My Top 10 Albums of 2023

What were my top ten favorite albums from the year 2023? Let's find out!
*all comments in this video are completely subjective and I am not a music expert.
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0:00 Intro
0:38 10. Moments of Clarity - Narrow Head
1:34 9. War Of Being - TesseracT
2:31 8. Raven - Kelela
3:22 7. The Death We Seek - Currents
4:36 6. The Above - Code Orange
5:40 5. Purge - Godflesh
6:57 4. Desire, I Want To Turn Into You - Caroline Polachek
8:04 3. Take Me Back To Eden - Sleep Token
9:03 2. The Harmony Codex - Steven Wilson
10:09 1. Alchemy for the Dead - Spotlights
11:46 My Final Thoughts
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#2023albums #bestalbums #top10

[@py16667]

Code Orange killed it with The Above, so many nuances & so versatile, the band just keeps improving

[@mollyesanborn]

Absolutely, such a talented band! I love the variety on The Above, they really embraced every aspect of their sound on it.

[@TheBrandonn]

I've been listening to Mirror on repeat since it came out. Didn't care much for the rest of the album but that song is amazing

[@mollyesanborn]

@@TheBrandonn Mirror is one of my favorites off the album! It's so unexpectedly melodic for Code Orange, it really stands out. Beautiful track, I'd love to hear some more songs from them in that style (along with more of Reba's vocals too!)

[@terraco8868]

Yes!! Godflesh and jesu reactions! Please. 🙏 Justin broadrick is a genius.

[@mollyesanborn]

I will definitely consider that! I really want to get into Godflesh's discography now after hearing Purge.

[@plagueseason]

I didn't even know Tesseract released a new album this year, so thanks for that!

[@mollyesanborn]

Oh awesome, glad you know about it now! Hope you enjoy listening to it :)

[@TheScorpio1999]

Hells yeah. I might give War of Being another listen sometime tonight. I'm on this crazy nighttime schedule as of late. TesseracT are my favorite artist. Really cool that you know about them.

[@mollyesanborn]

Oh awesome! Yeah War Of Being is such a fantastic album, I'm pretty new to TesseracT's music and haven't listened to their entire discography yet but I love what I've heard so far! Such a talented band.

[@gal2659]

You will not be disappointed dwelling into Godflesh discography. Personally I'm not a big fan of the reunion (it's not bad, I just found very few things new.. no reason no to just listen to the classics I know). The self titled, Streetcleaner, Pure, Selfless are the best, and present different aspects of the same Godflesh-y sounds. If loved those then you should also check the next three albums. Enjoy ! can't wait to see your reaction :)

[@mollyesanborn]

YES!!! I can't wait to get into more of Godflesh's music. I'll have to do some videos for the rest of their albums, because Purge was awesome.

[@LokiTricksterG]

Disagree about the reunion albums; Post Self is one of my all-time favorites of theirs.

[@wulfgold]

Kudos for picking Godflesh - stunning band and a whole rabbit hole of side/collaborations/remixes. Excellent album.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'd been contemplating doing some videos for their albums on the channel and just never got around to it, and then when I saw they had an album out this year I figured I'd check it out in my own time. Now I wish I had filmed a reaction to Purge, I loved it! I'll definitely be listening to the rest of Godflesh's albums.

[@wulfgold]

@@mollyesanborn they always give me an Xmas-y feeling ;) Have a good one + new year :)

[@mollyesanborn]

Happy holidays to you as well! :)

[@kristofferveirum3382]

Great list! Thank you for bringing Narrow Head to my attention. I had missed that band and album totally, but now I'm hooked! 😎 My top 3 would probably be: 3) Tigercub - Perfume of Decay 2) Teenagewrist - Still Love 1) Sleep Token - Take Me Back to Eden

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed the Narrow Head album as well! They're a pretty new band to me also and I'm definitely going to have to check out more of their music now. And thanks for sharing your top picks, nice list!

[@Michael-id9bw]

Love these "best list" Molly. I'm still listening to some of the 2022 stuff that made your list and looking forward to checking these bands out. 👍💯

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks, I really enjoy making these year end lists! They're a lot of fun and a great way to discover new music. Hope you enjoy the list for this year, as well as the 2022 picks :)

[@metalrules1135]

Glad you are digging Godflesh. I'd love to see some reactions to their early stuff. Streetcleaner for sure.

[@mollyesanborn]

For sure, I'll definitely thing about a Streetcleaner reaction. Realy excited to dig further into Godflesh's music!

[@metalrules1135]

I have a kind of funny story about seeing them on that tour when you get around to it. \m/@@mollyesanborn

[@jsilverchannel]

TesseracT, Currents, Sleep Token and Steven Wilson are on my list too! You are in for a treat with Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree.... Such a massive body of work.

[@mollyesanborn]

Nice, we must have a similar taste in music! I'm very excited to hear more of Steven Wilson's music for sure, some amazing stuff from what little I've heard so far.

[@glx3846]

Hi Molly, glad to see you back! I will be listening to these albums from your list

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy the albums :)

[@retromusings]

Great vid. Really enjoyed this review of your top albums for 2023!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@darphaedrus1558]

All good picks👍I look forward to your further examination of Steven Wilson projects.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, can't wait to dive further into his solo stuff, and I need to listen to more of Porcupine Tree as well.

