Listen Up! These Are the 20 Best Songs of 2023 So Far
“Alexa, play ‘Flowers,’ by Miley Cyrus.”
We're a few months into the year, we've survived winter, and summer is so close you can practically taste it. And IDK about you, but all that this warmer weather makes me want to do is pop in my AirPods, head out for a walk in the sunshine, and cue up some awesome new music to enjoy (and try to guess what this year's summer anthem is going to be, ofc). Thankfully, 2023 has already brought us a stacked roster of bangers, but to make things even easier, we've got a list of the very best songs this year has offered music lovers so far.
You've got everything from Miley Cyrus's hit single "Flowers" that has been playing everywhere non-stop for literal months, to new bops from Sam Smith, Lil Yachty, and even a new Zach Bryan song featuring Maggie Rogers. There are also absolute must-listens from artists that you've maybe never heard of before...but once you give them a try, I promise you'll never look back.
With hits like these already out so early in the year, we should all be pumped for what the rest of the year has in store for us (personally, I've got my fingers crossed for a new Taylor Swift breakup song). Now crank up your speakers (or grab headphones if you need to, you know, be considerate) and get ready to enjoy some of the very best music that 2023 has to offer thus far, in no particular order.
"Brr," by Kim Petras
Although being cold is the literal last thing I'd want to do right now, Kim Petras' "Brr" is a must-listen. And, IMHO, it makes an amazing running/workout song, so throw it on the next time you need to take things to the next level.
"Eyes Closed," by Ed Sheeran
You can always count on Ed Sheeran for an emotional hit that'll get ya right in the feels, and "Eyes Closed" delivers exactly that. Although, for safety reasons, I would not recommend actually dancing with your eyes closed like he sings about.
"Boy's a Liar Pt. 2," by PinkPantheress and Ice Spice
If you liked PinkPantheress' OG "Boy's a Liar" that came out last year, you're gonna love part 2. It's basically the same song, but this time has Ice Spice in it too. If you're on TikTok then chances are you've already heard it because it's everywhere—Kim Kardashian and North West even made a video to it!
"Sick to My Stomach," by Rebecca Black
If you're surprised to see the voice (and face) behind the infamously cringe "Friday" music video putting out new songs 12 years later then let me just say, so was I. But Rebecca Black's debut album is an extremely pleasant surprise, and "Sick to My Stomach" has a kind of '80s Madonna-esque vibe to it that I'm totally here for.
"Fight the Feeling," by Rod Wave
We love a chill song that you can just vibe to and Rod Wave comes through! Like, you can catch me playing this in the car on a loop.
"Running Out of Time," by Paramore
Paramore dropped their first studio album in six years and the wait seems to have been worth it, because "Running Out of Time" is just one of the many top-notch songs on it.
"Candy Necklace," by Lana Del Rey (ft. Jon Batiste)
Lana Del Rey is always good for an intense, hauntingly beautiful song. Although the name "Candy Necklace" sounds sweet, it's a darker song about loving someone who might not be the best for you in a way that isn't too healthy.
"Radio," by Margo Price (ft. Sharon Van Etten)
If you're a fan of Margo Price or Sharon Van Etten (or both!) then I guarantee you're going to love this song. Even though they have pretty different styles (Margo Price is more country and Sharon Van Etten more indie rock) they somehow blend both together so perfectly.
"Fly Girl," by FLO (ft. Missy Elliott)
This song has an early 2000s R&B kinda feel that gives you this beautifully wonderful mix of nostalgia but also something new. And the fact it features Missy Elliott only adds to that.
"VIBE," by TAEYANG (feat. Jimin of BTS)
What better way to celebrate 2023 than with this VIBE of a song? This song only dropped recently and already has 71+ million views as of this article's live date. The vocals? Stunning. The visuals? Absolutely beautiful.Talk about impressive. If you haven't given this a listen or a watch yet, do yourself a favor and get on it, friend!
"Flowers," by Miley Cyrus
If you haven't heard "Flowers" 100 times by now, then may I ask how large is the rock you live under? But real talk, this is a catchy, empowering song you just can't be mad at (and NGL, trying to pick apart all the references to her relationship with Liam Hemsworth is pretty fun too).
"I'm Not Here to Make Friends," by Sam Smith
Any song that starts with RuPaul is an immediate 10, but mix that with a disco-inspired sound, Sam Smith's silky smooth vocals, and a chorus that'll 100 percent get stuck in your head, and you've got a song you'll have on repeat all year.
"in ha mood," by Ice Spice
Ice Spice basically spoke the millions of listens on "in ha mood" into existence in this song, and we should all thank her for it. Between this and "Bikini Bottom," our playlists have never been happier.
"SAD BITCH," by Anne Marie
From the title you might think this is gonna be a song about being sad, but lemme tell ya, it's anything but—the first line is literally "This ain't another sad girl anthem." It's all about leaving toxic thoughts (and people) in the past, and the hyped up, intense beat will have you feeling like you can make it happen.
"Dawns," by Zach Bryan (feat. Maggie Rogers)
If you're looking for something that really builds, then "Dawns" has got to be added to your queue. Zach Bryan and Maggie Rogers' vocals together are just pure magic. Even though the song is almost five minutes long, I still want more.
"PANIC," by Yonaka
Who doesn't love a little English rock? Even if it's not your usual style, we all need to listen to something with a little edge every once in a while, right? And "PANIC" is guaranteed to be one of those songs that (1) pumps you up and (2) has a chorus that gets stuck in your head on a loop.
"the BLACK seminole," by Lil Yachty
On his brand new album Let’s Start Here, Lil Yachty is ditching his typical rap style and instead trying out some alt-rock, and I gotta say, I am HERE. FOR. IT. "the BLACK seminole" is the first song on the album and it's a perfect intro to his new sound with synthy vibes and minimal lyrics.
"Worth It," by RAYE
If you could bottle the feeling of a Sunday morning and put it into song form, it'd be "Worth It" by RAYE. Like, I just wanna blast it while I dance around the kitchen, make some coffee, and let the sunshine stream in through the windows, ya know?
"Love Again," by The Kid LAROI
The Kid LAROI is already making waves on the music scene at just 19 years old. His new song "Love Again" is the lead single from his upcoming album, and if it's is any indication of what the entire body of work is going to be like, then I'd like to get it ASAP please!
"Sad in Hawaii," by Claire Rosinkranz
The idea of being sad in Hawaii might sound terrible, but let me tell ya, this song sounds PHE-NOM-E-NAL. It's catchy, upbeat, and just a teensy bit angsty. Really, what more could you want?
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