SOUTHPORT’S 75 – 2023

Written by Hunter Petch

2023 was a great year for music–delivering some projects that I can easily see myself carrying with me through the rest of my years. Although it was a weaker 365 for Hip Hop/Rap, the Indie, Rock, Electronic and R&B scenes brought many new ideas to the table that both shocked and entertained a wide variety of music lovers. I’m glad to see a trend of more creative titles getting spotlight this year, as well as new names and faces seeing much-deserved success. Please take the order in which the albums are placed with a grain of salt, as this list was constantly changing up until I finally decided I was somewhat content with it. Also, no EPs are included. Without further ado, here’s the SOUTHPORT 75 for 2023.

Side note: Thank you all so much for the continued support of Southport this year. I truly saw a massive improvement in our engagement and recognition, which is all due to our dedicated viewers and readers. Lots to come in 2024.

75. The Great Escape by Larry June & The Alchemist

As you’ll see on the rest of the list, Uncle Al had an incredible year. His dedicated cult-following has expanded far greater than one could’ve imagined for a producer, especially one who focuses on simplicity and sample-work. Similarly, the duo of Larry June and Al is one that was unexpected, but appreciated. Larry’s laidback delivery suits the production very well, and there are lots of fun moments to explore throughout the project.

74. Cuts & Bruises by Inhaler

Inhaler is one of the best young bands in the Pop-Rock scene, and this project displays their imminently approaching rise to stardom. Definitely their best work to date–with pure, passionate energy oozing out of each track.

73. Ghetto Fabulous by Rich Amiri

Rich Amiri deserves all the praise he can get for Ghetto Fabulous. The project is incredibly fun from top to bottom. It left me feeling fulfilled with tons of songs to add to my playlists. Tracks like “ONE CALL” and “OUTTA THERE” have been in rotation for me since its initial release.

72. Villain by Woo Da Savage

Dark, evil, cinematic–all terms to describe the Trap/Drill music Woo Da Savage has been creating since her emergence in late 2022. The project is nothing but bangers that have been getting me through some heavy gym sessions recently. Her talent doesn’t end with the music though, as her directing abilities will most definitely be a prominent force for her come-up in 2024.

71. Space Heavy by King Krule

The highly anticipated new release from King Krule is a soft, heartfelt project. Production-wise it feels like a hug during a hard time, while lyrically dealing with internal affairs like the afterlife, love, etc. It took some time to grow on me, but I truly adore the writing from King Krule, and the patience he has delivering something worth-while sonically. Easily my biggest regret this year is not spending more time in the Space Heavy universe.

70. With A Hammer by Yaeji

I discovered Yaeji at Coachella, and was delightfully surprised by her electronic production. Upon further listening, I realized just how relieving it was to listen to an experimental record like this without having to hop over any barriers. With A Hammer is adventurous, yet accessible–making it an essential listen if you enjoy this sound, or if you’re interested in giving it a go.

69. Still Pretty by Eem Triplin

Tracks 1 through 7 of this tape are some of the catchiest and most entertaining cuts of the year. Eem keeps a familiar production style and vocal mix, giving him a range that he understands he fits in. Through this lane he’s crafted for himself, he experiments with new styles that have proven to be just as exciting. This formula has been successful for him thus far, and I don’t see that changing in the new year.

68. Sunfall by Jesse James Solomon

Smooth lo-fi production, solid features and Jesse’s laidback delivery made this project one I’ve been consistently been returning to. If you like Alchemist style production, this project will most likely be up your alley. Jesse being from the UK definitely adds a new inch of excitement to the genre, and his bars are sharp throughout the entire project.

67. The Collection Vol. 2 by CEO Trayle

Although CEO Trayle is an incredibly solid rapper himself, his ear for instrumentals is unmatched. Almost every beat is damn-near flawless on The Collection Vol 2, and Trayle compliments them very well. His energy remains strong on every track despite his lackadaisical vocal inflection, and his swagger is pouring out of cuts like “Pardon My Playa”, “Ain’t Yo Business”, and many more.

