It’s that time of the year again, for the best albums of 2023. This year seemed to be a return to form for pop-punk new and old, and also showed older bands can bring out new tricks, while the new blood is flowing strong.
10. Spanish Love Songs- “No Joy”
The album title is apt, as “No Joy” is the gloom and doom to expect from Spanish Love Songs, but despair never sounded this good. While not as dynamic as “Braves Faces Everyone,” “No Joy” is a suitable sequel at best.
9.Paramore- “This Is Why”
One of music’s biggest bands, continues to prove its appropriate place at the top. “This Is Why” is a logical direction from 2017’s “After Laughter” and Hayley Williams’ solo album “Petals For Armor.” The upbeat songs like “The News,” and “Running Out Of Time” can really land on any Paramore album.
8.MxPx- “Find A Way Home”
Growing old has done MxPx well, as "dad rock” has never sounded this rad. The veteran pop-punkers have really made some of the best music later in their career; check “Stay Up All Night,” and “This Is What You Told Me” for proof.
7.Worriers- “Trust Your Gut”
“Trust Your Gut” is a welcome return to form from 2020’s “You Or Someone You Know.” The coffee-shop confessional style and the obvious 1990s/ Cranberries comparisons are here on “Trust Your Gut.” Drummer Atom Willard shines on the title track.
6. Heart Attack Man- “Freak of Nature”
If this album was out in 1999/2000 it would have been huge. Anxious, angsty and alternative rock with an edge to it, but still hook-friendly for the radio, Heart Attack Man has found its sound, and “Freak of Nature” is fantastic. “Late To The Orgy” is quite something.
5. Fall Out Boy- “So Much (for) Stardust”
“So Much (for") Stardust” signals Fall Out Boy’s return to doing what they do best; making emo-soaked rock tailor-made for arenas and stadiums. “Love from the Other Side,” and “Hold Me Like A Grudge” will make you forget “Mania” ever existed.
4.Mustard Plug- “Where Did All My Friends Go?”
How ska should sound in 2023, Mustard Plug put out the genre’s best release in easily 5 years. “Another Season In Exile,” Why Does It Have To Be So Hard?,” and “Where Did All My Friends Go?” are all top tier 2023 tracks.
3.Sincere Engineer - “Cheap Grills”
While “Bless My Psyche” showed Deanna Belos and co. could be more of just a scrappy punk band, “Cheap Grills” still belts out fun bangers that channel your inner underdog. “Anemia” and “Old Coat Pocket” show that this Chicago band remains one of the best new acts in punk rock.
2. Hot Mulligan- “Why Would I Watch”
Here’s why you should listen:
The shape of emo to come is right here. The band has gotten better with every release, and this album is full of spastic energy and catchy melodies that have more replay value than retro gaming.
1.blink-182 - “One More Time…”
“One More Time…” picks up where “Neighborhoods” left off , but this time around there is a cohesion that needed to be felt with the return of the classic lineup of Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker. This is an album blink fans have been waiting for - rooted in their pop-punk DNA, but a collective cohesive direction to progression. “One More Time..” doesn’t disappoint.
-By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of pop-punk, Mike Damante’s book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features exclusive interviews with blink-182, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Descendents, and others.