Hello Reader,

If this is your first time the site, and you came because you like album lists, welcome. I am cognizant that many sites published their own lists awhile back, but I took my time to publish this, listening to and adding newer releases others may have missed so, I’m grateful for your patience.

A brief explanation in mathematical terms for conceptualization and perspective:

• a 1.0 Scum Drop rating would roughly translate to the 0-11th percentile of all albums in a given year.
• a 1.5 Scum Drops rating would be the 12th-23rd percentile.
• a 2.0 Scum Drops rating would be the 24th-35th percentile.
• a 2.5 Scum Drops rating would be the 36th-47th percentile.
• a 3.0 Scum Drops rating would be the 48th-59th percentile.
• a 3.5 Scum Drops rating would be the 60th-71st percentile.
• a 4.0 Scum Drops rating would be the 72nd-83rd percentile.
• a 4.5 Scum Drops rating would be the 84th-95th percentile.
• and a 5.0 Scum Drops rating would be the 96th-100th percentile.

For more on our rating system, please visit here before reading the list.

I think it is easy for music fans, whether they are published critics or listeners at home to overanalyze and added unnecessary negativity to a list. Everyone has their own perspective, and everyone’s list reflects that. I have tried my best to refrain from that negative behavior in the list below. Critical thought and constructive discussion should generate from best of lists, not over analyzation and hypercriticism. You may see your favorite bands and artists not included in the list, I may have listened but given them ratings of less than 4.5 or maybe even not listened to their albums.

Many of the songs we’re hearing in 2023 were initially written and/or recorded during COVID-19 lockdown and we’re hearing them now. Some with a myopic perspective will express in varying verbiage that “music today isn’t good”, and while 2023 wasn’t the best year for recorded music, there are plenty of great artists to listen to, to discover and spread the word about. Continue to change that narrative. A core belief I have is that ‘what’s good is good, regardless of genre’, good music transcends personal preference and taste. 

The following albums are my own listing of the best of the best albums that I have listened to in 2023. The albums are first ordered chronologically by release date. I’ve included my Scum Drops ratings (either 5 or 4.5 Scum Drops) and what percentile of all 2023 music I see the albums residing in. Every single one of these albums are worth your time and money to support the artists and own a physical copy for yourself. I fully endorse that comment. If you disagree, let me know: alex@scummywatertower.com

• February 3rd: Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy
• February 14th: Caroline Polacheck – Desire, I Want To Turn into You
• February 24th: Iris DeMent – Workin’ on a World 
• March 10th: Lonnie Holley – Oh Me Oh My
• March 17th: Yves Tumor – Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)
• March 24th: Cécile McLorin Salvant – Mélusine, JPEGMafia & Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES, Lana Del Ray – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and Lankum – False Lankum
• March 31st: Boygenius – the record
• April 7th: Blondshell – Blondshell, and Wednesday – Rat Saw God
• April 28th: The National – First Two Pages of Frankenstein, and Fires in the Distance – Air Not Meant For Us
• May 5th: billy woods and Kenny Segal – Maps, Durand Jones – Wail Til I Get Over
• June 2nd: Bully – Lucky for You, Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
• July 7th: ANOHNI and the Johnsons – My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross, Gabriels – Angels & Queens, Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings, and PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old Year Dying
• August 18th: Genesis Owusu – STRUGGLER, Sonic Youth – Live in Brooklyn 2011
• August 20th: Strand of Oaks – Live at Pustervik
• August 25th: Jaimie Branch – Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (World War), Holding Absence – the noble art of self destruction
• September 1st: Speedy Ortiz – Rabbit Rabbit
• September 8th: Low Cut Connie – Art Dealers, Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS
• September 15th: Briscoe – Briscoe, Mitski – The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
• September 22nd: Lydia Loveless – Nothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way Again, and The Replacements – Tim: Let it Bleed Edition
• September 29th: Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips
• October 6th: A.Savage – Several Songs About Fire, Sufjan Stevens – Javelin
• October 13th: Creeper – Sanguivore, MIKE – Burning Desire, Jamila Woods – Water Made Us, Squirrel Flower – Tomorrow’s Fire, and Troye Sivan – Something to Give Each Other
• October 20th: Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day, Dhani Harrison – INNERSTANDING, Sampha – Lahai
• October 27th: The Gaslight Anthem – HISTORY BOOKS, Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
• November 3rd: Brigitte Calls Me Baby – This House Is Made of Corners EP 
• November 10th: Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions, PinkPantheress – Heaven knows

Now you know which albums I have chosen, any guesses on which order they are ranked?:

All album artwork is credited to its original artists and belongs to the artists or the music label. 

