The 50 Catchiest Songs of 2023
The 50 Catchiest Songs of 2023
3 hour playlist, all genres! With liner notes, music videos, and links to all vinyl variants.
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Hello and welcome back to The Wax Museum, the vinyl and vibes curation newsletter, where we dig up grooves from the past, present, and future.
Before we dive into the best songs of the year, some self promotion: I am adding the finishing touches to the book Tunes & Turntables: The 100 Best Records of 2023, which will be out very soon. It’ll include all the stuff we do around here: album lists, music discovery, vinyl spotlight, and all sorts of random rabbit holes. Paid subs will receive this as a membership perk. If you like vinyl and new music, you won't want to miss it!
The 50 Catchiest Songs of 2023
As a dad of a two-year-old, my brain is constantly assaulted by the sounds of Miss Rachel, Bluey, and Baby Shark. Thankfully, 2023 provided tons of memorable melodies for when I need to power-wash my brain from the Frozen soundtrack. Here’s the 50 catchiest earworms that got stuck in my temporal lobe this year.
50. Portugal. The Man - “Summer of Luv”
Chris Black Changed My Life on vinyl: Clear | Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Let’s start the list off with some sexy sax from indie rockers Portugal. the Man, who took a six year absence, but still know how to craft the perfect arena-filling crowdpleaser.
49. Ric Wilson, Chromeo, & A-Trak - “Pay It No Mind”
CLUSTERFUNK is not yet on vinyl.
Hip hop and electronica collide as the infectious Chicago rapper teamed up with A-Trak and both “Dave 1” and “P-Thugg” from Chromeo for a nine-track project called CLUSTERFUNK; “Pay It No Mind” is the toe-tappiest of the bunch.
48. Bully - “Days Move Slow”
Lucky For You on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Garage rock multi-hyphenate Alicia Bognanno channels 90’s radio rock on “Days Move Slow,” the catchiest song about the death of a pet you’ll ever hear.
47. shame - “Adderall”
Food for Worms on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
shame’s third album Food for Worms is a rollicking good time filled with songs about dudes rocking. If there’s any justice in the world, the anthem “Adderall” (with a secret cameo by Phoebe Bridgers) will go down as a classic.
46. Thundercat and Tame Impala - “No More Lies”
Sadly no album announced.
Of course it’s gonna be catchy when you have Tame Impala and Thundercat on the same joint. I would kill for a full album from these two.
45. Real Estate - “Water Underground”
Daniel on vinyl: Light Blue | Black (February 2024 release)
A late entry to the catchiest songs of the year, last week, indie rock stalwarts Real Estate dropped the melodic single “Water Underground” with an Adventures of Pete and Pete-inspired music video.
44. Fatoumata Diawara - “Nsera”
London Ko on vinyl: Indie Exclusive Blue | Black
I first heard Malian artist Fatoumata Diawara’s striking voice on “Désolé” off the 2020 Gorillaz’s album Song Machine, Season One. Damon Albarn repays the favor with vocals on groovy lead single and visually stunning video “Nsera.”
43. Fireworks - “I Want to Start a Religion with You”
Higher Lonely Power on vinyl: Cloudy Black | Discogs (colored variants)
From the aggressive hardcore opener to the irresistibly warm "I Want to Start a Religion With You," Fireworks’ Higher Lonely Power is anything but predictable. With its shifts in tone, exploration of religious themes, and infectious choruses, it's like Detroit's pop-punk answer to Brand New's The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me.
42. KAYTRAMINÉ - “4EVA”
Kaytraminé on vinyl: Deluxe Half Hot Pink / Half Blue | Blue
Kaytraminé is the debut collaboration by American rapper Aminé and Haitian-Canadian producer Kaytranada. Aminé’s charming and chilled back flow pairs nicely with Kaytranada’s sunny instrumentals.
41. Foo Fighters - “Rescued”
But Here We Are on vinyl: White | Discogs
Foo Fighters return after the devastating losses of drummer Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl’s mother. Album opener “Rescued” gets right to the point: “It came in a flash / It came out of nowhere / It happened so fast / And then it was over.” The power ballad is vintage Foos and a triumphant way to keep Taylor’s spirit alive.
40. DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ - “For Now and Forever”
Destiny on vinyl: Colored Box Set
London’s DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ conjured witchcraft with the staggering four hour, 41-track Destiny. Reminiscent of Girl Talk or The Avalanches, DJ Sabrina offers an instant dopamine rush, flooding the senses with a cascade of euphoric vibes.