[@eric_stewart]

Great work as always. Take Me Back to Eden is absolutely one of my favorites of the year. I have to say, I am surprised to not see Crosses new record here on your list

[@mollyesanborn]

I know, the Crosses record was very close to being included! It probably would have landed at #12 (#11 being Fatalism by Polaris). There were just a lot of really good albums that came out this year.

[@FahmiAfief]

narrow head is the real deal, glad you enjoyed them too!

[@mollyesanborn]

Great band, glad I've finally discovered their music!

[@empressita47]

finding your youtube channel has to be the best thing that happpened to me this year 🩷 greetings from México 😉✌️🇲🇽

[@mollyesanborn]

This comment is so sweet, thank you so much! Glad you are enjoying the channel. I appreciate you and hope that you have a great holiday season! ❤

[@pjeffries301]

Such a great and thoughtful list, it doesn't sound like you're reading from a script. Grateful, thx.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks so much! Yeah I didn't write a script, I usually just prefer to talk about my general thoughts and feelings for each album. Sometimes editing me wishes I did a script for these types of videos because the rough cut was like 50 minutes of me rambling 😬

[@iandawson6461]

I like that most of these were not albums I was familiar with. Caroline Polachek is the only one that was on my own list. I'll throw in Fever Ray, Home Front, Health, Crosses, Eartheater, and Jamila Woods. But I will be checking out your picks!

[@mollyesanborn]

That's awesome, hopefully you'll find some new bands you'll enjoy! I really liked the Health album too, they merge industrial and electronic music so well. And of course the Crosses album was really good too! They just didn't quite make the cut for the year for me personally. I'll have to check out the rest on your list!

[@ratetherecordpodcast]

Molly! Yes! Spotlights (not spoiling the spot) so stoked that you dug it!

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah they're so amazing! Such a talented band, I'm so happy to have finally discovered their music.

[@YONATOOTH]

Great list, Molly 🤘 Merry christmas and a happy new year to you.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you so much! Happy holidays to you as well :)

[@cratesclouds]

Godflesh is one of my top bands, looking forward to you doing more by them. They don’t have a bad release in my eyes, would say that they also have great EPs too. This year I loved Foo Fighters, Godflesh, & Obituary among others.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm really looking forward to diving into their entire discography now, Purge was great!

[@brainthief]

Spotlights! 🙌🏼 well deserved. Great number 1. I saw them twice this year. Amazing album. "Algorithmic" could and should be on alternative radio, or any track.

[@mollyesanborn]

Lucky, you've seen them twice! I'd love to see them live if I ever get the chance. I absolutely love their musical style.

[@jesusdelarosa1204]

I like your music taste and you are very nice. Subscribed!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@_.mp4224]

nice picks! 😎

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks! Glad you liked the list :)

[@mfsars1075]

I will listen to every album on your list. Thx Molly 🖤

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you so much! All of you that enjoy the channel never fail to come through on new band and album suggestions, so I'm glad to return the favor, haha! I hope you find some new music to enjoy! ❤

[@Mr.Bungle03]

Great list, Molly! My top album is Emarosa - Sting 🦂cheers from Minnesota 🤘alchemy for the dead is so outstanding tho!! That title track is perfection

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you liked the list! That's awesome you enjoy Spotlights as well, great band aren't they? They've got a great sound, I love all of the atmosphere to their music. I'll have to check out your top pick, Emarosa by Sting. I haven't heard that one yet.

[@SanskarWagley]

Great list!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks! :)

[@Fitchie69]

Interesting list. I hope that next year you will make a video on some P.T. and S.W albums. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for watching, and happy holidays to you as well! I will definitely have to consider some Porcupine Tree reactions on the channel, the only album I've heard from them is Closure/Continuation that they released last year. I'm looking forward to hearing more!

[@pazwretzky4673]

although I enjoy watching you doing reviews on your channel Molly, it seems as though I've missed out on so much of late, seeing as most of your favorites for the year are foriegn to me, it looks like I've got some catching up to do...I trust in your judgment Molly, and I'll be sure to check out each of your picks for the year..the holidays are just around the corner so I'd like to wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year, which by the way reminds me, there's a new Chelsea Wolfe album early next year, I hope you give it a spin

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad that you're enjoying the channel! I usually don't get around to listening to much current stuff either until November creeps up on me, and then I scramble to make my year-end list of favorites haha! Hope you enjoy listening to my picks. And yes, the Chelsea Wolfe record is easily my most anticipated album for 2024. All three singles that she's released so far are amazing. And happy holidays to you as well :)

[@shrey_kundra]

Didn't know you were familiar with Tesseract. Hope you recorded your first listen to War of Being, and also hoping you check out the rest of their discography if you haven't - all albums are so damn good. And - great 2023 list!

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm very new to TesseracT's music actually, their song Juno off of Sonder played on my Spotify shuffle and I loved the track so I looked up the band. Then I saw they had a new album out and gave it a listen (I sadly did not film my reaction to it). I'll definitely be giving more of their music a listen!

[@darkphoenix2]

Anyone who gives Tesseract attention has my thanks. Really wish more people listened to them. Every track on that album is great. It's weird how they seem well known within their genre, but so few seem to actually devote time to them.

[@mollyesanborn]

I hadn't heard of them at all up until pretty recently, I think Spotify played one of their songs randomly when I had it on shuffle and I loved it so looked up the artist. Then I saw they had a new album out and had to give it a listen. So glad that I did, now I have a new band to dive into more!

