SZA, Beyoncé and Billie Eilish
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
It's hard to imagine 2023 musically without mentioning the success of Barbie, the international takeover of Karol G, the rise of singer-songwriter, dancer and engineer Victoria Monét and the launch of future pop star Tyla.
And then there's SZA and Beyoncé. They released stunning albums last year, but they haven't stopped sleeping in 2023 either.
Speaking of snoozing, here are the 10 favorite songs of the year.
1. SZA, “Slumber”
“Ain't a home when you're not here/Hard to grow when you're not here,” SZA sings in this modern love song that's currently uniting the world. Babies and toddlers sing the melody cutely (and in unison!). Boys and men proudly sing the lyrics, which were written exclusively by a female artist. And the aunts love his R&B authenticity. With some production assistance from living legend Babyface and rising legend Leon Thomas, SZA's confessional track is poignant and perfect. How can one snooze and miss the moment?
2. Beyoncé, “Cuff It.” [Wetter Remix]”
2022 was the year of Beyoncé — but also 2023. Along with her groundbreaking Renaissance World Tour, Queen Bey blessed us with a sexy remix of “Cuff It” that turned her upbeat, funky hit into a nursery anthem.
3. Jonas Brothers, “Vacation Eyes”
Since all three Jonas Brothers are in their 30s, they've entered their adult contemporary era and “Vacation Eyes” is the kind of mellow pop and yacht rock sound we've come to expect from them. Let's call it Uncle Pop.
4. Doechii, “What It Is (Solo Version)”
Doechii’s “What It Is” was irresistible and addictive from the first listen. Building on Triville's 2004 hit “Some Cut” and TLC's 1999 pop culture moment “No Scrubs,” the rapper-singer came out swinging and the lyrics don't disappoint: “That's that lemon pepper thing/I'm a 10.” – piece baby.”
5. Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”
Speaking of swag, 2023 was the year for R&B girlies who twisted rap classics and made them their own – paired with epic choreography. And the fact that Monét wrote “On My Mama” during postpartum depression makes it more than a dance anthem – it’s an anthem for life.
6. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”
Eilish and Finneas are guaranteed to win Best Original Song at the Oscars with this beautifully poignant version of Barbie. What were they made for? To write and sing and share it with the rest of us.
7. Zach Bryan with Kacey Musgraves, “I Remember Everything”
Bryan's gravelly and commanding voice tells a vivid story of a past love. And Musgraves' sweet tone makes for a compelling supporting performance. “I remember everything” is everything.
8th. Mitski, “My Love Mine All Mine”
You can literally hear the love pouring out of this Insta-classic from Oscar-nominated songwriter Mitski.
9. Karol G x Shakira, “TQG”
Two superstars + impressive lyrics about their ex-partners + seductive choreography = iconic collaboration.
10. Tyla, “Water”
This groundbreaking South African singer continues to quench our thirst with this sophisticated and fun Afrobeats bop.
Recognitions: Sam Smith, “Man I Am”; Luke Combs, “Fast Car”; Leon Thomas, “Breaking Point”; Alex Vaughn with Summer Walker, “So Be It.” [Remix]”; Tyler Childers, “In Your Love.”