Another year has come and gone, and we here at Third Minute decided to make yet another “best of” list of all the albums that were released this past year. With well over 100 albums listened to this year, we’ve narrowed it down to 30 of our favorites.

30. Cartwheel x Hotline TNT

Overview: The New York based band’s 2nd studio album ushered in a new age for the group.

Shoegaze saw a bit of a revival in 2023, with Hotline TNT spearheading the charge. The wheel wasn’t reinvented, so to speak, but new acts like Hotline TNT and genre staples like Slowdive saw massive success among a newer and younger online demographic. “Cartwheel” is an all-encompassing tempest of emotion and sound, that brings a fresh new energy into the landscape.

Added to the Playlist: Protocol, History Channel, Stump

29. Raven x Kelela

Overview: Often grand in scope, “Raven” is the work of an artist secure in her place in the industry.

You wouldn’t guess that “Raven” is just the second album by Kelela upon first listen. The record is an odyssey sonically and emotionally, as she navigates the listener through the tribulations of love and/or broken relationships. Despite it’s length, it’s an album best listened through all at once. Doing so gives the listener the full picture, while being exposed to the full breadth of Kelela’s artistry.

Added to the Playlist: Happy Ending, Missed Call, Contact

28. In Times New Roman x Queens of the Stone Age

Overview: Rising like a phoenix from the ashes amidst personal strife and controversy, Josh Homme and crew are as strong as ever.

We won’t get into the details of what Homme’s gone through personally over the last few years since the band’s previous record “Villains”, but it clearly had an affect on him and the rest of the band. But, after coming out on the other side of it, “In Times New Roman” feels like a weight lifted, a sigh of relief. It’s a fun record that’s set as a reminder of who Queens of the Stone Age is, one of the last great rock bands still standing.

Added to the Playlist: Paper Machete, Carnavoyeur, Emotion Sickness

27. The Great Escape x Larry June & The Alchemist

Overview: A premiere underground rapper and a producing living legend link up for one of the slickest rap albums of the year.

In retrospect, these two artists making a record together makes total sense. With June’s laid-back style of rapping and The Alchemist’s ear for sampling, the two matched perfectly. The Alchemist was able to amplify what already made June great, which is what you really want out of a producer/rapper combo. Neither of them stumble over each other, and while it’s undeniable The Alchemist is the most acclaimed of the two, June kept up just fine in his own right.

Added to the Playlist: 89 Earthquake, Ocean Sounds, Barragan Lightning

26. Perennial x Woods

Overview: The 11th album and first in 3 years by the Brooklyn Indie-Folk band may be their best yet.

Having 11 albums in general is no small feat, but despite some lineup changes the group is as strong as ever. The haunting, dream-like folk of “Perennial” ads an air of mysticism to every track. The album can be surmised as a journey, with lead vocalist Jeremy Earl serving as a Charon-esque guide through it all.

Added to the Playlist: Between the Past, Day Moving On, Weep

25. Grails x Pi’erre Bourne

Overview: Oft Producer/Occasional Rapper Pi’erre Bourne is not afraid to do whatever the hell he wants.

Is “this “Grails” some groundbreaking feat of lyricism? No. But is it fun as hell? Absolutely. Pi’erre knows who he is as a rapper at this point, and has leaned in to his brand of witty humor and day-in-the-life storytelling tenfold. His production is top notch as ever, his ear for catchy beats is rivaled by very few in the game. At this point, I know what I’m getting out of a Pi’erre Bourne project: a damn good time.

Added to the Playlist: George Lopez, Chicken and Waffles, Lessons

24. My Soft Machine x Arlo Parks

Overview: As a follow-up to her acclaimed debut “Collapsed In Sunbeams” two years ago, “My Soft Machine” proves a worthy successor.

While maybe not quite as good as the debut, the encore has many redeeming qualities of its own. Parks seems more comfortable this time, mixing dreamy melodies with a sound that soothes and comforts. Even when she’s singing about longing and heartbreak, you can’t help but to feel a sense of warmth.

Added to the Playlist: Impurities, Devotion, Purple Phase

23. Grapes Upon The Vine x TV Girl

Overview: As daring sonically as ever, the Indie-Pop band out of Los Angeles tackles new subject matter in their 4th studio album.

An interesting thing that TV Girl does that not many other artists in the genre do is sampling. This time, they explore the world of Gospel music, using that as a vehicle to speak about religion and faith. It’s a daring exploration for the band and one they face head-on and pull off near flawlessly.

Added to the Playlist: I’ll Be Faithful, Shame, Fire

22. Chris Black Changed My Life x Portugal. The Man

Overview: Six years after their award-winning break-out single “Feel It Still” and accompanying album “Woodstock”, the Alaskan natives haven’t missed a beat.

