It’s December and, as usual, the annual lists of the best of the year are beginning to be released. Today it was the turn of Pitchfork, which has published its selection of the 100 best songs of 2023. The list combines some of the greatest hits of recent months with other equally relevant songs that have not been played on the radio.
But the big surprise on the list is, without a doubt, the presence of three Spaniards: the Catalans NOIA and Marina Herlop, and the Madrid-born Ralphie Choo. The first, also known as Gisela Fullà-Silvestre, makes a place for herself alongside Buscabulla with her song ‘eclipse de amor’ (#57). The second she does with the song ‘The Alhambra’ (# 99). The third, by Mura Masa, with the collaboration of her ‘Máquina Culona’ (# 71). The Spanish representation culminates with Rosalía, where her single with Rauw Alejandro ‘Vampires’ (#86) stands out.
In addition, there is also room for new releases from the stars of the moment. Bad Bunny is recognized for his ‘Where She Goes’ (#94), while SZA makes her mark with two songs from his recent album, ‘Blind’ (#62) and ‘Kill Bill’ (#6). Also Caroline Polachek with her ‘Pretty in Possible’ (#60) and ‘I Believe’ (#19), Charli XCX with her song for Barbie ‘Speed Drive’ (#56) and Olivia Rodrigo with the songs from her second album ‘vampire’ (#52) and ‘get him back!’ (#5).
Other important artists that Pitchfork highlights are Carly Rae Jepsen for ‘Psychedelic Switch’ (#50), Kylie Minogue thanks to her ‘Padam Padam’ (#41), boygenius with ‘Not Strong Enough’ (#32) and Mitski by the hand from ‘My Love Mine All Mine’ (#28). Already in the top 10, Troye Sivan is acclaimed for ‘Rush’ (#9) and Sufjan Stevens for ‘Will Anybody Ever Love Me?’ (#3), among others.
For Pitchfork, the best song of 2023 is ‘A&W’ by Lana Del Rey. The song serves as the fourth track on her latest album, ‘Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd’, and was created with producer Jack Antonoff. ‘A&W’ is also nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year and Best Alternative Song.
Among the notable absences, any sign of the British Jessie Ware and Róisín Murphy, together or separately, or what has been the most successful recording of the year according to Spotify, ‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus.
10 Best Songs of 2023 for Pitchfork:
1. ‘A&W’ by Lana Del Rey
2. ‘Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2’ by PinkPantheress & Ice Spice
3. ‘Will Anyone Ever Love Me?’ by Sufjan Stevens
4. ‘Namesake’ by Noname
5. ‘get him back!’ by Olivia Rodrigo
6. ‘Kill Bill’ by SZA
7. ‘Super Shy’ by NewJeans
8. ‘Chosen to Deserve’ by Wednesday
9. ‘Rush’ by Troye Sivan
10. ‘Making the Band (Danity Kane)’ by Earl Sweatshirt
Podcast: Best of 2023
