Ranking Discog's Top Albums of 2023

Here I am, ranking the top albums of 2023 according to Discogs. These are basically the top selling albums of 2023 as people have cataloged their collections. If you're a big fan of Lana Del Ray, you will probably disagree with me.

[@chopayrussell9660]

Thanks for saving me time, money and my ears. My condolences on your losses in those departments.

[@paulaidenmusic]

This was the best and funniest video you’ve done. I would love to see you do more reviews on new albums just like this. Fantastic!

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!!

[@gainstage4497]

“What… Who is Fucking Like That?” Hahahahahaha

[@cobra5088]

Thumbs up for the Fly on the windscreen reference. Love that song!

[@user-mn4sp1jz5b]

Lana Del Ray impression...LOL!

[@techdad5606]

Just sampled a few tracks. She sounds like she just had a dental procedure and is still numb.

[@user-mn4sp1jz5b]

LOL!@@techdad5606

[@mike_burke]

@@techdad5606LOL. I just sampled the first 2 tracks and now I am numb….

[@marciap-vc]

Hi Robert, nice video. Been skipping a good amount of the best of 2023 videos as I didn't get much new music this year so your video is very relatable.

[@aafarooqui]

Hilarious review. You made my day ! Thank you.

[@lenwennerberg1631]

Proud to say I own only two of the ten (Metallica and the Stones).

[@TheBillykiller]

One of the best channels in the VC easily. I love it!

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@moogie242x]

Great video. I don’t think we’ll hear Depeche Mode remixes on the dance floor anytime soon. One of the remixes for Wagging Tongues is by Wet Leg.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

I was in radio in the nineties at american/ AAA station. We play Son Volt and Steve Earle every 2 or 3 hrs. It took me about 10 years to start enjoying them again after I got out of raido.

[@peterpotter72]

Great episode. Thanks.

[@Axel_Foley1970]

Great review of all ten. I kept thinking i needed to check out the Paramore album, and now i will. I loved the Metallica and Depeche Mode. Great video, Robert! I liked the new album by The Church - Hypnogogue.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!! I should have listened to more from this year.

[@Axel_Foley1970]

@@RobertFithen me too! I keep seeing everyone's videos and realize I need to listen to more new music. There is good stuff being made for sure.

[@moogie242x]

Have you heard Some of Us Are Brave by Danielle Ponder? It’s one of my favorites of the year.

[@RobertFithen]

No, I will have to check it out.

[@Stublinsky]

I don't know who Lana Del Rey is, and now I definately don't want to know anything about Lana Del Rey !!!! By the way, I really enjoy and look forward to your videos.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!!

[@thomasalexand]

Check out Dory Previn's music. Mythical Kings And Iguanas is a favourite of mine.

[@arzabael]

You are the freakin best Robert

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!!

[@d0rky]

Josh from qotsa went through some stuff while recroding the album. Divorce, custody etc. Lyrics sure felt like it... but sadly this one was the least favorite(to the point where it got re-sold after a handful listens... just couldn't get into it). it sounds a bit-re/hashed. sounded more like an up-dated "like clockwork". Even the new blur felt a bit depressing..but not in the mumbly del taco ray girl kinda way. this is a tough list to pin down. Stones, blur, gorillaz.. not a bad year for newer music. Good work sir.

[@davidellis5141]

Team Blur Here ! 🙋‍♂️

[@grooveyerbouti]

Scrolling through Insta ( being cool,people,young and hip!) Is that the new Klute scene.

[@RobertFithen]

Instead of looking at her watch, she's hashtagging.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

When you were speaking about profanity and shit I damn well know exactly what their fucking meant

[@brunohebert1351]