Full disclosure, I’m a huge fan of their discography and the original version of Tim was in my top four of the ‘Mats studio albums, but this rating or placement is not elevated due to my bias. The original version was extremely well critically received upon release in 1985 and since seeing high praise. This reissue is so spectacular from start to finish. I got so much joy listening to it, hearing the songs with improved audio and incredible sonic quality. The audio overhaul by Ed Stasium added life to these songs and to me, makes this reissue the definitive best ‘Mats album. Thank you Ed! Tim: Let It Bleed Edition is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 99th

 

#2 Caroline Polacheck – Desire, I Want To Turn into You

This is Polacheck’s best work yet. Even though her last album, Pang (2019) was a huge step forward in her artistry and it was well regarded and well crafted, Desire, I Want To Turn into You is even better! The album shows tremendous improvement in all three areas relative to her last album by featuring excellent vocals, lyrics and musical production. It’s a marvelous listening experience for your ears and your brain from the first song to the last. The ascent continues. Easily among the top albums of 2023. Desire, I Want To Turn into You is a 5 Scum Drop out of 5 album. Percentile: 98th

 

#3 Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day

To me, every single song is impressive. What elevates it to the top spot is the consistent beauty from start to finish in songwriting, musical performance and choices made in melody, using exquisite collaborators, track order, and song selection. Some albums have a song that is a throwaway, one that you the listener or the group itself would’ve replaced with another one that they recorded at the same time or later placed onto another album. I don’t hear any throwaways, just great to amazing songs. I wouldn’t change a thing. To me, this is their best work yet. If you played the entire album at a party whether it was after a meal, a less formal get together, or as part of a dance party playlist, I think, even the most persnickety guests would find something they’d love. In part that high quality is why this album is the one on this list that I’ve found myself recommending more often to others. Definitely top 5 of the year worthy, fitting in at the #3 spot for me. My Big Day is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 98th.

 

#4 Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS

GUTS is magnificent. A truly incredible release. Rodrigo’s age is often quickly pointed out by those in the industry. Yes, it’s remarkable that she has accomplished this much at her age, but I chose to focus more on Rodrigo’s self-assuredness, her singing voice, great songwriting skills and how she displays the IT factor. Her artistry should only continue to improve throughout her career which should see her at or among the top. The songs on GUTS are superb, all of them. Well worthy or the #4 spot for me. GUTS is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 98th.

 

#5 Durand Jones – Wait Til I Get Over

Durand Jones first solo album after three albums with his group Durand Jones & The Indications is an exquisite listening experience from the moment the first beat drops. Wait Til I Get Over is southern soul music with melodies that feed your body while the lyrics feed your heart and mind. For those that like to compare, it’s probably the best soul music album you’ll hear in 2023. It holds up to all other releases. Wait Til I Get Over is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album with great, powerful cover art. Rounds out the top 5 for me. Percentile: 97th.

#6 Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings

Cathartic. You’re taken along for the stages of grief in this extraordinary album about loss. The instrumentation is lush and beautiful. Byrne’s voice is intense yet soft-spoken. Confident yet longing. This work of art Byrne displays amazing skill. The album engrosses you, wraps you up while listening and after. It’s worth the ride. Definitely top 10 worthy on this list. The Greater Wings is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 97th.

 

#7 Strand of Oaks – Live at Pustervik

Despite my bias as a longtime fan, Live at Pustervik is objectively fantastic. This outstanding live release still holds up as their best album yet to me. Tim & the band sound in top form and capturing that at a live show is chef’s kiss. The album features a great selection of some of the newer material and some from the middle of their discography. Without a doubt, this is a great intro for those to become new fans. The best live album I heard this year. Live at Pustervik is a 5 Scum Drop out of 5 album. Percentile: 97th.