[@thecuttingtides]

Glad to see Currents and Sleep Token on this list 🔥🔥

[@mollyesanborn]

Heck yeah! Both are such amazing bands.

[@briteskin]

Being out of radio and not having press outlets asking for my top 10 lists I don't keep up like I use too. Just trying to choose off the top of my head I know will forget stuff. That said....as far as your list I only think heard four of the records and Godflesh and Code Orange would be among my top releases. Tesseract never worked for me and Sleep Token really sounds like nothing new to me but I am also in my 50's. So find it appropriate that Mr. Wilson placed above them because when people ask about recommendations for those who like Sleep Token one of my suggestions is Porcupine Tree. My favorite album of the year is probably Wargasm (uk) - 'Venom'. It is such a 90's record capturing many of the sounds I loved about that decade (electronic dance, nu-metal) it even guests Fred Durst on a track. Other artists newest releases I enjoyed: Avatar, Kvelertak, Descartes A Kant, Kontrust, Obituary, Suffocation, King Gizzard & the Electric Wizard, Baroness, Therapy?, and Hot Milk. Oops there is 10 right there.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah I really dig the sound on the Steven Wilson album, I definitely need to go listen to some more of his solo stuff and all of Porcupine's Tree discography while I'm at it. I did check out the Wargasm album that dropped this year, it didn't make the cut for me personally but I thought it was really well done and brought loads of energy. I especially loved the Bjork sample on the track Death Rattle, that was my favorite track on the album.

[@SomeSong2]

1. YONLAPA: Lingering Gloaming 2. Mutoid Man: Mutants 3. Red Velvet: Chill Kill- The 3rd Album 4. Cattle Decapitation: Terrasite 5. Danny Brown: Quaranta 6. KEN Mode: VOID 7. LE SSERAFIM: UNFORGIVEN 8. Gus Dapperton: Henge 9. Ruston Kelly: The Weakness 10. Mitski: The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for sharing your list! :)

[@johnnelson3665]

Molly is so sweet. Enjoying this list.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@hectorThechilldudeonacouch]

Very good list I also have Sleep Token on my list.

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you agree! Yeah Take Me Back To eden is fantastic, such a good album!

[@stevenbowley3212]

That’s a pretty dope underground pick for number one, saw Spotlights open up for Royal Thunder. Very cool band, did not know they had a new one out.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah Spotlights is fantastic, glad you agree! So awesome you've seen them live, I'd love to if I ever get the chance. Definitely go give their newest record a listen, in my opinion it's pretty awesome! :)

[@ODAALx]

Damn, didn't see Spotlights as a number one! Phenomenal band, and phenomenal album.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yes, Alchemy of the Dead is so good! Glad you agree :)

[@ilyas_elouchihi]

you deserve a crown for including Godflesh!! they're so underrated! you should definitely hear more from them, for example their magnum opus 'Streetcleaner' 1989

[@mollyesanborn]

I will absolutely be checking out the rest of their discography! Maybe I'll plan on doing some reactions here on the channel, because Purge was amazing.

[@ilyas_elouchihi]

@@mollyesanborn I would also like to add that Mike Patton from Faith no More is a Huge fan of them, so are many other artists

[@paulok2153]

gosh, i saw Godflesh must be 25 - 30 years ago or so :o had no idea they were still going!

[@vintorez1602]

A band that might be of interest is Karnivool. It's an Australian progressive rock/metal band most similar to Tool and has some elements similar to Deftones. I didn't love their music at first, but after a few repeat listens, they really grew on me. Might be worth a try.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion! I've actually got Karnivool on my list of bands to check out, I know they've been mentioned by some others as well.

[@themetalpig7613]

The way you described your number 1 album made me think of Kauan. You may like them. A post rock band that sing in Finnish and have a violinist too. They create really awesome soundscapes that can be both beautiful but dark and haunting at the same time. If you're interested start with Sorni Nai, it's a concept album about The Dyatlov Pass Incident where a bunch of Russian hikers died mysteriously in the snowny mountains. Reading up on the story first really adds to the music.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion! Yeah I've never heard of Kauan before, seems like a very interesting album by them to check out though.

[@themetalpig7613]

@@mollyesanborn yeah no worries, I'd be interested to know if you end up liking Kauan. Also with that Godflesh album, again it makes me think you'd love Fear Factory albums Obsolete & Demanufacture.

[@mollyesanborn]

@@themetalpig7613 yeah I've got to get to Fear Factory soon! They've been on my list of bands to check out for much too long at this point, haha.

[@okiewendiawan]

Here's my pick, 1. Chamber - A Love To Kill For 2. Sleepsculptor - Divine Recalibration 3. END - The Sin of Human Frailty 4. Spotlights - Alchemy for the Dead 5. Lo! - The Gleaners 6. Narrow Head - Moments of Clarity 7. Public Phone School - Public Phone School 8. The HIRS Collective - We're Still Here 9. Creak - Depth Perception 10.Dreamwell - In My Saddest Dreams, I am Beside You

[@mollyesanborn]

Love seeing Spotlights and Narrow Head on your list as well! I'll have to listen to the others though, thanks for the suggestions.