66. falling or flying by Jorja Smith

Jorja’s enchanting vocals have taken over the R&B community for years now, so the new cuts of the same cloth here are to no surprise–gorgeous. Although, this new step in the House direction is an awesome change for her, as a track like “Little Things” is most definitely going to be spun in every DJ set for years to come. Jorja has Southport’s continued support, as her music never seems to dip in quality.

65. Rocket Power by Quavo

So many tracks from this album have been in my daily rotation since it’s release that I just HAD to mention it–“Where Can I Start”, “Who Wit Me”, and “Greatness” just to name a few. Quavo’s melody choices are infectious, the production is impressive, and his writing since the passing of fellow Migos member Takeoff has strongly improved. I wish him and his family the best in continuing to deal with the loss of Takeoff. Long live the Rocket.

64. We Buy Diabetic Test Strips by Armand Hammer

Being truthful, I didn’t understand Armand Hammer’s music until recently. I had to sit down and fully consume the writing from both MC’s, which led me to adoring their off-beat style. This album is dense, and not for the feint of heart. Though if you’re trying to get into them, this a great place to start. I didn’t listen to this project as much as I wish I had, but I’m going to do a deep dive into their discography ASAP.

63. Been Bout It by WifiGawd

With every release I’m increasingly convinced that WifiGawd will never miss. His bass heavy production takes his bars to the next level, and he is always great at perfectly flowing over each instrumental. This is one of the most fun trap releases in recent memory.

62. Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd? by Lana Del Rey

Although it’s not her strongest release to date, Lana still impressed us with DYKTTATUOB. The record is light on it’s toes, delivering some of her most delicately arranged pieces to date. “Margaret” with Bleachers is one of my favourite songs of the year, and possibly ever.

61. SCARING THE HOES by JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown

One of the most consistent experimental rap projects as of late, the duo of JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown carved out a moment in time in the genre with SCARING THE HOES. The production is sporadic without sacrificing replay-ability, and the performances from both MC’s were very fun. Also, the Redveil feature on “Kingdom Hearts Key” is undoubtedly a top appearance of the year.

60. Burning Desire by MIKE

On his grandest project yet, MIKE tackles the concept of revenge through 24 of his most excellently concocted and sequenced tracks yet. His chill style doesn’t stop the songs from containing major energy, and his pen is as sharp as ever. This project most definitely seems to be his breakout moment, and I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon.

59. Final Boss by ICYTWAT

ICY has been a trailblazer as a rapper and producer in the underground for years now, and Final Boss is a great representation of his quality. Although the mix of grimy bass-lines and cloudy delivery isn’t uncommon among underground rappers currently, ICY is truly the originator of the sound–executing it to near perfection.

58. The Loveliest Time by Carly Rae Jepsen

One of the best pop records this year, hands down. “Call Me Maybe” lady Carly Rae Jepsen continues to consistently prove she is so much more than her hits, as her knack for production selection and overwhelmingly ravishing melodies shouldn’t be overlooked. The project remains extensive, without dipping in quality. “Kollage” has such a smooth-sailing atmosphere to it, making it my pop song of the year.

57. The Love Still Held Me Near by City and Colour

Dallas Green has rarely ever created something not worth listening to. His timeless voice and classic songwriting ability have granted him the title of one of the greatest Canadian artists in history, and this project is just another success for him and his band. The track list is top to bottom Indie bangers that didn’t nearly get the recognition they deserved this year.

56. Grapes Upon The Vine by TV Girl

Another solid notch on the innovative groups’ belt, TV Girl continue to prove their importance in music today. Although this project received some mixed thoughts from the general public due to it’s switch-up from the vibe of their previous albums, Grapes Upon The Vine stands on its own two feet as a gospel inspired sample-psych album unlike any other. Some of these tracks feel like classic pop records, but the production adds a layer of texture that pushes the project beyond boundaries ever crossed before.