 

#8 Boygenius – the record

the record is the debut album from the supergroup comprised of the talented Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker. Their self-titled EP in 2018 was pretty damn good, but this album is even better. Their vocals pair so well together, and in the final product they balance songwriting, vocal deliveries and chemistry so seemingly effortlessly. The follow-up EP released in October, the rest is very good. 4 Scum Drops, so it’s not quite good enough to make this best of list. However, the record is a 5 Scum out of 5 Drops album solidly in the top 10 of all albums this year. Percentile: 96th.

 

#9 Low Cut Connie – Art Dealers

The energy and vibe are amazing from start to finish. Art Dealers is excellent to listen to wherever you roam. This is another album where his vocals once again, stick with you. I love the songs on the album that I consider anthems and ballads and also the other songs because the songwriting is another exemplification of Adam Weiner’s talent besides his voice and stage presence. I think Art Dealers went under the radar to many, don’t let it get past you. Art Dealers is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 96th.

 

 

#10 Brigitte Calls Me Baby – This House is Made of Corners EP

As good as an EP can get in my opinion. A ridiculous precedent to start on, one most bands can’t relate to. They’re already so talented. The lazy writer and/or listener would compare the band and their sound(s) to bygone eras and leave it at that. The band is so much more than a lazy comparison and that as is strikingly evident on the EP. Wes Leavins vocals are ones you’ll never forget. Truly. I see nothing to change at all on This House is Made of Corners EP. I’m eager to listen to the full album debut when they have three times as many songs on that album. This House is Made of Corners EP is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drops album. Percentile: 96th.

 

#11 Sonic Youth – Live in Brooklyn 2011

On August 12th, 2011, Sonic Youth played its last US show. They put on one hell of a show for the NY area audience. Combining three decades worth of songs (the band formed in 1981), that night long-time bandmembers Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Lee Renaldo and Steve Shelly were joined by 5-year band member, and Pavement bassist, Mark Ibold on stage to perform a tight 17 song set that included four songs during three encores. They had the energy and musicianship we’ve come to expect from the band and it shows. That night Sonic Youth also chose to avoid some crowd favorites and instead executed seldom played songs from Bad Moon Rising (1985). If you’re looking to hear Sonic Youth live, this is the place to start. Live in Brooklyn 2011 is a 5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Just outside the top 10, but that’s a reflection of the quality around this placement. Percentile: 95th.

 

#12 Squirrel Flower – Tomorrow’s Fire

In my opinion Tomorrow’s Fire is Squirrel Flower’s best album yet. There are a lot of factors that cause this to be so. The decision to pair with Alex Farrar, Ella Williams continued songwriting growth, further developing her voice and trusting herself, and the improvement in musicianship are in your face evident on this album. There are so many good songs, some anthems that you deeply feel while listening to. Tomorrow’s Fire is in the upper echelon of the 4.5 Scum Drops for me out of 5. The album is nearly a 5 and almost in the top 10 albums this year! She’s got quite an impressive discography already and will only add to it as time moves along. Percentile: 94th.

 

#13 Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions

Just track after track of excellent production and advancement in lyrical delivery and composition. Aesop’s gotten better over time and Integrated Tech Solutions is further proof. The album features great collaboration with incredible artists that improve the album quality. Many songs are catchy as hell, I can’t say any bad things about the album. This is Aesop’s best album to date. Integrated Tech Solutions is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 93rd.

 

#14 billy woods and Kenny Segal – Maps

Even though he’s been in the abstract, underground and East Coast scene since 2002, I was late to Billy Woods, first hearing about him in 2023. In hindsight, I am glad that I found about him. This album, Maps with Kenny Segal (best known as a DJ and producer) should put both on the globe and give them the respect they deserve as lyricists, storytellers, narrative creators. I love the reverence for and references to what’s accepted as the golden age of hip hop. The era just after the old skool era but before the new school era. If those terms are unfamiliar, please delve into hip hop history. Woods and Segal pair so well together, I hope they work together and put out even more music in the future. Over the flow, there are a lot of jazz melodies that complement the lyrics so well. Maps is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 93rd.

