Pop Music’s Biggest A-Listers Take a Year Off

In 2023, the pop music industry saw a lack of new albums from its biggest stars. While Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and Harry Styles continued to dominate headlines and tour, they did not release any new records. Taylor Swift technically released re-worked versions of her 2010s albums, but they cannot be considered new records. The Rolling Stones did release a new album, but overall, the year lacked major blockbuster releases and defining musical moments.

A Year of Fragmented Brilliance

In the absence of the heavy-hitters and their overwhelming promotion, 2023 became a year of fragmented brilliance. Artists working in the liminal spaces of pop music delivered incredible releases. These artists experimented with ambient ghazal music, showcased unexpected talents like rappers playing the flute, and brought new life to pop-punk and R&B genres. A generation of genre-benders took their moment in the limelight to push new sounds and styles into the mainstream.

Ten Standout Releases That Shaped Pop Music

Here are ten standout releases from 2023 that influenced the direction of pop music:

Olivia Rodrigo, ‘Guts’

Olivia Rodrigo, known as a Gen-Z teen idol, followed up with her album ‘Guts.’ This album explores the challenges and contradictions of young womanhood through cutting lyricism and spunky charm.

100 Gecs, ‘10,000 Gecs’

The hyperpop duo 100 Gecs released ‘10,000 Gecs,’ a nostalgic album that embraces online absurdity. They blend various genres and create a post-modern pop classic that is both goofy and head-banging.

Noname, ‘Sundial’

Rapper Noname released ‘Sundial,’ an incandescent record that delves into revolutionary politics and community activism. Through eloquent rhymes, Noname questions the hierarchies of race and capitalism in American society and pop music.

Dhanji, ‘Ruab’

Rapper Dhanji showcased his sound on his debut album ‘Ruab.’ With the help of independent producers, Dhanji explores various incarnations of funk, creating a fast-talking, high-concept album that pushes the boundaries of Indian rap.

Arooj Aftab, Shahzad Ismaily, Vijay Iyer, ‘Love In Exile’

Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab collaborated with jazz pianist Vijay Iyer and experimental producer Shahzad Ismaily for ‘Love In Exile.’ This album showcases lush improvisations and Urdu couplets focused on love, longing, and belonging.

JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown, ‘Scaring The Hoes’

Rappers JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown teamed up for ‘Scaring The Hoes,’ a genre-straddling exploration of party-killing party music. Their maximalist, irreverent style combines distorted rhythms and unhinged samples for a thrilling and occasionally scary experience.

Seedhe Maut, ‘Lunch Break’

New Delhi rap duo Seedhe Maut took a left turn into experimental sonic territory with ‘Lunch Break.’ This mixtape showcases their songwriting and production skills, featuring guest spots from diverse artists across South Asian hip-hop.

SZA, ‘SOS’

SZA’s album ‘SOS’ made a dominant presence in 2023. This follow-up to her debut album confirms her status as one of the most accomplished R&B alchemists of this generation, incorporating various genres and showcasing her powerful vocals.

Ruhail Qaisar, ‘Fatima’

Leh artist Ruhail Qaisar released ‘Fatima,’ an album that embodies the underground experimental music scene in India. This record explores fear, anger, and isolation through atonal noise and harsh sonic texture.

Sufjan Stevens, ‘Javelin’

Sufjan Stevens’ album ‘Javelin’ is dedicated to his late partner. It combines his intimate folk style with elements of electro-pop and minimalism, exploring themes of grief and heartbreak. The album showcases Stevens’ diverse musical influences.