10. Sampha – LAHAI
Sampha’s first album since 2017’s Process is special in every sense of the word. LAHAI‘s aura and charm come from Sampha’s stunning, emotive and husky voice, as he navigates through personal struggles of self-love and acceptance as well as grief. The way he’s able to express pure, raw emotion is inspiring and so emotive that when I saw him perform the album live at Hackney Church, I shed a few tears. He’s one of the most gifted vocalists the UK has ever produced, and combined with the warm yet eclectic electronic production throughout, makes this album one of the standouts of the year, and worthy of being within my top 10 albums of this year.
9. Joe Armon-Jones & Maxwell Owin – Archetype
The London-based duo of keyboard virtuoso Joe Armon-Jones and producer Maxwell Owin are the future. They proved that in 2017 with Idiom EP, but have now released what I can only describe as one of the best electronic and dance-oriented albums of the year. Archetype is a longer and more complete project. It’s darker in tone, focusing on creating more dynamic and thumping compositions that are dancefloor-oriented. Max’s production here is among the best I’ve heard him produce, as he pushes himself to create the most eclectic, groovy sounds he can, with Joe’s keys adding some soul and jazzy grooves to the music. The features throughout the album add colour and personality as well, bringing the community together for a special album for the independent London music scene. Review / Interview with Joe Armon-Jones
8. B. Cool-Aid – Leather Blvd.
Pink Siifu and Ahwlee have been making some of the grooviest hip-hop and soul music for the last few years. Pink Siifu’s vocal delivery is animated and cool, with a slight raspiness in his voice that is so infectious to listen to, while Ahwlee’s production is hard-hitting and full of colour. Leather Blvd. is a monumental musical achievement, with 16 tracks of some of the grooviest, most intricately produced and complete tracks they’ve ever made, with a cohesion and consistency to it that makes me so proud of them both, having followed their artistic journeys for years now. It’s sexy, groovy, soulful, funky, with a plethora of talented collaborators that add so much to the overall sound and quality of the album. One of the better neo-soul albums to come out in recent years for sure. Review
7. Loraine James – Gentle Confrontation
Loraine James has become one of my favourite electronic musicians, quite possibly ever, in the space of a few years. Gentle Confrontation is her most intimate album to date, with an emotive energy, brought by ambient and melodic compositions and arrangements, combined with her usual glitchiness throughout. She sings quite a lot more on this album, which is something I’ve come to love about her music. It’s raw and vulnerable. Her arrangements are ridiculously good, and a big inspiration on my journey making music. Off-kilter beats and grooves, stunning synth-led melodies and banging beats make this one of the most dynamic and electric albums of the year. Review
6. James Blake – Playing Robots Into Heaven
Playing Robots Into Heaven is my favourite James Blake album since his 2011 self-titled classic. His ability to combine warm compositions through his emotive and beautiful voice, with heavier, more dynamic moments is always something I’ve loved with his music, but it’s the urgency and punchiness of this album in particular that makes me love it so much. He strikes a perfect balance between that raw, guttural sound of his debut and the more emotive, songwriter-type compositions. He also put on one of the most electrifying live shows this year, which was one of the most memorable experiences for me, and haven’t stopped playing it since. It’s a triumphant album and one that cements James Blake’s legacy as one of the greatest British electronic musicians of this generation. Review
5. Yves Tumor – Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)
Yves Tumor’s music gives me life. Their music is experimental and electrifying, constantly pushing sonic boundaries, and defying genre categorisation. A rock album at its core, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is a spectacular album, both in terms of its incredible compositions throughout and the infectious Queer sexiness Yves Tumor conveys in their vocal performances. Some of the catchiest, heaviest and most soulful tracks of the year are found on this album. The glamor, the colour, the unapologetic Queer energy, the beauty, the sexiness… all of it is just incredible and I can’t thank Yves Tumor enough for the music they have made over the years. It’s had a profound impact on my life and I will always cherish their music. Review
4. Liv.e – Girl In The Half Pearl
