baby Rose, Shay Lia, and Jesse Boykins III, these are the twenty-five albums that didn’t make our main list but deserve notoriety.
Hello. We are back again with another list; however, we wanted to take the time and highlight twenty-five albums that didn’t make our Album of the Year list but deserve the notoriety and appreciation.
archives & lullabies — Sabrina Claudio
Sabrina Claudio’s compilation encompasses 11 tracks, blending seven previously unreleased songs with acoustic renditions from her 2022 work, Based On a Feeling. The project unfolds as a reflective narrative, delving into themes of introspection and unwavering dedication to a romantic partner. Demonstrating Claudio’s adaptability as an artist, this project arrives hot on the heels of her recent release, showcasing her ability to consistently deliver as an independent artist. The addition of acoustic elements towards the collection’s conclusion offers an alternate experience, drawing her fans in with the allure of Claudio’s vocal delivery.
Wasn’t Built In a Day — Rome Streetz & Big Ghost Ltd
A collaborative surprise was released in the hip-hop sphere, as Rome Streetz and Big Ghost Ltd unveiled their latest creation, Wasn’t Built In a Day. The project materializes unexpectedly, delivering a robust fusion of lyricism and production expertise. Prior collaborations had hinted at the potential of such a partnership, yet this full-length offering surpasses expectations with its comprehensive array of skillfully crafted tracks. Rome Streetz asserts his presence as one of the most formidable emcees presently active, bringing intense energy to each verse. While the album may be more concise than his introductory work under Griselda Records and perhaps not reaching the same existential peaks, it remains unyielding in quality across its entirety. Big Ghost Ltd, alongside Swab, lays down an auditory foundation that is nothing short of impressive, setting the stage for features that effectively complement Rome’s sharp lyrical delivery.
Music for Your Soul — Maysa
Maysa’s long-awaited Music for Your Soul sees her collaborating with producer and keyboard virtuoso Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis alongside a cadre of talented musicians to craft an album that is sure to delight listeners. It features engaging mid-tempo songs (“Whatever”), which showcases Maysa’s ability to create hooks that linger in the mind long after the song has ended. Another standout track is “Down With Me,” a product of collaboration with Chris Walker, who not only co-wrote and produced the piece but also lent his vocals for a duet. The spiritual dimension of Maysa’s artistry comes to light in “Lord I Thank You,” featuring the saxophone talents of Kirk Whalum. Her rendition of “You Know How to Love Me” adds another layer to this multifaceted release. However, Maysa’s vocal tone truly shines throughout, tying together the diverse elements of the album.
Through and Through — Baby Rose
First emerging independently in 2019 before joining the high-profile Island Records roster, Baby Rose made waves with her feature on Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers III compilation (“Self Love”) and her intimate debut, To Myself, establishing a reputation as a rising soul stylist with a smoky, rich contralto that defied her youthful moniker. After signing to Secretly Canadian in 2022, Rose returned galvanized with “Go,” an intense, hypnotic manifesto fervently calling for dedication in brief yet powerful tones. However, in the funky and complex “Fight Club,” she gives space to her apprehensions, with production from the venerated Georgia Anne Muldrow. These opening salvos effectively set the tone for Rose’s LP Through and Through, crystallizing her evolution into a more surreal, unleashed creative realm than its predecessor. But for all its transcendent sonic qualities, the album still exudes raw emotion. Here, Rose guides us through a genre-defying journey into her psyche, spinning intimate reflections through an expansive musical range that moves the soul as much as the feet.
So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously — Atmosphere
Atmosphere’s latest offering, So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously, marks a departure from their recent thematic explorations. Veteran rapper Slug, paired with the accomplished producer Ant, takes on a nuanced narrative that delves into contemporary societal unease, intensified by the pandemic and civil discord. This project stands apart in its examination of anxiety and paranoia, subjects that resonate deeply with today’s global context. The album unfolds as an introspective probe into the collective consciousness marked by strife and weariness. However, despite the underlying tension threaded throughout the tracks, the album itself reflects a subtle optimism. The message conveyed through this body of work underscores that music remains a constant, enduring beyond uncertainties and the eventual dimming of spotlights.
