Top 10 Songs of 2023

 

2023 was a phenomenal year of pop with new releases from some of my favorite artists including Kylie, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, Adam Lambert, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift, not to mention the ubiquitous Barbie soundtrack.  So narrowing down my favorite hits of the year to just ten was a tough task but here they are:

10.  Gonna Be You - Dolly Parton, Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle Feat. Debbie Harry & Gloria Estefan

How could I not love a song featuring three of my favorites (Dolly, Cyndi and Belinda) and written by Dianne Warren?  The song was recorded for the film 80 For Brady, which is a feel-good movie about a group of Tom Brady fans and their journey to watch him play in the Superbowl.  Not the best movie I’ve watched by any means but the song is a winning anthem in my book.

9.  Dance The Night - Dua Lipa

One of the stand-out tracks from the Barbie soundtrack is a fun, carefree 80s disco-tinged track with a catchy hook that we’ve come to expect from a Dua hit.  It’s the perfect soundtrack to a glamorous night out - or a fun night in for that matter.  The dance party scene from the Barbie movie made me love the song even more.

8.  Last Man Dancing - Jake Shears

The title track from his second solo album is a banger.  It’s a catchy track with a soaring melody that feels innovative but is also a nod to his Scissor Sisters days.  It’s a reminder to keep dancing no matter what life throws at you. 

7.  The Sun Always Shines On TV - Keiino

Norwegian trio Keinno covered my favorite a-ha classic from 1985, elevating it to what Music Crowns referred to as "a 90s inspired trance-pop banger of epic proportions".

6.  Holding Out For A Hero - Adam Lambert

Another top tier cover, Bonnie Tyler's iconic anthem got a glam rock makeover from the super talented Adam Lambert, with powerful vocals and a thumping beat that delivers the "high drama" promised by his 2023 album's title.

5.  Flowers - Miley Cyrus

A song that dominated charts and airwaves for much of the first part of the year was Miley’s first number one since Wrecking Ball in 2013.  It’s a disco-inspired empowering break-up anthem that highlights her husky vocals and delivers loads of Miley charisma.

4.  Rush - Troye Sivan

Shaad D’Souza from Pitchfork perfectly summed up the song as "a pop-house heater, named for the ubiquitous brand of poppers" and a "sublime, orgiastic summer anthem".  The seemingly effortless choreography from the steamy and unapologetically queer video was also replicated across TikTok.

3.  Trustfall - P!nk

The second single from P!nk's ninth studio album is a pulsating banger reminiscent of Robyn's Dancing On My Own as well as an uplifting anthem that reminds us that there is always hope, even when things are tough:  “Close your eyes and leave it all behind / Go where love is on our side”.

2.  Tension - Kylie Minogue

The follow-up single to Padam Padam was an instant obsession and increased the excitement and anticipation ahead of the release of the album.  It’s a cool, lustful banger with an iconic video that transports viewers into a shimmering futuristic space.

1.  Padam Padam - Kylie Minogue

Padam! Padam! I heard it and I knew...that this was going to be my top song of the year.  It dominated TikTok and dance floors around the world and gave Kylie her first top 10 UK hit in over a decade.  It is a fierce and fresh song with an instantly catchy chorus that continues to dominate my playlists.

Honorable Mentions:

I’m Just Ken - Ryan Gosling

Tattoo - Loreen

After All - Texas

Big Big Love - Belinda Carlisle

Hold On To Now - Kylie Minogue

One Of Your Girls - Troye Sivan

We Could Be The One - Dannii Minogue

Weekends - Freya Ridings

What’s Up - Dolly Parton Feat. Linda Perry