Best Albums of 2023
Another fantastic year in music has come and gone, and it's been a veritable cornucopia of sublime albums, whether you're into rock, indie, pop, hip-hop or something else entirely. Here we've gathered a selection of the albums that critics have voted best of the year + a number of the most acclaimed albums of the year that unfortunately didn't make it to the top of the 'end of the year' lists.
In 2023, we've seen veterans like Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel, Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Blur, PJ Harvey and many others return with phenomenal albums - for many of them some of the best material they've delivered in countless years. Once again, pop and R&B marked itself as genres of a new golden age, with the likes of Caroline Polachek, Olivia Rodrigo, Troye Sivan, Sampha og Taylor Swift impressing critics and fans alike. In addition, there are a lot of amazing indie releases that have received well-deserved love from the critics.
![Cover for Caroline Polachek · Desire, I Want to Turn into You (LP) [Limited Metallic Copper edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/394/0197187531394.jpg?caroline-polachek-2023-desire-i-want-to-turn-into-you-lp&class=scaled&v=1670593481)
![Cover for Olivia Rodrigo · Guts (LP) [Limited Lavender edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/667/0602458163667.jpg?olivia-rodrigo-2023-guts-lp&class=scaled&v=1689318139)
![Cover for Boygenius · The Record (Indie Exclusive) (LP) [Limited Grey Marble & Pink Swirl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/425/0602455067425.jpg?boygenius-2023-the-record-indie-exclusive-lp&class=scaled&v=1676498195)
![Cover for Peter Gabriel · I/O (LP) [Bright-Side Mix edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/595/0884108013595.jpg?peter-gabriel-2023-i-o-lp&class=scaled&v=1697699700)
![Cover for Peter Gabriel · I/O (LP) [Dark-Side Mix edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/632/0884108013632.jpg?peter-gabriel-2023-i-o-lp&class=scaled&v=1697699714)
![Cover for Peter Gabriel · I/O (LP/CD/BD) [Limited Deluxe Box Set edition] (2024)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/547/0884108014547.jpg?peter-gabriel-2024-i-o-lp-cd-bd&class=scaled&v=1713942901)
![Cover for Peter Gabriel · I/O (CD/Blu-ray) [Deluxe edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/554/0884108014554.jpg?peter-gabriel-2023-i-o-cd-blu-ray&class=scaled&v=1697699459)
![Cover for Lana Del Rey · Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (LP) [Limited Green Vinyl edition] [Alternate Cover] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/951/0602448591951.jpg?lana-del-rey-2023-did-you-know-that-there-s-a-tunnel-under-ocean-blvd-lp&class=scaled&v=1670487715)
![Cover for Sufjan Stevens · Javelin (LP) [Limited Lemonade Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/919/0729920165919.jpg?sufjan-stevens-2023-javelin-lp&class=scaled&v=1692079908)
![Cover for Depeche Mode · Memento Mori (LP) [Limited Opaque Red Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/410/0196587926410.jpg?depeche-mode-2023-memento-mori-lp&class=scaled&v=1675959787)
![Cover for Depeche Mode · Memento Mori (CD) [Deluxe edition] [Casemade Book] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/120/0196587898120.jpg?depeche-mode-2023-memento-mori-cd&class=scaled&v=1675960806)
![Cover for Depeche Mode · Memento Mori (CD) [3-Panel Digipak] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/024/0196587842024.jpg?depeche-mode-2023-memento-mori-cd&class=scaled&v=1675960797)
![Cover for Young Fathers · Heavy Heavy (LP) [Limited Red Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/994/5054429157994.jpg?young-fathers-2023-heavy-heavy-lp&class=scaled&v=1666386460)
![Cover for Young Fathers · Heavy Heavy (White Vinyl & White Sleeve) (LP) [Limited Deluxe edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/987/5054429157987.jpg?young-fathers-2023-heavy-heavy-white-vinyl-white-sleeve-lp&class=scaled&v=1666386460)
![Cover for Young Fathers · Heavy Heavy (White Vinyl & Black Sleeve) (LP) [Limited Deluxe edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/600/5054429171600.jpg?young-fathers-2023-heavy-heavy-white-vinyl-black-sleeve-lp&class=scaled&v=1666386460)
