‘It’s like tapping into the animating energy of the universe’ – Guardian readers’ best albums of 2023 so far
Imagine This Is a High Dimensional Space of All Possibilities – James Holden
James Holden’s label Border Community introduced me to electronic music that I probably would never have listened to otherwise. Over the years, he seems to have moved away from clubbased music in favour of a more organic, human sound. It’s been almost 20 years since the creation of Border Community and this album is a celebration of that. Each track feels like a nod to parts of his previous discography. The percussion on most tracks is very faint and makes the album feel like a lost memory. The only track where the beat hits with a thud is Worlds Collide Mountains Form, which sounds like a band playing by the fire, feeding off each other in a trance-like state. To me, that signals where James is now and he wants you to join in. Ross, 35, Norwich
in|FLUX – Anna B Savage
This year I made a resolution to find more ways to explore new music. I started out by asking my friends to share their favourites and the first recommendation I received was a home run: in|FLUX by Anna B Savage. It’s folky, organic and a touch electronic, with sharp teeth and some pretty horny lyrics. Intricate songwriting that deserves to be listened to over and over again. Her live show was spectacular, too. One for fans of Laura Marling, the Delgados, St Vincent. Ben Thomas, 38, Manchester
That! Feels Good! – Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware’s That! Feels Good! has been the standout release in a year filled with phenomenal albums. From the opening moments of the title track to the bold and self-assured These Lips, which closes the album, this is a captivating body of work from an artist at the peak of her creativity. The propulsive and bombastic Free Yourself; Hello Love’s yearning beauty; and the naked dancefloor abandon of Freak Me Now are the album’s best moments, yet with each listen you’ll find something else to fall hopelessly in love with. Ware’s magnetic personality is on full display across the 10 songs. It is an album I return to daily, and one that doesn’t merely feel good but sounds incredible. Michael Meir-Wright, Nottingham
All of This Is Chance – Lisa O’Neill
A stunning, thought-provoking album that combines O’Neill’s gravelly voice with some beautiful melodies. Her Irish lilt adds warmth and sincerity to the powerful lyrics that talk of life, beauty, fragility and love. It took me a few listens to get into it but now the power of each song just sweeps me into a reverie. If I Was a Painter and Old Note are the highlights, dripping with beauty and subtle hints of the absurdities of life. When Goodnight World starts, we are given a moment to reflect on those we love, those we have lost, and our own sense of immortality. Captivating and beautiful. Michael Sewell, Brussels
Heavy Heavy – Young Fathers
So far it’s still Heavy Heavy by Young Fathers. They maintained everything that’s been so special and unique about their sound – that sense you get when listening to their music that you’re tapping into a small but almost overpowering fraction of the animating energy of the universe or the human mind or God or whatever – but applied it to a dancier, more jubilant set of songs than ever before. Karl, 39, Philadelphia, USA
Brandy Clark – Brandy Clark
Brandy Clark’s eponymous album is stunning. It’s an Americana gem with interesting lyrics and hooks that get stuck in your head. Her way with words allows her to take specific experiences and make them relatable to a general audience. After a raucous opener – which some may say doesn’t fit with the rest of the record – the rest of the songs ease into one another, sliding together in a way that creates a sonic tapestry of personality, experience, and perspective. It’s a complete work of art that offers a glimpse into the artist and her many human facets. I can’t recommend it enough. Elizabeth, 49, Tucson, Ari