 

#15 Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips

Billy Woods is back on the list again. What a release year for him! This time, Woods is trading verses with E L U C I D (aka Chaz Hall) in this awesome and innovative alternative (progressive)/east coast/abstract/experimental/conscious hip hop subgenre album. Their voices pair well, their deliveries are tight, and their lyrics are thought-provoking. There are incredible beats underneath the lyrics. I could see many liking this album more than Maps. I went back and forth myself. I give the very slight edge to Maps. We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. I love the album cover as well. Percentile: 93rd.

 

#16 Mitski – The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We

This album was the very last addition to this list. The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We has grown significantly on me, so much so that I had to rearrange the rankings as I didn’t originally include it after listening to it for the first time. But this album deserves its spot as does every other album on this best of 2023 list. This is Mitski’s fourth album since 2016 and all are well received by both critics and fans, so if you’re unfamiliar this is a good place to start your journey. The singer songwriter has taken quite a journey herself starting in childhood frequently moving around the globe, then as an adult traveling while touring. But she firmly plants more roots down with this gem. The songwriting and melodies on The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We seem to allow Mitski to finally exhale. The melodies are more minimal than other artists, but that’s not a bad thing as the melodies she’s singing on top of pair well with Mitski’s vocal delivery and lyrical metaphors, dark humor, and wit. Her fan base continues to grow. The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 93rd

 

#17 Sufjan Stevens – Javelin

It’s a beautiful album. Sufjan is so emotive, raw and intimate to name a few feelings and while listening dear human, you’ll experience that. It grew on me over the course of a several listens. Another album of great songwriting from Sufjan. Many have it amongst their top albums of the year and I have it on my list as well because I also think it deserves to be. This might be his best album, so far. Javelin is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 92nd.

 

#18 Bully – Lucky for You

Lucky for You grips ahold and captivates you from the first track and never lets go. The album is candid, vulnerable, and has rocking instrumentation and anthemic songs. Lucky for You is the fourth album by Bully and even though the previous albums were well received, this is another step forward. The song construction, flow and musicianship make Lucky for You, Bully’s best work. Bully remains Alicia Bognanno’s project though this time she pairs with JT Daly to produce. To me Daly adds value as a secondary voice in the process. Lucky for You is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 92nd.

 

#19 The National – First Two Pages of Frankenstein

Welcome back The National. I missed Matt Berninger’s voice. It’s one of my favorite male voices in all of current music. First Two Pages of Frankenstein, it seems like the band rediscovered their mojo on this album. The lyrics are so vulnerable and overall, it’s a well-crafted album and satisfying listening experience to my ears. I’ve loved all the singles that were released in early 2023 that featured great collaborations with other musicians and vocalists. I imagine I’m more of a fan of this album than most. So be it. First Two Pages of Frankenstein is a 4.5 Scum Drop out 5 album. Percentile: 92nd

 

#20 Troye Sivan – Something to Give Each Other

Troye Sivan continues to find his voice and establish his style. Something to Give Each Other and it’s production, songwriting are another step forward for Sivan who spent his formative years in Australia. This is his first album in five years, his last being Bloom (2018) which was met with acclaim. Something to Give Each Other is a gorgeous electropop, dance album with elements of house and R&B. It doesn’t factor into the final rating but the album cover art is a 5 out of 5 album cover for scaring the prudes and capturing Sivan’s smile and joy. I won’t tolerate that prudish nonsense. Same with the cover for #28 on this list. Something to Give Each Other is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 91st.

 

#21 Blondshell – Blondshell

Blondshell aka Sabrina Teitelbaum releases her debut album under this moniker having been previously known as BAUM. Kudos to Yves Rothman for suggesting that Blondshell record more songs like the demo they heard of “Olympus” and also props to Teitelbaum for not only shedding the former moniker, but finding her sobriety, confidence, voice and moving way past the BAUM moniker with this outstanding group of songs on her self-titled debut. It’s an excellent album both melodically and lyrically. I’m already looking forward to the next album whenever that drops for our listening pleasure. Blondshell is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 91st.