[@okiewendiawan]

@@mollyesanborn that Narrow Head's record, sounds like 90's band with better mixing. Love it ❤️ And Spotlights, always love the duo, they deserve more listeners. Hope you enjoy my list 😁

[@jonblake8411]

For Godflesh I would recommend albums like Streetcleaner (1989) and Pure (1992) and Selfless (1994) , also I’m happy you liked the new Sleep Token album, I was surprised some KZbinrs were criticizing it for sounding poppier compared to their previous

[@mollyesanborn]

YES I will definitely check out more from Godflesh! I'm so excited I've discovered their music and enjoyed it so much. I'll have to consider some reactions for their other albums. And I'm glad you agree with me on Sleep Token, I feel as soon as they started to gain popularity people were quick to criticize their music for some reason, but Take Me Back To Eden is a technical masterpiece. Fantastic album in my opinion!

[@Tawper]

I'm so glad you put Spotlights for number 1. That band is so underground it's ridiculous. It is perfect too with it's dark yet atmospheric tone, it's amazing. It's also my number 1 this year, you have great taste!

[@mollyesanborn]

So awesome that your top pick is Alchemy for the Dead as well! Such a great album, I'm so glad that I discovered Spotlights this year. Such a talented band, I look forward to seeing what else they'll release in the future.

[@Tawper]

@@mollyesanborn All of their albums they have out right now are super good, they have a cover of a song called She Spider that is one of my favorites.

[@mollyesanborn]

@@Tawper I'll definitely have to check that song out!

[@blueberrydenim4807]

Very solid list, Currents & Code Orange made my top 10 too, but I did dig the new Caroline Polachek too. A really great underrated band called Calva Louise had a late drop this year called Over The Threshold & made my top 10, definitely a band to watch right now

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to check out the Calva Louise album, I've never heard of them before.

[@bojatrax]

My list: Boygenius - The Record Caroline Polachek - Desire, I want To turn Into You Wednesday - Rat Saw God The Lathums - From Nothing to a Little Bit More The Beaches - Blame My Ex Great Falls - Objects without Pain Fever Ray - Radical Romantics Hotline TNT - Cartwheel Margaret Glaspy - Echo the Diamond Drain - Living Proof Greetings from 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴 and i love your channel !!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you so much for sharing your list! Glad you're enjoying the channel :)

[@whereta3097]

I had to listen to your top albums in case there were some I missed this year. These would be my favorites of 2023. 10. Code Orange - The Above(diverse af) 9. Currents - The Death We Seek(so damn heavy) 8. Origami Angels - The Brightest Days(math/pop-punk/emo) 7. Quannic - Stepdream(shoegaze, indie) 6. Spotlights - Alchemy for the Dead(love the doomy atmosphere and "Algorithmic") 5. Day Aches - One Last Dream Before Dying(grungegaze) 4. Full Body 2 - infinity signature[ep] (shoegaze/drum&bass) 3. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - Fronzoli(they get better which each record) 2. Mauve - About the Weather(pop-punk/emo) 1. Narrowhead - Moments of Clarity (grungegaze, glad I caught them live and for this record!) Also please check out the band Failure, my favorite band.

[@mollyesanborn]

Ooh awesome list! We have a lot of similar favorites from the year. I will certainly keep Failure in mind for future videos, I know they've been suggested quite a bit in the comments. Can't wait to hear their music!

[@Duck-xy3gx]

Based Psychedelic Porn Crumpets enjoyer

[@jeremysette3657]

Only listened to about a quarter of your list, so I have homework to do! Thanks for that. Here's mine: 1. The Lemon Twigs - "Everything Harmony" 2. Darlingside - "Everything is Alive" 3. Charles Wesley Godwin - "Family Ties" 4. Foo Fighters - "But Here We Are" 5. Boygenius - "The Record" 6. Slowdive - "everything is alive" 7. Sleep Token - "Take Me Back To Eden" 8. Lana Del Rey - "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd" 9. Chris Stapleton - Higher" 10. Mondo Drag - "Through the Hourglass" Honorable Mentions 1. Balance and Composure - "Too Quick to Forgive" (2 song EP) 2. Paul Simon - "Seven Psalms..." (a whole album in one song 30+ minute song)

[@mollyesanborn]

Looks like I've got some homework as well, a lot of your picks are by bands I haven't heard of. I did really enjoy the Slowdive record, it was my first album of theirs that I've heard and it made me want to get into more of their discography for sure. I didn't get around to hearing the new Lana Del Rey record though, I'm kind of on the fence with her music in general but since it was a favorite of yours I'll have to check it out!

[@jeremysette3657]

@mollyesanborn right on! Yeah, Lana, in general, is hit or miss for me. This album was epic, slow but moving. Could have done without the interludes. After doing some more listening, I could easily interchange her album with Feist's "Multitudes" or Kara Jackson's "Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?" I think it would be really cool to see a KZbin music reviewer give a second list of favorite albums after listening to their subscribers' lists. Just a thought! Enjoy the listening.

[@mollyesanborn]

@@jeremysette3657 that is a cool idea! I'll have to keep it in mind.

[@robforzese5496]

Only heard 50 albums from 2023. Caroline Polcahck is the only one on ur list that heard. Thanks for those recommendations.My favorite album from this year is Doom Singer by Chris Farren.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm not familiar with Chris Farren, I'll have to give his album from this year a listen.

[@Jorgetime]

Tesseract And Godflesh in the same list, nice! Definitely check out Godflesh's debut, Streetcleaner, it sounds like an old apocalyptic horror movie. Sounds exactly like the album cover.

