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CHIRP Radio writesCHIRP Radio’s Top 10 Albums of 2023
Another year has passed, which means another collection of fantastic music added to the CHIRP Radio library. And once again, our volunteers took a look back at the records that stood out for them.
Out of the almost 300 records hat got a shout-out, this year’s most-cited album is by a veteran Chicago band that’s been gracing the CHIRP airwaves since their debut LP release in 2016.
It continues to be CHIRP Radio’s purpose and pleasure to present all of this music and the amazing artists who make it. Our deepest thanks for your support, and Best Wishes from all of us to all of you for 2024 and beyond!
#1 The Window by Ratboys (Topshelf)
The only album on my list whose ranking most definitely won’t change is my AOTY, the fifth and latest release from our hometown heroes, Ratboys. I have been a huge fan of this alt-country/emo outfit ever since I first discovered them six years ago when a band photographer friend brought me to their GN album release show. I was instantly blown away and went straight to the merch table to pick up a vinyl copy immediately after the show. Every subsequent album has been better than the previous and The Window is no exception. It is insanely catchy, heartfelt, and frontwoman Julia Steiner’s twangy vocals perfectly compliment their incomparable blend of folk, country, and emo. --Eric Wiersema
Inject this straight into my veins. By far the best record release this year and its the only one I'm ranking because it truly deserves to be number one. The music Chicago's Ratboys makes is nearly impossible to disagree with and is full of Kentucky blues inflections that Julia (Vocals/Songwriting) grew up with. They're absolutely flourishing as a quartet. --Nik Hunder
#2 Radical Romantics by Fever Ray (Rabid)
Another artist whose career I've followed for the last quarter-century is Karin Dreijer, aka the artist behind Fever Ray, and formerly of The Knife. This record did not disappoint. A layered, often frenetic exploration of love in its many forms. I finally saw them at the Salt Shed last May; it was a show I won't soon forget! --Sarah Spencer
#3 10,000 gecs by 100 gecs (Dog Show/Atlantic)
“Hollywood Baby” by 100 gecs might be the catchiest song of the year. The track certainly hit CHIRP Radio’s heavy rotation airwaves with reckless abandon when 10,000 gecs was released in March. Hailing from St. Louis, 100 gecs is an electronic duo who won hearts this year with their playful lyrics and bouncy refrains. The track “Frog on the Floor” is an absolute joyful masterpiece of youth, curiosity, and compassion. This album charts my top 10 because of its innovation, creativity, positivity, sass, and experimental prowess. --The Audible Snail
#4 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! --Danielle Sines
#5 the record by boygenius (Interscope)
The super powers combined from Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker creates charming songs with riveting storytelling. I can understand why their fans go crazy for them. They make it feel okay to feel your feelings. --Marites Velasquez
#6 Vs. The Worm by Ovef Ow (What’s for Breakfast?/Oort Cloud)
A little bit of surf rock, a little bit of post punk, a little bit of new wave and a lot of personality makes the full-length debut from this Chicago band one that rewards multiple listens, always revealing something new. --Shawn Campbell
#7 Lucky For You by Bully (Sub Pop)
Bully is frankly one of those artists who, if she releases almost anything, it's probably going on my list. I just love the energy Alicia Bognanno brings. Highlight here was the lead single and collaboration with Soccer Mommy, "Lose You." –Ninja
#8 Maps by Billy Woods & Kenny Segal (Backwoodz Studioz)
Of all the hip-hop records I listened to this year, this was the one I revisited the most. Partly because it painted a vivid, disorienting picture of life on the road for a post-COVID touring artist, but mostly because Billy Woods' food and drink descriptions make me hungry for he finer things in life. A mezcal Negroni? Who wouldn't! --Tyler Clark
#9 That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware (EMI)
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. --Danielle Sines
#10 Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? by Kara Jackson (September)
This record stopped me in the my tracks the first time I heard it. It hit me the way hearing Judee Sill’s debut album hit me. There’s just so much going on here. There’s a simplicity to Jackson’s melodies, but she is daring in how she structures her songs. Her lyrics are expressive in so many ways. Cutting, funny, wise, witty, direct, poetic – but no matter what mode she’s in, it’s always authentic. And her voice. She sings near the bottom of her range, and it has such a warm, resonant tone, but when she goes up higher, it’s sublime to hear the rise. Her phrasing is as creative as her compositions. To top it all off, her fellow Chicagoan collaborators - Sen Morimoto, Kaina Castillo, and Nnamdi Ogbannaya - assist in perfect production, knowing when Jackson’s voice and guitar are enough, or strings or other embellishments are needed. An instant classic. --Mike Bennett
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