Apart from the Metallica album, I don't have any of the other ones. And yes, it's a bit too long, it's good but maybe 1 side to long. As a double album it would have been great I think, but then they would have had to change the name to 48 Seasons... totally different ;-) I'm on the fence regarding the Blur album... (recently got the repress of Modern Life is Rubbish BTW) I might have to stream it to see if I want to take the plunge. Especially as they have several edition with one containing a bunch more songs. For the Rolling Stones, I'm waiting for the fad to go down so they we can find deals on the record.. For the current year, my other releases are Slowdive - Everything is Alive, Smashing Pumpkins - ATUM, Crystal Canyon - Stars and Distant Light I ordered the King Gizzard albums of the year but I haven't received them yet so can't say it would count. Most of what I got was older stuff or represses. The Young Gods - Play Terry Riley in C, though I discovered it in 2023 and got the record this spring (straight from the label in Switzerland because you couldn't find it anywhere else or at ripping off prices on line) was released late 2022. But I would still put it on my top spot for this year. Another one, Engineers - S/T and the 10" EP "Folly released by MOV in 2022, was my big discovery of the year... couldn't believe I missed that band. Really good. And yes, still spend too much money on records... but I'm getting better (also it helps that KGLW is not releasing 5 albums in one year hehe)

[@RobertFithen]

I always mean to get some King Gizzard, but they have so many albums I would feel like I still don't have anything substantial from them.

[@jackroberts9401]

My 2nd fave Stones album and a 40 years Cardinals fanantic, i wanted the StL album cover so bad . . . And they wouldnt ship to Australia!!!

[@RobertFithen]

I wonder why they wouldn't ship to Australia. I just checked Discogs and people are trying to sell it for $95.

[@cal7957]

#1 Raising ravens- leaving with the halflight Jess Finalayson does it all! She writes, plays guitar and sings on this beautifully done album!! 2 Any given sin- war 3 Gideon- more power more pain 4 Motive black- auburn 5 Cold stares- voices 6 Pop evil- skeletons 7 Phil Campbell- kings of the asylum 8 Saul -this is it..the end of everything 9 Buckcherry-10 10 Tyler Bryant- dirty work 11 Red- rated R 12 Lift the curse- suffer and survive 13 Throw the fight- strange world 14 Another day dawns- finding peace through all the noise 15 Blak29 16 Trashy Annie- sticks and stones 17 When rivers meet- aces are high 18 Post profit- self defeaterEP 19 War curse- confession 20 Texas hippie coalition- the name lives on 21 Saliva- revelation 22 Laura cox- head above water 23 Woyote- mother of the universe 24 Screaming eagles- high class rock n roll 25 Jesse James Dupree- breathing fire 26 Vera bloom- it’s meEP 27 King mountain- wrath of the gods 28 Duskwood- the last voyage 29 Fuzzrider- S/T 30 Fortune child- - ST ep 31 Deadly vices- dead inside

[@andrewmacdonald3667]

Christgau gave Lana’s previous album A- but hasn’t reviewed her latest. You’ve summed up why that would be. 😎

[@dprice81]

Are there any other 2023 records that you liked enough to buy that wasnt on this list?

[@arzabael]

I love Lana but omg you are hilarious. Your take on her new album had me laughing my ass off

[@vinyljoe1940]

Olivia Rodrigo Guts

[@vinyljoe1940]

And she does write her own lyrics

[@mikeables]

I just listened to Donovan's latest record. The old hippy can still write songs!!! Unfortunately he preformed them all. I kept thinking if he was a coach to a young band they would be great. He knows how to write songs and music better than most. Too bad rock stars are to addicted to fame to share the limelight and groom the next generation.

[@lawrencedavis4406]

So you don't like or GET Lana Del Rey, that's fine, i love and collect her stuff, i find this to be one of her best or actual best yet...maybe you should check out her most popular album "Born To Die" with an open mind...but all good...

[@jefferysteen1041]

Love the new Metallica!!Mick and Keith are 80!!!80!!!

[@andrewbrown3070]

My favorite album of 2023 was Rival Sons Darkfighter. It's awesome! I was also a fan of the new Depeche Mode.

[@thomasalexand]

Lana Del Ray - Rumer on steroids. Her next release should be called 'Oh Woe Is Me'. I buy a few albums a year and wait for end of year's lists before doing so. I've watched over 20 KZbin reviewers, and yours is the best. You've got a new UK fan.

[@RobertFithen]

It all just sounds so calculated.

[@thomasalexand]

​@@RobertFithenYou could say it's algorithmic. So far I've narrowed my selection down to: 1. Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want To Turn Into You. 2. The Lemon Twigs - Everything Harmony. 3. Sufjam Stevens - javelin. 4. Jessie Ware - That Feels Good! 5. Chappell Roan - The Rise And Fall Of A Midway Princess.