#22 Sampha – Lahai

Sampha returns with his second album Lahai, the first in six years. The lovely album Process (2017) was met with universal acclaim. If you hear Sampha’s voice once, you’ll instantly recognize it the next time you hear it. But the English native is much more than an amazing voice. He’s a talented creative and team assembler as well. For this album, he was a songwriter, melody maker and put together a large group of talent to help him complete the album. Loss, emotion are constants throughout this dazzling album. Lahai was his grandfather’s name. Lahai is 4.5 Scum Drops out of 5 album. Percentile: 91st.

#23 JPEGMafia & Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES

This album is a trip in the best ways. SCARING THE HOES becomes a statement project for both JPEGMafia and Danny Brown. At times frantic, blistering and intense but often challenging “traditional genres,” in its sound and techniques. SCARING THE HOES by name or listening to the songs themselves shouldn’t frighten one away. The album is also playful, and the lyrics hold nothing back. Features good chemistry between Danny Brown and JPEGMafia and both add their own distinctive deliveries and lyrical flows. If you’ve heard either rap once, you can place them the next time you hear them. Amazing production from JPEGMafia. This album could be Brown’s best release so far. Fans of both should love this one. I love the album cover, a modern take on the Blaxploitation film, Sweet Jesus, Preacherman (1973).  The accompanying EP of more music recorded together, SCARING THE HOES: DLC Pack released in July doesn’t place on this best of list. It is still enjoyable, 4 Scum Drops. The main body of work, SCARING THE HOES is 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 90th.

 

#24 Gabriels – Angels & QUEENS

The US based trio returns for a follow up after last year’s well received part one. Angels & Queens features plenty of neo-soul, R&B and gospel beats and rhythms, incredible vocals via expressive soulful frontman Jacob Lusk. Even a choir. There’s a lot of heart, gospel, R&B hope and some seduction. Other Gabriels members: producer and multi-instrumentalist Ari Balouzian and producer Ryan Hope fully fleshed out this sound perfectly. Hip hop producer, Sounwave hired-on for this project, adds lush percussion that perfectly compliments Lusk’s voice. Sounwave is best known for working with Kendrick Lamar but has also worked with Taylor Swift recently. Angels & Queens is a 4.5 Scum Drops out of 5 album. Percentile: 90th.

 

#25 Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Another addition to Swift’s catalog, as she re-records, and re-issues expanded versions of albums that were previously released. These new versions allow her to not only make her own choices but also own the work and its rights, deservedly so. A contentious story especially in 2019 that was covered in music and regular media. Love the outcome, kudos to Swift. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is an upgrade from the already solid original 1989 (2014) album release due to the improved vocals, the additional tracks and the decision in keeping the production the same as the original release. Wise decisions. 1989 (Taylors’ Version) is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Despite being in the median spot for this list, it’s still a damn good album. Percentile: 90th

 

#26 Yves Tumor – Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)

If you’ve heard of Yves Tumor (aka Sean Lee Bowie), you probably associate them with electronic experimental music. Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is the album on this list with the most genres and subgenres for those keeping track. Defining genres only helps form perspective, it is not the end all of the listening experience, thankfully. The album is incredibly diverse. It’s wonderfully done from start to finish. I think there’s a little something for everyone in terms of diverse melodies and song structures on this album. I love the lyrics, beats, and vocals. Praise a Lord Who Chews but Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 89th

 

#27 Briscoe – West of It All

What an excellent debut release. The duo enters the scene with polished songs that to me, are writing at a level some artists never get to. This is no age minimum for songwriting but they’re ahead of the curve. Great musicianship on this album as well. These guys are so talented! With this self-titled offering they’ve become a band you should follow and see their development. Briscoe is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 89th.