Portugal. The Man is nine albums in at this point and have been active for over 20 years now, and yet they still find ways to push their own boundaries. “Chris Black Changed My Life” finds a way to combine the old and the new, becoming a blend of what gave PTM their cult following in the days of “Church Mouth” but still having that mainstream appeal of their last record. And as a dedication to their friend, of whom the album is named after who passed in 2019, it would certainly make him proud.

Added to the Playlist: Thunderdome [W.T.A], Summer of Luv, Doubt

21. Struggler x Genesis Owusu

Overview: Both rich and complex, the sophomore effort from the Ghanaian-Australian shines in many ways.

Owusu could have gone a number of ways with this record, after receiving critical acclaim for his debut “Smiling With No Teeth” in 2021. However, the direction he chose with “Struggler”, was bold and experimental. The album tells a story through it’s 11 tracks, and the listener can pick up something new with each listen. With Owusu mixing post-punk with R&B and hip hop, it’s a record not many can pull off, but he does it seemingly effortlessly.

Added to the Playlist: The Roach, The Old Man, Stuck To The Fan

20. The Ballad of Darren x Blur

Overview: In over 8 years since their last record, the English Brit-Pop/Indie Rock legends continue to add to their already illustrious legacy.

While this is the first record in nearly a dcade for the band as a collective unit, the members have still remained busy; Damon Albarn with Gorillaz and a solo record, guitarist Graham Coxon working on various soundtracks and his own solo record, and drummer Dave Rowntree releasing a solo record as well. These new experiences helped shaped them coming back together as Blur, with Damon noting it as, “the first legit Blur album since 13, because we approached it like we would have approached making a record before, with all of us together in the room”. All in all the album is a clever reflection of life, as the band navigates being older while still trying to relate to an increasingly younger generation.

Added to the Playlist: Barbaric, The Narcissist, Avalon

19. Guts x Olivia Rodrigo

Overview: “Sophomore slump” isn’t in Olivia Rodrigo’s vocabulary, as she continues to prove why she’s the mainstream powerhouse that she is.

You probably can’t go anywhere in public for an extended period of time without hearing one of Rodrigo’s many chart-dominating songs. And for good reason, as she’s one of the handful of new-age artists that has that old-school appeal of past generations’ pop stars like Britney Spears and Nelly Furtado with the dominating presence that defines the new era. It helps that the music is actually good, too, as Rodrigo isn’t afraid to take risks and try new things. While the subject matter hasn’t changed too much from the previous record, there’s an added air of rage, confidence, and acuity this time around.

Added to the Playlist: bad idea right?, get him back!, pretty isn’t pretty

18. Praise a Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) x Yves Tumor

Overview: As diverse as it is cohesive, the fifth record from the Miami-Born, Italy-Based artist is nothing short of labyrinthine.

Yves Tumor has never been afraid to push boundaries. Their experimental and neo-psychedelical style has made them stand-out in a crowded music landscape, with comparisons that can be made to the likes of Prince and Bowie. The record’s biggest strength is it’s diversity in production, as it takes the listener through a journey of post-punk, electronica dance, and even a hint of heavy metal. Tumor’s genre-bending, and [often] defying, nature plays well into who they are as a person, as “Praise a Lord” is a record only they would dare make.

Added to the Playlist: Lovely Sewer, Meteora Blues, In Spite of War

17. Something to Give Each Other x Troye Sivan

Overview: As a celebration and unapologetic love-letter to queerness, “Something To Give Each Other” will likely become a community staple.

At it’s core, the album is a damn good pop record. Deeper than that, though, Sivan fully embraces his queerness, and feels freer for it. The album mixes dancehall bops with intimate moments that can be shared between lovers. The added comfort and energy of Sivan displays throughout the record is a welcome addition, as no song feels out of place. To sum up the album in just three words: lust, love, and laughter.

Added to the Playlist: Rush, What’s The Time Where You Are?, In My Room

16. Evergreen x Pvris

Overview: As the last remaining member of band, Lynn Gunn was woman on a mission on Pvris’ 4th record.

While Brian McDonald remains to play bass and keyboard during the live shows, “Evergreen” was all Gunn. That didn’t stop her, though, as she continues to push Pvris past any preconceived boundaries, delving deeper into her Hip-Hop and R&B influences than ever before. Though past records may have had higher highs, “Evergreen” feels like the most complete Pvris record yet. It’s thematically consistent, and never lets it’s foot off the gas.

Added to the Playlist: I DON’T WANNA DO THIS ANYMORE, SENTI-MENTAL, EVERGREEN

15. Chronicles of a Diamond x Black Pumas

Overview: The highly anticipated sophomore record from the Psychedelic-Soul duo out of Austin, Texas picks up right where they previously left off.