[@kevinjohnson8220]

Laura Nyro released Eli and the 13th Confession when she was 21. Gotta tell ya, she doesn't sound like she was a contemporary 21 year old. 41 maybe. Then again, young adults were a bit different back in the day

[@stevenmartin6870]

I tried listening to the Lana album...didn't last very long. the Depeche Mode is great. I liked the Peter Gabriel and the PJ Harvey albums...that is all I remember at this time.

[@Love_Street]

I respectfully disagree with your opinion of LDR. That’s not the album to start off with. The reason that new album is so popular is because of her back catalogue. She’s the best alt artist out there imo. Your comments were funny though. ☮️

[@Angus_T]

This sucks Robert. Now I have to listen to that Lana Del Rey album, but I don't really want to. I just have to know what you're on about. I guess that's what you'd call morbid curiosity. F***. I hope I said it the right way. Thanks for another very entertaining video.

[@Angus_T]

Sweet Lord, what is happening to me here? I can't do it. I'm beginning to ooze through the floor boards from sheer boredom here. Have to listen to the titty segment once again to get back my will to live.

[@SH-ud8wd]

Zombiefied singing 😂😂😂

[@RobertFithen]

I'd like to think I nailed it. lol

[@CBCDs]

I've been seeing this ad pop up a lot lately with Jennifer Garner - and she talks in that teenager girl voice (or younger). So irritating. I was planning on listening to the Metallica album after you reviewed it a few months ago but never did. Now I'm thinking I should check out the Paramour album. Didn't think I'd like it. I think I like Blur's 2015 record more than the new one too. There was more of a Blur sound on that - at least on Lonesome Street and Ong Ong. Ballad of Darren doesn't sound like Graham Coxon really contributed any catchy guitar licks etc.... Hope you're doing well. Thanks for all the great videos this year.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! Regarding grown women talking like little girls, is it a new age of immaturity (speaking as someone who still enjoys doing what I did when I was five-years-old), or is it something more calculated?

[@PaulBell88]

Were the beatles singing like little boys? Was angus young pretending to be one? Roger waters doing his woah is me sad boy routine phony? Did van halen horsing around all the time like teens when they were pushing 30 bother you? Seems like maybe you judged boygenius by their videos. Might be a touch of mysogyny too. They are adults. They are friends. So what if they go to arcade? The vid when she wakes in her childhood bed is a flashback to her growing up poor. The 3 members forged their way from indie obscurity to selling out bowl and 8 grammy noms. All by gigging incescently and writing good music that resonates with many age groups.

[@RobertFithen]

@@PaulBell88 To answer your question, yes, it was quite a turn-off when the rock bands started turning 30 or so and still singing like teens, especially with lyrics like "She's only seventeen". Judas Priest singing "We don't need no parental guidance here" is still one of the most pitifully pandering things I've ever heard. I've even mentioned it in other videos. Angus Young is a bit of a different thing because it is a "bit" and no one is supposed to picture here as a young schoolboy. So again, my answer is "yes". Sorry you didn't get what you were going for. Swing and a miss.

[@islandhorizonvideos8230]

Looks like another crappy year for music. The best stuff being released lately are re-masters and box sets by older artists. How about doing an end-of-the-year video on those?

[@RobertFithen]

I would, but reviewing those involves actually owning the sets and reviewing sound quality, extras, since most people would already know what the songs sound like. Most of the albums in the video, I just streamed.

[@pjeffries301]

There are tons of good records this year, best year in quite some time.

[@islandhorizonvideos8230]

yeah if you like that Girly-Crap.@@pjeffries301

[@miketomlin6040]

I missed these releases, did check out the Stones out of mild curiosity, even for the Stones it was abject garbage!

[@later_daze_4080]

Lana Del Rey's earlier albums are much better than this one IMO. Nice video though, love the longer vids you put out.

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks! I haven't heard her earlier albums.

[@dim2120]

This is definitely your angle

[@RobertFithen]

I'll have to listen to more new albums.