55. If Looks Could Kill by Destroy Lonely

This album took me almost the entire year to fully appreciate. Lone makes intoxicating trap music that is most definitely not for the lyrical fan, but the songs are confident enough in themselves to not give two shits whether you enjoy them or not. It’s a little long, but the potential for an ironed out project of this caliber is most definitely imminent. The entire rollout for this project was entertaining, and it’s yet another success for the OPIUM camp.

54. Quaranta by Danny Brown

Danny has matured like fine-wine in the experimental rap space. Quaranta contains some of his most personal writing to date, while still keeping his wild-side present on tracks like “Jenn’s Terrific Vacation”, “Dark Sword Angel”, and the single “Tantor”. Any Danny Brown fan could find something to enjoy in this project, but it’s also accessible enough to be a great starting point if you’re interested in getting into his discography.

53. I Love My Girl, She’s My Boy by BETWEEN FRIENDS

Almost every cut on this BETWEEN FRIENDS album has the ability to dig a hole deep in your subconscious, leaving your brain reverberating catchy pop lyrics for weeks on end. Every performance from the group is delightful, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.

52. Glorious Game by Black Thought & El Michels Affair

Black Thought is arguably the greatest lyricist to ever grace the mic, and the wonderfully talented group El Michels Affair is the perfect production companion for him. I didn’t spend much time with this one, but the writing is just as excellent as you’d expect.

51. FukyurPain by FukyurPain

When that whistle hits, you know you’re in for a treat. FukyurPain’s self-titled debut is an eclectic mash of indie-paced production alongside super animated, energized trap delivery from each member of the group. The intro “Long Face” and “Don’t Break My Heart” have stuck with me the most since my initial listen.

50. Speshial Machinery by Conway The Machine & 38 Spesh

There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said about the entirety of Griselda, but Speshial Machinery just happens to be an excellent compilation of songs from the group’s heavy hitter Conway. 38 Spesh shines on the project too, delivering some fantastic verses throughout. The duo are assisted by great feature appearances from Pharohe Monch, Elcamino, Emanny, Benny The Butcher, Che Noir, and Lloyd Banks–who genuinely has one of his best verses ever on “Latex Gloves”.

49. HELLMODE by Jeff Rosenstock

Pop-punk is in great hands with Jeff Rosenstock. His energy is unmatched, his writing is introspective and fun without ever feeling overly-childish, and the production which is reminiscent of the 90s-00s adds a nice touch.

48. Water Made Us by Jamila Woods

Jamila Woods’ previous album LEGACY! LEGACY! was one of my favourite albums of 2019, so I was overjoyed to hear she’d released new material. Luckily her streak continues, as Water Made Us is a refreshing, meditative perspective on life and love. “Send A Dove”, “Good News”, and “Wolfsheep” have been the standouts for me.

47. A Great Chaos by Ken Carson

Ken Carson fully fleshed out his sound on AGC, showcasing his abilities not only as a rapper, but as a curator as well. Each track feels like a trap music art-piece, dense with layered, noisy production. Ken created an album that will be an important milestone in the rage genre, as he greatly improved on his style from X.

46. BEEZY by Doe Boy

Some of the most entertaining and textured trap music I’ve heard, Beezy is Doe Boy’s magnum opus thus far. Doe has such a unique presence on every track, as he’s able to remain important and large over every instrumental. “KARDASHIANS” with Lil Yachty is my favourite track.

45. Messy by Olivia Dean

Whether you enjoy pop music or not, this album is clearly a complete success on all accounts, as Olivia has such impressive vocal performances it was difficult not to immediately consider her for this list. Messy has pushed Olivia further into spotlight, while also properly showcasing her mature songwriting and beautiful voice. “No Man” is a nasty ballad, definitely check it out.

44. 1of1 by Hardrock

Hardrock has become one my favourite rappers as of late, and his presence in the fashion industry has only made him more interesting. Production is sharp from intro to outro, and it’s clear he was having fun working on these tracks.

