SZA, Beyonce and Billie Eilish
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Fraser Harrison/Getty Images
It’s hard to think about 2023 in music without mentioning his success Barbiethe international acquisition of Karol G, the rise of singer-songwriter-dancer-engineer Victoria Monet, and the launch of future pop star Tyla.
Then there’s SZA and Beyoncé. They released amazing albums last year, but they haven’t snoozed in 2023.
And speaking of snoozing, here are our 10 favorite songs of the year.
1. SZA, “Snooze”
“There’s no home when you’re not here / It’s hard to grow when you’re not here,” SZA sings in this modern love song that is currently uniting the entire world. Babies and toddlers sing the tune gently (and in tune!). Boys and men proudly sing lyrics written only by a female artist. And the aunts approve of its R&B authenticity. With some production help from living legend Babyface and legend-in-the-making Leon Thomas, SZA’s confessional track is poignant and perfect. How can you fall asleep and miss the moment?
2. Beyoncé, “Hand it up [Wetter Remix]”
2022 was Beyoncé’s year, but so was 2023. Along with changing the rules of the game Renaissance On a world tour, Queen B has blessed us with a rousing remix of “Cuff It,” turning her upbeat and funky song into a child’s bedroom anthem.
3. Jonas Brothers, “Holiday Eyes”
Even though all three Jonas Brothers are in their 30s, they’ve entered their adult contemporary era and “Vacation Eyes” is the kind of soft pop and yacht rock we want from them. Let’s call her Uncle Bob.
4. Doechii, “What Is It (Single Version)”
From its first listen, Doechii’s “What It Is” was irresistible and addictive. Kicking off Triville’s 2004 hit “Some Cut” and TLC’s 1999 pop culture moment, “No Scrubs,” the rapper came out swinging and the lyrics didn’t disappoint: “This is the thing with lemon pepper/I When I was ten years old. Baby piece.”
5. Victoria Monet, “On My Mother”
Speaking of swag, 2023 was the year R&B girls twisted rap classics and made them their own, matching the epic choreography. And the fact that Monet wrote “On My Mama” while suffering from postpartum depression makes it more than just a dance anthem — it’s an anthem for life.
6. Billie Eilish, “What Are You Made For?”
Eilish and Finneas took home the award for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards with this hauntingly beautiful piece Barbie. Why were they made? To write, sing and share with the rest of us.
7. Zack Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves on “I Remember Everything”
Brian’s raw, poignant vocals paint a vivid story of past love. And Musgraves’ sweet tone gives a winning supporting performance. “I remember everything” is everything.
8. Mestaki “My love is all mine”
You can literally hear the love pouring out of this classic song created by Oscar-nominated songwriter Mitski.
9. Carol JX Shakira “TQG”
Two superstars + poignant lyrics about their exes + seductive choreography = creative collaboration.
10. Tila “Water”
This outstanding South African singer continues to quench our thirst with his amazing and fun Afrobeats bob song.
Honorable mentions: Sam Smith, “I Am a Man”; Luke Combs, “Fast Car”; Leon Thomas, “Breaking Point”; Alex Vaughn with Summer Walker, “So be it [Remix]Tyler Childers, “In Love With You.”
“Infuriatingly humble web fan. Writer. Alcohol geek. Passionate explorer. Evil problem solver. Incurable zombie expert.”