[@juliansarabia390]

As a 20 something year old I am not scrolling through Instagram while doing the naughty deed

[@AsItShouldBePodcast]

You just turned me on to an album that ended up going straight to the top of my 2023 list! And no, it's definitely NOT Lana Del Rey...

[@RobertFithen]

Excellent! Which one?

[@Love_Street]

BTW The debut Olivia 2021 album rocks more than her latest. It’s good to see new kids based in rock and not hip rap

[@lawrencedavis4406]

Absolutely not...the debut SOUR, as good as it is, GUTS is way better & punkpops a lot more...the debut is too ballad heavy...

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Fuck me till I love myself?? LoL

[@RobertFithen]

Seriously. She says it more than once. This is the most purchased album of the year. lol

[@efficiencygaming3494]

A girl I work with got that Lana Del Rey album at a "Secret Santa" event we had earlier this month. I remember she was screaming with excitement... for an album where excitement hardly exists. A lot of people I know go crazy for her (all girls, by the way), but I just don't understand the appeal. I think you put it best when you said you "can't relate" to it. I feel like I'm not exactly the target demographic for this kind of "sad girl" music, even though I'm a lot closer to the target age group than you are. The same also kind of goes for Olivia Rodrigo. I like a lot of the sounds she uses in her music, but I can't relate to anything she's singing about.

[@RobertFithen]

Exactly, but I can appreciate the quality of the Olivia Rodrigo even if it's not for me. I can't say the same for the Lana Del Ray. Her sadness seems calculated to the point of nearly offensive.

[@efficiencygaming3494]

@@RobertFithen Yeah, I always did get the impression that Lana Del Rey's "sadness" seemed artificial. I feel like she uses depression as a sort of fashion accessory, something I really hate when artists do...

[@Love_Street]

I’m a guy and a huge LDR fan. I don’t give a damn about the lyrics sad girl stuff. It’s all about her melodies and song structure. Check out the earlier catalog if you can

[@thomasalexand]

One reviewer rated Chappel Roan's album, The Rise And Fall Of A Midway Princess, above Rodrigo's.

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Winger has a new album! Its really good🎉🎉🎉

[@jobeonetwothree2126]

Strange, how everything I bought this year, with a 2023 press date on it comes from bands that have been around for a long time Stones, Beatles, Iggy, Robin Trower, Drive-By Truckers, Steve Earle. Just saying

[@RobertFithen]

I thought the Iggy Pop was cool. I need to hear the Steve Earle.

[@jobeonetwothree2126]

Well I guess The Steve Earle and Drive-By Truckers came out last year but I didn't get them till this year@@RobertFithen

[@MickSupper]

I’m watching this video just to be nice. I could care less about music from pretty much all of the 21st century. I lag behind a couple of decades and some music from the early 2000s is just now growing on me.

[@RobertFithen]

The last few years, I've been trying to make an effort to check out some current music. There have been a few things I've felt are really great, but not so much this year.

[@PaulBell88]

Japanese Breakfast.

[@MickSupper]

@@RobertFithen For me, that's like you listening to Dire Straits or The Beach Boys. I have no desire to hear new music.

[@simontay4851]

CouldN'T care less. Saying could means that you do care at least a bit.

[@MickSupper]

@@simontay4851 Thank you grammar wizard.

[@tiborosz1825]

Wow..is this video the Hong Kong dubbed version? Sound and video not in synch.

[@RobertFithen]

A tribute to Golden Harvest.

[@pawehohmann8171]

Lana Del Rey - She's mannered 🙂

[@mike_burke]

This comments section is just the best ever!! So much love for LDR 😂 I guess her overly sensitive introspective latte drinking fan base (and that of Olivia Rodrigo) would also not be able to totally relate to that over loud testosterone-fuelled noise made by those demented old farts on zimmer frames, Metallica and the Stones. I guess this highlights the issue with any all-genre-encompassing list 🤷 Or maybe it just highlights the fact that there were not enough Jazz releases in 2023 😊 Never saw Robert Fithen as a gay icon before (Who said that? You know who you are!) - can’t stop laughing 😮😅😂😂😂😂 Happy 24 everyone 🎉

[@RobertFithen]

But, I can appreciate Olivia Rodrigo even if I'm not the target demographic. The same goes for Taylor Swift. The Lana Del Rey seems over-the-top to the point of contrived. Everything I've learned about her seems to back this up. I'm still waiting for the comment that says my opinion is wrong. I know it's coming up. lol

[@poddmo]

These self-pity and ego themed albums are despicable. Sooks using the language of genuine victims for attention-seeking

[@RobertFithen]

That's spot on. I guess that was my main issue with the Lana Del Ray. It doesn't sound sincere at all.