I Thought It’d Be Different — Rory
Best known as one-third of the wildly popular Joe Budden Podcast before splintering into the hit series Rory & Mal, Rory Farrell has parlayed his hip-hop credentials as a commentator into a promising music career of his own with debut album, I Thought It’d Be Different. Though the project leans soulful, Farrell’s deep connections shine through an impressive featured cast, including Jay Electronica, James Fauntleroy, GoldLink, DRAM, Ari Lennox, and Conway the Machine. Despite its diverse sonic threads, the album maintains remarkable cohesion by tracing recent chapters of Farrell’s life story. Listeners are welcome to experience this resonant emotional journey of a podcaster turned artist wielding detailed production and A-list collaborations to forge raw self-expression from personal turbulence.
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? — McKinley Dixon
Beloved! Paradise! Jazz?! draws inspiration from the literary works of esteemed American novelist Toni Morrison. McKinley Dixon’s skillful use of language to create vivid imagery aligns with the distinguished narrative quality found within Morrison’s novels. This record merges richly orchestrated jazz melodies, both comforting and fluid, with narratives that offer an unvarnished look at modern existence. Dixon’s storytelling is delivered with an engaging presence, set against a backdrop of jazz arrangements that are as soothing as the tales can sometimes be stark.
Sunday Dinner On a Monday — Speech Debelle
Speech Debelle has a unique relationship with food that extends beyond mere sustenance. Her podcast, The Work Brunch, regularly features discussions that blend musical insights with culinary themes. In an unconventional move, her 2017 album Tantil Before I Breathe was accompanied by a cookbook, offering fans a taste of her creativity both audibly and gastronomically. Despite a quieter presence in recent years, the British rapper’s early work still resonates with many. Her albums Speech Therapy from 2009 and Freedom of Speech, released in 2012, were infused with playful yet earnest hip-hop beats. She brings her lyrical flair to a new venture: Sunday Dinner On a Monday, a food truck where patrons can enjoy fiery curry dishes paired with fine wine. The truck is an auditory feast as well, serving up sunny pop melodies evident in tracks like “Come Your Way” alongside trippy electronic numbers such as “101010” and R&B-infused songs like “Atlantis,” all while maintaining a thread of soulful social commentary.
Angels & Queens — Gabriels
Gabriels meticulously crafted a sonic mosaic, piece by piece, each single a potent fusion of gospel, doo-wop, and soul, some adorned with cinematic string arrangements. Then, in September 2022, they strategically unveiled the first seven tiles: Angels & Queens, Pt. 1. The following July, fresh off another Glastonbury appearance, they returned not with a predictable Part 2 but with the complete masterpiece: a 13-track opus titled simply Angels & Queens. The deliberate pacing adds depth and density to Gabriels’ work. Each track, a slow-burn revelation, demanded savoring. To complete this effort, they sacrificed summer tour dates to secure the legendary Sounwave, Kendrick Lamar’s confidant producer. Yet, the creative process remained an inviolate sanctum, their sonic identity preserved.
Beautiful and Brutal Yard — J Hus
J Hus’ latest release showcases his diverse and complex persona than his previous works. The album’s sound is consistent, thanks to the contributions of various producers, including P2J, Levi Lennox, Scribz Riley, and more. The lyrics explore themes of modern masculinity and subvert clichés (including growth and self-discovery), with the help of guest artists like Naira Marley, Villz, and Burna Boy, add depth to the album. Hus raps in multiple languages, including his mother tongue. It is a homecoming for the artist.
Absinthe — JazzZ & Tenten
Absinthe presents a fusion of jazz and R&B so seamlessly integrated that discerning where one genre ends and where the other begins becomes an elusive task for those who immerse themselves in its melodies. Spanning 14 tracks, the record makes a compelling case for brevity and strategic collaborations, eschewing the trend of saturating albums with guest appearances in favor of a few well-chosen features. TenTen’s adept manipulation of instrumentation crafts diverse auditory experiences throughout the album. His production lays down rhythmic foundations while JazzZ’s vocals—textured and melodious—act as the ideal medium for the Blues-infused narratives she delivers.
