This article is a record of music that has left a deep impression on me in the past year, including albums, EPs, singles, remixes, and other formats. Most of the music mentioned in this article was released in 2023, but there may be some non-2023 music mentioned, which will be marked after the title.
The music that has left a deep impression on me usually has the following characteristics, in order of priority:
- Novel sound and rhythm choices that bring freshness to my ears;
- Profound and relevant topics and lyrics that meet the needs of the times, with real meaning and topicality;
- Catchy and distinctive melodies that I can't forget.
This article will also select some must-listen music from 2023, which is worth searching and listening to specifically.
Red Moon in Venus - Kali Uchis#
As an album released in the spring, it has a lazy voice, comfortable sound, and a vibrant feeling. It talks about things like love and emotions, like the warm sun in spring, when everything is recovering, pollen and willow fluff floating in the air, and the fragrance of flowers mixed with the hormones in the air, making people feel intoxicated. As it progresses to the second half, the atmosphere gradually transitions to a romantic sadness, which easily brings to mind tags such as late nights, alcohol, and heartbreak. Kali Uchis' voice really suits this kind of Soul and R&B music, with a sexy voice singing sexy lyrics, it can be said to be quite magnificent. The only problem is that listening to the whole album can be a bit greasy and monotonous, but it doesn't affect it from being one of the most suitable albums for flirting this year.
Lahai - Sampha (Must Listen)#
When the intro brings in the jumping notes and broken beats, I instantly have a feeling of "That's it".
If the previous album was a magnificent work filled with notes, this one is a masterful game of rhythm and silence. The flashy skills of the broken beats are addictive, and the simple instruments and arrangements achieve a sense of sophistication. The futuristic sound, rhythm, and lyrics, however, bring people back to the primitive tribes of the African savannah. Sampha's voice is calm and introverted, reaching a moderate enjoyment with the gentle piano. The whole album explores rich topics such as love, soul, philosophy, and nature, and the lyrics are like poetry. All of this makes up this exquisite album, which is rewarding whether you are experiencing the sound or digesting the lyrics, and it is definitely worth listening to repeatedly.
Nefelibata2 - Zeng Ke Chun (Must Listen)#
I admit that this album is still quite rough, and the production feels like something a newcomer would do. Some elements are forcefully inserted into the songs, and some parts feel familiar. But he's only 18 years old, and he has an imagination that hasn't fully matured yet, a sense of casualness that makes people confused, and a freedom that is not bound by mainstream aesthetics and commercial values. These qualities are condensed in various corners of this album, making people clap their thighs and marvel at the magical creativity here and there. Chinese music is lacking such exciting and novel R&B voices, the last one was Lv Yanliang, who lost all creativity after the amazing "Fresh Soul", I hope this later Zeng Ke Chun won't disappoint.
My 21st Century Blues - RAYE#
It's like a musical performance, dancing on a pile of instruments just like the album cover. The whole album moves forward in heavy drums and suppressed voices. RAYE incessantly talks about how she was seduced by record companies and filled with negative energy. The feel of a musical is quite interesting, but it's too tiring to listen to.
That! Feels Good! - Jessie Ware (Must Listen)#
↑Purchased the CD in full
Jessie Ware's dominance in dance music and disco is beyond doubt, and compared to all the dance music artists of this generation, she shines the brightest. Compared to the previous hit album "What's Your Pleasure?", Jessie Ware is obviously more natural and adept on this album. This album no longer holds a high and mighty attitude, but is more straightforward, calling for rhythm, human relationships, and desires of love and sex. The whole album has a heavier rhythm, clearer and catchier melodies, and more emotional progression accompanying the songs. Whether it's the 360-degree surround breathing in the intro, the ubiquitous rhythmic tongue-like rhythm in the prelude "Pearls", or the addition of African traditional percussion, they are all full of Jessie Ware's personal charm as the queen of dance music. In any case, this album is the most suitable music to play in the dance floor this year.
portrait of a dog - Jonah Yano#
Accidentally came across a Jazz Pop album, initially because another Jazz musician BADBADNOTGOOD was involved in the arrangement and outro - a very cool Jazz improvisation. However, apart from this improvisation, the other parts of the album seem relatively quiet and plain. This is a very personal album, where he discusses topics of interpersonal relationships and family, and even includes everyday conversations with his family in the songs. The majority of the album consists of the combination of saxophone, piano, and guitar, exuding a sense of sadness, but the album is very gentle and the music is very warm and calm. Jonah Yano was born in Hiroshima, Japan, perhaps this is also a characteristic of the Japanese. This is an album that will make you calm down, and it is worth listening to when doing some personal work alone.
Ways of Knowing - Navy Blue#
Similarly, this is a quiet album from Navy Blue. Compared to the previous "Song of Sage: Post Panic!", this one seems to be not as exciting. The beats are quiet and pleasant, but the lyrics are not as interesting, and the topics discussed are somewhat boring. However, it is still very comfortable to listen to during late-night commuting.
Dwelling Above the Creek - Cicada#
A rare instrumental album from the Taiwanese band Cicada. The word "Cicada" means cicada, and the band explains that people perceive cicadas through their sound rather than their form. The album mainly revolves around the scenery of Taiwan's valleys, which can be seen from the album cover and song titles. Through this album, you can feel the natural beauty of Taiwan's mountains and rivers, the moisture, greenness, and vitality brought by Taiwan's mountains. They have successfully created a rich musical experience that is accessible and suitable for everyone to appreciate instrumental music.
blue - Lu1 (Must Listen)#
One of my favorite rappers, and my favorite Chinese hip-hop album besides yfc2. It's not an exaggeration to call Chen Mingtang the best label in China.
Lu1's flow is very distinctive, turning the intervals between Chinese characters and sentences into a smooth statement, which makes it possible to appreciate the voice of the artist as an instrument rather than just a singer. The album is Lu1's personal monologue, and the muffled mixing is like murmuring in a bedroom, matching the R&B tone. Lu1's beats are the type that I feel very comfortable with, maybe because I really love R&B. This album is easy to get lost in and is the perfect companion for a person working alone late at night.