harpsichord’s
countdown of
Top 33 songs
of 2k23
Published December 2023
Harpsichord’s official songs chart that counts down the 33 best songs of 2023. While mainstream success and conversations around the songs were slight factors, most of this chart is influenced by critical tastes of the zine’s staff. Since 2023 only experienced one writer at the moment– The Head Maestro of Harping– other critical choices at major publications were factored in, as well as deep cut tastes.
With this interactive countdown, you can click on the picture frames to watch the music videos, because we miss MTV and BET as much as you do…
33
My House
By Beyoncé
To celebrate the release of her concert film for ‘Renaissance,’ the mega touring artist hones in on the thematics of the sound she’s crafted since 2016’s ‘Lemonade.’ The first half finds her chanting a rap over the gospel bending of HBCU marching band music. The second half transforms into a dizzying, disorienting, hypnotic runway beat that capitalizes on “a revolution” of “HOUSE!” music and the genre of Beyoncé.
In Harpsichord’s first ever poll, Guest Readers and followers selected between “My House” or “america Has A Problem” (Featuring Kendrick Lamar) as the Beyoncé entry. “My House” won 71% of the vote.
32
Movie Scenes
By Lloyd Banks
Braggadocious by stature, the cold eeriness highlights how brick moving, money counting production serves as the perfect backing for the veteran rapper’s unwavering flow. It’s quintessential New York rap at its finest– a subtle drop that got heavily ignored by the major press outlets when time to discuss the genre.
31
This SH*T Right Here
By Swizz Beatz ft Lil Wayne
Fired up by a sample of “Congo Bongo,” Swizz Beatz is no stranger to heroic hip hop. Jay-Z doesn’t offer a verse but rather mocks a Katt Williams stand-up routine in the voice of his ‘90s Brooklyn days. But it’s Weezy who is overtaken by his own annihilating face-paced, rapid fire delivery that recalls his mixtape days following 2005’s ‘Tha Carter II” into ‘08’s ‘Tha Carter III.’
30
White Crocs
By Jordan Ward Ft Ryan Trey
In terms of new school R&B, Jordan Ward will be the one to watch. He offers an icy vocal that recalls what made acts like Bryson Tiller enticing. “And that ain't no makeup, she got a Maybelline face” is just one of many punchlines that showcase the laid back vibes of one of R&B’s better, most slept on releases of the year.
29
Lavender Haze (Felix Jaehn Remix)
By Taylor swift
“Meet me at ‘Midnight,’” instantly became a part of the pop music vernacular towards the tailend of 2022. In 2023, Taylor’s team had the goal of making the album’s opener a hit that sticks like Billboard grits by releasing a plethora of remixes. At first, this version starts out with the sped up lyrics of “staring at the ceiling with you,” prompting techno vibes by the German DJ. But then, like its original version which moves like molasses bedroom pop, the hook is flipped with a chopped up liquid bass feeling. And with that technique the original version no longer mattered.
28
Deli
By Ice Spice
Bouncing on Bronx drill and the momentum of Jersey Club, Ice Spice proved that she has not one or two, but three of more hits in her arsenal. “She a baddie, she showing her panty” boasts the vixen. It’s her attempt at taking the No. 1 spot of female rap, and for some time she had the crown for being the most catchy of them all.
27
Brooklyn chop House
By Conway the Machine Ft Benny The Butcher & Fabolous
“Cocaine and assault rifles/My progress can't be stifled/F*ck boy, I never liked you” is how the hook starts out. This gives way to cinematic Blaxploitation strings riffing for those that respect the raw and gritty nature of Buffalo, NY rap. However, it’s Fabolous who steals the show, as he provides one of his best guest appearances of all time— endlessly flowing brick by brick, bar for bar.
26
SkeeYee
By Sexyy Red
Banging for the clubs, “SkeeYee” became a bat signal for those who run the scene with pure debauchery. Although Tay Keith’s production is menacing— with a horrorcore abiding piano loop— it’s the bright tones in the overnight rap sensation that makes it a pleasant listen. On this track, Sexyy Red asserts that she can stand out on her own— no questions asked.
25
First Person Shooter
By Drake Ft J. Cole
Link ups between two of the best out at the moment will always be treasured when done right. And Drake and J. Cole did not fail on this bop that’s suitable enough for NBA stadiums. J. Cole might have outrapped his counterpart who repeatedly asks, “Who the GOAT? Who the GOAT?” But Drake redeems himself with a beat switch that rightfully explains why he can tie Michael Jackson’s Billboard record.
24
Red Ruby Da Sleeze
By Nicki Minaj
“Uh oh” indeed when it comes to Nicki dissing her rivals. Splashed with her Trini nature, Nicki introduces the world to one of her more cruel alter egos, “Red Ruby,” who is in fact sleazier than Chun-Li, but also more crafty about her witty attacks than the rambunctious Roman. “I don’t f*ck with horses since Christopher Reeves,” embraced shots being fired. But it’s the singing moment on the hook that turns a diss into a fire crossover that worked for both bashments and urban radio.
23
On And ON
By Tyla
While the amapiano of “Water” became the breakout international moment for the South African native, it’s the jazzy, Sade-akin vibes of “On & On” that represents she can be more than an one song sensation. With vocals that melt like butter, “On and On” channels the on-going rise of nu-age quiet storm— while staying true to her native sound.