[@mollyesanborn]

I cannot wait to hear Streetcleaner!!

[@hansithebard]

my top 10: 1. Sleep token - take me back to eden 2. Code orange- the above 3. Avenged sevenfold - life is but a dream 4. insomnium- anno 1696 5. spiritbox- the fear of fear (ep) 6- Ren - sick boi (hip hop) 7. haken - fauna 8. Crypta- shades of sorrow 9. Svalbard- the weight of the mask 10. steven wilson - the harmony codex check out steven wilson's other albums if you don't know them especially hand.cannot.erase and the raven that refused to sing his two masterpieces. Oh yeah and don't forget his band porcupine tree with fear of a blank planet and in absentia!

[@mollyesanborn]

Ooh that Spiritbox EP was fantastic!! Would have absolutely been on my list if I included EP's. And I didn't check out the Avenged Sevenfold record because I'll plan on doing a reaction for it later on, I'm very intrigued to hear it though! And yes I'll definitely have to dive further into Steven Wilson's music and Porcupine Tree too, what little I've heard has been fantastic.

[@hansithebard]

@@mollyesanborn you are going to be in for a treat with the new AX7 album. By a long shot the most experimental album they have made to date. There are like a thousand different genres in that album (little spoiler). it's gonna be a fun listen!

[@mollyesanborn]

@@hansithebard I'm so excited to hear it!

[@FilmFan0599]

That Which Feeds On Life by Centralya is definitely my favorite album of the year and although it’s an EP With Thorns Of Glass And Petals Of Grief by Balmora is right behind it. Ephyra is definitely the best hardcore label in the game currently.

[@pabloj1789]

❤❤❤

[@cowmark67]

Interesting list. I knew everything on this list by name but have only listened to Caroline Polachek and Sleep Token, both of which are fantastic. Here are my top 10 favorite albums of 2023, taken from my top 50 list. 1. Ratboys - The Window (indie rock/alternative country) 2. MSPAINT - Post-American (synth-punk/hardcore punk/post-punk/hip hop) 3. Spanish Love Songs - No Joy (emo/indie rock) 4. Mesarthim - Arrival (atmospheric black metal/trance) 5. Blackbraid - Blackbraid II (atmospheric black metal/melodic black metal) 6. Svalbard - The Weight of the Mask (blackened hardcore/post-metal/post-rock) 7. Panopticon - The Rime of Memory (atmospheric black metal/folk) 8. Bizarrekult - Den Tapte Krigen (progressive post-black metal) 9. Wednesday - Rat Saw God (countrygaze/indie rock) 10. Hello Mary - Hello Mary (grunge/indie rock/shoegaze) Honorable mentions 1. Sermon - Of Golden Verse (progressive metal/alternative metal/post-metal) 2. Citizen - Calling the Dogs (alternative rock/emo/post-punk/new wave) 3. Olde Throne - In the Land of Ghosts (atmospheric black metal) 4. Iravu - A Fate Worse Than Home (atmospheric black metal) 5. Yes Yes A Thousand Times Yes - Supertinyinfinitedans (emo/indie rock/math rock)

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for sharing your list! A lot of new ones on here that I've never heard of, will definitely have to check them out.

[@steveratcliffe2181]

Code Orange album is a top ten for me too. It has a very sinister underbelly to it. Love it, start to finish. Sorry, but I don't care for Sleep Token. The rest of the albums I haven't heard but they sound like albums I would enjoy . My album of the year is Insomnium's Anno 1696. It's a melodic death metal album that tells the story of the witch hunts in Europe. It's a beautiful journey of an album. Moody, Folky, heavy as hell and beautiful when it has to be. I think you would love it because of the different atmospheres within.

[@mollyesanborn]

The Code Orange record is amazing, glad you enjoyed it as well! There is just so much variety on it, they really embraced every aspect of their style. I'll have to give your top pick a listen, I don't believe I've ever heard of Insomnium. Sounds like a really interesting listen!

[@whiskeytennisfoxtrot7356]

When you get to Porcupine Tree start with *In Absentia* (2003). Ignore everything everything before that, for the time being. Then continue with Porcupine Tree's releases: - Deadwing (2005) - Fear of a Blank Planet (2007) - The Incident (2009) Then do Steven Wilson's solo albums: - Insurgentes (2008) - Grace for Drowning (2011) - The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) (2013) - Hand. Cannot. Erase. (2015) - 4½ (EP) (2016) - To the Bone (2017) - The Future Bites (2021) Then go back and finish up Porcupine Tree with: - Closure/Continuation (2022) If you get through all that check out Steven Wilsons other side projects: - Blackfield - Storm Corrosion Then, if you want, go back and listen to Porcupine Tree's earlier works before In Absentia. Their earlier works are ok, but the band and Steven Wilson really took it to another level starting wth In Absentia and really maintained that level through out.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for this! I've actually heard Closure/Continuation from last year, that is to my knowledge the only stuff I've heard from Porcupine Tree. Looks like I've got quite a bit more to dive into!

[@smashmypumpkins]

absolutely love narrow head, always great seeing them play live. soft to touch gives me big linkin park vibes

[@mollyesanborn]

Moments of Clarity was such a great record! It was my introduction to their music as well, I'll have to check out more of their stuff for sure.