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

The prices for some of them is hilarious. It’s the “PoLkA DoT vArIaNt”. ONLY 1000 rare! $110. Beanie Babies all over again These records are going to be sitting on the Goodwill shelves of the future for $.50.

[@PaulBell88]

Were same age. I saw boygenius at hollywood bowl halloween. One of best shows ive seen and was surrounded by very nice crowd spanning from young to old. My take away was renewed faith that younger gen appreciates real singing, playing, songwriting. Theyre basically playing dad rock. Dave grohl played drums on satanist. Im sorry you didnt appreciate it. Nobody at the show thought i was purvy for going. It reminds me of csny or tracy chapman a bit.

[@simontay4851]

We're.

[@greenalishi222]

Buddy and Julie Miller - In the Throes Rival Sons - Darkfighter and Lightbringer Lana Del Rey - Tunnel Goat - Medicine Anger as Art - Virtual Symphony

[@RobertFithen]

Goat is great! I will check out some of the others.

[@luarzemog]

Bajamelajaulajaimebajamela

[@simontay4851]

What? Did you drop something on your keyboard.

[@BillyHell01]

Queens of the stone age are right up there with Pearl Jam at the absolute shit level of Music. Likes to punch women I've heard.

[@RobertFithen]

Really? That's terrible. Now you tell me.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Pretty crappy year for music. The Qotsa album is the only album that might make it onto my shelf. I'm having sex while scrolling KZbin best of 23 albums lists

[@1RungAtATime]

Lana Del Ray's father had more money and connections than Rebecca Black's.

[@RobertFithen]

There's the answer I was seeking. I knew it had to be something like that. Thanks!

[@spacedvest]

I am in my early 50s, and I think Boygenius is a million times better than Paramore. Give it a few more listens, it is truly an awesome album

[@PaulBell88]

I would reccomend their self titled 6 song ep from 2018. Sure some parts are quiet and tender, but they can belt too. The lyrics can be biting and funny, and are about the friendship the 3 artists in their own right share. Phoebe bridgers punisher album, last track, i know the end. Can lana scream like that?

[@michaelh7453]

Metallica's latest effort, sounds like depressing old dad rock. They lost their way decades ago. Constantly riding the gravy train of past success and hype. Boring! Tired and in the used bins after day one of release.

[@eyeh8u1]

Call me pretentious, elitist, or an asshole. I don't care. That fact is most people have shit taste in music and this shows it. Along with the fact that Billie Eilish and Lizzo have sold millions of records just proves my point even more. Everyone of Lana Del Rey's albums should just be called "Songs to Slit Your Wrists by Part 1,2,3, etc." Not only does it reflect the music itself but also what you want to do after being subjected to one of her records. The only bright spots in 2023 are new Metallica and Rolling Stones records, neither of which sucked.

[@RobertFithen]

I think most people who buy music aren't really into music, just into what's trending.

[@thomasalexand]

@RobertFithen Individual taste is sacrificed at the alter of fitting in with your peers.

[@brandonio_granger]

A gay dude is more than likely not gonna relate to Lana Del Rey's music. She's not aiming for your crowd, no offense.

[@RobertFithen]

I know at least 3 gay dudes that think she's great.

[@brandonio_granger]

@@RobertFithen I'd start from her earlier albums, as this album isn't really a good place to hear your first album by Lana.

[@MickSupper]

Is this supposed to validate this release? I read another comment that said the same thing as you. Like starting from an earlier album will change an opinion about this one.

[@brandonio_granger]

@@MickSupper It's called listening to an artist progression through the years.

[@MickSupper]

@@brandonio_granger If the most recent album sucks, then how is that progress? (I haven't heard her album, but I'm going on Robert's opinion.)