39. Alex Lahey - “The Sky is Melting”
The Answer is Always Yes on vinyl: Coke Bottle Green | Discogs (colored variants)
Australian rocker Alex Lahey’s third album The Answer Is Always Yes is plenty of fun with songs like “The Sky Is Melting” bringing to mind Fountains of Wayne with her absurd lyricism and acerbic wit.
38. slowdive - “kisses”
everything is alive on vinyl: Mint Green | Clear | Black
Shoegaze kings and queen Slowdive are back to explore new dimensions of their reverb-soaked guitar-driven sound. Single “kisses” shows why they are still the masters at creating the perfect dreampop groove.
37. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - “Death Wish”
Weathervanes on vinyl: Translucent Black | Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Jason Isbell had an excellent 2023; not only did he release Weathervanes to critical acclaim, he is surprisingly excellent as an actor in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
The album opener “Death Wish” shows why Isbell is one of the best storytellers in the game. Jack White does an impressive cover of this as well (and coincidentally is also in Killers of the Flower Moon).
36. Mini Trees and illuminati hotties - “Doomsday”
2023 remix of 2021 song from album Always in Motion
illuminati hotties aka Sarah Tudzin also had a busy 2023, co-producing boygenius’ the record, providing vocals for an Ahsoka song, and getting married. She somehow found time to level up Mini Trees’ 2021 song “Doomsday” into a poolside vibe.
35. Killer Mike feat. Young Thug and Dave Chappelle - “RUN”
Michael on vinyl: White | Evergreen | Grape | Black
MICHAEL shines a light on the 48-year-old rapper’s Atlanta upbringing, familial bonds, religious beliefs, and professional journey. It never feels like a midlife crisis, rather a profound self-reflection from an artist very much in his prime. “RUN” is the song that’s stuck with me the most, and I like to think it’s a spiritual sequel to his treadmill battle.
34. Olivia Rodrigo - “ballad of a homeschooled girl”
GUTS on vinyl: Pink | White | Red | Blue | Purple | Black | Discogs (colored variants)
What sophomore slump? Olivia Rodrigo, who looks to be a generational talent, followed up her debut SOUR (which was the fastest album in history to have all songs platinum certified) with the Grammy nominated Album of the Year GUTS. For me, the record highlight is when she leans into the garage rock on social anxiety anthem “ballad of a homeschooled girl.”
33. The Lemon Twigs - “What Happens to a Heart”
Everything Harmony on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Vintage sound with modern twists sums up The Lemon Twigs’ fourth album Everything Harmony. The Long Island brothers will have you experiencing the Mandela Effect because you’d swear you were listening to forgotten 60’s and 70’s classics.
32. Yves Tumor - “Meteora Blues”
Praise a Lord… on vinyl: Yellow | Clear | Black | Discogs
Yves Tumor fifth album is his catchiest yet, with “Meteora Blues” the clear standout. The stadium filler sounds like some sort of unholy fusion of Prince, Lenny Kravitz, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
31. Little Dragon - “Gold”
Slugs of Love on vinyl: Indie Exclusive Splatter | Transparent Blue | Discogs
Little Dragon frontwoman Yukimi Nagano is on my shortlist of favorite vocalists; exhibit A is “Gold,” a buttery smooth dancefloor banger.
30. Paul Cherry feat. Kate Bollinger - “OBO”
Los Angeles Story on vinyl: Clear with Red Swirl | Black
Paul Cherry’s unique brand of oft-kilter pop shines through in this lush Kate Bollinger collaboration. “OBO” is an insta-add to your driving playlist.
29. Romy feat. Fred again… - “Strong”
Mid Air on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Romy Madley Croft of The xx graces us with her long-awaited solo debut. Romy, with help from producer Fred again.. have created a nostalgic synth-driven trance sound that will have you crying in the club.
28. Beach Fossils - “Don’t Fade Away”
Bunny on vinyl: Powder Blue | Opaque Bubblegum | Discogs (colored variants)
“Don’t Fade Away” is what surf rockers Beach Fossils does best: jangly guitars dripping with reverb, incredible bass lines, and wistful lyrics that envelop you in a dreamy haze.
27. Salami Rose Joe Louis feat. Brijean - “Propaganda”
Akousmatikous on vinyl: Black
Bay Area artist Lindsay Olsen is the mind behind the wild musical project Salami Rose Joe Louis. Olsen writes her albums as if they were sci-fi novels, and storyboards the plot before crafting the song. Here she explores ideas of multiverses through the eyes of a post-apocalyptic earthling. Jazzy and experimental soundscapes like “Propaganda” are bizarre in all the right ways.
