MD’s Top Albums of 2023

Before parting ways for winter break, members of WZLY’s MD Committee took some time to create a list of their Top Albums of 2023. The list was lost in the wind, but recently found and ready to be published officially–and here it is below.

Orbweaving by Midwife and Vyva Melikolya (The Flenser, May 12)

This release includes some of my favorite work from one of my favorite artists on my favorite label, The Flenser. Midwife is always great with collaborations, from Glycerine to the Planning for Burial split, and this is no exception! Listen if you like eerie and lush soundscapes or if you're an enjoyer of casual melancholia. -Charlotte Adams '25

Strange Disciple by Nation of Language (PIAS, Sept 15)

I saw Nation of Language live recently, and they were PHENOMENAL. I’ve been binging this album since seeing them and I fall deeper in love with each song on it every time I listen. -Hannah McMillan ‘27

Desire, I want to turn into you by Caroline Polachek (Perpetual Novice, Feb 14)

Caroline did it again…Troye Sivan’s new album is definitely a close second for me and I also like the new Car Seat Headrest (unfortunately). -Samara Mellis ‘27

The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski (Dead Oceans, Sept 15)

This album is lit!! Perfect soundtrack to a walk in the rain around the lake while crying. My favorites are “My Love Mine All Mine”, “I’m Your Man”, and “I Love Me After You.” Haysie showed me the music video for “My Love Mine All Mine” and that is also an intense and good watch. -Phia Honey '24

All of This Will End by Indigo de Souza (Saddle Creek Records, Apr 8)

All of This Will End is Indigo de Souza's third studio album and does not disappoint. She put out crazy good singles such as "You Can Be Mean" and "Younger & Dumber", and the tracklist, album art, and lyrics generally work together in a cohesive and thought-provoking manner. All in all, she knows what's up. -Haysie Chung ‘24

In the End It Always Does by Japanese House (June 30)

This album is indie pop perfection. The perfect mix of chill sad songs and upbeat bops! And her choice to use exclusively she/her pronouns in her lyrics is everything I could have asked for. My fav songs: “Touching Yourself”, “Sad to Breathe”, and (obviously) “Morning Pages feat Muna.” Everyone on Earth should see Amber Bain perform this album live. -Anna Nesbitt '25

This Is Why by Paramore (Atlantic Records, Feb 10)

This album presented a great mixture of catchy and memorable songs with well-written lyrics. While sonically darker than their last album, it still retained that distinctive Paramore sound. -Eleanor Cowell ‘27

Red Moon in Venus by Kali Uchis (Geffen, Mar 3)

I've listened to Kali Uchis since she first started her career. I've loved seeing her grow and this album never gets old! -Ashley Luna '24

Sunburn by Dominic Fike (Columbia, July 7)

I only played Sunburn for basically two weeks straight because it’s so addictive! The vibes are different for each song, but they’re all so distinctly Dominic Fike that they work perfectly together. overall, just super cool production and chill rap verses. My favorites are “How Much is Weed” and “Mona Lisa.” -Nicole Zhu ‘26

So Much (For) Stardust by Fall Out Boy (Fueled By Ramen, Mar 24)

From the slow buildup leading into the explosive beginning of the opening track, "Love From the Other Side," I immediately knew this album was going to be a perfect pop-punk banger—just like the ones Fall Out Boy released early on in their careers, which I fell in love with as an angsty, lonely 13-year-old. So Much (For) Stardust vacillates expertly between emotional extremes, from the raw pain and yearning of "Heaven, Iowa" to the upbeat mania of "So Good Right Now". And other tracks just straight-up slap: "Hold Me Like a Grudge" has an infectious groove in the bassline and lyrics filled with potential AO3 fic titles ("we put the fun into dysfunction" and "part-time soulmates, full-time problem", anyone?), and the refrain of "Flu Game" has carved out a permanent place in my brain. Finally, the album comes perfectly full circle with the closing and title track, "So Much (For) Stardust". As a whole, the songs return to the sound of their earliest releases which I fell in love with as a teenager but add something new. Whether that's the orchestral influences (particularly in the opening and closing tracks, as well as "I Am My Own Muse"), the spoken-word tracks ("The Pink Seashell" features dialogue by Ethan Hawke taken from the 1994 film Reality Bites, and "Baby Annihilation" is a monologue by Pete Wentz), or just the maturation of the band as a whole, it makes for a delightful listening experience. And for me, it was the perfect concert experience, when I saw Fall Out Boy in concert in June on their So Much For (Tour) Dust tour. As I screamed the lyrics of the songs of this album, as well as the band's old classics, right along with thousands of other fans, my 13-year-old self felt a little less alone—if only for a moment. -Maya Blumenthal '25

WE WISH TO LIVE FOREVER (FEATURING A BRIEF CHRONICLING OF MY LIFE DURING THIS PAST WINTER) by Harmony's Cuddle Party (July 21)

Harmony's Cuddle Party is a Boston artist who released two albums this year, but this is probably my favorite release of the band's. Harmony chronicles her relationship with her best friend, and "Best Friend, You're Mine!!!" is a phenomenal depiction of a homoerotic relationship between two best friends. Incredibly honest and personal, this project is only made better by the opening track of the next release, entitled "Sex Ruins Everything." Her lyrics are funny and her live performances are wildly entertaining. She sings, screams, and plays with incredible passion, and Zeb (the bassist) and Matt (the guitarist) only add to the energy of the show. I would absolutely recommend this band, but more than that I recommend seeing them in concert! -Lucy Humphrey '24