The end of the year is upon us, and it's time to reflect on your favorite music of 2023! Here are Luke Taylor's favorite songs of the year. Once you've made your own list, vote in The Current's Top 89 poll by December 18, and we'll count down your Top 89 of 2023 at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, and at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.

Top 10 Songs of 2023

Bully – “Days Move Slow”
Is it possible to write a song about bereavement and grief and still have it rock without it being an angry screed? In the capable hands of Alicia Bognanno, it is most definitely possible. The lyrics convey a sense of loss, of grief, but also a desire to move on. And even though the title is “Days Move Slow,” this up-tempo tune leans forward, much like its protagonist looks forward to brighter days.  

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – “When We Were Close”
Another song born of grief, “When We Were Close” is Isbell’s tribute to his friend, singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle. In addition to conveying some cherished memories, there’s something confessional about the song as it asks difficult questions and also seems to deal with some survivor’s guilt. Beyond the lyrics, Jason Isbell’s and Sadler Vaden’s searing guitars remind us that anger is also part of the grieving process. 

Jenny Lewis – “Love Feel”
Switching gears a bit, Jenny Lewis’ “Love Feel” is bright and breezy, a great cut from the appropriately named Joy’all album. I love the way she name-checks a number of her heroes, giving warmhearted emphasis when she sings the name John Prine.  

Low Cut Connie – “Are You Gonna Run?” 
The New Yorker may have named Low Cut Connie’s Adam Weiner “Pandemic Person of the Year” in 2020 (a much-deserved honor), but by the time Weiner sat down with Jill Riley in The Current studio this past April to talk about the forthcoming album, Art Dealers, he was ready to rock in person. “It's time to get your hair messed up again, it's time to be in a crazy, sweaty, rock and roll club … I wanted that crush of energy, rock ‘n’ roll energy. And so that's where all these songs came from, was just wanting to get back out there.” The song “Are You Gonna Run?” is soulful, thoughtful and based in rock and roll … in other words, that unmistakable Low Cut Connie sound. 

Middle Kids – “Bootleg Firecracker”
This is a beautiful, mellow, summery song. For me, it’s the song of summer for 2023; personally speaking, there were some rough patches in there — better now, thankfully — and hearing this song helped lift me up many times. 

I also appreciate the creative exercise that went into the song. When Middle Kids were in studio back in August, the band’s Tim Fitz explained, “Something we were trying to do with the lyrics in the chorus particularly was like … can we describe this thing, which is essentially love, without talking about love?” What they landed on was the metaphor of a firecracker.  

Ratboys – “It’s Alive!” 
Just a really good indie-rock song from Chicago band Ratboys. 

The Last Dinner Party – “Nothing Matters”
Truth be told, I feel like I’m not really supposed to like this song … but I do. It’s powerful, it’s raw — maybe even nihilist? — but my goodness, is it catchy: the baroque opening; the emotional, drama-filled lyrics; the building intensity of the arrangement. And then there’s that refrain — I could totally relate to The Independent’s Jessie Thompson, who wrote back in May, “In fairness, I did get self-conscious about singing a chorus that goes ‘and I will f*** you, like nothing matters’ in earshot of my nice neighbours.” 

The National – “Tropic Morning News”
This song released in January 2023, one of the first new songs of the new year, but it didn’t really capture my attention until May. There is just something soothing yet captivating about Matt Berninger’s voice layered over the tight, thoughtful composition and arrangement by this experienced band. 

Vagabon – “Lexicon”
A happy, dance-y song? Yes, please.  

Wilco – “Evicted”
Another truly sublime track from Wilco, off their latest effort, Cousin.  

Honorable Mentions 
Alex G – “Runner”
Angel Olsen – “Nothing’s Free”
Ber – “Boys Who Kiss You In Their Car”
Blur – “Barbaric”
Grouplove – “Hello”
Jenny Lewis – “Psychos”
Joseph – “Nervous System”
Laamar - “Home To My Baby”
Michigander – “Superglue”
Mighty Poplar – “Up on the Divide”
Mighty Poplar – “Let Him Go on Mama”
Nikki Lane – “Denim and Diamonds”
Samia – “Honey”
Samia – “Mad at Me” feat. Papa Mbye
Sarah Jarosz – “Jealous Moon”
Sunny War – “No Reason”
The Heavy Heavy – “Go Down River”
Yves Tumor – “Fear Evil Like Fire”