26. The Japanese House - “Sunshine Baby”
In the End It Always Does on vinyl: Cornflower Blue | Discogs (colored variants)
Amber Bain’s breakout second album about a breakup features production from The 1975’s drummer George Daniel and vocals from frontman Matty Healy on the effortlessly catchy “Sunshine Baby.”
25. Alan Palomo - “The Return of Mickey Milan”
World of Hassle on vinyl: Black
Alan Palomo, shedding his Neon Indian moniker, returns from an eight-year hiatus with World of Hassle, where he trades the chillwave aesthetics of his past for Italo disco. Good luck getting ♫ M-M-M-Mickey Milan ♫ out of your head.
24. Blonde Redhead - “Snowman”
Sit Down for Dinner on vinyl: Strawberry Parfait Splatter | Yogurt White | Violet | Black
Blonde Redhead's triumphant return, Sit Down for Dinner, marks their first album in nearly a decade and cements itself as a standout in their illustrious 30-year career. Album opener “Snowman” ranks among the most infectious melodies in their catalog.
23. White Reaper - “Fog Machine”
Asking for a Ride on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variant)
White Reaper delivered on their marketing promise for this album, which was “five dudes churning out bangers like their lives depend on it.” Play ‘em at high volume.
22. The Arcs - “Sunshine”
Electrophonic Chronic on vinyl: Coral Splatter | Yellow Splatter | Discogs (colored variants)
Electrophonic Chronic is the long awaited second studio album by The Arcs, a supergroup side project of Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys). The album and accompanying music videos are an ode to primary member Richard Swift, who passed away between albums, but his talent lives on here.
21. MGMT - “Mother Nature”
Loss of Life on vinyl: Prismatic Splatter | Black (February 2024 release)
MGMT still knows how to crank out impossibly catchy melodies; first single “Mother Nature” off upcoming album Loss of Life sounds like the best parts of their discography rolled into one.
20. Larry June & The Alchemist feat. Ty Dolla Sign - “Summer Reign”
The Great Escape on vinyl: Black
The Alchemist has been a cheat code for rappers lately, and he does it again, this time with smooth-talking San Franciscan Larry June. The gorgeous sample is taken from Ojiji’s 1979 cut “Summer Rain.”
19. Indigo De Souza - “Younger & Dumber”
All of This Will End on vinyl: Crimson Sundown | Blood Orange | Purple | Discogs
Asheville’s Indigo De Souza’s third album is packed with indie pop jams, but the closer and lead single “Younger & Dumber” hits the harder. While this may be the slowest ear candy on the list, its slow burn beauty stays with you long after.
18. Temples - “Gamma Rays”
Exotico on vinyl: Black | Discogs (multiple colored variants)
Brimming with spirited and breezy tunes, Temples’ Exotico, produced by Sean Ono Lennon, transports listeners to a balmy island paradise. Standout track “Gamma Rays” shimmers with daydreamy psychedelia, perfectly encapsulating the spaced-out beach vibe.
17. Lana Del Rey - “Taco Truck x VB”
Did you know… on vinyl: White | Light Green | Black | Discogs (colored variants)
While “A&W” gets all the love, and for good reason, nothing is catchier than Lana’s album closer “Taco Truck x VB,” which starts as a chill ballad and switches to a grimy trap remix of Norman Fucking Rockwell!’s “Venice Bitch”.
16. George Clanton - “Ooh Rap I Ya”
Ooh Rap I Ya on vinyl: Canary Yellow
♫ Ooh rap I ya ♫ I don’t know what it means but it’s provocative, gets the people going.
15. Blondshell - “Veronica Mars”
Blondshell on vinyl: Clear | Discogs (colored variants)
I’ll be honest, I didn’t vibe with Blondshell’s debut album as much as others, but opening track “Veronica Mars” is as sticky as it gets. Excited to see what comes next.
14. RVG - “Midnight Sun”
Brain Worms on vinyl: Blue | Discogs
No one painted more vivid pictures to describe the struggles and ironies that accompany our current hell world like Australia’s RVG. “Midnight Sun” is a lush, catchy track about talking heads spewing hate while the world burns. Bonus points for the impressive single-shot music video.
13. Tennis - “One Night with The Valet”
Pollen on vinyl: Pollen | Discogs (colored variants)
Husband and wife duo Tennis dropped POLLEN this year, a tight 35 minutes of all killer no filler. The downside to this is tracks like “One Night with The Valet,” clocking in at under two minutes, aren’t twice the runtime.