 

#28 Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy

The Scottish group return with first album after COVID-19 PANDEMIC is their fourth overall. They are known for their thought-provoking artistic album covers and even more in your face passionate songs that are often about political issues and injustices. Speaking on those themes make logical sense to me as we’re all stewards of the world, but also because two of the three group members are either first- or second-generation Africans experiencing them firsthand. The beats are danceable as hell too. It’s an incredible 32-minute thrill ride of an album. Heavy Heavy is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 89th

#29 Lana Del Ray – Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd

To me, Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is the best songwriting and overall album construction and song composition from Del Ray’s career so far. Those three elements pair well with the outstanding vocals you’ve come to expect from a Lana Del Ray album. Put together, it’s one of her best albums yet. Maybe the best, depending on your taste. Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 88th.

 

#30 Lonnie Holley – Oh Me Oh My

What a backstory for Lonnie Holley. A visual artist known as “the Sand Man” he uses found objects to create exhibits that have been featured in exhibits in Museums across the US for decades before branching out to also include sculpture and painting. Relatively recently Holley turned experimental musician and stream of conscious speaker. I summarized it briefly, but Holley has a fascinating backstory that is worth reading more about. Oh Me Oh My album paired Holley’s spoken word, poetic delivered vocals with melodies, a strong supporting cast of musicians to create an album that keeps you contemplating even after the last song. He’s not classically trained vocalist but his own voice and his message is strong. Themes of Lonnie’s past, our collective future, and our place in the world as humans, while retaining a good amount of hope are included. Oh Me Oh My is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 88th

 

#31 MIKE – Burning Desire

The newest album from East Coast rapper, songwriter and producer MIKE. Again an artist I wasn’t familiar with before this year. This is Mike’s sixth solo album. Earlier in 2023 he teamed up with Wiki & The Alchemist to collaborate on Faith Is a Rock. That’s a 4 Scum Drop album to me. This album, Burning Desire is a better overall from start to finish. I also listened to The Alchemist’s 2023 collab with Earl Sweatshirt titled, Voir Dire and again that wasn’t quite good enough to get on the list. Just missed it at 4 Scum Drops. Mike’s vocal delivery on Burning Desire is confident but slower than some. Still, it’s not too slow but rather a good flow. Mike continues to be cerebral and lately he’s sharing more inner thoughts which only make the listening experience better. The production beats pair well with the lyrics and flow. Wise decisions. The album features good collaborations too including one song with Earl Sweatshirt. Burning Desire is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 88th.

 

#32 Jamila Woods – Water Made Us

In Jamila Woods third album, the published poet continues to further establish herself as a singer, songwriter and rapper to be reckoned with. Water Made Us is another fantastic R&B and neo-soul album, this time with themes of love. HEAVN her debut in 2016 and Legacy! Legacy! in 2019 were both met with widespread acclaim. Her 2023 album is so personal and perfectly penned. She continues to ascend. Water Made Us is 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 87th.

 

#33 A. Savage – Several Songs About Fire

This solo project is pretty damn good. I think Several Songs About Fire is an improvement over his first solo album. He’s continued to grow as a songwriter discovering his solo project voice and sound. There are a lot of marvelous songs on the album. Some songs are catchy as hell but the melody and lyrics. A. Savage could write a song about the most seemingly mundane detail and turn it into a good song. Several Songs About Fire is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 87th.

 

#34 PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old Year DYING

The English singer-songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist returns with her first new album in seven years. First since the well regarded The Hope Six Demolition Project (2016). Check that one out if you haven’t. This 2023 album has a lot of noise in the best ways and lyrics and song structure you’ve come to expect from Harvey’s lengthy and prolific 35-year career. I Inside the Old Year Dying is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 87th.

 

#35 Holding Absence – the noble art of self destruction

The post-hardcore Welsh band, Holding Absence delivers again. Following up their well-received album, The Greatest Mistake of My Life (2021) with another great album. the noble art of self destruction features amazing lead vocals from Lucas Woodland, tight musicianship from Ashley Green, Scott Carey and Benjamin Elliott. It’s not overdone or lackluster like some albums in the same genre can be. This album is great from start to finish. For those looking for a new “Rock” album in 2023, check this out, I think you’ll like it more than other songs on modern rock radio. It’s a great place to start. the noble art of self destruction is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 87th.

