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Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its volunteers’ top albums of 2023. Our next list is from DJ and Assistant Music Director Danielle Sines.
Jfc. Happy New Year. This year flew by and, at times, I only knew what time of year it was by looking back at the music I was listening to. This list is a perfect snapshot of what I was obsessed with in 2023. Oh and guess what?! I’m about to pick up test presses of the next Impulsive Hearts record at Smashed Plastic! (Cheers to new music in 2024!) Plus, if you wanna, you can vote for my band, Impulsive Hearts, as the best rock band in Chicago in the Chicago Reader’s Best Of 2023 list! ?(+ a lot of CHIRP noms, + a lot of local records mentioned on this list! [url=https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago/2023-ballot/]https://chicagoreader.com/best-of-chicago/2023-ballot/[/url]) That was not anticipated on my 2023 bucket list & I’m still a little in shock. Anyway, here’s my yearly obsessions from 2023. Hope you enjoy these as much as I did! 😊
#1 Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers (Ninja Tune)
Scottish trio Young Fathers’ 4th album is filled with joyous hooks, infectious rap, and swelling gospel choruses in a short but sweet jam-packed 10 song album. I love albums that I can drive long distances to and this album has that “feel” - big beats to fuel your brain and songs to scream along to. The album seamlessly threads together beautifully. Try second track “I Saw” and let third track “Drum” keep playing to get a feel for the irresistible ear-worms. I told anyone that would listen about this record. It’s got swirling layered harmonies akin to TV on the Radio and could even be a modern day Paul Simon’s Graceland. I can’t wait to see them live in 2024!
#2 That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware (Universal)
After 2020’s “What’s Your Pleasure,” I was a Jessie Ware stan. On her 5th album she’s fully embraced disco, dance, and pop fun. The title track kicks off the album with a bang - she coos, “that, feels good” before a cacophony of others join in the debauchery. She doesn’t reinvent anything, but pays homage to dance and house icons such as Donna Summers, Chaka Khan, Sister Sledge, and even Beyonce. This album celebrates her queer fanbase and rewards them with a record that is ready for 4am dance floors. I was shocked by how quickly her October Chicago date sold out so I’ve been forced to have my own dance parties where I shake it until the pearls fall off.
#3 Guy by Jayda G (Ninja Tune)
Jayda G is a DJ, producer, and scientist (yes, she holds a degree in environmental toxicology) who makes breezy, cool dance music. On her second album, Guy, she explores familial grief through disco, soul, and dance-pop on an album that’s dedicated to her late father, William Richard Guy. Her father died when she was only ten, and now, roughly 20 years later, she and her sister painstakingly went through several journals and 11 hours of her father’s video interviews he had made for them when he was ill. As Jayda G whirs a fast-forwarding tape we skip to different points in her fathers life throughout the record. On “Blue Lights” we hear her sing her father’s memories of dodging cops during the 1968 race riots in Washington, D.C. On catchy, danceable “Heads or Tails” Jayda sings, “hold it, toke it, pass around,” echoing her father’s words talking about a fun night out with friends. Her father’s voice ends the final swooning track “15 Foot” which tells the story of Jayda bidding him one last goodbye. The record ends with his words, “What I do know is that I love you very much,” before the tape clicks off. It’s a gorgeous tribute to his life and her remembrance of a loved one.
#4 Sorry I Haven’t Called by Vagabon (Nonesuch)
On Vagabon’s third installment the Cameroon-born, New York-based artist sheds the quieter guitar-driven indie rock of previous albums for an electronic, R&B infused pop album. Laetitia Tamko, aka Vagabon, explores a wide range of topics including her friend and musical collaborator’s death, romantic break-ups and the pressure she feels to be an activist as a black musician. Try track “Do Your Worst,” for an explicit slice of breakbeat-pop with flute trills; her voice is breezy and charming akin to Sudan Archives. The entire record is filled with little hooks that will stay with you long after the 34 min album is over.
#5 ROACH by Miya Folick (Nettwerk)
On her 2nd LP LA singer-songwriter, Miya Folick, keeps things both beautiful and strange. She pushes the envelope and creates haunting melodies that at times are reminiscent of Kate Bush or Tori Amos. To see what I mean, try opener “Oh God” or “Mommy” for a taste of the charmingly catchy and eccentric style. Both “Bad Thing” and “Get Out Of My House” are danceable rock anthems akin to Sharon Van Etten or Mitski. On my personal fav, “2007,” she proclaims, “I don't wanna be afraid of aging or gaining weight/ I want to take up space/ I wanna get up real early and stay up late/ I wanna smile real big/ I wanna live.” Her 2007 EP was in my honorable mentions last year - many of the same songs appear here, but the entire record fleshes out her songwriting chops and let explore her experimental side.