![Cover for Amaarae · Fountain Baby (LP) [Limited Silver edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/142/0602455054142.jpg?amaarae-2023-fountain-baby-lp&class=scaled&v=1705501702)
![Cover for Sampha · Lahai (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/204/0889030031204.jpg?sampha-2023-lahai-lp&class=scaled&v=1696254910)
![Cover for Pinkpantheress · Heaven knows (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/084/5054197766084.jpg?pinkpantheress-2023-heaven-knows-lp&class=scaled&v=1697697204)
![Cover for Pinkpantheress · Heaven Knows (LP) [Limited Zoetrope Picture Disc edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/107/5054197766107.jpg?pinkpantheress-2023-heaven-knows-lp&class=scaled&v=1699263127)
![Cover for Anohni and the Johnsons · My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/306/0191402039306.jpg?anohni-and-the-johnsons-2023-my-back-was-a-bridge-for-you-to-cross-lp&class=scaled&v=1686229129)
![Cover for Jessie Ware · That! Feels Good! (LP) [Picture Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/052/0602448443052.jpg?jessie-ware-2023-that-feels-good-lp&class=scaled&v=1683801249)
![Cover for Foo Fighters · But Here We Are (LP) [Limited White Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/313/0196588178313.jpg?foo-fighters-2023-but-here-we-are-lp&class=scaled&v=1681982811)
![Cover for Wednesday · Rat Saw God (LP) [Limited Purple Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/836/0656605162836.jpg?wednesday-2023-rat-saw-god-lp&class=scaled&v=1703837242)
![Cover for Troye Sivan · Something to Give Each Other (Modest Cover Cd) (CD) [Modest Cover edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/813/0602455949813.jpg?troye-sivan-2023-something-to-give-each-other-modest-cover-cd-cd&class=scaled&v=1691029802)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Taylor's Version) (LP) [Tangerine - Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/363/0602455866363.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-taylor-s-version-lp&class=scaled&v=1695496149)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Taylor's Version) (LP) [Crystal Skies Blue - Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/144/0602455542144.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-taylor-s-version-lp&class=scaled&v=1695390200)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Taylor's Version) (CD) [Crystal Skies Blue - Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/567/0602455976567.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-taylor-s-version-cd&class=scaled&v=1695390177)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Taylor's Version) (LP) [Rose Garden Pink - Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/151/0602455542151.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-taylor-s-version-lp&class=scaled&v=1698749002)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (LP) [Sunrise Boulevard Yellow - Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/175/0602455542175.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-lp&class=scaled&v=1699275048)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Indie/ Rose Pink CD) (CD) [Rose Pink - Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/574/0602455976574.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-indie-rose-pink-cd-cd&class=scaled&v=1698308994)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Indie/ Aqua Green) (CD) [Aqua Green Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/581/0602455976581.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-indie-aqua-green-cd&class=scaled&v=1698308975)
![Cover for Taylor Swift · 1989 (Taylor's Version) (Cassette) [Taylor's edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/626/0602458375626.jpg?taylor-swift-2023-1989-taylor-s-version-cassette&class=scaled&v=1695796951)
![Cover for Ice Spice · Like..? (LP) [Coloured edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/266/0602455242266.jpg?ice-spice-2023-like-lp&class=scaled&v=1690532732)
