As the new year begins, it’s time to look back on my top four songs of the year (in no particular order).
“$20” – boygenius
Released on Jan. 18th, 2023, “$20” was one of three singles that teased boygenius’ critically acclaimed debut album, The Record. Even after spending many months intimately combing through everything the album has to offer, “$20” is still my favourite track. The song, led by Julien Baker, is a souped-up, enlightened take on the musician’s desperate compulsion for self-destruction.
In stark contrast to the band’s earlier work, “$20” feels like a runaway train headed toward an unavoidable crash. Built on Baker’s undeniable conviction, it’s easy to sympathize with her self-inflicted predicament. Even in the face of a clear lyrical portrayal of Baker as bad news incarnate, listeners still want to give her the 20 dollars she is begging for. It simply cannot be avoided.
While this list isn’t in any particular order, it’s worth noting that “$20” was my most-played song of the year. It’s the perfect combination of lyrical genius and musical ferocity, keeping the listener on their toes and ready for whatever might come next.
“If You’re Gonna Break My Heart” – Inhaler
Released on Feb. 1st, 2023, “If You’re Gonna Break My Heart” was the third single released by Inhaler in the run-up to their sophomore album Cuts & Bruises. While it is easy to overlook in favour of the epic youth anthem “These Are The Days,” “If You’re Gonna Break My Heart” surpasses the other tracks through its genuine emotion and impressive musical capabilities.
In the beginning, the song relies almost entirely on Josh Jenkinson’s mesmerizing guitar playing to support lead singer Eli Hewson’s deep croon. As the song grows, a structured bass line and full piano track accompany Jenkinson’s strumming to create a charming and high-quality track.
“If You’re Gonna Break My Heart” is by far my favourite track from the album, upholding the band’s classic sound in an entirely new and experimental record.
“Sweet Thing (2006 Remaster)” – The Waterboys
“Sweet Thing (2006 Remaster)” is the first of two songs on this list to not have come out in 2023. Initially written and released by Van Morrison in 1968, The Waterboys have covered the song “Sweet Thing” on a handful of occasions. For this list, we will be looking at the 2006 remaster of the song as it is, in my opinion, The Waterboys’ best version.
The song clocks in at seven minutes and 12 seconds and is an explosive, eccentric and energetic take on the original track. Complete with rhythmic acoustic guitar, foot-tapping fiddle and a simple but steady drumbeat, “Sweet Thing (2006 Remaster)” keeps the listener engaged for the entirety of its extensive run time. Singer Mike Scott leads the track with his raspy Scottish vocals, guiding the song through a variety of musical ups and downs.
“Sweet Thing (2006 Remaster),” with its authentically Celtic feel, always manages to make it somewhere on my list. The track is a true example of what musical feats can be accomplished with real instruments and a bold frontman to lead.
“Fairytale of New York feat. Kirsty MacColl” – The Pogues
With the recent passing of Shane MacGowan, the lead singer of The Pogues, it would feel wrong not to include “Fairytale of New York” in my top songs list of 2023. A classic holiday track, “Fairytale of New York” somehow finds its way into every one of my favourite playlists, even when the throughline has nothing to do with Christmas.
Playful and upbeat, “Fairytale of New York” begs you to find a sweetheart and swing them through the streets on a snowy December night. Starting with a slow and graceful piano section, the song takes a drastic turn at the 1:30 mark. Featuring a hearty guitar rhythm, a pitchy tin whistle, a bold string section and a snare-heavy drumbeat, the song takes off with vigour, filling listener’s hearts with pure, unadulterated joy.
Without a doubt, “Fairytale of New York” is my favourite Christmas song. But even on a long, hot day in July, the track manages to find its footing, always putting a smile on my face.
