Every December, we take a look at the best stuff that’s come across our desks—or, in this case, through our ear buds—in the last year. I have to confess, some years, just coming up with five tracks or albums to commend to you was challenging. This year, however, there was no shortage of contenders.
Perhaps nothing is more fragmented these days than the music world, where so many artists and bands vie for our fleeting attention. We only review a small fraction of what’s out there each year. But I’m happy to say that our list this year is infectious and eclectic, spanning a variety of genres and styles. And they’re not just fun to listen to. Most are paired with insightful and encouraging messages as well.
So with no further ado, I present to you 2023’s year-end pics in the realm of music!
The Arcadian Wild, “Dopamine”
When our brains like something, they emit a bit of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Sounds like something you’d read about in, say, Psychology Today. Or maybe even hear our team talk about on The Plugged In Show. But earlier this year, the Nashville-based progressive bluegrass and folk quartet known as The Arcadian Wild tackled this topic, too, with rapid-fire lyrics that hold up a mirror to our addictive, dopamine-dependent relationship with smartphones. “Hit ’em with a little bit of dopamine to keep ’em lookin’/Every second, they’ll be second-guessing, trying to meet the/Expectation of the age of information, the simulation/Will be so convincing, they’ll forget that they’re alive.” The song’s dense lyrics pack a lot of commentary—and quite musically so!—into an insightful take on one our era’s most pressing problems.
Lauren Daigle, “These Are the Days”
This exceptionally catchy track sounds like Adele and Gnarls Barkley teamed up to brainstorm an unlikely collaboration. Daigle’s neo-soul vibe here pairs perfectly with piano riffs, an infectious bass line and gospel-style backing vocals. There’s just a tiny hint of Motown lurking in this one. Daigle encourages her listeners to “turn your cries into loud hallelujahs” and to “leave your worries behind.” And the Christian singer admonishes further, “You’ll see heaven inhabit our praises/This is what we came here for/ … Believing the Good News is alive.” Simply a terrific track that you’ll likely want to put on repeat after a listen or two.
JJ Heller, “Look for Miracles”
Sometimes our world can feel pretty discouraging. JJ Heller knows it. And this thoroughly delightful song from the Christian folk singer might be just the antidote you’re looking for on a down day. Backed by a simple acoustic guitar and bass, Heller begins, “There’s always something to be scared of.” Anyone who struggles with anxiety of any kind is probably nodding in agreement. But Heller gently challenges us to remember that while “there’s no hiding from misfortune/ … There’s always room for hope.” And miracles? Well, if you’re paying attention, “You’ll see ‘em every day.” This is a lovely, hope-filled song, but one that includes lines like this, too: “Tell your worry to be quiet/So your heart can hear the song.” Love that.
NF, “Hope”
In the realm of rap, Nate Feuerstein, better known as NF, has carved out an influential niche exploring the intersection between his Christian faith and the deep struggles he’s endured in life. The result has been gritty, confessional and authentic, and it’s earned him a huge following. Trauma, depression and mental health issues have often taken center stage in NF’s music. On this song, though, he sings and raps about his determination not to give those struggles the last word. He talks about how turning 30 and becoming a father have given him new determination and perspective: “Wake up every day and pick my son up, hold him in my arms and let him know he’s loved.” Different parts of the song have a call-and-response element to them, in which NF tells an alter-ego that he’s not going to submit to being shamed and belittled any more: “(You’ll never evolve) I know I can change/(We are not enough) We are not the same/ … I’m taking the reins.”
Voices of Fire feat. Pharrell Williams, “Joy (Unspeakable)”
What happens when you combine a top-flight gospel choir with the vocal talents of Pharrell Williams? You get a song that’s practically exploding with hope, a track with one foot in traditional gospel and the other firmly planted in contemporary R&B. Plugged In’s Kristin Smith writes, “The hope in this song emphasizes that no matter what is going on in life, God has the last say (‘The last word doesn’t come from the doctor’). So don’t cave in defeat even when things feel impossible (‘Just keep praying beyond the last hour’).” This collaborative gospel doesn’t promise that we’ll never suffer. Instead, Voices of Fire and guest Pharell Williams powerfully proclaim, “If you want it you can have it (Joy!)/If you need it you can have it (Joy!)/Love, peace, joy, joy (Joy!)
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