Black Pumas saw a moderate amount of success with their debut self-titled record, even getting so much as a Grammy nod for Best New Artist. With success, it’s easy to get complacent in the follow-up. Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada avoid that trap, though, as “Chronicles of a Diamond” has just as much soul, funk, and heart as the previous record.

Added to the Playlist: Chronicles of a Diamond, Tomorrow, Gemini Sun

14. TEC x Lil Tecca

Overview: Probably the most fun we had with a record this year, the third album from the 21 year old out of Queens, New York is just a damn good time.

If you’re one of those folks that have lamented the current generation of hip hop in recent years and used the term “mumble rap” unironically, then this record is definitely not for you. Lil Tecca definitely comes from the Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Redd, and Playboi Carti school of catchy beats, braggadocios lyrics, and snappy hooks. Tecca has a sort of bravado, too, that makes him standout amongst some of his peers. And most importantly, he can craft a full-length record, that isn’t just carried by it’s singles.

Added to the Playlist: Yves, 500lbs, Fell In Love

13. FORWARD x Jordan Ward

Overview: With co-signs from the likes of Tyler, The Creator, No I.D., and J. Cole, this St. Louis native R&B artist is just getting started.

One thing is for certain, talent is one thing Jordan Ward has in abundance. The title of the album serves as a clear message: he’s moving his sound and creativity forward, pushing through his own limits. Ward speaks on personal and familial relationships, while challenging himself vocally and sonically. As a debut album, it already shows immense growth, and it can only go up from here.

Added to the Playlist: FAMJAM4000, WHITE CROCS, PRICETAG/BEVERLYWOOD

12. LINDENAVE! x Oblé Reed

Overview: Deserving way more attention than it got on release, we refuse to let the debut album from the 21 year old Seattle native fly under the radar.

While going independent has become more acceptable in the hip hop community for a few years now, it’s still nearly unthinkable to drop your debut album in such a manner. No huge press tour. No lead single. No hype machine. That doesn’t phase Oblé Reed, though, as he’s decided to make his own lane. And as commendable as that would be on it’s own, it also helps to LINDENAVE is one of the more complete projects of the year from start to finish. He will (and has) get comparisons to a young J. Cole based on voice and delivery, but if he can have even half the career as one of the most esteemed MCs of the 21st century, I don’t think Reed would be too mad at that.

Added to the Playlist: TWOTWOTWO, SK[I]NCARE, DANCEPARTY

11. So Much (For) Stardust x Fall Out Boy

Overview: Two decades and now 8 albums deep, the boys from Chicago have found the fountain of youth.

Fall Out Boy’s been one of our favorite bands since 2003’s Take This To Your Grave, but even we wouldn’t have believed you if you told us they’d produce an album this good in 2023. The past few records had felt like the band was going through the motions, devoid of all the things that made them stand out in a crowded scene from 2003 – 2008 [before their hiatus]. But what So Much (For) Stardust does so well is blend the old with the new. It harkens back to Fall Out Boy’s roots, and what made fans fall in love with them all those years ago, while also ushering in a new era for the band. To read our full thoughts, check out our review here.

Added to the Playlist: Love From The Other Side, What a Time To Be Alive, So Much (For) Stardust

10. Blondshell x Blondshell

Overview: A breakout if there ever was one, 2023 was the year of Blondshell.

We might have just witnessed the birth of a new alt-rock superstar, as Sabrina Teitelbaum saw a wealth of success with her debut as Blondshell. Pivoting from her prior venture as BAUM might’ve saved her career, as she wasn’t in love with the music she was making under that moniker. After hearing a demo for “Olympus”, her producer at the time, Yves Rothman, encouraged her to delve more into that style, citing it’s authenticity. Filled with charm, rage, wit, and self-reflection, Blondshell is a debut with instant impact.

Added to the Playlist: Olympus, Salad, Sepsis

9. VOIR DIRE x Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist

Overview: Two masters in their craft working together in harmonious tandem, “Voir Dire” is the modern hip-hop blueprint.

Fans of Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist might be peeling back the layers of this record for years to come. There’s a complexity in the bars and rhymes, while not being as convoluted as others who have tried and failed at Earl’s styles. In the end, it’s a match that makes total sense, as their styles blend effortlessly together. It’s hard to conclude that such celebrated artists as themselves “needed” each other, but it’s certainly a record that’s way more than just the sum of it’s parts.

Added to the Playlist: Heat Check, Mancala, The Caliphate

8. Desire, I Want To Turn Into You x Caroline Polachek

Overview: In her 4th solo album, Caroline Polachek keeps up the fiery intensity that’s garnered her such a dedicated fanbase.