43. LOVEGONEBY by Jonah Zed

I got the chance to see Jonah perform most of these tracks live, which only grew my love for this project drastically. Jonah has a warm vocal delivery and friendly aura that makes every song more inviting than the last, ultimately leaving the listener with a deep understanding of his thoughts and understandings. “king of loathing” and “window” are easily the best tracks here, but every song is worth a listen.

42. KAYTRAMINE by Kaytranada and Amine

The second you spin this album, images of sunny beaches and expensive vacations feel so close you could touch them. This duo is absolutely fantastic, as Amine’s animated rapping and KAYTRANADA’s perfect house production make some of the most fun rap music this decade has seen so far.

41. MEMENTO by Joony

The vocal delivery of Maryland native Joony is so unique and fresh. Add perfectly crafted flows, and you have the recipe for a great rap project. He’s supported by features from Tony Shhnow, Lancey Foux, and more, all delivering good performances. “CHEAP” was my favourite track on here for a while, but “CLASSY” has been growing on me lots.

40. 5TH AMNDMNT by Homixide Gang

By far the best OPIUM album this year, Homixide Gang have become such an underrated duo in their respective rage genre. Their production is top notch–with F1LTHY leading the charge. “DesignerDRUGZ” has a very different vibe for them, but may be their best track all in all. If you’re into Carti, Lone, Ken, this album will be quite the delicacy for you.

39. GENERATIONAL CURSE by ICECOLDBISHOP

GENERATIONAL CURSE feels like a dark LA inspired movie from start to finish, with Bishop telling his truths throughout. This is a westside rap album at heart, but the tracks are composed with such distinctive creativity that it completely separates Bishop from his peers. He is most definitely a legend in the making. His voice was a hurdle for me initially, but I learned to love it dearly.

38. The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monae

The Age of Pleasure feels like not only a celebration of Janelle’s illustrious career, but an expensive and well-deserved party for the powerful women running the music scene right now. She is clearly having the most fun she’s ever had, and doesn’t feel the need to compromise her personal creative desires for anyone else.

37. Ganger by Veeze

Veeze may be the rookie of the year for 2023 in Hip Hop, as his easily recognizable laidback delivery and quick production have taken the world by storm. Nothing feels better than seeing an underground artist begin to get the recognition they clearly deserve for remaining themselves for so long, and this project is undoubtedly a milestone for him.

36. Some People Scream, Some People Talk by Wakai

Wakai’s work is reminiscent of Chicago natives Saba and Smino’s upbeat, soulful Hip Hop endeavours–yet still original enough to stand on it’s own. He notably never lacks a strong verse, which is very impressive considering the 16 track length of the album. “Card Declined” has been in heavy rotation as of late for us.

35. Aperture by Hannah Jadagu

Probably the most exciting indie act to pop-up on our radar this year, Hannah Jadagu is beautifully sound as an artist–powerful perspective and understanding of herself being her strongest qualities. I thoroughly enjoyed every single track on Aperture, as her vocal pockets alongside strong instrumentation and otherworldly atmospheres parading around relatable songwriting has left a great impression on me. The future is bright here.

34. Sunday Dinner by Nick Grant

Nick Grant has been one of the most overlooked lyricists in Rap for years now, yet he continues to release amazingly consistent projects. His wordplay is slick, his voice is commanding, and it’s incredibly rare that he’s ever out-rapped on any track.

33. FORWARD by Jordan Ward

Probably the people’s choice this year, Jordan Ward has taken command of the R&B-Pop lane. His sense of humour is such a great companion to his genuine undeniable talent–every track being a relatable tale, while keeping a distinctive bounce throughout. Co-signs from artists like Tyler, The Creator will make 2024 an even bigger canvas for Jordan to paint.

