Best Albums of 2023

by Andy Simonds

Over on IG, I posted my Top 9 best albums of 2023: 

But 9 isn't enough. Here is the full list of my best albums of 2023. 

  • In random order
  • Great sounding, and/or just great

But I'm an audiophile looking for cool system-tester tracks (STT)! Where are the jewels?  OK, start here:

  • Steve Smith & Vital Information: Probably the best engineered album of the bunch. The overall dynamics and sound can't be touched.
  • Allison Russell: The sonic landscape is rich and vibrant.
  • Joshua Redman: Need to test the center image of you stereo. Start here. Also one of the best engineered records in the bunch.
  • Greta Van Fleet: Play Sacred The Thread and see if you system can deliver a punch.
  • Ariel Posen: The track Runner (and all the other tracks) will see how well your speakers can growl and define in the low-midrange.
  • Handmade Moments: That bass clarinet is everything and more. 

The full list.... 

Mischief
Mark Guiliana
Best Track: Mischief


the record
Boygenius
Best Track: Without You Without Them  & $20


Black Classical Music
Yusef Dayes
Best Track: Rust
 
The Returner
Allison Russell
Best Track: Springtime


 
Coffin/Perlson/Krauss
Jeff Coffin, Jordan Person, Vikton Krauss
Best Track: Overcast
 
Hackney Diamonds
The Rolling Stones
Best Track: Sweet Sounds of Heaven


 
Fearless
Crown Lands
Best Track: Starlifter: Fearless Pt. II
 
Starcatcher
Greta Van Fleet
Best Track: Sacred The Thread

 
End the Wars
Handmade Moments
Best Track: Selling Myself Short & Hole in the Ocean


 
Terror
Tianna Esperanza
Best Track: Buy You A New Attitude
 
Foo Fighters
But Here We Are
Best Track: Rescued


 
Ben Folds
What Matters Most
Best Track: Exhausting Lover
 
Time Flies
Steve Smith & Vital Information
Best Track: Emergence


Paramore
This is Why
Best Track: This is Why
 
Mile End II
Ariel Posen
Best Track: Runner


 
where are we
Joshua Redman
Best Track: Chicago Blues

 

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