![Cover for Roisin Murphy · Hit Parade (LP) [Limited Purple Marbled Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/035/5054429175035.jpg?roisin-murphy-2023-hit-parade-lp&class=scaled&v=1684390038)
![Cover for Roisin Murphy · Hit Parade (LP/CD) [Burnt Marbled Orange Vinyl w. Bonus CD edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/318/5054429175318.jpg?roisin-murphy-2023-hit-parade-lp-cd&class=scaled&v=1694786269)
![Cover for NEWJEANS · Get Up (CD/Merch) [Bunny Beach Bag edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/379/8809929743379.jpg?newjeans-2023-get-up-cd-merch&class=scaled&v=1690195855)
![Cover for NEWJEANS · Get Up (CD/Merch) [POWERPUFF GIRLS X NJ Box edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/386/8809929743386.jpg?newjeans-2023-get-up-cd-merch&class=scaled&v=1690197363)
![Cover for NEWJEANS · Get Up (Digital Code + Merch) [Random Weverse Digital edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/393/8809929743393.jpg?newjeans-2023-get-up-digital-code-merch&class=scaled&v=1690197889)
![Cover for NEWJEANS · Get Up (CD/Merch) [POWERPUFF GIRLS X NJ Box Bundle edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/471/9951051743471.jpg?newjeans-2023-get-up-cd-merch&class=scaled&v=1690197416)
![Cover for NEWJEANS · Get Up (CD/Merch) [The Powerpuff Girls X Nj Box edition] [Int. version] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/258/0196922402258.jpg?newjeans-2023-get-up-cd-merch&class=scaled&v=1692021592)
![Cover for Mitski · The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We (LP) [Limited Robin Egg Blue Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/073/0656605165073.jpg?mitski-2023-the-land-is-inhospitable-and-so-are-we-lp&class=scaled&v=1690790721)
![Cover for Mitski · The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are We (LP) [Limited Robin Egg Blue Deluxe edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/035/0656605165035.jpg?mitski-2023-the-land-is-inhospitable-and-so-are-we-lp&class=scaled&v=1690790740)
![Cover for The Rolling Stones · Hackney Diamonds (LP) [Limited Crystal Clear Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/606/0602455464606.jpg?the-rolling-stones-2023-hackney-diamonds-lp&class=scaled&v=1694014915)
![Cover for The Rolling Stones · Hackney Diamonds (CD) [Digipak] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/558/0602458122558.jpg?the-rolling-stones-2023-hackney-diamonds-cd&class=scaled&v=1694014949)
![Cover for The Rolling Stones · Hackney Diamonds (CD) [Jewel Case] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/565/0602458122565.jpg?the-rolling-stones-2023-hackney-diamonds-cd&class=scaled&v=1694014943)
![Cover for The Rolling Stones · Hackney Diamonds (CD/Blu-ray) [Box Set edition] [Lenticular] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/541/0602458122541.jpg?the-rolling-stones-2023-hackney-diamonds-cd-blu-ray&class=scaled&v=1694015188)
![Cover for The Rolling Stones · Hackney Diamonds (Live Edition) (CD) [Live Deluxe edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/962/0602458802962.jpg?the-rolling-stones-2023-hackney-diamonds-live-edition-cd&class=scaled&v=1701361158)
![Cover for Holly Humberstone · Paint My Bedroom Black (LP) [Limited Purple edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/748/0602455711748.jpg?holly-humberstone-2023-paint-my-bedroom-black-lp&class=scaled&v=1703837783)
![Cover for Yves Tumor · Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) (LP) [Ltd. 2lp Deluxe edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/665/5056614703665.jpg?yves-tumor-2023-praise-a-lord-who-chews-but-which-does-not-consume-or-simply-hot-between-worlds-lp&class=scaled&v=1677060606)
![Cover for Yves Tumor · Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) (Transparent Yellow Vinyl) (LP) [Ltd. Yellow Indie edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/672/5056614703672.jpg?yves-tumor-2023-praise-a-lord-who-chews-but-which-does-not-consume-or-simply-hot-between-worlds-transparent-yellow-vinyl-lp&class=scaled&v=1677060607)
![Cover for Squid · O Monolith (LP) [Limited Transparent Blue Vinyl edition] (2023)](https://imusic.b-cdn.net/images/item/original/020/5056614704020.jpg?squid-2023-o-monolith-lp&class=scaled&v=1677060494)