Magic 2 — Nas
The narrative surrounding Nas often suggests that his debut, Illmatic, represented an unsurpassed peak. However, the current phase of Nas’s work not only aligns with his early brilliance but also contends for one of the finest sequences in rap history. Magic 2 reinforces this assertion with its concise and potent tracks. Nas has been on an impressive streak since completing the King’s Disease series last year, and he shows no signs of slowing down. This one marks another collaboration with Hit-Boy, the producer who has played a crucial role in Nas’s recent resurgence. In this release, Nas channels the radiance of his 90s output (“Office Hours,” “Pistols On Your Album Cover”) while propelling it into contemporary relevance (“Abracadabra”).
säje — säje
The group, säje, was conceived by Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. This assembly of vocalists and composers has united to form an entity where their harmonized voices become a singular force. Their initial release is an inventive array of songs, including original pieces alongside re-envisioned classics and creative adaptations from a diverse range of artists. Through these compositions, säje ventures into new musical expressions, delivering performances marked by nuanced phrasing and a spirit of inquisitiveness. It signals the ascent of säje as they earn recognition within the jazz domain and beyond.
STRUGGLER — Genesis Owusu
The sophomore release from Australian artist Genesis Owusu dives into the depths of human philosophy, grappling with themes that question the very essence of existence and the search for significance in a chaotic world. Following his 2021 debut, Smiling with No Teeth, which garnered widespread acclaim and set high expectations, Owusu’s latest project is a conceptual odyssey, tackling the relentless pursuit of purpose. Owusu remains true to his unique fusion of genres on STRUGGLER, blending experimental post-punk with elements of rap and R&B—a combination that distinguished his initial offering. However, while his first album confronted the shadows of mental anguish, his newest work depicts a ferocious battle for liberation. It’s an experience where philosophical musings are interlaced with a raw and edgy soundscape, reflecting a narrative of struggle against confinement.
I Love You — Erica Campbell
I Love You is a vibrant showcase of Erica Campbell’s musical skill and dedication to evolving artistically. With tracks that span a spectrum of emotions, from the tenderness of affection to the upliftment of hope and the depth of spiritual introspection, this collection is an invitation to Campbell’s expression of faith through music. It is shaped by Campbell’s dynamic capabilities across various artistic disciplines. It presents an array of songs that resonate on multiple levels, offering themes that are universal yet intimately portrayed through Campbell’s unique perspective.
Heaven — Cleo Sol
Cleo Sol’s third solo album, Heaven, arrives as a concise half-hour composition that distills the essence of the traditional soul. Released closely following her fourth (Gold), this latest work swiftly dispels any notion of the artist having been idle despite two years passing since her previous solo project, Mother. With a more intimate sound, Heaven leans into acoustic elements with a small ensemble feel, stepping away from the grandeur of orchestral accompaniments like strings and brass. This album also departs from extended compositions; its tracks are succinct, some even presenting as fragments of broader sessions with their fade-in and out structures.
Gentle Confrontation — Loraine James
Loraine’s latest offering, Gentle Confrontation, marks her third collaboration with Hyperdub and presents a deep dive into both her personal history and evolving soundscapes. This collection of tracks is not merely a reflection but an introspection as Loraine crafts what she envisions as the quintessential album her younger self would have aspired to create. The musical influences that permeate this work are echoes of her formative years, with a nod to the distinctive styles of math rock and emo-electronic music. The artists who shaped her teenage auditory landscape—DNTEL, Lusine, and Telefon Tel Aviv—have left their imprint on this composition. The result is an album characterized by its leisurely pace and delightful asymmetry, mirroring the eclectic tastes of her youth.
Grill Talk Mixtape, Vol. 1 — pat junior
pat junior is a paragon of artistic consistency in North Carolina’s vibrant music scene. His portfolio reveals an unwavering dedication to quality, from lyrically potent rap verses to visually compelling narratives. Grill Talk Mixtape, Vol. 1 vividly showcases pat junior’s multifaceted abilities. One of the album’s most striking aspects is its eclectic production. The project is a sonic smorgasbord featuring everything from the raw energy of boom-bap beats that evoke a sense of nostalgia to the sophistication of jazz-imbued beats and the modernity of trap and alternative hip-hop beats. This diverse soundscape amplifies pat junior’s adaptability, solidifying his reputation as a versatile force in rap.
