2023 brought us some very special albums. One’s that you will never forget the first time you listened to them. And one’s that make you feel understood and seen. So here is ThomasBleach.com’s top 15 of the year.

15. Maddie Zahm – Now That I’ve Been Honest

A cathartic body of work that explores the ups and downs of the queer and coming of age experiences. 

Must listen tracks: “Thanks For Coming Out”, “Lady Killer”, “Pick Up The Phone”

14. Ryan Beatty – Calico

An intimate and immersive record that feels like a warm hug.

Must listen tracks: “Bruises Off The Peach”, “White Teeth”, “Ribbons”

13. Olivia Rodrigo – GUTS

An impressive follow up filled with experimentation that cements Oliva’s superstar status. 

Must listen tracks: “bad idea right?”, “ballad of a homeschooled girl”, “logical”

12. Renee Rapp – Snow Angel

A brilliant debut album that introduces you to an artist who is going to define a new generation. 

Must listen tracks: “Talk Too Much”, “Pretty Girls”, “I Hate Boston”

11.Maisie Peters – The Good Witch 

A masterclass in pop songwriting that shows Maisie’s incredible growth as an artist. 

Must listen tracks: “Body Better”, “Run”, “BSC”

10. Gretta Ray – Positive Spin

The perfect follow up to “Begin To Look Around” that redefines Gretta’s pop songwriting. 

Must listen tracks: “Nobody Here”, “Upgraded”, “Don’t Date The Teenager”

9. Fizz – The Secret To Life

A beautifully weird album from the most exciting supergroup in our universe right now. 

Must listen tracks: “As Good As It Gets”, “Strawberry Jam”, “Close One”

8. Chelsea Cutler – Stellaria

The next chapter in Chelsea Cutler’s impressive storytelling that will have you feeling all of the emotions at once. 

Must listen tracks: “You Don’t Think Of Me At All”, “Hold Me While It’s Ending”, “I Don’t Feel Alive”

7. Del Water Gap – I Miss You + I Haven’t Left Already

A bold collection of songs that feels like centrepieces in his growing discography.

Must listen tracks: “NFU”, “All We Ever Do Is Talk”, “Glitter & Honey”

6. Troye Sivan – Something To Give Each Other

A confident, bold and confessional record that shows listeners a new artistic depth to Troye Sivan. 

Must listen tracks: “Rush”, “One Of Your Girls”, “Silly”

5. Ellie Goulding – Higher Than Heaven

Ellie brings back pop escapism on a record that feels like the follow-up to “Delirium” 

Must listen tracks: “The End Of The Night”, “Cure For Love”, “Tastes Like You”

4. Janelle Monae – The Age Of Pleasure

A vivid collection of tracks that are full of thought provoking lyrics, sexual awakenings, and empowerment. 

Must listen tracks: “Float”, “Haute”, “Lipstick Lover”

3. Chappell Roan – The Rise & Fall Of A Midwest Princess

An instant classic, and the introduction to an absolute superstar in the making.

Must listen tracks: “Naked In Manhattan”, “Casual”, “My Kink Is Karma”

2. Angie McMahon – Light, Dark, Light Again

A lyrical masterpiece from start to finish that will make you feel understood and not alone.

Must listen tracks: “Fireball Whiskey”, “I Am Already Enough”, “Serotonin”

1. RAYE – My 21st Century Blues

A record you will always remember where you were the first time you heard it. 

Must listen tracks: Escapism”, “Ice Cream Man”, “Worth It”