[@stuartfishman1044]

I appreciated your mentioning Godflesh. You should check out Streetcleaner, the album of theirs that blew people's minds back in 1989. Haven't acquainted myself with their new one yet, but I suppose I'll get around to it one day. In the meantime, here are some albums that made an impact on me in 2023: Xiu Xiu: Ignore Grief Mandy, Indiana: I've Seen A Way PJ Harvey: I Inside The Old Year Dying Jamie Branch: Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Anohni: My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross Armond Hammer: We Buy Diabetic Test Strips Snooper: Super Snooper Feeble Little Horse: Girl With Fish Pelada: Ahora Mas Que Nunca I still have so much more to get to. These lists shouldn't come out until January or February of the following year.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll definitely have to check out more of Godflesh's discography now, perhaps a Streetcleaner reaction is in order! And thanks for sharing your list, there's a lot on there that are unfamiliar to me, I'll have to check them out!

[@XJMX]

Here's my top five in no particular order (mainly because I have only listened to 5 new albums this year): Enforcer- Nostalgia Kassi Valazza- Knows Nothing Tenhi- Valkama High Spirits- Safe On The Other Side The Coffinshakers- Graves, Release Your Dead

[@mollyesanborn]

I have not heard any of these, I'll have to check them out. Thanks for sharing!

[@Ghoulstille]

I haven't listened to much released in 2023 I picked up on a lot of albums from previous years this year though. If i had to choose albums from this year they would be the following. Autopsy - Ashes, Organs, Blood and Crypts Cannibal Corpse - Chaos Horrific Depeche Mode - Memento Mori Drain - Living Proof Dying Fetus - Make Them Beg for Death Duran Duran - Danse Macabre Grave Pleasures - Plagueboys Gravesend - Gowanus Death Stomp Marduk - Memento Mori Paramore - This is Why Shining (Sweden) - Shining Tulus - Fandens Kall Ville Valo - Neon Noir

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for sharing your list! I've heard a few of these already, I'll have to give the rest a listen.

[@Ghoulstille]

@@mollyesanborn No Problem, Thanks for your list!

[@sawyeratkinson]

I loved, hated, and came back to love for sleeep token. Specificaaly the title track and euclid...its like going through divorce but with life

[@user-ln1dp7sg5h]

I was sure Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete would be on your list, However is a very great List. Another one surprissed me this year was RökFlöte by Jethro Tull you must check it out. Great Year Molly for you channel. Wish you a succesfull 2024 & Happy Holidays 😘🤗

[@mollyesanborn]

I know, the Crosses album was #12 (#11 was Fatalism by Polaris). I was sure it would end up on my list too but there were so many good albums that came out this year. Such a difficult list to put together. But thanks for the album suggestion, I will have to check out Jethro Tull's music. And Happy Holidays to you as well, thanks for watching! ❤️

[@Yhtomit3000]

Kudos on including Godflesh. Try their previous album, A World Lit Only By Fire, and then dive back as others are suggesting. Streetcleaner, Pure, Selfless, and Hymns are outstanding. Don’t neglect their eps: Merciless, Messiah, and Decline & Fall. I love the entire catalog: heavy, bleak, persistent.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah Godflesh is great, I wish I had gotten into their music on the channel earlier on. I'll definitely be taking a further dive into their discography now. Would some Godflesh reactions be anything you'd be interested in seeing on the channel?

[@metalmania3678]

Nice list, I am currently loving Sleep Token's new album too! 🤘 Also I would highly recommend Dream Theater if you ever want to check them out, especially "Images And Words" and "Octavarium". I feel like you would love their music.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, Sleep Token really poured everything onto that record! And I've got Dream Theater on my list, I know they've been suggested in the past. I'll definitely have to give them a listen soon.

[@jasonblaga5874]

Great list, I just couldn’t get into Sleep Token, I tried lol, everything else here is 10/10 tho

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for watching! Yeah the Sleep Token album seems pretty divisive, people either seem to love it or hate it.

[@jakesmith6233]

My list of top 10 albums of 2023(no live albums, complications, re-releases, or EP's just to narrow it down a bit. Also the albums have to be released in 2023) Honorable Mentions: Queens of the stone age- in times New roman Butcher Babies- Til the world is Blind Avatar- Dance Devil Dance Actual list 10) Maneskin- Rush 9) Rolling Stones- Hackney Danger 8) Foo Fighters- But here we are 7) Sevendust- Truth Killer 6) Spanish Love Songs- No Joy 5) Avenged sevenfold- life is but a dream 4) Crosses- Good Night, God bless, I love you, Delete 3) Mammoth wvh- Mammoth 2 2) Code Orange- The Above 1) Sleep Token- Take Me Back to eden

[@mollyesanborn]

Nice, thanks for sharing! It killed me a bit when the Crosses album didn't make my list, I really did enjoy that one. There were just so many great albums that were released this year, it had lots of competition!

[@jakesmith6233]

​@@mollyesanborn now I am curious about Spotlights- Alcemey of the dead. Something for me to listen to.

[@mollyesanborn]

@@jakesmith6233 oooh yes definitely check it out! Fantastic album, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

[@staar823]

Not likely to make the list now, but maybe this can be contender for 2024 You should check out "A Feast on Sorrow" by URNE - great second album from them released this year, produced by Joseph Duplantier of Gojira, its a great mix of heavy and melodic, with a sad story about how dementia affects the people who struggle with it and the people around them. The ending track "The Long Goodbye/Where do the memories go?" is a masterpiece! Have a great festive period, and thanks for 10 new albums for me to check out:)

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you for the suggestion, sounds like a really fascinating album! I'll have to give it a listen. I hope you enjoy my list of albums, and happy holidays to you as well :)

[@zombiespongebob6903]

Orbit Culture , Descent came out in August 2023... my face of the year but it was not enough, they dropped and EP (The forgotten) at the end of this year...so good ...so raw...so heavy

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks, I'll have to check out both the album and the EP from them!

