Happy 2024 everyone! It’s finally another year and a fresh start with countless possibilities. I know that our minds are all set on the new year and new, amazing content; but, I want to circle back to 2023 for a moment. Is it just me, or was 2023 truly the year of incredible music, especially from female artists? From artists like Ice Spice, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj; the ladies served! I want to bring some of these talented artists and their songs back into the conversation to give us an opportunity to reflect on the past so we can appreciate the future of their music!
Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Album
Released on September 8, 2023, Olivia’s album was an instant hit. Olivia is an incredible Filipino-American artist with powerful lyrics that pack a punch. This album takes on more of a 2000s grunge vibe when compared to the music of her previous album, Sour. A few of her most notable and popular songs off the album are “vampire,” “bad idea, right?” and “all american bitch.” I, for one, am a huge fan of the sound of this album because feminine rage punk rock needs to make a comeback! So thank you, Olivia, for creating the perfect “scream the lyrics with your friends in the car” songs!
Taylor Swift’s 1989 Album
Although technically this isn’t a “new release,” it’s a re-recording, nevertheless, it’s incredible. It was released on October 27, 2023. Taylor Swift has been a prominent role model and icon to people all around the world, and is also one of the best songwriters. Her talent shows in every single one of the songs that she creates, whether new or old. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to her version of this album, do it as soon as you can!
Ice Spice’s Like..? Album
This album was the beginning of Ice Spice’s incredible rise in fame. Some of the most popular songs on this album are “Princess Diana,” “Bikini Bottom” and “Munch (Feelin’ You). Throughout the years, the gender disparity in Hip-Hop has been closing because of strong, talented female artists like Ice Spice who continue to let their voices be heard. Add her songs to any playlist to get hyped up and motivated!
Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 Album
I couldn’t finish this article with any other artist because it’s Nicki! This album was released right at the end of the year on December 8, 2023. The queen of rap who has dominated charts for years did it again with this amazing album. It features songs like “FTCU,” “Super Freaky Girl” and “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.” Nicki’s album shows that she isn’t going anywhere, and she’s not done releasing chart-topping hits!
A few more honorable mention albums are Emails I Can’t Send FW:, The Barbie Movie album and Red Moon in Venus. With music like this in 2023, I know that artists are going to come out with some even better hits this year! Thank you for reading!