Consequence, a music publication, has released its list of the 200 Best Songs of 2023, highlighting the challenges faced by the music industry and the evolving nature of music media. With fewer outlets and jobs for critics, Consequence has adapted by incorporating more staff input and expanding its coverage. The list represents their increased focus on new music and growth as a publication, although they acknowledge the impossibility of fully covering every track.
The best songs of 2023 include SZA's "Snooze," Beyoncé's "Cuff It [Wetter Remix]," Jonas Brothers' "Vacation Eyes," Doechii's "What It Is (Solo Version)," and Victoria Monét's "On My Mama." Other notable mentions include Billie Eilish, Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves, Mistki, Karol G x Shakira, and Tyla.
Complex has released its list of the best songs of 2023, featuring a diverse range of tracks across genres. Highlights include Groovy and B Jacks' viral Jersey Club hit "Jersey Luv," Naomi Sharon's soulful "Definition of Love," and That Mexican OT's collaboration with Paul Wall on "Johnny Dang." Other notable songs include 6LACK's romantic track "Since I Have a Lover," Lil Uzi Vert's remix of "Watch This," and Luh Tyler's carefree anthem "First Show." The list showcases the talent and creativity of artists in the music industry in 2023.
The New York Times' pop music critics discuss the most impactful songs of 2023, which span across genres and generations. The list includes tracks from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Central Cee, PinkPantheress, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, André 3000, Noname, Yo La Tengo, Byron Messia, Kylie Minogue, and Lankum. The conversation explores the distinction between a musical event and a song, and whether a best-songs list can be valid without including music from a critic's best albums.
Billboard has released its staff-curated list of "The 100 Best Songs of 2023," featuring NewJeans' "Super Shy" at No. 38, FIFTY FIFTY's "Cupid" at No. 50, and BTS's Jungkook's solo debut single "Seven" (featuring Latto) at No. 55. The songs were praised for their catchy melodies, innovative production, and strong performances. "Super Shy" showcased NewJeans' pop superstar potential, "Cupid" became the first top 10 hit on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart for a South Korean group other than BTS, and "Seven" marked Jungkook's first solo Hot 100 No. 1.
Billboard's list of the best songs of 2023 showcases the diverse and chaotic landscape of pop music, with genres like pop-rock, country, R&B, and regional Mexican making their mark on the charts. Established stars delivered some of their biggest hits, while rising stars and newcomers kept things interesting. The list features a wide range of songs from different genres and time periods, highlighting the fact that pop music can come from any place, any time, and anybody.
Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman lists the ten best songs of 2023, including Victoria Monét's "On My Mama," Bad Bunny's "Monaco," Miley Cyrus' "Flowers," PinkPantheress and Ice Spice's "Boy's A Liar Pt. 2," Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves' "I Remember Everything," Paramore's "Crave," Troye Sivan's "Rush," 100 gecs' "Dumbest Girl Alive," NewJeans' "OMG," and Danny Brown's "Tantor."
