harpsichord’s
countdown of
Top 33 songs
of 2k23
Published December 2023
Harpsichord’s official songs chart that counts down the 33 best songs of 2023. While mainstream success and conversations around the songs were slight factors, most of this chart is influenced by critical tastes of the zine’s staff. Since 2023 only experienced one writer at the moment– The Head Maestro of Harping– other critical choices at major publications were factored in, as well as deep cut tastes.
With this interactive countdown, you can click on the picture frames to watch the music videos, because we miss MTV and BET as much as you do…
22
Like Dat Remix
By Stunna Girl ft JT
The Zeus reality show, ‘Baddies,’ often features a cast that performs songs at clubs that would make no type of serious impact. Oddly enough, one of the franchise’s best stars decided to quit the show in order to take her music career more seriously. Stunna Girl released a jaunt about being fly— over the sway of Casamigos flavored gongola guitars. But it’s City Girl’s JT who announces “ooo I got that sh*t on” that maximizes the song’s viral nature of powerful feminine rap.
21
Alright
By Victoria Monét
Managing to mesh the sounds of aquatic and outer space, this psychedelic house song became the continuing moment of going-out-ready confidence exuded on “On My Mama.” Produced by KAYTRANADA, the ‘Renaissance’ that Beyoncé warned us about has in fact been in full effect. Lyrically, Monét is all about leaving guys “on read,” even after she’s taken their souls sexually.
20
unavailable
By davido ft musa keys
On a red carpet at the end of December, Rihanna answered that “Unavailable” was her favorite song of 2023. It’s clear to see why from the amapiano beat that provides simplicity with a catchy call and response chant from the Nigerian lead. Davido, where he sings “dem no dey see me.” He has no time for a relationship, but rather wants to focus on his success— which means for this song, a Grammy nomination.
19
Put It On Da Floor again
By latto ft Cardi B
Fed up by the antics of a veteran rapper, Latto had to make it known that she’s not one to be played with. Demanding with the presence of the late Shawty Lo’s southern spirit, what came off as an attack really modeled after a plastic adorning anthem. Cardi B mentioning that she’s “sexy dancing in the house, I feel like Britney Spears” became the missing piece to the remix where she expressed similar sentiments to her peer, Latto.
18
just Wanna Rock
By Lil Uzi Vert
Clubs were ablaze due to the Jersey Club scene, but this song’s aerodynamic nature helped it lead the pack. Fun is an understatement for describing why the song captivated many— showing that hip hop is the main source of having a good time. Not only is it Uzi’s lyrical charisma that propelled it to the top of rap playlists, but also the viral trend of people “blinking” or “rocking your hips” as the song’s official dance.
17
Popular
By The Weeknd ft Madonna & Playboi Carti
Who would have known that Madonna’s most successful song of the 2020’s– four decades into her career– would be one that utilizes go-go music. Featured on the soundtrack of his Hollywood-insight drama ‘The Idol,’ the subject matter of “Popular” is just as it would imply: A tale about a woman who will do anything such as “sell[ing] her soul just to be popular.” Just when it seemed like The Weeknd could possibly run out of ideas to keep his pop ubiquity, he comes with something sonically left field, but also genuinely relevant for his brand.
16
Barbie World
By Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice
Pink Barbie Dreamhouses. The drill respect for Pop Smoke. Flipping an Aqua sample from 1997. The energy of feminine Queendom Rap meets the masculinization of Jersey club in what turned out to be a global smash. Pop got an official anthem for not only Nicki Minaj (who loves referencing herself as the famous doll), but also brought attention to the 2023 billion dollar grossing film’s soundtrack.
15
Based on True Events pt. 2
By nas
On the final of his six-part ‘King’s Disease’ and ‘Magic’ series, one of the Greatest Rappers of All Time, best flexes his storytelling on this dramatic number. On the previous track of ‘Magic 3,’ he lays out a story about someone caught in the perils of crime. Mafioso is fortified in the second part, as the song finalizes the tale with an ultimate demise. The best tracks are where Nas takes his time to paint pictures, and on this one he’s not caught slipping in that skill.
14
Ditto
By NewJeans
Fueled by Jersey and Baltimore Club, this song made a dent at the end of 2022 for offering something k-pop has rarely (if at all experienced). Over time, NewJeans landed at the forefront of k-pop, providing more of an alternative to the highly successful Blackpink, in terms of girl groups. With a backing vapor sound that’s reminiscent of “My Boo,” a ‘96 Miami Bass song that went viral last decade, this song instead gives the context of a group of women riding the fence on whether they should confess their feelings to respective lovers.
13
Low
By SZA
While most of ‘SOS’ relied on the mellower side of expressing angst and passion in a turbulent love connection, “Low” kicked its way through the door as the upbeat number that reflected defiance. Grammy nominated, “Low,” recalls the chase of her 2017 moment of “Love Galore” with backing vocals from Travis Scott. This time around, SZA remains unapologetic and abrasive in her attempt to move forward from someone who can’t let her go.
12
Gravity
By Tinashe
With a blend of UK garage and house undertones, Tinashe continues her quest of documenting the power of the twin flame journey. One of the smoothest songs she’s ever released, it floats in the air of wispy clouds, accompanied by her falsetto and soprano ranges at their strongest.