[@Youcannotfalter]

in no order. Tesseract - War Of Being. The Armed - Perfect Saviors. Mutoid Man - Mutants. Cannibal Corpse - Chaos Horrific. Will Haven - VII. The Ocean - Holocene. Katatonia - Sky Void of Stars.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for sharing your list!

[@barrynapier7584]

Alchemy for the Dead is for sure on my top 10 for the year, but I don't know that it would break the Top 5. Maybe I need to listen to it in its entirety again. Then again, my No, 1 for the year came out of nowhere and I still don't know why I'm so in love with it... "Wolf Boy" from Youth 83.

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad that Spotlights is in your top ten! Such a great album, I'm really glad I discovered them this year. I will have to give Wolf Boy by Youth 83 a listen, that's one I haven't heard of.

[@yedgim8172]

Steven Wilson is also in my top 10 🤘🏼🎧

[@yedgim8172]

Sleep Token is my wife's number 1 🤘🏼

[@mollyesanborn]

You both have great taste, haha! Fantastic choices.

[@BlueSky...]

I th8nk you've got a winner with that spotlights album Molly. I may pick that one up.

[@mollyesanborn]

It's so good!!!

[@mcshids7051]

You should react to some of Godflesh's older stuff on the channel like Streetcleaner and Pure. I also really like their debut EP and Songs Of Love And Hate.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll certainly plan on doing that! I might try and get a Streetcleaner reaction up soon, I'm itching to check that album out since I really enjoyed Purge.

[@adrianb2232]

Im gonna listen to all of these. I wont usually listen to new album releases if i don’t know/like the band/artists

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy the albums :)

[@NerevarineKing]

Cattle Decap's Terrasite was 2023 release I listened to the most this year

[@mollyesanborn]

I didn't get around to hearing that one, I've still gotta check out Cattle Decapitation at some point!

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

Have you listened to any Hail the Sun before? They released an album in 2023 (Divine Inner Tension). But they have an amazing discography. If not them, I'd love to see you do any Donovan Melero or Sergio Medina band 😅

[@mollyesanborn]

I don't believe I've heard anything from Hail The Sun, at least that I'm aware of. I'll have to check them out!

[@lukepurser3432]

Check out in times new roman (queens of the stone age) and this is why (paramore) absolutely fantastic.

[@mollyesanborn]

I listened to both actually! I really enjoyed them, they just didn't quite make my list.

[@lukepurser3432]

@@mollyesanborn I didn't know, but that's great! Also foo fighters, but here we are. Can't forget that.

[@ashyvlogs1132]

My top 3 list would have to be: 3) in times new roman - Queens of the stoneage 2) Intergrated Tech Solutions - Aesop Rock 1) A sign of things to come - Sylosis

[@mollyesanborn]

That Sylosis album was a favorite of mine as well, just didn't quite make my top 10. Thanks for sharing your list!

[@Blindsine]

you got any good move recommendations? as long as its not a romcom i am willing to watch it

[@mollyesanborn]

Ex Machina is always a great choice! A sci-fi/psychological thriller released in 2014, one of my favorites for sure. I also always love Bladerunner and Bladerunner 2049, The Matrix, Interstellar. Also anything with a Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross soundtrack (Gone Girl, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social network to name a few). If you want weird horror give The Killing of a Sacred Deer a shot. A very unsettling, odd movie if that's your thing.

[@robertmccauley754]

If you want more prog like Wilson, The Anchoret - It All Began With Loneliness

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll make sure that it's on my list.

[@manfredmar]

Panopticon - The Rime of Memory I would love to see your thoughts on it, absolutely fantastic album.

[@mollyesanborn]

I actually listened to it, I thought it was really well done but just didn't quite make it on my list for the year. I think I still prefer their 2021 album And Again Into The Light, I actually did a review for it a while back on my channel if you're interested! They're such a talented band, I love their music. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmGyeoeXqqp_eLssi=3P31eUS9-i9EqDEd

[@manfredmar]

@@mollyesanborn I have yet to do a proper deep dive into his music. This is the first one to instantly grasp me, but I'm sure his past work is also great! I will definitely watch your video on it, thanks!

[@michaelhayes8019]

Spotlights Sunset Burials is really good.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah I love that track! The whole album is so good, I'm happy you enjoyed it too :)

[@ZinkleyJohn63]

Hi Molly! I have an album request, it’s not like the stuff you usually react to though, but in the future could you please react to the album “dookie” by Green Day, it’s their 3rd studio album and the first album that really brought them into the public eye, well that’s all, hope you have a good week!

[@mollyesanborn]

I will certainly keep that album in mind, thanks for the suggestion :)

[@tomh3999]

If you like Godflesh you should listen to Jesu. The self titled album was/is my soundtrack to depression (don't let that scare you - it's hauntingly beautiful).

