It was an unusual year for music in that so many artists released pop albums. Mainstream or not, pop music reigned supreme in 2023. Some songs that were released years ago found success this year, another peculiar thing we haven’t seen in radio until the last couple of years. Taylor Swift’s smash hit Cruel Summer was actually from her 2017 album, Lover. Miguel’s single Sure Thing was all the way back from his album, All I Want is You in 2010. Once again, Taylor dominated steaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. Plus, every time the radio came on as I started my car, it was always Taylor Swift. She was also just named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Needless to say, 2023 was definitely Taylor Swift’s year. Honestly though, what year isn’t?

10) Doja Cat – Scarlet

2023 was the year Doja Cat reinvented herself, or as she says “this was always the real me.” She jokes on Demons, one of her singles from her new album, how she is a cash cow and that many people who’ve been sleeping say that she raps now. She started out rapping in this game of music, so the dig is perfect.

She shaved her head, started to mirror Britney Spears with her strange, but fascinating Instagram posts and has created such a dominant image. She also started to tease fans with a pure rap album that would come out towards the end of 2023. Well, that album, Scarlet, was released on September 22, 2023. Singles Attention, Paint the Town Red and Agora Hills have been super successful and it’s clear that Doja wants her haters and fans alike to know she’s been making rap music since day one. She’s also cleared up those rumors that she’s antisemitic; she’s not and never once announced that. Her demon alter-ego is a metaphor towards really fucked up she went through, therefore to her it’s ironic who and who hasn’t been in her life during | after her demon days.

She was so smart, however, to go mainstream and popish with her debut album, Hot Pink. Say So was such a huge hit single that finally put her on the map. She was on the radio, all over the Internet and had record album sales. With Scarlet, she raps her ass off, calling out her naysayers. I love Doja Cat and her album is in heavy rotation with her different songs on different playlists to this day.

9) Tate McRae – Think Later

When Tate McRae first stepped onto the scene a couple years ago, her music was more alternative than pop and was more of the teen angst sounds of Olivia Rodrigo and older Avril Lavigne stuff. When she released her chart topping and life changing single Greedy earlier this year, everyone was dying to know who Tate was. She’s a Canadian who first began her career winning the 2016 show, So You Think You Can Dance and has never looked back. Greedy was one of the most streamed songs of this year and her loyalty to her fans is admirable. Aside from her smash hit Greedy though, most of the album’s songs sound similar, but do differ in themes and some stand out bangers like Exes and Think Later will definitely sound great loud in the car. She dances like Britney Spears did in the early 2000’s and could be Gen Z’s version of Britney. Keep an eye on Tate!

8) Kesha – Gag Order

Kesha really turned heads this year with her new, mature sound and deep, dark and often relatable songs. Eat the Acid, the clear standout and first single released from Gag Order, is a haunting, beautiful song that touches on past trauma, spirituality and the negative side of changing. Yet, Kesha still manages to get through the challenging, almost manic induced coma she may have been experiencing with closure of new and happy beginnings.

She is now absolutely 100% free from her former label and icky producer Dr. Luke, who Kesha claimed for years sexually abused her. She had no control of what music she could put out for over a decade and it’s so wonderful she can now create whatever the fuck she wants. Similar to Doja Cat, Kesha was a huge pop star when she started out and now is more independent. After all her hard work, the battles she fought and not being in control of her own life has certainly paid off. Kesha is more than just a TikTok, one pop wonder and has evolved into one of the smartest and talented artists in the business. Check out her album Rainbow, too for a wild, fun and cool ride. And her banger of an album, Warrior, is one of the best pop albums of the 2010’s. Love you Kesha.

7) Post Malone – Austin

When Austin first came out, blonde me thought that Post Malone was from Austin, Texas. Well, for once I was wrong (kidding) and it’s actually Posty’s real name. Austin was one of those albums that came out at the perfect time during the summer and an album that could be played from start to finish. It was played on the radio, pool parties, bars, barbeques and streamed all over the planet. I’ve always liked Post Malone, not only because he is a huge Dallas Cowboy’s fan but is not afraid to just be himself and relate to most people in America. The guy has been through some terrifying, scary hiccups in his life and it shows throughout all of Austin. I heard he is an awesome guy and has legit, energetic stage presence, so he’s definitely on my list of entertainers to see live.

6) Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday 2

When the word got out that Nicki Minaj was working on a sequel and follow up album to her critically and commercially successful Pink Friday album of 2010-2011, fans went bonkers and suddenly Nicki was back in the limelight. It was a pretty risky move to wait over ten years for a follow up to one of the most influential and best rap albums of our time, so all bets were off. When I first gave Pink Friday 2 a whirl, I was instantly annoyed that Nicki used so many samples on one album. I think it’s mostly tacky and just not a good look when artists do this, especially so repetitively. The song Everybody is the most ridiculous song on the album in my opinion, but many writers in the music industry think it’s going to be a hit. Well, on the radio sure, because people who only listen to the radio (still) and slap to the heavily played singles just don’t really have great taste in music, again in my opinion. Thankfully the Queen of Rap holds her seat on the Rap Throne. Nicki also showed up with so many great rap verses and bangers throughout Pink Friday 2. Collabs with Drake, J. Cole, Lil Wayne and Future assist in making this quite a comeback for Minaj and one of the best rap albums of the year.