32. MID AIR by Paris Texas

I was blessed to see Paris Texas perform at Coachella this year, which made me incredibly excited for MID AIR–this Rock-Rap project from the duo. The entire album is head-banger moshpit fuel that could make even the most reserved person want to jump around like a madman. I hope I get to see them live again soon, but I’m glad I have a hold of this album now to have my own moshes in my room.

31. i care so much that i don’t care at all by glaive

glaive has drastically improved since Old Dog, New Tricks, with the Hyper-Pop era of his sound slipping away. His focus on writing more personal Indie cuts that are accompanied by blown out production has made him a force to be reckoned with, and his passion is evident throughout the entirety of ICSMTIDCAA.

30. But Here We Are by Foo Fighters

The passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins clearly took a great toll on the band, but their sound is still as classic as ever. Dave Grohl is a genius, but the deeper layer of grief in the writing on this project make it more than memorable. It’s their best album in years, with great tracks like “Under You” and “Show Me How” being the highlights. R.I.P. Taylor Hawkins.

29. Faith Is A Rock by MIKE, Wiki & The Alchemist

Faith Is A Rock is a compact collaboration from two of the underground’s most distinct voices, alongside potentially the best producer of the decade. Alchemist slaughters every single instrumental on this project, and this it’s not even his best project of the year! Nonetheless, the duo of MIKE and Wiki is a delight, and their verses are always past par. Wiki had the highlight for us here, “Be Realistic” being our favourite track from him.

28. Afternoon X by Vanishing Twin

Afternoon X is an awesome Experimental-Indie project that focuses mainly around Electronic and Trip-Hop production. I was utterly taken aback by the detail and stunning vocals the group delivers here. Most definitely one of my favourite discoveries this year.

27. Bite The Hand That Feeds by Upchuck

It’s no secret that Upchuck has been one of (if not) my favourite band since their initial release, 2022’s Sense Yourself. Bite The Hand That Feeds builds upon their formula from their previous project, making it better in every way. If you enjoy Punk music like I do, this album is nothing but one quick, rebellious banger after another. “Hush Toy” has seemed to stick around the most, but every song is of great quality.

26. SUBMISSIVE by Destin Conrad

The production is so crisp on SUBMISSIVE, making it the most tempting “get up and dance” experiences of 2023. Jordan Ward and Masego accompany stellar R&B act Destin Conrad on this stunning melodic masterpiece of the genre. It’s short and sweet, but has enough to fine-tuned content to leave you running back for me consistently. My only complaint is that their isn’t more!

25. Sunburn by Dominic Fike

Dominic Fike took the internet over this year due to his stellar performances and satisfying writing. I was lucky enough to see Dom live, and I was absolutely blown away. Sunburn puts together all the pieces of the puzzle he’s been laying out for years. Although his previous projects are wonderful foundations for him, this is definitely his best work to date. It sounds exactly like a sunny Florida day, and his writing is so damn catchy it’s hard not to repeat every word. He’s come so far, it’s impossible not to be overjoyed listening to Sunburn.

24. Soul,PRESENT by Q

Q’s 2020 EP The Shave Experiment got him on our radar over the years, with tracks like “Garage Rooftop” and “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” being fantastic, soulful takes on the bedroom R&B that Steve Lacy has been dominating. Soul,PRESENT completely evolves his sound into a Pop masterclass. I found it to be reminiscent of Childish Gambino, with a more distinctly groovy approach to the production. Favourite tracks here are “UNDERSTAND” and “STEREO DRIVER”. His vocal presence and classic Pop production will undoubtedly be shooting him through the stratosphere in the years to come.

23. VOIR DIRE by Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist

Yet again, The Alchemist doesn’t miss. This isn’t just any other Alchemist-Rapper collaboration project though, as this is arguably his best yet. Earl has been on the run of a lifetime, with the big switch-up being 2018’s Some Rap Songs. Ever since, he has yet to release anything lacking the incredibly gifted gritty sound of his. He is one of the best rappers we have ever seen, and this project just further demonstrates his swagger and depth as a writer. Favourites here are “Vin Skully”, “27 Braids” and “The Caliphate”.