[@hermunkulus]

I know these didn't crack your top ten, but what are your thoughts on the new King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (specifically PetroDragonic Apocalypse) and Metallica albums? Also, I really dig the industrial sound that Code Orange brought to their new album. I know some are on the fence about it, but I'm glad they did something different. In my opinion Reba steals the show. Her vocals are fantastic.

[@mollyesanborn]

PetroDragonic Apocalypse was solid, just not a standout for me personally. And I actually didn't listen to the Metallica album, I want to keep going in order with the reactions for them here on my channel and figured I'd wait to listen to 72 Seasons. And yeah, Code Orange really found a great sound on The Above. I love how they fuse a lot of different styles on one album, so much variety.

[@user-zn6xf8ow6h]

You should react to silverchair, some would say their music is fairly simple but I find it interesting considering how young they were when they started, plus, Daniel Johns has a great voice. Definitely an underrated band from the grunge era

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the suggestion! I have Silverchair on my list, can't wait to hear their music.

[@galimim]

These are the standouts for the year 1. Code Orange - The above 2. Creeper - Sanguivore 3. Blood Command - World Domination 4. Maggot Heart - Hunger 5. Pupil Slicer - Blossom

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for sharing your favorites! :)

[@G-Man01]

Really enjoying Spotlights. Wondering if you liked Avenged Sevenfold at all?

[@mollyesanborn]

So glad you are enjoying Spotlights as well! Such an awesome band, I love their musical style. I actually didn't listen to the new Avenged Sevenfold record, I'mm gonna wait and do a reaction video for it when I finish up with their earlier albums. Really looking forward to checking it out though!

[@quinnost-volmers]

My top 3 albums this year would have to be: 3) Steven Wilson- Harmony Codex 2) Boygenius- The Record 1) Model/Actriz- Dogsbody

[@mollyesanborn]

Great picks! The Model/Actriz album was pretty wild, I enjoyed it! Didn't quite make my list but I thought it was really unique.

[@brianarsenault8882]

Please do a review of symphony x the album underworld thank you!!!

[@w122ArD]

Have you listened to "Life Is But A Dream.." by Avenged Sevenfold? It would be really cool to hear your thoughts about the album even if they're negative 😅. Good content you got going on here! Looking forward to more album reviews

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video! I have not heard Life Is But A Dream, I'll plan on doing a reaction to it in the future since I've been doing the rest of Avenged Sevenfold's albums here on the channel.

[@w122ArD]

@mollyesanborn Thanks for the response. 🙏 Expect the unexpected with Life is but a dream. It's more than a metal album. It's different, it's chaotic, it's divisive, but IMO, it is one of the best albums if not the best A7X album in terms of composition, sound texture, lyrics, and overall musicianship. Hope you enjoy it. Again, cool channel.

[@mollyesanborn]

@@w122ArD I look forward to hearing it!

[@KingAnthony666]

Sleep Token is my number 1. I recommend you listen to Temic - Terror Management Theory.

[@mollyesanborn]

Great pick, Take Me Back To Eden is an incredible album. I'll have to check out your suggestion, I don't believe I've ever heard of Temic before.

[@HohnerCornell]

Take me back to Eden is glorious. I love Skindred's Smile, too.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, Sleep Token really didn't hold back on Take Me Back To Eden, that's for sure! I'll have to give Smile by Skindred a listen, that's one I didn't get a chance to hear.

[@HohnerCornell]

@@mollyesanborn I think you'll find Skindred interesting. Is probably one of the most diverse bands we could listen to.

[@Panda_SMM]

I was hoping Exul by Ne Obliviscaris was gonna be on this list, that album is a banger. Tesseract's album is pretty solid too at least.

[@mollyesanborn]

I will have to give that one a listen! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Panda_SMM]

@@mollyesanborn enjoy! they have some of the best lyrics in the genre of prog, beautiful stuff.

[@doobsmcgee]

@@mollyesanborn if you listen to Ne Obliviscaris you should upload to the channel! They are one of a kind, and one of my favorite bands to sit down and listen intently to.

[@BOBBYOBVIOUS]

Dude purge is one of their best works. I love the 90s hip hop kinda drum machine its pure industrial fusion. And you should really hear pure for your next album by these guys.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah Purge is fantastic! I've been wanting to check out Godflesh's music for a while now and I feel like it was a really good introduction. I'll definitely be diving more into their discography!

[@puttu_racing]

Steven Wilson is a great artist, definitely check out his band Porcupine Tree if you haven't already

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah I will definitely have to give more of Porcupine Tree's music a listen now!

[@2xRainb0w]

Surprised no one asked you to check Heavener by Invent Animate, it was heavily praised 2023 album that was amongst AOTY talks with people who generally like sleep token and currents.

[@mollyesanborn]

Great suggestion, I ended up listening to it in January of 2024 and yep... loved it. If I had heard it sooner it would have made my list.

[@Criglet7]

Do Atreyu albums!

[@mollyesanborn]

Noted, I'll make sure that they're on my list!

[@Teeklin]

You would freakin LOVE Porcupine Tree, just FYI. Please go listen to In Absentia ASAP if your number 2 album is a Wilson solo joint. The drummer for Porcupine Tree, Gavin Harrison, is likely the best drummer alive today and you owe it to yourself to hear him play along with a brilliant artist like Wilson doing the lyrics and vocals, truly something magical.

[@mollyesanborn]

Okay you sold me, I'll definitely give In Absentia a listen soon! I'm excited to hear it.