As a full embrace of Polachek’s inner pop diva, “Desire” is a ferocious as it is intimate. It commands a certain attention, with Polachek’s booming vocals and trip-hop grooves. Here, she fully gives in to her 90s and early 2000s influences, while modernizing her style at the same time. Polachek proves a force among her peers, transcending what was thought possible of the medium. Its a record of few faults, of few down moments, and one that in all likelihood will be looked at as a genre staple 10 years on.

Added to the Playlist: Welcome To My Island, Sunset, I Believe

7. Fountain Baby x Amaarae

Overview: The Ghanaian American singer’s 2nd studio album exudes a confidence of someone five albums her senior.

One thing that impressed us the most about “Fountain Baby” was Amaarae’s ability to cohesively fuse genres across the record. One minute you’re listening to an Afrobeats banger, the next a melodic R&B number, and then jamming out to Punk Rock. She does this in a way that never feels distorted and jumbled, effortlessly going from one to the next and having it make sense in the context of the record. If you didn’t know it, you wouldn’t be mistaken in thinking this was a record made by an industry vet, with a decade or so under her belt. But Amaarae is just getting started.

Added to the Playlist: Big Steppa, Wasted Eyes, “Sex, Violence, Suicide“

6. I Don’t Want You Anymore x Cherry Glazerr

Overview: It’s been four years since Cherry Glazerr’s third album “Stuffed and Ready”, but Clementine Creevy and Crew haven’t missed a beat.

Such as the case with many artists, the pandemic had a profound affect on Creevy and her band mates. Cherry Glazerr is no stranger to lineup changes and shake-ups, but Creevy always takes it in stride. What came out of these last four years was a more intimate and personal record, but also a newfound explosiveness. Creevy’s way of vocalizing raw human experiences truly shines as the band leans heavier into the rock sound, while also maintaining an emotional honesty.

Added to the Playlist: Ready For You, Eat You Like a Pill, I Don’t Want You Anymore

5. This Is Why x Paramore

Overview: One of the last remaining bastions of the Warped Tour/Scene Era, Paramore has shown no signs of slowing down.

It’s been nearly 20 years since Paramore formed in Franklin, TN. They’ve seen their fair share of drama, heartbreak, lineup changes, and more. But Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro’s bond is stronger than ever. And that bond really shines through on their 6th record. To see our full thoughts, check out the full review here.

Added to the Playlist: This Is Why, You First, Thick Skull

4. Heartbeat Highway x Cannons

Overview: Following up their 2022 album “Fever Dream”, the trio out of Los Angeles hasn’t skipped a beat.

Words cannot express how enamored we’ve been with this band over the past couple of years. For the second year in a row, Cannons has our number four album of the year. This time, Michelle Joy and crew take us on a journey with them, through the ups and downs of love, longing and heartbreak. To read our full thoughts, check out our review of the record here.

Added to the Playlist: Sweeter, Can You Feel My Heart, Dancing In The Moonlight

3. The Patience x Mick Jenkins

Overview: One of rap’s best kept-secrets, the Chicago native is the epitome of consistency.

Jayson “Mick” Jenkins has been putting out music for over a decade now, but saw his breakout with the 2014 mixtape The Water[s]. It’s hailed as one of the last great projects in the “mixtape era“. But Mick hasn’t slowed down since then. He’s consistently been putting out quality project after quality project. And while he hasn’t been rewarded with widespread fame, that hasn’t deterred the 32 year old one bit. The Patience is arguably his strongest work yet, bringing an energy that outpaces rappers a decade his junior.

Added to the Playlist: ROY G. BIV, Pasta, Farm to Table

2. Red Moon in Venus x Kali Uchis

Overview: In her 3rd studio album, the bilingual singer out of Virginia’s burning desire and eloquent artistry was on full display.

“Red Moon in Venus” was probably the first album we truly loved in 2023, and came very close to being our #1. It’s just something about Uchis’ sultry vocals and fiery passion that was a recipe for success this year. Since her debut and breakout in 2018, “Isolation”, she’s steadily been climbing the ranks in the industry as one of the best and most consistent artists in her craft. In 2023, she released arguably her best record to date, as the album is an honest and powerful reflection on spirituality and femininity.

Added to the Playlist: I Wish You Roses, Endlessly, Moonlight

1. That! Feels Good! x Jessie Ware

Overview: A true testament of getting better as you get older, Jessie Ware is at the top of her game.

We were never a huge fan of Jesse’s earlier music. Whatever the reason, it just never clicked. But Ware found something with 2020’s “What’s Your Pleasure?” that just struck a cord. As a spiritual sequel, “That! Fells Good!” might be just as good, if not better, with similarly high highs and exceedingly rare lows. This has been our #1 album since it released back in April, and it was never seriously challenged. In fact, we may like it more now than we did then. To read our full thoughts, check out the review here.

Added to the Playlist: Pearls, Begin Again, These Lips

-Devyn Tammons