 

#36 Iris DeMent – Workin’ on a World

Iris DeMent has been making music for over three decades now. The country, folk, gospel genre singer-songwriter and musician is back with her first solo album in eight years. And it’s her best solo release in decades, probably since her wonderful albums My Life (1994) or Infamous Angel (1992). Her 2023 album, Workin’ on a World discusses frustrations, politics, in fierce but humane form over fitting melodies. So check it out! Workin’ on a World is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 86th.

 

#37 Lydia Loveless – Nothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way AGAIN 

Vulnerability. Loss (after a breakup). Looking forward. This is Loveless’ sixth album and despite a well-regarded discography, this is also the best album of her career so far, due to even more excellently voiced vocals and further developing the songwriting that we’ve come to expect as normal from them. This album was one that improved for me as I listened more times. It doesn’t factor into the final rating, but the album art cover is 5 out of 5 for vulnerability and confidence.  Nothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way Again is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drops album. Percentile: 86th.

#38 Genesis Owusu – STRUGGLER

The Ghanian-Australian (birth name Kofi) who was renamed Genesis by his older brother in primary school, a name he seemingly made up on the spot when the schoolmates thought it was Coffee instead.  STRUGGLER album picks off where his last album, Smiling with No Teeth (2021) left off in terms of good production and lyrical delivery. This new album, STRUGGLER starts out with incredible vocal delivery and production beat and continues until the last beat of the last song. Owusu took risks in production and song structure, and they all worked well. It’s a dance party in your living room type album. Or your car, or both. Your choice. STRUGGLER is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 86th.

 

#39 The Gaslight Anthem – History Books

They’re back! HISTORY BOOKS is a great album overall. Full disclosure, I am a long-time appreciator of Brian Fallon and The Gaslight Anthem. I wouldn’t consider it their best album but still worthy of this spot on the list. HISTORY BOOKS sound fits right in, like they never stopped releasing music. The band is in top notch form. Fallon again showing his songwriting talent. It was nice to hear The Boss on the title song, an artist they’ve been compared to since their start. I went back and forth on HISTORY BOOKS initial grade but a release of this caliber after years of not making an album as this group, garnered a .5 Scum Drop increase causing them to get to 4.5 Scum Drops out of 5. Percentile: 85th.

#40 ANOHNI and the Johnsons – My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross

ANOHNI returns for her first album with the Johnsons in 13 years. In 2016, she was the first openly transgender performer nominated for an Academy Award along with composer and producer J. Ralph for Best Original Song for their song, “Manta Ray.” In the 2023 album, My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross, no words were minced, it’s a literal title. There’s a lot of soul, a lot of emotion from ANOHNI in these real lyrics. Themes of societal and environmental change, loss of friends, about being trans, all sung with open arms and heart to really provide an enveloping experience.  There’s a minimal but perfect amount of musical instrumentation in terms of piano, strings, percussion and woodwinds. My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drops album. Percentile: 85th.

#41 Jaimie Branch – Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (World War)

Posthumous release from jaimie branch. To try to define a genre or subgenre for the new listener, the album and most of her work is what I would call punk jazz. Definitely Avante-garde jazz in all the best ways. The album features magnificent trumpet and sound overall including strings, and multiple percussion instruments. This creative album is the fourth in the “Fly or Die” series and it is branch’s best. Her voice and music will be missed. Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (World War) 4.5 Scum Drops. Percentile: 85th.

#42 Fires in the Distance – Air Not Meant for Us

A goddamn metal opera. Melodic Death Metal. Chef’s kiss. The best example of both you’ll hear in 2023. Haunting pianos and guitars. Worthy of inclusion on this list and your time to listen to it. Air Not Meant for Us is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 85th

 

 

 

#43 Dhani Harrison – INNERSTANDING

Dhani creates a mood and doesn’t let it waver. There’s a skillful job building that ambience and surrounding it with good songwriting, instrumentation and musicianship. Dhani’s compositions really shine and are perfectly paired with collaborators as well. To me, INNERSTANDING is his best solo work amongst two releases. I wavered a bit between 4.0 and 4.5 in the initial Scum Drop rating. But it’s good enough to stay here and be in the top 50 of 2023. INNERSTANDING is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 84th.

