A mish-mash of some incredible music from the last year.

Ok, so this is not photography related, buy if you know me, you know I am a music fiend, so I am sharing my Top 10 Songs of 2023! But really there are 30 ha! I am hoping you have Apple Music, because that’s where you will find this list to play at your leisure (see link below). Otherwise, take the list and recreate it on whatever music platform you are using.

I do this every year and share it with all my friends and family. I know people think there is no good new music out there. Most people who say this seem to be my age or older, but I keep up! Sorta… as much as I can. But there are some phenomenal writers and musicians out there these days, brimming with creativity and inventiveness, heart and soul. That being said, sometimes I hear an old track from back in the day and think, dang, nothing is as good as that… but then I remember that possibly, it’s just wrapped up in memories and familiarity and nostalgia.

What I am really loving these days is this soul revival thing going on. There are quite a few amazing artist recreating a retro sound with what someone once described as forensic accuracy. Some of these recordings, you could swear, are from the 50s or 60s. I think this started with people like Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings or Amy Winehouse… but these guys are even better; Durand Jones & The Indications or Liam Bailey to name just two.

Also, disco is back! Some of this stuff is also so faithfully retro and sparkly, I just can’t sit still when it comes on, check out Say She She… so wonderful!

If push comes to shove, my number 1 song in this list is Ridin’ in a Jag by Jonathan Wilson. It makes me think of me and my one true love, my guy, on a road trip, generating love and good will, giving it all away and generating more the next day… it’s such a feel good song with such a positive feel, incredible sound, wonderful melody and good will… I just absolutely love it.

There were a few tracks I wanted to include from African musicians, but they didn’t quite flow… this list is meant to be listened to in order. I followed the mixed-tape rules here! Anyway, I have a whole separate African music playlist because there were SO MANY artists I adore making amazing music! (see below)

Here is the list!

1. A New Phase Awaits You – FIZZ
2. Stay For Something – CMAT
3. Only Have Eyes 42 – Janelle Monáe
4. Dance With Me – Liam Bailey
5. Zanj – Leyla McCalla & Alynda Segarra
6. rot in love – ratbag
7. C’est Si Bon – Say She She
8. Road to Joy (Dark-Side Mix) – Peter Gabriel
9. The King of Everything – The Handsome Family
10. Sliver Of Ice – ANOHNI
11. What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
12. More Than a Love Song – Black Pumas
13. mileys riddim – Jim Legxacy
14. Waltz Across Texas – Amanda Shires & Bobbie Nelson
15. Reason – Cleo Sol
16. Fray (Live from KCRW) – Danielle Ponder
17. Taco Truck x VB – Lana Del Rey
18. True Love (Live at Paste) – Durand Jones & The Indications
19. This Is a Photograph II – Kevin Morby
20. Soak Up The Sun – Soccer Mommy
21. Rice – Young Fathers
22. Quiet Eyes – Sharon Van Etten
23. Hot Penny Day (Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul Remix) – Dry Cleaning
24. Holding On – Eric B Turner
25. Emily I’m Sorry – boygenius
26. Line Of Fire (feat. Sharon Van Etten) – Junip
27. Don’t Forget Love – Neil Young
28. Deadbeats Jam Tape Winter ’94 – Lord Huron & Ben Schneider
29. Ridin’ in a Jag – Jonathan Wilson
30. Oh Me, Oh My – Lonnie Holley & Michael Stipe

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https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/darinas-faves-of-2023/pl.u-qxyllaMC2kzV8Y
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Let me know what your favorites are!