Having covered and championed Liv.e’s music for a good 6/7 years now, it’s beautiful and inspiring seeing her release albums as amazing as Girl In The Half Pearl. I was blown away at first listen, and haven’t stopped listening to it since. Experimental by nature, she uses electronic influences through incredible synth-led melodies, thick basslines and groovy beats, while singing her ass off, with and without filters and vocal modifiers, giving different tones and energies throughout that are just infectious and captivating throughout. It’s a cohesive body of work that flows seamlessly from track to track. The drum n bass and electronica influences throughout make this a dynamic listen, but Liv.e is still able to capture the soul and warmth present on her previous albums. Her introspections and frustrations about life shine through and are relatable, but it’s the energy of the album that attracts me to it – there’s a rebellious energy to it that I absolutely love, which is why it’s among my favourites of the year. Review
3. Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips
The top 3 of 2023 are all interchangeable, I’ve found it very difficult to rank them and it will likely change depending on mood and state of mind I’m in. Armand Hammer released their best album to date with We Buy Diabetic Test Strips, an album I still consider one of my favourites of all time. The production on the album is some of the most electric and experimental I’ve heard on any hip-hop album. It’s loud, abrasive, unassuming and sometimes difficult to listen to, but as someone who loves challenging and experimental music, it’s an absolute treat when tracks finally click. Both billy woods and ELUCID sound as inspired as ever, with incredible verses speaking on the dystopian reality of life around them as they see it, whether that be the broken healthcare system in the States or the rampant political and economic corruption that has left millions of people starving for a better life. While these themes aren’t necessarily new to their projects, it’s the stories and imagery that pain the picture of these realities that’s ever-changing and evolving, and that’s what’s exciting about both of these artists. They keep finding new ways to innovate with words and poetry, and it’s precisely why they are one of my favourite groups making music today. Review
ps, to those who read the Part I review of the album and want to share some thoughts to include in Part II, let me know. That article may come early 2024.
2. MIKE – Burning Desire
There’s just something about this album that makes me return to it again and again and again and again and again an again. Burning Desire is MIKE’s longest project to date. It’s also the most colourful, eclectic, lyrically sharp and refined album he’s put together. It’s a cinematic listening experience. Like, I can hear colours, shapes, scenes play out in my mind when listening to this album, and that’s due to the eclectic and diverse array of beats and soundscapes he’s able to create throughout the 24 tracks on this album. And the thing is, it’s a cohesive body of work with hardly, if any, underwhelming moments to me. I’ve also been highly impressed with MIKE’s improved lyricism this year (Faith Is A Rock is a shining example), and he sounds as focused and sharp as ever on this new album. Something I love and respect about MIKE’s artistry is his vulnerability and his ability to convey his struggles, concerns, traumas, hopes and dreams about life in a relatable way. I’ve had my struggles this year, especially in these last few months, and Burning Desire has been such a comfort album for me. The infectious and incredible compositions make me want to move, dance and momentarily forget about life’s pains and issues. MIKE’s ability to create warm and inviting energy throughout his music is really something I cherish about him. A terrific album and one I will continue to play for years to come. Review
1. billy woods & Kenny Segal – Maps
Is this even a surprise to anyone? For the second year running, billy woods has my top spot for favourite album of the year. Maps was one of those “I remember where I was and how I felt listening to this album for the first time” experiences. Together with producer extraordinaire Kenny Segal, woods has created a conceptual masterpiece about the mental struggles of traveling while on tour, the issues that come with it, from relationship shit, to the same repetitive routines he has to go through, to coming back home and being at peace with life and seeing his kid grow up in real-time while feeling immense gratitude for the life he has. His raw and brutal honesty about his own life as well as the crumbling life he sees around him makes this a sobering and at times chilling listen, while remaining grounded and focused on his own life and the path he walks. All of these themes, thoughts and feelings are told over Kenny Segal’s mesmerising and colourful soundscapes, from heavy crashing drums and dark and unassuming melodies to lighter, more angelic and beautiful moments that capture a sense of beauty and clarity to woods’ thoughts. The features throughout are perfect for the album too, as they complement woods’ worldview with their differing and unique perspectives and energies. It’s a flawless album to me, and one of woods’ defining works. Review
And there we go, another year wrapped up! It’s been a monumental year for music, one of the best in my opinion, with so many new discoveries and anticipated albums that exceeded all expectations. There’s so much more to look out for in 2024, so be sure to watch this space! Thanks all, and let me know what some of your favourite albums are from this year too.
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