 

#44 Lankum – False Lankum

Incredible Irish folk and their first release in four years. 2019’s The Livelong Day and 2017’s Between the Earth and Sky were both very highly regarded albums. I understand the original band name origins but I’m glad they changed their name to Lankum. Even though the name Lankum is a boogeyman, the connotation is still better than the original name. Look into both. The album, False Lankum is an experience of the senses, you’re captivated from beginning to end. The instrumentation creating that eerie narrative and atmosphere amazingly yet the story is based in reality. Solid musicianship throughout. The album is best listened to with lights on? False Lankum is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 84th

 

#45 Foo Fighters – But Here We Are

There’s a lot of energy and emotion here. The album ends on an especially cathartic last song. It is easily their best album since at least 2011’s Wasting Light, perhaps even longer depending on your own taste. For me it’s their best overall album since The Colour and the Shape (1997) in terms of musicianship, songwriting and overall production. It’s very good from start to finish. The cover art is barely visible online but looks better in person. But Here We Are is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drops album. Percentile: 84th.

 

#46 Cécile McLorin Salvant – Mélusine

What a fascinating backstory on the jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. Please go look her up sometime. In brief, she’s won three Grammy’s for Best Jazz Vocal Album: in 2016 For One to Love, in 2018 for Dreams and Daggers and in 2019 for The Window. This 2023 album is rooted in jazz but has so much more going on. It’s a wonderful mixing of cultures, sung in mostly French but also English at times. This album is a concept album about the European folklore character Mélusine, a woman whose lower body transforms into a snake weekly. Again it is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the Grammy’s. And for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals for instrumentalist and arranger, Godwin Louis’s arranging of the song “Fenestra.” Mélusine is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 84th.

 

#47 Creeper – Sanguivore

2023 was the first time I’ve heard of the English band, Creeper. That’s on me, I am aware now. This the bands third album and all three have been critically well-received concept albums. Sanguivore is a Vampire concept album with a captivating narrative and gothic rock melodies. Beautifully done. Sanguivore is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 84th.

 

#48 Wednesday – Rat Saw God

I’m a big fan of Alex Farrar’s production once again. Farrar’s been a part of the phenomenal 2023 releases by Squirrel Flower, Hippo Campus, and Indigo De Souza to name a few. The album, from the band Wednesday, titled Rat Saw God includes a great mix of styles and genres: noise rock, alt-country, shoegaze and indie Rock and they come together quite well. There are very good vocals and songwriting by Karly Hartzman. The overall result is a sound that shows considerable improvement relative to their previous albums with this release. Rat Saw God is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 84th.

#49 Speedy Ortiz – Rabbit Rabbit

This is the fourth album for the band, a Sadie Dupuis led project. The album, Rabbit Rabbit sees Dupuis exploring within herself finding past trauma and turning it into lyrics and melodies with the assistance of her band, becoming Speedy Ortiz. The result is memorable melodies and introspective and hopefully cathartic lyrics for Dupuis. The themes are not overwhelming to the listener, and you find yourself sympathetic. Rabbit Rabbit is a 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drop album. Percentile: 84th.

 

#50 PinkPantheress – Heaven knows

Last but not least as this one still beat out hundreds of others. The debut album from singer, songwriter, producer, and huge music fan, PinkPantheress. Her influences show in her choice of melodies, and beats in the best ways. The English native uses them as a base to make her own adding samples, breakbeats, loops and her own beats. On top of which PinkPantheress adds her own lyrics. The resulting sound you can hear pop, R&B, electronic and even rock elements in the songs. The album is a step forward and a sign of great music to come. Heaven knows is a 4.5 Scum drop out of 5 album. Rounds out my top 50 and worthy of making the list. Percentile: 84th.

Thank you for reading and your support!

See you in the new year,

Alex

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com