WILLPOWER — Joy Denalane
WILLPOWER could easily be mistaken for a creation birthed within the vibrant music scenes of Philadelphia, New York, or Miami if one were to listen without preconceptions. This fresh collection of tracks by Joy Denalane sheds any discernible traces of her German roots, presenting an audial experience that feels thoroughly imbued with an international essence. The eponymous track on the album boldly ventures beyond the achievements of its predecessors, enveloping the listener in an authentic aura. Denalane artfully balances themes of substance with those of a lighter nature. By doing so, she lends gravitas to discussions around societal issues while simultaneously infusing seemingly lighthearted songs with greater depth and significance.
FACETS — Shay Lia
Shay Lia navigates an array of dance music styles on FACETS with the enthusiasm of a discerning shopper perusing a sales rack. From the nostalgic vibes of old-school disco to the contemporary rhythms of amapiano, she brings excitement to every track. The album’s stylistic diversity is cohesively bound together by its philosophical core. Lia’s melodies, deeply rooted in R&B tradition, along with her introspective lyrics that often resemble self-help mantras, provide a consistent foundation for her wide-ranging sonic experiments.
I Left My Heart in Ladera — Terrace Martin & Alex Isley
As the year reaches its close, a highlight in the collaborative music scene is I Left My Heart in Ladera, brought forth by Terrace Martin and Alex Isley. Their history of creating music together has been fruitful, and this release is further enriched by the involvement of Robert Glasper, renowned for his expertise as a producer, composer, and arranger. The project presents a series of tracks that are each distinct in character, marrying originality with reflective moods and skillfully blending dramatic elements with a sense of ease.
New Growth — Jesse Boykins III
Jesse Boykins III presents New Growth, challenging the traditional notions of masculinity in music. His approach diverges from that of the archetypal male vocalist who often boasts about romantic conquests. Instead, Boykins opts for introspection and vulnerability, weaving tales of intimacy with a reflective gaze. In “No Love Without You,” he likens the thrill of romance to the anxiety one might feel before an exam, suggesting that true connection evokes both excitement and vulnerability. “Kind and Nasty” offers a dualistic portrayal of desire, where Boykins expresses longing not for dominance but for reciprocal tenderness and passion within a loving framework.
Shindo — The Shindellas
The Shindellas have crafted Shindo, which they describe as the embodiment of “New American Soul.” This record travels a rich history of musical styles, drawing from the quintessential girl groups of the 1950s and ‘60s while incorporating elements of funk, disco, and contemporary R&B. Their collective talent shines through in their dynamic vocal performances, creating an uplifting auditory experience. Behind the scenes, the influence of Louis York—the production team consisting of Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony—is evident. Known for their work with illustrious artists such as Rihanna and Jazmine Sullivan, their collaboration with the group on this project adds a layer of sophistication and contemporary appeal to the trio’s already exceptional vocal harmonies.
sneek — Terrace Martin & Gallant
Throughout 2023, Terrace Martin has maintained a consistent release of new music that shows no signs of abating. His collaboration with Gallant on sneek marks the inauguration of his newest venture, O’Connor Records, a label established in alliance with Lowly and Create Music Group. This nine-track endeavor features Martin and Robert Glasper’s production skills, providing Gallant with a rich backdrop rooted in jazz and soul for his vocal contributions.
Afrika — Blu & Nottz
The collaborative force of Blu and Nottz has surfaced once more, following their previous work together on the 2018 release Gods In the Spirit, Titans In the Flesh. Their latest effort, titled Afrika, marks a reunion that celebrates the continent's profound historical significance and cultural wealth. Blu articulates the importance of this project as an opportunity to narrate the story of Africa—a narrative he believes is paramount yet widely unrecognized in contemporary global consciousness. Afrika unfolds over ten tracks, with the song "Marcus Garvey" setting the stage for the album's exploration of African themes. This project boasts contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Quelle Chris, Mickey Factz, Ill Camille, Shafiq Husayn, Shad, Cashus King, ScienZe, and Tristate, each adding their unique voice to the fabric of sounds and stories within.