Variety, the leading entertainment magazine, has released its annual list of the top 25 songs of the year, based on the votes of music industry professionals and critics. The list features a diverse range of genres, artists, and styles, reflecting the musical landscape of 2023. Here are some of the highlights from the list:
- ‘Last Night’ by Olivia Rodrigo. The pop sensation who dominated 2021 with her debut album ‘Sour’ returned with a new single that showcases her growth as a songwriter and performer. ‘Last Night’ is a catchy and emotional ballad that explores the aftermath of a breakup and the longing for reconciliation. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight weeks and earned Rodrigo her second Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.
- ‘Kill Bill’ by Doja Cat feat. Megan Thee Stallion. The two rap queens teamed up for a fierce and fiery collaboration that pays homage to the Quentin Tarantino film of the same name. The song is a hard-hitting anthem that celebrates female empowerment and revenge, with witty and clever references to the movie’s characters and scenes. The song also features a sample of the iconic whistle theme from the film, adding to its cinematic appeal. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration.
- ‘Leave the Door Open’ by Silk Sonic. The supergroup composed of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak delivered a smooth and soulful hit that transports listeners to the 70s era of R&B. The song is a romantic and seductive invitation to a lover, with lush vocals, harmonies, and instrumentation. The song was the lead single from the duo’s highly anticipated debut album ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’, which received critical acclaim and commercial success. The song also earned the group six Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Best R&B Performance.
- ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ by Lil Nas X. The rapper and singer who rose to fame with his viral hit ‘Old Town Road’ in 2019 continued to break boundaries and challenge norms with his controversial and groundbreaking single. The song is a personal and provocative expression of his sexuality and identity, with references to the 2017 film ‘Call Me By Your Name’. The song sparked a lot of debate and backlash for its explicit lyrics and imagery, especially the music video that features Lil Nas X pole-dancing to hell and giving Satan a lap dance. The song also became a cultural phenomenon and a meme, inspiring countless parodies and remixes. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the BET Award for Video of the Year.
- ‘Drivers License’ by Olivia Rodrigo. The song that started it all for the young star, ‘Drivers License’ was the first single from her debut album ‘Sour’ and the first song of 2021 to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a heartbreaking and relatable ballad that captures the pain of losing a first love and the jealousy of seeing them move on with someone else. The song also sparked a lot of speculation and drama about the real-life inspiration behind it, as Rodrigo was rumored to have written it about her co-star and ex-boyfriend Joshua Bassett and his alleged new girlfriend Sabrina Carpenter. The song became a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and received praise from critics and celebrities alike. The song also earned Rodrigo her first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
The rest of the list includes songs by artists such as Adele, BTS, Billie Eilish, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and more. You can check out the full list and the reasons behind each selection on Variety’s website. What do you think of the list? Do you agree or disagree with the choices? Let us know in the comments below.
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