5) SZA – SOS

SZA has been in the R&B/Soul music industry for years now, often being featured on big named artists hit songs. With a hypnotic voice and her own unique style of self-expression, SZA released her best album to date and is at the top of every song critic list. Rolling Stone magazine put her as the number one album in their annual 100 Best Albums of the Year feature. Thanks to Rolling Stone, I was very eager and curious to listen to her stuff. First of all, like what is even Kill Bill? It’s one of the coolest songs I have heard in a while and will most likely have me remembering the song over the movie Kill Bill. The entire album is soulful and SZA’s ability to get you into her head and feel the beats | rhythms that coincide with her lyrics is pure greatness. SZA is one of the most talented artists in the industry and I’d get used to hearing her name a lot.

4) Tinashe – BB/ANG3L

I swear I’m not always purposefully trying to include Britney in all of my reviews and blogs, but the first time I heard of Tinashe was when she was featured on Britney’s song, Slumber Party in 2016. I loved her sound, look and then realized she sang the song 2 On featuring Schoolboy Q in 2015. It was a hit and her sexually forward and passionate love songs became music to my ears. I’ve been jamming to her ever since. On BB/ANG3L, Tinashe unleashes her most sexual and liberating album to date, swooning and commanding things like Talk to me Nice to her mate. The beat is a non-stop thrill ride, with a no bullshit attitude throughout. Miss Tinashe is becoming one of my favorite artists and I look forward to her future endeavors. Check out one of her older bangers Company, too.

3) Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Taylor this, Taylor that. “She gets too much coverage during NFL games, she’s fake, way overrated, and she creates shit music.” Say what you want about Taylor Swift, but there’s not one debate that could or would ever hinder her career or discount her accomplishments and credibility.

The Era’s Tour is the highest grossing tour of.all.time. Every city that Taylor Swift played in this year, their GDP was increased by millions and millions of dollars. Here in Denver, her concerts added four million bucks towards our GDP during her two-night stay in July. Over the past couple of years, Swift has re-recorded her albums to her own liking and all in her control. Her former manager Scooter Braun did her dirty and never allowed her to create music on her own, keep her overdue earnings and write on her own terms. Well, at last Tay has been able to do so and this year was the release of her Grammy award winning album, 1989. When 1989 came out in 2014, this was Taylor’s debut as a pop artist. I wasn’t a fan until this album.

Songs Shake it Off, Out of the Woods, Style, Bad Blood and Wildest Dreams were all Bonafide hits, and the album ultimately won Album of the Year at the 2015 Grammy Awards. She won numerous awards that night as well and it cemented Swift as one of the most marketable, talented and musically diverse artists of our generation. On 1989 (Taylor’s Version) each song has its own special charm and you can literally hear the shift in her tone. She’s more comfortable, confident and you can tell she is proud of how far she’s come. Again, if Taylor isn’t your jam, cool, but the constant hatred and comments about her on TV (when she could care less if she is being shown or not) all over social media is tacky, classless and quite stupid.

2) Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation

It should be no surprise that I chose Miley’s latest album to be so close to the top. I honestly thought I would have her as the number one on my list, but it’s just short of album of the year for me. I’ve been a fan of Miley Cyrus since her Bangerz album in 2013 was released and I loved the vibe in its entirety.

On Endless Summer Vacation, Miley is her happiest, most relaxed and free spirited self I’ve seen her be. The lead single off of the album, Flowers, was the most popular song of 2023. It was played everywhere and it’s my least favorite tune of all of the outstanding tracks, annoyingly, ha. It’s catchy, I just don’t normally listen to the singles that are hot; I dig deeper and usually wear out the rest of the album. From the yoga thumper Handstand and the production of Rose Colored Lenses, Endless Summer Vacation is my favorite pop album of the year.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Kaytramine

Kaytramine is a Hip-Hop/Rap album from Kaytranada, Amine and Kaytramine. Released earlier in 2023, I am going to be honest and say I didn’t even know this album existed until I read Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Albums of the Year article last month. They had it at number 29, I liked the cover and I’ve listened to Kaytranada before (check out Midsection featuring Pharrell Williams). I listened to this album all the way through and was pleasantly surprised of what I was listening to. I almost can’t describe why this album is so great. From production and lyrics to sounds that stick with you, Kaytramine hits your soul and creates magic in the bones. It definitely did for me, and I can tell this album, also nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards will go down as one of the greatest pieces of work in a very long time.