In October, a new and unexpected routine developed in my life. I was driving to and from medical facilities to visit my father, who had gone in to be treated for pneumonia that ultimately turned into a tracheostomy. On those drives, I first turned to Spotify-powered “Uplifting” mixes—even going Gospel on occasion—but eventually that commute became the daily spin of Cleo Sol’s Gold in its entirety.

As a primary vocalist in Sault and in her solo work, Sol has always explored her spirituality in her records, but Gold stays focused on the role her God plays in her life. It’s a Christian-oriented faith, but the songs are non-denominational. I’m apathetic towards religion, but I’m a sucker for praise music, especially when I’m seeking to fill my heart with generosity, empathy, joy, and hope.

When I was pulling into a hospital or clinic parking lot, Cleo was belting that things would improve, and I believed her.

My album of the year.

When I combine Cleo Sol’s solo work with all my spins of Sault, she’s my most listened-to artist of 2023, beating out Beyoncé, whose Renaissance continued, and De La Soul, who finally came to streaming after decades of battling with their record label.

Jungle, however, is my selection for artist of the year. By the time Volcano came out in August, I was already in love with nearly half of the tracks. Candle Flame, Dominoes, Problemz, and others had all been released throughout the year and became frequent selections on a variety of my playlists. Then, they spent the rest of the year releasing videos for every song on the album that work together as a short film/musical. Tom McFarland and Josh Lloyd-Watson have worked with many of the same dancers since their first album, and Volcano is a showcase for the power of that loyalty and community. They even went viral with the dancing and vibe of Back on ’74.

They understood the assignment.

Speaking of vibes, I loved internet sensations. My mixtape features TikTok hits like 6000 Degrees (AH HA) by $hyfromdatre, Eat it Up by Lil Vada, You Wish by Flyana Boss, Lovin on Me by Jack Harlow, and Water by Tyla.

I felt my connection to contemporary hip-hop slipping away this year. While it was my top genre of 2023, much of that was revisiting older stuff. Sure, give me a J. Cole or Cardi B feature. I’m down for bars from Doja Cat‘s problematic personage to go with the many women out here rapping right now. Still, no 2023 release is among my albums of the year, and my top artists lean toward Indie Soul, Alternative R&B, and, increasingly, afrobeat/afro-futurist.

Afrofuturism. That’s how I’d describe my relationship to music in 2023. Looking forward and back with an appreciation for sounds that come from and are for the soul. Give me tunes that ignite and inspire. Dance with my inner optimist. I’ll headbang, head nod, and even cry to the beat so long as it’s in the service of a tomorrow that improves upon today.

Things will get better.

Albums of the year

  • Gold by Cleo Sol
  • Volcano by Jungle
  • The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monáe
  • Guts by Olivia Rodrigo
  • Angels & Queens (Deluxe) by Gabriels
  • Falling or Flying by Jorja Smith
  • Buhloone Mindstate (Reissue) by De La Soul

Also, check out Golden by Jung Kook, Slugs of Love by Little Dragon, Jaguar II by Victoria Monét, Happiness by Dargz and Homegrown by Carrtoons

Artists of the year (that haven’t already been mentioned):

Jessie Ware, Hannah Jadagu, Allison Russell, Adi Oasis, Izo FitzRoy, Kelela, and Okvsho

How I listened in 2023

Spotify is my music app of choice. I maintain an all-time top 100 and a top 100 for each year. On Saturdays, I refresh my top 40 playlist, create a new playlist to drive my listening for the coming week, and explore music with my Release Radar and X by doing Y playlist. I regularly update two exercise playlists: Close Your Rings and an ultimate workout mix. On Wednesdays, I let the Spotify algorithm drive my listening with the AI DJ and the Daylist.

If your app doesn’t connect with last.FM, I can’t use it. I love my stats too much.