#6 I Don't Want You Anymore by Cherry Glazerr (Secretly Canadian)
If your unfamiliar with the Burger Records sexual assault scandal, read up on it here: [url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-01-24/burger-records-musicians-sexual-misconduct]https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-01-24/burger-records-musicians-sexual-misconduct[/url] ?Basically, the story is as old as Father Time: young girls in the music scene getting taken advantage of by abusive, megalomaniacal, power hungry men. Only now, due to the power of the internet, the abuse is out in the open. Cherry Glazerr, aka Clementine Creevy, seems to be staring her abusers in the face. She starts the album with lyrics, “I’m feeling frozen, like I don’t want to talk…” before diving into feelings of rage, apathy, and her own mental health. One of my favorite tracks, “Ready For You” seems to be talking about this abuse with lyrics, “I’ve got to find a way out of my brain,” before screaming throughout the chorus, “Wish I was ready for you.” The guitars are huge, distorted; sometimes she laughs manically, sometimes she sings melancholically through the guitar sludge. It’s divine.
#7 The Answer Is Always Yes by Alex Lahey (Liberation)
This potty-mouthed Aussie is back with her 3rd LP, filled with catchy rock hooks with cheeky witticisms, now after a romantic breakup. Opener “Good Time” is about getting out of your house after the pandemic. “Congratulations” is a fast paced song about falling out of love and dealing with the consequences and reflects a true life story of when two of Lahey’s exes got married (separately, thankfully) in a very short time span on. How fun for her! Track, “They Wouldn’t Let Me In” is fun and charming as she tackles feelings of isolation on growing up as a queer kid in the ’90s. Every track is a banger, and she’s an absolute delight to see live.
#8 Lucky for You by Bully (Sub Pop)
As a dog owner, this album broke me. Writing and dedicating an album to your dead dog? [grab me some tissues, and get ready for a sob fest.] It’s amazing, and I loved it, even if it does consistently make me cry. Opener “All I Do” has a Chicago shout-out and showcases Alicia Bognanno’s vocal and guitar chops (there’s a great, manic guitar riff on the choruses). Next gut punch, “Days Move Slow” talks about death and the afterlife, and “A Wonderful Life” continues on the theme, talking about her dog’s death, missing her waiting by the back door, while guitars and organs wail (JFC. By this point, I’m usually sobbing). There’s something special seeing Bognanno get more comfortable in her songwriting - she continues to tackle themes of modern day feminism with ease. I loved seeing her take local favs Bev Rage & the Drinks on tour this year too 😊
#9 Raven by Kelela (Warp)
Do you need a sexy album to put on for a late night party? This is it. It’s got VIBES for DAYS - it’s slow, sensual, ethereal. Let Kelela envelop you in her pristine voice and take you to another planet. I DJ’d late night at Sleeping Village this year (DJ gig #2 of my life but who’s counting?!) and literally just played this record & got so many “great choice” compliments during my set. It’s not as direct as her last album, but it still has a dramatic, thematic weight to it. Truly gorgeous.
#10 SOS by SZA (Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA)
Yes, technically SOS came out last year, but I needed the year to absorb this album’s greatness and write something about it. But as you probably already know, this record is catchy and spiteful. It showcases SZA exploring new sounds and styles in an album that clocks in over an hour. SZA is bold and fearless, raw with emotions, unafraid to talk about the joys and perils of relationships and her needs as a sexual woman. Track “F2F” could be an indie banger, sounding almost like early aughts Avril Lavigne. If it’s possible that you skipped out on this one, try it on. Seems like she’s already teased artwork for a new album?!?
Honorable Mentions
11. Romy - Mid Air - Young Beautiful LGBTQ+ dance club jams from the xx’s Romy! Everything on this record is wonderful, fun to dance to. Live, she made Thalia Hall a true party on a Monday night!
12. Fenne Lily - Big Picture - Dead Oceans
My favorite bath time, spa time, me time, slow pretty music. Bless you, Fenne.
13. boygenius - the record - Interscope
I continue to love this super trio of badass musicians. I love seeing their friendship shine through live in their music. I love how they support one another. I want this relationship for all women in the music industry because I know how wonderful and supportive this type of friendship is. 😊
14. Priya Ragu - Santhosam? - Warner
Mixing vibes that blend styles akin to M.I.A., Beyonce, Santigold, and Sudan Archives, Priya Ragu’s debut is filled with rap, r&b and pop gems. Try “School Me Like That” or “One Way Ticket” for a Dua Lipa inspired upbeat track about dancing. Ragu blends genres especially on “Hit The Bucket” which showcases her blended Sri Lankan-Tamil and Swiss roots.
