How's 2023 been for you, so far? Good? Average? Pretty rough? Don't worry – the kind folks at SPB have got you. We've crunched the numbers, broken down the boundaries, and—more importantly—listened to all of the music released in 2023 thus far. Alright, most of the music. Armed with this knowledge, we've whittled down the list of new albums into a compendium of the best music released this year so far. Each of our staffers has written a quick summary of each album, so don't delay – check out the records you should've already heard this year, so you can confidently sing their praises by the time the end of the year rolls around. Thank us later!

1

Squid - O Monolith

Warp Records

Squid's Bright Green Field was the surprise of 2021. A great record that left me aching for more. O Monolith arrived and it was like throwing me into a dream that occasionally morphs into a nightmare. It's moments of serenity that get interrupted by bursts of chaos and somehow it all works together.

 

2

Boygenius - The record

Interscope

Picking up right where they left off, Boygenius have graced us with a full record. It's Indie-Rock bliss that is clearly too big to be Indie. The trio took the formula from their EP and turned it up to 11. Each member has brought their A-game which will lead to arguments over who has the best songs, despite each bringing something different to the table. Dacus is a magician with harmony, Baker adds more of the Rock edge, while Bridgers is elevating the poppier aspects of the record. Together they're a powerhouse.

3

Fucked Up - One Day

Merge Records

After 5 years, Fucked Up finally released a new full-length album... and it only took them one day to write. "One day" with an asterisk. Their new album, One Day (are you tired of reading "one day" yet?) was essentially written in the span of 24 hours when guitarist, Mike Hallechuk, took it upon himself to go into the studio. What came out is the most streamlined Fucked Up record in years while still being varied. From a track that sounds Pop-Punk with a Fucked Up edge to a track that sounds like Husker Du. Sometimes a time restraint can bring out the best in people.

4

Screaming Females - Desire Pathway

Don Giovanni Records

Screaming Females are the best rock band going right now and Marissa Paternoster is one of the best living rock guitarists. It's a crime they're not bigger. Desire Pathway leans a little more into heavy rock than it does punk and is a bit more consistent than some of their previous albums. Just over 30 minutes of Screaming Females kicking your ass with tracks like "Brass Bell" while still being accessible with songs like "Mourning Dove." Long live Screaming Females

5

The Damned - Darkadelic

Ear Music

Don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, an album. The Damned are still out there writing catchy Punk Rock tunes, and as you can guess, with a bit of Psychedelia. You kind of know what to expect with The Damned by this point, but it doesn't make Darkadelic any less enjoyable. It's simply just a really fun album. They even gave the fans something I assume some have been clamoring for -- A Damned song intended to be played at funerals.

- Aaron H