22. KARPEH by Cautious Clay

CARPEH is a perfectly composed Jazzy-R&B album from Cautious Clay, the very talented NY native. “Unfinished House” and “Fishtown” are some of our most cherished songs of the year, and the instrumental cuts on here are so good, I don’t ever get bored of them. Such an underrated project, please give it a go.

21. TW2052 by KayCyy & Gesaffelstein

KayCyy has proved to be one of the most promising acts of the new generation, being the protege to Kanye and working with others such as Travis Scott, Westside Gunn, etc. Gesaffelstein compliments KayCyy strongly here with synth heavy bangers that evolve into insane experiences you could only get from the likes of this duo. Only 7 tracks makes TW2052 easy listening, and I hope we receive more like this from KayCyy in the future.

20. The Patience by Mick Jenkins

(For me) Mick Jenkins should be in GOAT rapper conversation, especially after The Patience. His classic The Water(s) and other notable projects like 2021’s Elephant in the Room and 2016’s The Healing Component are fantastic LP’s–but are more conceptual releases, making this the release his criminally underrated discography needed. His effortless rapping is unbelievable, as he always brings the necessary energy and flow to the table. Mick Jenkins deserves your full attention.

19. Everything Harmony by The Lemon Twigs

Listening to Everything’s Harmony felt like discovering a grail Beatles album. Their music is so timeless, and the pacing of the project is so great. It’s patient, calming, and elegant. The writing is just as relatable as it is touching, as a song like “Born To Be Lonely” feels as if it’s dragging you to your knees in the middle of a street on a cold, rainy night. I am very glad I discovered these guys this year.

18. brownboy by Frank Sativa

What makes Frank Sativa so great is his distinct voice, and his knack for understanding how to insert himself in front of the production. His voice just as much as an instrument as it is a tool for singing well written songs, and brownboy marks his best work to date. “was it worth it” has become one of my favourite songs, and other tracks like the intro “everything” and “enter (interlude) are utterly perfect. Frank has become a must-listen artist in the R&B/Bedroom space.

17. MICHAEL by Killer Mike

When he’s not “running the jewels”, Atlanta legend Killer Mike is adamant in being an important spokesperson for his community, while also creating classic solo projects. MICHAEL is obviously his most personal endeavour to date, and it’s by far his best. He has never missed a beat when it comes to his flow game, and of course his lyrical content is top notch. Additionally, the track “Scientists & Engineers” has an incredible Andre 3000 feature, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already.

16. Let’s Start Here by Lil Yachty

Yachty is widely regarded as the MVP for 2023, and for good reason. His run of successful singles was only the icing on the cake when Let’s Start Here is brought up in conversation, as his transition into Psych-Rock has been incredible. Not only has he properly payed to homage to a genre he loves by bringing in others who make similarly great music, he also added his own flavour to every track. Passion is oozing from nearly every cut, and the album has deservingly been praised by fans and critics alike. Lil Yachty has proven that he deserves every inch of respect he can get.

15. V by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Every UMO album is timeless, V included. I have a dear attachment to songs like “Nadja” and “I Killed Captain Cook”–two of my favourite songs of the year, and I’m always listening to the entire album when I’m looking to chill. UMO is one of the greatest groups of our generation, and I can’t get enough of this project.

14. The Ballad of Darren by Blur

Whether it’s with the Gorillaz, Rocket Juice & The Moon, a solo release, or of course–Blur, Damon Albarn is going to be successful in whatever he pursues. His writing only gets stronger overtime, and I found The Ballad of Darren to be absolutely beautiful. The feelings of tragedy are levelled out with catchy, kinder cuts like “Barbaric”. But, the highlight for me is “The Everglades (For Leonard)”, possibly the most gut-wrenching song of the year. Every time I’ve listened to The Ballad of Darren I feel solemnly grateful that music as dazzling as this is released while I’m around.