15. Jorja Smith - falling or flying - FAMM
Another great release from Miss Smith! It’s sultry, down-tempo pop ala Lianne La Havas, Rihanna or SZA. My favorite is the title track “falling or flying” for her expressive, emotive vocals.
16. Ailbe Reddy - Endless Affair - MNRK
I really enjoyed this record by Irish singer-songwriter. She reminds me of Julia Jacklin, Wet Leg and Lady Lamb!
CHICAGO LOCAL ALBUMS
1. Sharp Pins - Turtle Rock - Hallogallo
?I had the joy of sharing a stage at Record Breakers Record Store Day 2023 with this young Chicago star. Sharp Pins is the fuzzy power pop project of Kai Slater - the guitarist of Lifeguard, and founder of Hallogallo, a zine made by and for “young angry communists” including Chicago young artists as a collective of bands including Lifeguard, Dwaal Troupe, Horsegirl, Friko, Post Office Winter, Donkey Basketball, Super Jupiter Snake Duo to name a few. Slater's set was infectious, the type of bedroom indie rock that gets a room of vinyl heads to turn around and get a closer look. For him to be this young and already an exceptional songwriter is a feat in itself. Can’t wait to see what more he’s got up his sleeve.
2. Djunah - Femina Furens - self released
?If you’re a fan of infectious metal that sounds huge, made by a duo!?! you’re in for a real treat. The duo consists of Nick Smalkowski (formerly of Arctic Sleep and Fake Limbs) on drums and Donna Diane on vocals, guitar and organ bass (played simultaneously!!)?Title and theme femina furens—in Latin, a “raging woman.” Diane, “chose the name Femina Furens for the album as a way of reclaiming a term used pejoratively to describe women who express anger. Rarely are women who express rage seen as powerful warriors or leaders. Instead they are often belittled, infantilized, and shamed. This album is one way I reclaim the power and beauty of anger, for my own healing. While writing the album, I was diagnosed with a trauma disorder called C-PTSD. Part of healing has been acknowledging my anger. As a goddess of healing and destruction, Sekhmet represents what is divine about rage: when grounded in truth, it is cleansing and restorative.” She inspires me to shred harder, scream more and find an outlet for all my pent up rage.?
3. Jamila Woods - Water Made Us - Jagjaguwar
?Is Jamila in love? On third record, Chicago poet and vocalist explores all that we love and hate about being in love while collaborating with many Chicago musicians. Opener “Bugs” depicts a relationship finding its differences - she sings “you smoke a lot of weed, like a lot… it bugs me but I do it for you.” She continues talking about this love on adorkable single “Practice” which features Saba. Try poetry track, “I Miss All My Exes” where Gia Margaret provides the soundscape to Wood’s tender poetry that describes love in a way that is emotionally palpable. Gorgeous. ?
4. Everyday Specials - AMERICAN HANDSHAKE- self released?
Do you miss the Muffs (RIP)? Well thankfully T-rah Rex Shedor might be Kim Shattuck reincarnate. She creates garage-rock punk filled with fun hooks. Try “Bad Excuses” for a funny track about people making up the worst excuses to get out of plans. ?It's equal parts gritty and bubbly.
5. Ovef Ow - Vs. The Worm - Whats For Breakfast?/Oort Cloud
Ovef Ow’s debut is hazy shoegaze, meets surf pop and shouty vocals akin to La Luz, The Paranoyds, The B52s, or Automatic. There’s more alienesque synths, and a group of (mostly) women coming into their own lyrically and stylistically. Fun fact: This album was recorded in Lawrence, Kansas in the home studio of Sweeping Promises!
6. Damage Dames -Buffalo Wild Women - self released
?Damage Dames are a Chicagoland duo who write catchy, quick songs about everyday life using 80s synths, drum machines and phat bass lines. Try title track, “Buffalo Wild Women” to hear a hilarious, fun track about women eating buffalo wings and getting hot sauce in their eyes. The EP was recorded in bassist Ellie Morris’s living room on a Tascam 424 Cassette 4-Track. The songs have a fresh DIY vibe - inspired by Daniel Johnston, Le Tigre and Peaches to name a few!
7. DRAMA - Till We Die - STEM c/o DRAMA MUSIC
I love the sultry vocals of Chicagoan Via Rosa mixed with dance, 80s vibes on their latest EP installment. This release feels like The Pet Shop Boys meets The xx! Highly encouraged!
8. Superknova - Superuniverse - Worry Records X Superknova
Yeah, fine, she moved to NYC and isn’t technically a Chicagoan anymore but, she is forever one in my heart. <3 This album continues on Ellie Kim’s signature blend of guitar driven, queer, power pop with hazy synths and big beats.
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