As 2023 rapidly approaches, we have been blessed with so much new music that we can enter the new year with. Let’s give a recap of some great music that dropped this year that will ultimately accompany us as we take on the new year with confidence and new intentions. Here are 5 albums you unarguably NEED in your life.
SOS – SZA
The long-awaited album SOS has shocked fans in all of the best ways possible. SZA always has a way of making her music feel so incredibly personal to anyone who listens. She broke so many boundaries within this album and allowed us to see so many sides of her and her vocal range within these 23 tracks. SZA also welcomed some great features such as Phoebe Bridgers, Don Toliver, and Travis Scott. I can confidently say that this album will be on repeat all throughout the new year for me and so many other fans. From CTRL to SOS, I can confidently say that SZA has a way of making her albums dominate so much of the music industry. Her game-changing lyrics and vocal range are forever unmatched. This is hands down a 10/10, no-skip album that will definitely be heard all throughout the year 2023.
RENAISSANCE – Beyonce
This past July, Beyoncé shocked fans with her release, RENAISSANCE. Welcoming her seventh album, she in fact gave listeners everything and more. This album feels so much more than perhaps can be put into words. Beyoncé is a musical legend and iconic entertainer, so when this album dropped I knew it would be something game-changing for so many people. It seemed to have dropped just in time for us to enjoy it for all of 2023. With hits like “Cozy”, “Plastic On The Sofa”, “Cuff It”, and so many more, Beyoncé gave audiences a song for any mood. It is a 10/10 album all around per usual.
Gemini Rights – Steve Lacy
This past year Steve Lacy held much influence on the music industry after his release of Gemini Rights. Being a big fan of Steve Lacy myself, I found great joy in listening to the album. He truly told the story of the all joys of love but also the unavoidable pains of heartbreak throughout this album. Lacy’s use of electric guitar, bass drum, and piano add to his unique sounds and 80s funk feel. Continuously, he never fails to amaze audiences with his range and amazing songs. I will have him on repeat as I enter this new year.
Her Loss – Drake & 21 Savage
Her Loss was definitely a top album this year and deserves all the listens it can get. Drake and 21 Savage pair very well together and effortlessly make bangers. This album did just what it needed to and blessed us with hits like “Rich Flex”, “Spin About You”, “Major Distribution” and so many more. An artist like Drake captivates audiences with his lyrical and vocal ability. As for 21 Savage, his unique sound and consistent rap flow are just pale of the few great things on this album.