Record Shop Recommendations: Our Favourite Albums From 2023
Welcome to Dig In Records' roundup of our favourite albums from 2023! This year has been full of great releases, so we've carefully curated a list of albums that have truly stood out to us. From established names to emerging artists, each album brings something unique to the table which we love.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the music that defined Dig In Records in 2023.
1. Say She She – Silver
Say She She's Silver has been a gem in our collection this year. The album's ethereal melodies and dreamy atmospheres create a sonic landscape that captivates from start to finish. Say She She's ability to blend genres and experiment with sound truly sets Silver apart as a standout release in 2023.
2. A Certain Ratio – 1982
A Certain Ratio's 1982 takes us on a nostalgic journey while still feeling remarkably fresh. The album's blend of post-punk and funk elements showcases the band's enduring creativity. A Certain Ratio has managed to capture the essence of their early sound while adding contemporary twists from guest appearances such as Chunky. 1982 is a real joy to experience.
Pick up A Certain Ratio’s 1982 on orange vinyl here.
3. Smoove & Turrell - Red Ellen
In the realm of soulful and funky sounds, Smoove & Turrell's Red Ellen has been a delightful listen. The album's groovy beats and soulful vocals create an infectious energy that's impossible to resist. Red Ellen is a testament to Smoove & Turrell's mastery in crafting tunes that make you want to move.
4. Stone Foundation - Standing in the Light,
Celebrating a quarter-century of musical brilliance, Stone Foundation's Standing in the Light is a sonic journey through the band's evolution. This retrospective compilation beautifully captures the essence of Stone Foundation's enduring career, providing both a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and a perfect introduction for newcomers.
5. Rozi Plain - Prize
Rozi Plain's Prize is an understatedly beautiful record that showcases Plain’s unique blend of indie-folk and experimental pop perfectly. The album's introspective lyrics paired with enchanting vocals create a captivating experience that lingers in the listener's mind long after the final track.
6. Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day
With a catalogue of fantastic albums already in hand, it’s no surprise that they’ve done it again with My Big Day. The indie quartet continues to impress and evolve with My Big Day seamlessly weaving together indie rock and electronic elements to create a dynamic and immersive listening experience. My Big Day is another case study to cement the group as one of the nation’s most loved indie groups.
Pick up Bombay’s latest LP on black vinyl here.
7. Sampha – Lahai
Sampha's Lahai is a sonic journey that transcends genres, showcasing the artist's unique blend of R&B, electronic, and experimental elements. The album's emotive vocals and intricate production make it a standout release, solidifying Sampha's place as a musical visionary.
Lahai’s sonic landscapes serve as the perfect reflection of the emotional depth explored in each track, creating a truly immersive experience for the listener.
Pick up Sampha’s Lahai on white vinyl here.
8. Boygenius – The Record
The Record is a testament to the collective talent of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus - each with their own fantastic catalogue of material. Arguably one of the biggest releases of the year, Boygenius’ The Record is a profound album that delivers both big guitar riffs and intimate acoustic storytelling. The album's introspective lyrics and harmonious blend of voices create a deeply moving and personal experience.
Pick up Boygenius’ The Record on black vinyl here.
9. Queens Of The Stone Age - In Times New Roman…
Queens Of The Stone Age's In Times New Roman… delivers the hard-hitting rock sound we've come to love from the band. The album's powerful riffs, energetic rhythms, and Josh Homme's signature vocals make it a bold and exhilarating addition to our favourites of 2023. From the very opening moment on ‘Obscenery’ to the dynamic closer, ‘Straight Jacket Fitting’, In Times New Roman… is a must-listen for any QOTSA fan.
Pick up Queens Of The Stone Age’s In Times New Roman… on red vinyl here.
10. Jalen Ngonda – Come Around And Love Me
Jalen Ngonda's debut LP, Come Around And Love Me, is a soulful journey that showcases the artist's incredible vocal range and songwriting prowess. The album's blend of classic soul and contemporary influences oozes through with a timeless sound that feels both fresh and familiar. If you’re craving a dose of joyful Marvin Gaye-esque vibes, then you’ll love Come Around And Love Me.
11. Andre 3000 – New Blue Sun
When Andre 3000 announced that he was releasing a flute album with no vocal accompaniment, the hip-hop community raised an eyebrow. However, when New Blue Sun was finally released to the world, Andre 3000’s musical innovation and creativity became abundantly clear.
While New Blue Sun features no bars or verses from the OutKast icon, Andre 3000's flute skills, experimental beats and ethereal soundscapes make the album one of 2023’s most interesting and unique releases.
Pre-order Andre 3000’s New Blue Sun on three-disc black vinyl here.
12. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury OST - Takashi Ohmama
Closing our roundup is the absolutely epic Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury OST by Takashi Ohmama. The album's colossal compositions transport listeners to otherworldly realms, showcasing the power of music in storytelling.
Ohmama's skilful craftsmanship makes this soundtrack a memorable addition to our top picks. From the heroic string arrangements to the anthemic pounding drums, Ohmama has created a soundtrack of Herculean proportions.
As we wrap up 2023, we at Dig In Records are grateful for the incredible music that has soundtracked our lives this year. These albums are the ones that we couldn’t get enough of, but there are many more we could add to the list.
We can't wait to see what the next year holds for the world of sound, and we'll continue to dig deep for the best tunes to share with you. Stay tuned for more fantastic records and discoveries in 2024!