13. Isn’t It Wonderful by Sugar Cherry

When I first discovered Rozy’s alter-ego project Sugar Cherry, I was frankly taken aback by the creativity and innovation I was hearing. The lo-fi, heartbreaking style reminded me of when I had first heard Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago (which is one of my all-timers). If you’re interested in reading more of my thoughts on this, I have a piece on Sparky (sparky.wtf) discussing the project and it’s brilliance.

12. STRUGGLER by Genesis Owusu

Genesis Owusu has an unmistakable universe he’s created within his albums, full of grand mixtures of exciting, groovy Pop–alongside darker, more oddball content. STRUGGLER is a little wilder than his previous releases, which makes it all the more exciting. He has such an incredible creative presence, and I’ve loved practically everything he’s put out thus far. Favourites on here are “That’s Life (A Swamp)”, “Freak Boy” and “See Ya There”. I can’t wait to see where he goes next.

11. UTOPIA by Travis Scott

Travis Scott is on par with Kanye now, in the sense that he curates experiences from intro to outro unlike any other. The Yeezus inspiration is what makes this album so great though, as Travis shines on cinematic tracks like “SIRENS”, “THANK GOD”, “CIRCUS MAXIMUS”, etc. “I KNOW?” also happens to be possibly the catchiest song he’s ever created, with a hard, sleek instrumental from himself, OZ and Coleman. Although it’s long, UTOPIA rarely dips in quality, and keeps such a distinct sound compared to his other projects. Whether it’s his best is for you to decide for yourself, but Travis has definitely cemented his own lane that no one else does better.

10. the record by boygenius

I was blessed with the opportunity to see the trio of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker perform this album twice! Their chemistry is astounding for a group of such individual talent, especially considering their respective voices still shine throughout the entirety of their first full-length LP. Songs like “Cool About It”, Lucy Dacus’ solo cut “We’re In Love”, and “Not Strong Enough” are such strong standalone tracks, surrounded by a plethora of other great quality indie music. This is probably a classic, but time will tell.

9. The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski

I mean, come on. The eery, beautifully detailed style of Mitski is near impossible to replicate, and this is (for me) her best album. TLIIASAW doesn’t have a single miss on it. The simplicity is genius, tone is perfect, and writing is obviously the best in the biz. Mitski is a once-in-a-lifetime musician that deserves all her flowers.

8. Halo by Bakar

Bakar has an excellent idea of how to make something catchy, without sacrificing personal touch and the quality of the content. “I’m Done” remains my favourite song on Halo, but his undeniable vocal presence and soft delivery makes every track worth listening to. Other highlights are the fast-paced, guitar centric “Right Here, for Now”, “Hate The Sun”, and the remix of his smash hit “Hell N Back” with the wonderfully talented Summer Walker. The short length and simple formula of each track make this album such an easy listen, and it has been at the top of my list since its initial release back in September.

7. 3D Country by Geese

Geese’s first album Projector felt as if they were just poking the bear–testing the waters, and understanding where they fit in the Rock world. They’ve now shed their more traditional, calm Pop-Rock skin–trading it for a wildly innovative and astonishingly creative stab at ironically fantastic cowboy Rock. Pardon my language; simply put, its fucking off the wall. The instrumentation is among the best I’ve ever heard, with excellent drumming and guitar riffs that I couldn’t believe came from planet Earth. Not to mention, the vocal range of lead singer Cameron Winter is insane. Every track is a new experience, and one worth experiencing at that. 3D Country has a great sense of humour, crowded by ridiculously good musicianship and entertaining songwriting. Geese became my new favourite band because of this project, and they’re now on my concert bucket list.

6. Ways of Knowing by Navy Blue

Navy Blue has never once disappointed, and Ways of Knowing continues his reign–being my favourite Rap record of the year. His voice has such a familiar tone, making every track all the more welcoming. Once you’re invited on the journey through the intro “The Medium”, the adventure through Ways of Knowing is one of intention, self-discovery, and honest reflection. The production never oversteps Navy, but perfectly carves sample-oriented environments for him to explore. Plus, the drums are always punchy–providing the perfect bounce. There’s not a single song I don’t like, and this is easily his best work.

