Best of 2023: The Top 10 Albums
In 2023, we featured 120 new album releases. At the end of each year, we tally the stats. Here are the top 10 reader-favorite albums for 2023.
1. McCartney and Wyman Join Rolling Stones for “Hackney Diamonds”
It’s been a tumultuous few years for The Rolling Stones since the passing of drummer Charlie Watts, but they’ve transformed that time into a triumphant new album. Darryl Jones wasn’t available for “Hackney Diamonds,” so the bass was handled by Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Paul McCartney, and Bill Wyman.
2. Peter Gabriel Releases “i/o” with Tony Levin on Bass
At long last, Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” is available. A decade in the making, Gabriel has been drip-feeding fans new singles during full moons.
3. The Smile, Featuring Members of Radiohead, Releases First Live Album
Radiohead offshoot band The Smile has released a new live EP. Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood both play bass on the album (as well as other instruments). It’s interesting to see how they approach the bass, especially Yorke.
4. Russell Hall Releases “Black Caesar”
Bassist Russell Hall has released “Black Caesar,” a new album of music that spans hundreds of years while using jazz as its foundation. Though the music is so diverse, it all was created as a response to the tragedies of the last three years.
5. Eva Gardner Rocks the Upright Bass on The Mars Volta’s New Acoustic Album
The Mars Volta has released a new album that dives deeper into their 2022 self-titled record. Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazón is an acoustic and reimagined version of their comeback album, “The Mars Volta.”
6. Jonathan Butler Releases “Ubuntu” with Marcus Miller
South African singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler has returned with his first studio album in eight years with “Ubuntu.” The album was recorded in 2019 with the legendary Marcus Miller.
7. Zappa Archives Open Up For “Funky Nothingness”
More tracks from Frank Zappa’s archive have come to see the light of day in a new album called “Funky Nothingness.” The album features 25 rare and previously unreleased tracks.
8. Bobby Vega’s Groove-laden “What Cha Got” Available Now
The inimitable Bobby Vega has unleashed a new solo album called “What Cha Got,” which is something of a musical self-portrait. Teeming with masterful grooves, the album combines elements of many genres for a mix that Vega admits eschews simple categorization.
9. Ian Hunter Announces Star-Studded Album with Trujillo, DeLeo, McKagan and More
Rock and roll icon Ian Hunter has revealed a new album for 2023, and it’s looking to be a star-studded collection of music. “Defiance Part 1” will include Duff McKagan, Robert Trujillo, Robert DeLeo, and more.
10. Adam “Nolly” Getgood Returns for “Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre”
The progressive metal heroes of Periphery have returned with a new album, “Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre.” The band once again recruited former member Adam “Nolly” Getgood to co-produce the album as well as play bass.