12. Jungle feat. Erick the Architect - “Candle Flame”
Volcano on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variants)
Jungle’s fourth album Volcano feature two showstoppers, “Candle Flame” and “Back on 74,” that strike the perfect balance between musical nostalgia and contemporary cool.
11. The Chemical Brothers feat. Beck - “Skipping Like A Stone”
For That Beautiful Feeling on vinyl: Black | 3 LP at 45 RPM
The Chemical Brothers' tenth album is highlighted by “Skipping Like A Stone,” featuring a White Lotus-esque beat, joyful Beck vocals, exquisite bass drops, and the trademark Brothers guitar sweeps.
10. The New Pornographers - “Really Really Light”
Continue as a Guest on vinyl: Green in Blue | Black | Discogs
Sweet melodies from A.C. Newman, Neko Case, and the crew at The New Pornographers, who have been getting after it for over 25 years now. Continue as a Guest is their ninth album and the energy is still there, with the dopamine highlight being “Really Really Light.”
9. boygenius - “True Blue”
the record on vinyl: Black | Blue | Silver | Orange Swirl | Discogs (colored variants)
Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker’s debut album is an ode to their friendship; raw, honest songs about being in love with each other. Aww. After a stupid amount of album listens, I’m nominating the Dacus-led “True Blue” as the album’s catchiest.
8. Jeff Rosenstock - “3 SUMMERS”
HELLMODE on vinyl: Neon Pink | Discogs
It was tough to pick the best track off Jeff Rosenstock’s HELLMODE, eventually settling for the closing seven-minute epic "3 SUMMERS," which is certainly among his greatest songs in his prolific career. Stay young until you die!
7. Dizzy - “Birthmark”
Dizzy on vinyl: Emerald Green | Ruby Red | Discogs (colored variants)
Canadian rockers Dizzy strike a sweet equilibrium with their self-titled third album, balancing energetic headbangers with raw ballads. Throughout the album, meticulously constructed crescendos, like in the opener "Birthmark," pay off in spades.
6. Yaeji - “For Granted”
With a Hammer on vinyl: Black | Neon Yellow | Discogs (colored variants)
With a Hammer is Korean-American artist Yaeji’s full length debut and the drum-and-bass meets synth mashup “For Granted” has stayed in heavy rotation all year.
5. Gaz Coombes - “Don’t Say It’s Over”
Turn The Car Around on vinyl: Yellow | Black | | Discogs (colored variants)
English musician Gaz Coombes of Supergrass fame impresses with Turn the Car Around, an album that’s front to back stone-cold bangers featuring top-notch vocals, mint production, and hooks with serious replay value.
4. Wednesday - “Chosen to Deserve”
Rat Saw God on vinyl: Purple | Discogs (colored variants)
The guitar riff in Wednesday’s “Chosen to Deserve” descends from the heavens and is tailor-made to get stuck in your head. It’s one of those sounds that you can’t believe is new. Pair that with lyrics about Benadryl overdoses and teaching Sunday School after a bender and you have the recipe for a hit!
3. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - “Layla”
V on vinyl: Golden Nugget | Rare Blue | Discogs
A big thank you to Hawaiian-New Zealand artist Ruban Nielson for blessing us with a double album packed with tasty guitar licks and charming melodies. V is straight heat, and the stretch of songs from #6 “That Life” to #11 “Nadja” is extremely my shit. With the way Ruban sits these tracks way back in the mix, like the unforgettable “Layla,” cranking it LOUD will have everything sounding even better.
2. Hotline TNT - “I Thought You’d Change”
Cartwheel on vinyl: Black | Discogs (colored variant)
Hotline TNT’s second album from former Weed frontman Will Anderson comes courtesy of Third Man Records with lead single “I Thought You’d Change” delivering the goods. Be sure to catch the funniest music video of the year, starring and directed by comedians Eric Rahill and Jake Bensinger.
1. MJ Lenderman - “Knockin’”
Re-recorded single, album likely coming in 2024.
*Stefon voice* This song has everything: John Daly covering Guns N’ Roses, birds in the hardware store rafters, multiple DUIs, unrequited love, an unforgettable riff, and the best song climax of the year. It’s pure rock n’ roll from one of our most exciting songwriters.
🎧 The 50 Catchiest Songs of 2023 on Spotify | Apple
Whew, great year! What did I miss? Add your favs to the comments below!
Whoa! So many things to discover here! I'm ready to dive in 〰️
This entire list is damn near flawless but I’m impressed with the MJ Lenderman top pick! I’ve had the hardest time getting into his records and then And the Wind dropped a few weeks ago and my word, he sounds phenomenal live! Need to revisit the albums again and catch him out on the road!