5. Calico by Ryan Beatty

Ryan Beatty has consistently proven to be one of my favourite vocalists ever. His additions to BROCKHAMPTON were always well-received, and I truly adored his first tape Boy In Jeans, but Calico is something different. It has such an extraordinary spirit that I can’t seem to get enough of. The sheer beauty of the tone throughout the album is a delight, and the sense of joy I get from the dreamy soundscapes is unmatched. The only album of the year to make me cry. Ryan is a true treasure, who deserves much more love. Favourites for me on here are “Andromeda” and “Multiple Endings”. Something about this album feels like home and family to me, it’s nearly indescribable.

4. Red Moon In Venus by Kali Uchis

What’s not to like about Kali Uchis? Her vocal range is wider than an ocean, her ear for production is flawless, and she writes memorable R&B tracks that would sound fantastic at any point in time. Red Moon In Venus definitely gives Isolation a run for it’s money, as the consistency this project has while maintaining such a large scale is very impressive. My personal favourite track is “Moral Conscience”, but the whole of the album is so damn perfect.

3. Lahai by Sampha

Sampha is probably one of the best musicians to exist. The anticipation for a new project after 2017’s Process was starting to get worrying, as fans began to believe one was never coming due to the strenuous hiatus from the masterful vocalist. Luckily, the rollout began earlier in the year, with singles like “Only” and “Spirit 2.0”. By October we were gifted Lahai–a brilliant blend of Electronic-focused instrumentals and stunning vocals, a combination that’s created an escapade unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Sampha feels just as much apart of the production as any other instrument, while still providing mature, thought-provoking songwriting. Not a single beat is missed, not a word is said without intention, there are no mistakes. Sampha’s purposefulness is the root of his wisdom as an artist, among many other traits which he puts to use on Lahai that showcase exactly what makes him so special.

2. Shelter by Alice Phoebe Lou

Alice Phoebe Lou’s gorgeous voice is what drew me to checking out the entirety of this album, and I was thankfully not at all disappointed. Indie and Soft-Rock music (especially now) can sometimes run stale and unoriginal, but Alice has never seemed to be uninspired. Shelter is so soothing, and is yet another example of an album which gives me an indescribable feeling of home and comfort. Every song touched my soul deeper than I expected, but “Lately” is the one that hurt the most. Without over-exaggerating, I think it’s a favourite song of all-time for me. Shelter in full is a fantastically tender, heartfelt release that I plan on carrying with me for the rest of my life.

SOUTHPORT’S BEST ALBUM OF 2023:

NEVER ENOUGH by Daniel Caesar

Truthfully, I have spoken about this album many times on my own platform and Sparky (sparky.wtf), and I wish not to repeat myself too much. Nonetheless, I’ll still give a few pointers as to why I believe Daniel Caesar’s Never Enough is my favourite album of the year. Practically each track has such soul-crushing relatability for me that I felt as if it was directly created for me. “Let Me Go” has accompanied and assisted me through every hardship in 2023, better than any person or place could’ve. Daniel’s performances from start to finish are flawless, and the writing is timeless. Every cut would be wonderfully sound in any era, and yet the album is modern enough to be a milestone for me in my musical taste. Production does exactly what it’s supposed to, and Daniel’s layered vocals within the instrumentals are such a great detail. The features perfectly align with the purpose and intention of every track, which are delivered by the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, serpentwithfeet, Mustafa, and more. The fun, upbeat tracks like “Do You Like Me?” and “Disillusioned” are some of the biggest thrills I’ve experienced musically this year, and you can practically hear Daniel’s excitement creeping through the song. I would create a list of favourites, but it’d probably just be the entire track-list. I love to see Canadians winning. Thank you Daniel, there isn’t enough words for me to describe my love for this album.